Hair Scarf Hairstyles: 10 Silk Scarf Looks for Women

Hair scarf hairstyles: the quick answer

Popular hair scarf hairstyles include a silk scarf tied around a low ponytail with long tails, a skinny scarf braided into a plait, a folded scarf headband knotted at the nape and a scarf wrapped around a bun. Use a 50 to 70 cm silk or satin square, or a long skinny scarf, fold it into a band and tie it over an elastic for hold.

Scarves are the elegant cousin of the bandana. They feel luxurious, protect hair from friction and can be pulled from your accessory drawer to transform a plain outfit. Here are ten looks and how to choose your scarf.

They also suit every season. Lightweight silk and cotton keep hair tidy in summer, while heavier printed satin adds colour to winter outfits. A small collection of three or four scarves covers almost every occasion.

Choosing the right scarf

Square silk or satin scarves of 50 to 70 cm are the most versatile; fold them into bands, triangles or bows. Skinny or twilly scarves, long narrow strips, are ideal for ponytails, braids and wrapping handles of bags too. Large 90 cm squares are for full headwraps and turban-style looks.

Silk is softest and smoothest, gentle on hair, though slippery. Satin, often polyester, is affordable and similar in look. Cotton and modal hold better in heat but look more casual. Prints: geometric and chain prints feel classic; florals and paisley feel boho; solid colours look minimal.

For Indian summers, choose lightweight fabrics; heavy scarves trap heat on the scalp.

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Scarf ponytails and bows

Scarf pony: tie a low or high ponytail with an elastic. Fold a square scarf into a 4 cm band or use a skinny scarf. Wrap it around the elastic twice and tie a bow or knot, letting tails hang down the pony. A low scarf pony is the polished classic for office-casual Fridays.

Wrapped pony: knot the scarf at the base, then wrap it down the ponytail in a spiral and tie at the end. Big scarf bow: tie a half-up section, then fold a square scarf into a wide band and tie a generous bow with short tails over the elastic. It feels very Parisian with a white shirt and jeans.

Leave tails at least 15 cm long for a graceful drape.

For a neat finish, fold the raw edges of the scarf inward as you make the band, so only clean edges show. It is a small step that makes the scarf look tailored rather than bunched.

Shirts and tops →

Scarf headbands and headwraps

Folded headband: fold the scarf into a 4 to 5 cm band, place it at the hairline or slightly back, and knot at the nape under the hair. A knot on top creates a vintage look, while a side knot near the ear is softer and modern.

Twisted headband: twist the folded band along its length before tying for a rope-like texture. It grips better on silky hair. Headwrap: for bad hair days, take a large square in a triangle, cover the head, knot at the nape, bring the ends forward and tie on top. Tuck the ends in.

Headwraps are popular on holidays and humid days because they protect hair from sun and frizz.

For a retro 1960s look, tie a folded scarf around the head with the knot at the nape, then tease the crown slightly in front of it for volume. Pair it with winged liner and a striped top.

A scarf headband also hides a growing-out fringe or second-day roots beautifully.

Braids and buns with scarves

Scarf braid: tie a skinny scarf at the base of a ponytail, split the hair into two strands, and use the scarf as the third strand. Tie off with the scarf ends in a bow. This adds a beautiful pop of colour and pattern, perfect for brunch or a day trip.

Scarf bun: make a low or high bun, wrap a folded scarf around its base, knot it and tuck the ends under the bun, or leave them dangling. This is a great look for evenings with a slip dress.

Crown braid with scarf: braid a skinny scarf into a long plait, then wrap the plait around the head and pin. Elegant for day functions.

For a quick half-up scarf look, tie the top section at the crown, wrap a skinny scarf over the elastic and let the long tails mingle with open waves. It is soft, romantic and easy enough for weekday dinners.

Dresses for brunch →

Silk scarves with Indian outfits

A silk scarf can complement ethnic wear surprisingly well. Try a printed silk scarf tied around a low bun with a solid cotton kurta, picking up the scarf colours in your dupatta or juttis. With a handloom saree, a scarf with a block print or Ajrakh pattern tied at the nape of a low bun looks artistic and coordinated.

For festive season, a brocade or zari-edged scarf wrapped around a braid adds a modern twist to traditional styling, perfect for Navratri events.

Keep jewellery restrained: studs or small jhumkas balance a patterned scarf.

For a bridal-season guest look, a silk scarf in a jewel tone such as emerald or ruby tied around a sleek low bun, with tails falling over one shoulder, is an unusual, elegant alternative to floral hair accessories and photographs beautifully against a silk or organza saree.

Sarees →Earrings →

Keeping a silk scarf in place

Silk is slippery, so always tie it over an elastic or anchor it with pins. Cross two bobby pins under a headband scarf behind each ear. Add a little texture spray where the scarf sits.

Twisting the scarf before tying gives it more grip. If you have very fine hair, choose cotton or modal instead of silk, as they grip better.

For headwraps, pin the front edge to the hair at the temples.

Tying a small knot first and then a bow on top also locks a scarf in place far better than a single bow.

Scarf hairstyles by hair type

Fine hair: silk can slide straight out, so tie scarves over a firm elastic, choose cotton, modal or satin with a slightly textured weave, and use texture spray before styling. Skinny scarves suit fine hair best because they do not overwhelm a small ponytail.

Thick hair: you have plenty of grip and volume, so larger square scarves and wide bows look proportionate. When braiding a scarf into thick hair, choose a longer skinny scarf so it reaches the end of the plait.

Curly hair: scarves are a curl-friendly accessory, since they hold hair without the friction of elastics. A wide scarf headband with a curly pineapple or a headwrap on refresh days is both protective and stylish. Avoid tying tightly at the crown, which flattens curls.

Short hair: folded scarf headbands, side-knotted bands and full headwraps work best. A small square folded into a slim band, knotted near the ear, looks chic with a bob.

Scarf care and overnight benefits

Hand wash silk scarves in cool water with a mild detergent, roll in a towel to remove water and air dry flat away from sunlight. Iron on the silk setting under a cloth.

A silk scarf is also an excellent overnight hair protector. Wrap hair in a loose bun or braid and tie a silk scarf over it to reduce friction against cotton pillowcases, which helps with frizz and tangles, especially for curly hair.

Rotate scarves and keep three versatile ones: a neutral print, a bright print and a solid colour.

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