How to Style Your Hair with a Satin Scarf: 6 Ideas

A satin scarf is one of the easiest ways to dress up your hair: tie it as a headband, wrap it round a ponytail, knot it into a bun or wear it as a full head wrap. This guide shows how to style your hair with a satin scarf, step by step, with ideas for short, medium and long hair, how to wear a satin scarf at night, and how to choose the right scarf.

Why use a satin scarf in your hair?

Satin is a weave rather than a fibre, and it can be made from silk, polyester or a blend, so always check the product description for the fabric of a particular scarf. A satin scarf is smooth and glossy, with a soft drape that ties easily and holds a knot. In your hair it adds colour and pattern in seconds, it can hide a second-day hairstyle, and it moves from daytime to evening. A printed design such as the parrot print satin scarf adds a bold splash of colour, while a softer shade such as the lilac purple satin neck scarf looks quietly elegant.

How to style your hair with a satin scarf: six ideas

For most hair styles, first fold the scarf into a band: lay it flat, fold the corners or short ends into the middle, then keep folding lengthways until it is about 5 to 8 cm wide. A long 180 × 70 cm satin scarf gives plenty of length for bows and wraps.

1. The headband

Place the folded band at the nape of your neck, bring the ends up over your head and tie a small knot or bow on top, slightly to one side. Tuck the ends in for a neat look or leave them out for a playful one. This suits every hair length.

2. The ponytail tie

Secure a ponytail with an elastic, then wrap the folded scarf round the elastic and tie a bow or a double knot. Let the ends hang down with your hair. It works for high and low ponytails.

3. The bun wrap

Make a bun, then wrap the scarf round its base two or three times and knot it underneath. For a fuller look, wrap the whole bun and tuck the ends in.

4. The braided-in scarf

Tie a narrow scarf to the base of a ponytail and braid it in as the third strand. Finish with the scarf ends tied round the bottom of the braid.

5. The retro head wrap

Fold the scarf into a triangle, place the long edge at the nape of your neck, bring the two ends up and tie them on top of your head over the point, then tuck the point under. It gives a 1950s, holiday-ready look.

6. The full turban wrap

Drape the open scarf over your head from the back, twist the ends together at your forehead, take them round to the nape and tuck them in. This covers all your hair and is ideal on a bad-hair day.

Satin scarf hairstyles for short, medium and long hair

• Short hair: a narrow headband or a retro head wrap works best, as there is no ponytail to tie round.
• Medium hair: try a low ponytail tie or a half-up style with the scarf knotted round the top section.
• Long hair: braid the scarf in, wrap a high bun, or let long scarf ends hang with a ponytail.
• Curly or textured hair: a head wrap or wide headband frames curls nicely and keeps them out of your face.

How do you wear a satin scarf at night?

Many people tie their hair in a satin or silk scarf overnight because the smooth surface slides over a pillow more easily than rougher fabrics, and it is a handy way to keep a style tidy. Gather your hair into a loose ponytail at the top of your head, securing it with a soft hair tie. Wrap the scarf around your head, covering your hair, and tie it at the front or back, whichever is more comfortable. Tie it gently rather than tightly.

If you prefer to keep your hair down, you can lay the scarf over your pillow and let your hair rest on top of it. For braids or twists, wrap the scarf around your head or around the base of the braids and tie it securely so it stays in place.

Other ways to wear a satin scarf

The same scarf works away from your hair too. Tie it loosely round your neck, use it as a belt through the loops of jeans, knot it round a handbag handle, or drape it over your shoulders as a light layer. The sunflower satin scarf is a cheerful choice for all of these. For more neck and shoulder styles, read how to wear a satin scarf.

Looking after a satin scarf

Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, or follow the care label. Do not wring it; press out the water in a towel and dry it flat away from direct heat. Iron on a low setting through a cloth if needed, and store it folded or rolled so it does not crease.

Questions and answers

How do you tie a satin scarf in your hair?

Fold it into a band 5 to 8 cm wide, place it at the nape of your neck and tie a knot or bow on top of your head, or wrap it round a ponytail or bun.

Can you sleep with a satin scarf on your hair?

Yes, if it is tied loosely and comfortably. The smooth surface slides over the pillow and helps keep braids, twists and curls neat overnight. Make sure nothing is tight around your neck.

What size satin scarf is best for hair?

A long scarf, such as 180 × 70 cm, folds into a band with long ends for bows and full wraps. A smaller square is easier for simple headbands and ponytail ties.

Is satin or silk better for your hair?

Both are smooth. Silk is a natural fibre with a softer feel; satin is a weave that can be made from silk or synthetic fibres and is usually easier to care for. Choose the one you find most comfortable.

How do you keep a scarf from slipping out of your hair?

Tie it over a ponytail elastic, use a couple of bobby pins at each side of a headband, or choose a slightly textured fabric.

Shop satin scarves

Find your print in our satin scarves for women collection, or browse all women's scarves. For a silk version of the classic head wrap, see how to tie a silk head scarf.

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