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You probably do a lot of things to protect your hair and keep it looking great during the day. To protect your hair at night, all you need to do is wrap it in a scarf before going to bed. A satin or silk scarf will reduce the friction between your pillow and your hair so it's not frizzy when you wake up in the morning. Try any of these quick methods for an easy way to secure your hair.
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Fold a square scarf into a triangle. Get out a silk or satin scarf that's about 30 inches (76 cm) square and lay it flat. Take 1 corner of the square and fold it so it meets the opposite corner. The long folded side of the scarf will form the base of a triangle.[1]
- Feel the scarf and lay the softer side face down before you fold it. This will reduce friction which can cause frizzy hair.
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Place the long side of the triangle against the nape of your neck. Hold both ends of the folded scarf and bring the center of the folded side to the base of your neck. Your hair shouldn't extend below the folded edge. Keep the loose point of the triangle up and over the top of your head.[2]
Tip: If you have long hair, tilt your head forward so your hair falls over your face before you wrap the scarf.
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Bring the ends of the scarf up to the top of your head and tie them. Pull both corners at the folded ends of the scarf along your hairline towards the top of your head. Keep the scarf taut so the long side stays firmly along the nape of your neck. Then, tie the ends into a knot and pull until the knot rests near your forehead.[3][4]
- The knot can be tied above or below the top point that hangs over your head. Try both ways and see which feels the most comfortable for you.
- Remember that your hair should be behind the knot.
- You'll still have 2 long ends after you've tied them.
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Pull the long ends down to the base of your neck and tie them at the hairline. To keep the remaining ends of the scarf from falling into your face, bring them back down towards the nape of your neck. Tie the ends in place with a firm knot.[5]
- Ensure that the scarf feels comfortable. If it feels too tight, rewrap it so you don't give yourself a headache.
- Tuck the know under the scarf to keep it in place.[6]
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Tuck the pointed corner of the scarf under the flap. Now that the scarf is secure around your hairline, pull the pointed corner of the scarf down towards your forehead. Ensure that your hair is contained under the scarf and then push the pointed corner under the knot that you made near your forehead. Wrap the corner up and under the knot so it's secure.[7]
- Skip this step if you'd like to leave your hair looser instead of containing all of it under the scarf.
- If you have short hair and have kept the point beneath the knot that you tied, you just need to bring the corner up and under.
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Tie your hair back into a loose bun. Gather your hair or dreads into a loose bun near the back of your head. Position the bun near the nape of your neck or the center of your head depending on which is more comfortable for you.[8]
- If you have short hair, you can skip this step and begin wrapping your scarf right away.
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Fold the scarf into a triangle and lay the long side across your forehead. Take a scarf that's about 30 inches (76 cm) square and lay it flat. Then grab a corner and fold it over so it meets the corner that's opposite. You should now have a long folded side that makes the base of a triangle. Grab the 2 ends of the long side and pick up the scarf. Drape the long side over your head so the side matches your hairline.[9]
- The scarf should completely cover your hair at this point.
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Tie the ends of the scarf near the base of your neck. Keep holding both ends of the triangle and pull them down near the back of your neck. Hold them firmly so the tension keeps the scarf from slipping. Then tie the ends of the scarf at the base of your neck to secure them.[10]
- You'll still have a corner of the scarf pointing down below the ends beneath the knot at this point.
Tip: Tie the scarf as tightly as you can without it becoming uncomfortable. Tying the ends tightly will prevent the scarf from slipping down as you sleep.
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Fold the remaining ends under the bottom or tie them up near your forehead. Once you've tied the ends of the scarf, use your fingers to tuck the long ends that are left and the corner that's pointing down underneath so they're hidden. If you prefer, gather the ends and bring them up along your hairline towards the top of your head. Tie them in a knot near your forehead.[11]
- To secure the scarf even more, consider putting an elastic headband over the scarf. This will prevent it from slipping as you sleep.
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Gather your hair onto the top of your head and tie a loose ponytail. Use your hands to pull your hair together and up onto the top of your head. Then secure the ponytail with a comfortable hairband. Avoid tying the hairband tight or it might be uncomfortable to sleep in.[12]
- Keep in mind that this technique will only work if your hair is at least 8 inches (20 cm) long.
- If you've done this correctly, the hair from your ponytail should fall into your face.
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Hold the center of a scarf at your neck and pull the ends to the hairline. Take a rectangular scarf that's about 1 by 4 feet (30 cm × 122 cm) and hold both ends in your hands. Stretch out the scarf and place the middle of the scarf near the nape of your neck. Then bring both of the short ends up towards the top of your head near your hairline.[13]
- If your rectangular scarf is large, consider folding it in half lengthwise to make the wrap skinnier.
Tip: If you have curly hair and want to avoid damaging it, it's important to use satin or silk. Avoid cotton scarves which can snag your curls and cause them to frizz.
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Cross the ends and pull them back down to the nape of your neck. While your hands are up near the top of your hairline, switch hands so you can cross the ends. Bring the ends back down to your neck.[14]
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Tie the scarf into a knot at the nape of your neck. Once you've brought the ends of the scarf back down towards your neck, tie the scarf into a firm knot. The scarf will now be wrapped completely around your hairline which will prevent frizzing as you sleep.[15]
- For extra hair protection, you can cover your wrapped hair in a silk pillowcase or cap. This can be especially good if you're protecting braids.
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Add New Question
Question
What material is best for head wraps?
Amber Rose is a Licensed Cosmetologist and the Founder and Owner of Quality Style Weaves and Braids Salon in Orlando, Florida. With over ten years of experience, Amber is experienced in twists, braids, weaves, cutting, styling, and conditioning treatments. She specializes in hair growth for all hair types.
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
Avoid using wraps that have a smooth texture since they could slip off. Go for something made of cotton instead.
Question
How do I keep my head wraps from sliding?
Amber Rose is a Licensed Cosmetologist and the Founder and Owner of Quality Style Weaves and Braids Salon in Orlando, Florida. With over ten years of experience, Amber is experienced in twists, braids, weaves, cutting, styling, and conditioning treatments. She specializes in hair growth for all hair types.
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
After you tie the knot in the wrap, tuck it underneath to prevent it from moving around.
Question
Will this also work to cover a head full of rollers?
As long as your scarf is large enough to cover your head and tie securely, this will work for hair with rollers.
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If your hair is extra dry, consider spritzing your hair with water or your favorite hair oil before wrapping your hair in the scarf.
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Things You'll Need
- Silk or satin scarf
- Elastic headband, optional
- Comfortable hairband, optional
About This Article
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