Scarf Tying Guide: Head Scarves

Head scarves can be dressy and classic - think Princess Grace of Monaco (aka Grace Kelly) and Audrey Hepburn - or sporty and casual... and an excellent solution to 'bad hair' days!

Worn in the hair, scarves can add an elegant touch when wrapped around a ponytail or worn as a bandana, or a girlish charm when tied in a big bow at the side of the face.

But before you continue reading about tying your head scarf, read about the basic scarf tying techniques needed:

• Folding your scarf on the bias
• Tie your scarf in a square knot
• Fold your scarf into a triangle

1. The Hair Band

Very simple, very effective. A great way to keep your hair out of your eyes on breezy days.

Fold your scarf on the bias, then wrap across your forehead and across or behind your ears, and tie in a square knot at the nape of your neck. Let the ends hang free, or tuck them neatly into the band for a more streamlined look.

2. The Ponytail Wrap

A glamorous way to accessorise a simple ponytail.

Fold your scarf on the bias, then wrap it twice around your ponytail, finishing with a square knot. For a very dressy look for evening, tie the ends in a big bow!

3. The Classic Headscarf

Try this with a pair of sunglasses for the French Riviera look!

Fold your scarf into a triangle and drape it over your head with the long edge of the triangle just above your hairline or fringe. Cross the ends of the scarf under your chin, then take them round to the back (or side) of your neck and tie them in a square knot.

4. The Head Wrap

A street smart update on the classic headscarf.

Fold your scarf into a triangle and drape it over your head with the long edge of the triangle across your forehead. Take the two ends back across the sides of your head and tie at the back in a square knot.

5. The Turban

A casual look that will keep your hair in place on a breezy day.

Fold your scarf into a triangle and drape it over your head with the long edge of the triangle across your forehead. Take the two ends back to the nape of your neck and tie in a single knot, then bring them back up to your forehead and tie a small square knot.

6. The Hat Wrap

A pretty look for a straw hat that is cool on a hot day.

Fold your scarf into a triangle and lay it across the crown of your hat, with the long edge of the scarf lying over the front of the hat's crown. Take the two ends of the long edge of the scarf and pull them gently back around the sides of the crown of the hat, then tie them in a square knot at the back.