How to Tie a Silk Head Scarf: Six Easy Styles

A silk head scarf is one of the simplest ways to finish an outfit, keep your hair tidy on a windy day or add colour near your face. The only real skill is in the fold. This guide shows six ways to tie a silk head scarf, which scarf shape suits each one, and how to stop silk slipping once it is on.

You can try every style here with a square or a long scarf from our women's silk scarves collection. Start with clean, dry hair and a mirror, and allow yourself two or three attempts with each fold.

Which scarf shape do you need?

Style	Best shape	Good for
Classic under-chin tie	Large square	Windy days, open-top cars, a vintage look
Headband	Small square or long scarf	Everyday wear, keeping hair off your face
Bandana at the nape	Small or medium square	Holidays and weekends
Turban-style wrap	Long scarf or large square	Full coverage and second-day hair
Ponytail tie	Small square or narrow long scarf	A quick touch of colour
Plait weave	Long, narrow scarf	Occasions and long hair

The two basic folds

Almost every style starts with one of these.

• Triangle fold: lay a square scarf flat and fold one corner to the opposite corner.
• Band fold: make a triangle, then fold from the point towards the long edge in strips about three fingers wide until you have a flat band. With a long scarf, simply fold it lengthways into thirds.

Six ways to tie a silk head scarf

1. Classic under-chin tie

1. Fold a large square into a triangle.
2. Place the long edge over your head, a little behind the hairline, with the point at the back.
3. Bring the two ends under your chin and tie a single loose knot, or cross them and tie at the back of the neck over the point.

2. Headband

1. Make a band fold.
2. Place the centre of the band at the nape of your neck, under your hair.
3. Bring the ends up and tie a double knot on top of your head, slightly off centre. Tuck the ends under or leave them out as a small bow.

3. Bandana at the nape

1. Fold a square into a triangle.
2. Lay the long edge across your forehead at the hairline.
3. Take the ends behind your head and knot them over the point, under your hair or on top of it.

4. Turban-style wrap

1. Place the centre of a long scarf at the nape of your neck.
2. Bring both ends to the front and cross them once or twice above your forehead.
3. Take the ends back round to the nape, knot them and tuck in any loose fabric.

5. Ponytail tie

Secure your ponytail with a hair band first. Fold the scarf into a narrow band, wrap it once around the hair band and tie a knot or bow, leaving the ends to hang.

6. Plait weave

Thread a narrow scarf through your hair band so both halves hang evenly, then use the two halves as one strand of a three-strand plait. Knot the ends around the bottom of the plait.

How to stop a silk scarf slipping

Silk is smooth, which is why it feels pleasant against hair and also why it can slide. A few small habits help.

• Tie a double knot rather than a single one.
• Slide a hair grip over the scarf behind each ear, hidden under your hair.
• Wear a thin fabric headband underneath and place the scarf on top.
• Hair with a little texture holds a scarf better than hair that has just been washed and conditioned.

Choosing colours and prints

The scarf sits beside your face, so pick a colour you already like wearing near it. Small, busy prints look neat when folded into a band because the pattern still reads; the black and white striped silk bandana scarf is one example. Large florals and borders show best in the triangle styles, where more of the design is visible, as with the designer silk square scarf in blue, red and green or the white and black polka dot silk scarf.

If you would like a similar look with a little more grip, a satin scarf can be tied in exactly the same ways.

Frequently asked questions

What size scarf is best for a head scarf?

A large square gives you the most options, including the under-chin tie and bandana. A long scarf is better for turban-style wraps, headbands and plaits. Check the measurements on the product page before you choose.

Can you wear a silk head scarf with short hair?

Yes. The headband and bandana styles work well with short hair. Use a hair grip behind each ear, as there is less hair to hold the scarf in place.

Can you sleep in a silk head scarf?

Many people wrap their hair in a silk or satin scarf overnight to keep a style tidy. Tie it comfortably rather than tightly, and use the turban-style wrap so the knot does not sit under your head.