How Do You Tie an African Head Wrap

Originating in sub-Saharan Africa, head wraps have been worn by women for many years to represent wealth, ethnicity, marital status, mourning, and even reverence. At present, head wraps are worn by women in many parts of Europe, Southern Asia, North Africa, and the Americas for practical, cultural, and religious reasons. Regardless of the reason, covering the head is a personal choice. Some women wear a head wrap to make a fashion statement, so if you’re bored and looking to try a new look, a head wrap can help. It’s an excellent cold-weather accessory, and several different looks can be achieved with just one head wrap. 

African head wraps have become the go-to accessory, popping up on Instagram, so it’s a trend you probably want to get in on. The head wrap will bring color and sass to your outfit, not to mention it’s the easiest to work with. Highlight your personality for healthy fashion, say goodbye to ubiquity, and truly come as you are. 

How To Pick the Perfect African Head Wrap 

The comfort, convenience, and style offered by an African head wrap make it the ideal choice for those days when an individualized look is desirable. Tempting as it may be to pull out your scarf or a hat to cover your head, don’t. You can achieve different looks with an African head wrap, ranging from simple to intricately detailed. No matter what look you’re going for, search for a material that doesn’t irritate or scratch against the skin. Cotton is a fabulous choice because it’s stretchy and soft. African print fabric is 100 percent cotton, featuring vibrant colors like maroon, blue, black, pink, red, and purple, to name a few. 

If you like to mix and match prints, select patterns of different sizes. Pair a small-scale print with a large-scale print. Remember that prints aren’t universally appealing, so don’t be surprised if not everyone loves your look; wear what makes you feel good. Try wearing your African print to match your favorite pair of shoes. New patterns are introduced to the market every now and then, so all fashion-conscious women have something to look forward to. If the fabric feels soft and flexible, it’s authentic African print fabric. Since you’re buying from a retailer in smaller quantities, it pays to do the scratch resistance test. 

What If You’re Not at A 10/10 Level with Your Wrap Skills? 

No problem. Nobody’s born learning. An African head wrap can be dressed casually or to give you that wow factor. A common style is the rectangle, which is roughly 60 inches long; the more you practice, the easier and quicker it will become. Gather your hair into a topknot, position the head wrap at the back of your head, and tie the ends into a knot. The knot should be positioned at the center of your headline. You might need to push the fabric back on the top of your head so that it looks more like a headband. It’s not that difficult to achieve this look.

If you want something quick and easy, why don’t you elevate your look with a top knot turban style? Position the head wrap at the center of your neck, bring both sides to the front so that your ears are covered, and twist the loose ends tightly. Continue turning the fabric until you realize a spiral right above your forehead. Make sure to hide the loose ends by tucking them underneath the knot. Ensure the wrap doesn’t slip or feel too loose. Adorn your hair with beautiful African print fabric, and voila, your look has changed. 

How To Prevent Damage When Wearing an African Head Wrap

It can be a pain to get your hair to sit nicely and secure. The African hair wrap can dry your hair, leaving it dry and fragile. So, if you don’t want to compromise your luscious locks, wear head wraps sparingly. An African head wrap on your way out every now and then isn’t going to cause major damage. You’ll feel more comfortable throughout the day if you stay clear from faux African print fabric, as the toxins from the synthetic materials or blends of synthetic and natural fibers are absorbed by the hair and skin. 

Change and wash your head wrap on a regular basis because it’s susceptible to collecting dust, sweat, and dandruff, not to mention the natural oils from your scalp. The African print fabric can be washed using a gentle or delicate cycle, in cold water, or with a mild detergent. Try tossing it into the washing machine with a little bit of salt. Keeping your hair tied up all day long restricts it, so it’s not able to breathe. This is why it’s important to let your hair breathe in the evening. Give yourself a gentle scalp massage to stimulate blood circulation and increase hair growth. 

Accessorize Your African Head Wrap & Stand Out 

An African head wrap can easily take your look to the next level with minimal effort, so it doesn’t matter if you’re on a tropical island or strolling around the city. Covering your head doesn’t mean you can’t wear earrings. Even if you’re not interested in styling your head wrap differently, you can add a fancy touch to your outfit by wearing traditional African jewelry, such as oversized hoop earrings. Is there a pair of sunglasses that doesn’t go with your African head wrap? Actually, no. Whether it’s rounded sunglasses or cat eyes sunglasses, they all perfectly go with your outfit. 

Final Thoughts 

Just tie and tuck, and off you go. There’s no shortage of styling inspiration on social media. The way you choose to wear your African head wrap is completely up to you, and keep in mind it’s an excellent way to embrace your individuality. You’ll want to take care of the hair underneath the wrap, even if it serves as a lower maintenance alternative when you need a break. Protective styling should be an ongoing effort.