How to Wrap Your Hair in a Headscarf Before You Sleep

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Using a silk scarf or bandana to protect your hair overnight
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Tossing and turning at night is a one-way ticket to frizzed-out or knotted hair. Luckily, a simple silk scarf is all you need to keep your locks neat and tidy come sunrise. And since your hair was protected, you’ll save precious minutes of your morning that you would’ve spent brushing or detangling. We’ll show you how to use a scarf to make a turban, a simple wrap, or to preserve curly hair overnight.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Tying a Simple Wrap

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  1. Gather your hair or dreads and make 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. [1]
    • Skip this step if you have short hair, or want to preserve a particular style.
    • This method is great for preserving parted hairstyles, or styles that lay flat on top of your head.
  2. Take a large silk scarf and lay it flat. Then fold 1 corner over to meet the opposite corner to make a triangle. Grab the 2 folded corners and drape the long folded edge over your forehead so that the scarf rests over your hair. [2]
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  3. Wrap the folded ends along your hairline and back to the nape of your neck. Hold them firmly so the tension keeps the scarf from slipping. Then tie the ends into a knot at the base of your neck to secure them. [3]
    • 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.

  4. Use your fingers to tuck the long ends, as well as the loose corner, beneath the edges of the scarf. If the ends are especially long, bring them back around to the front of your head and tie them in a knot near your forehead. [4]
    • To secure the scarf even more, wear an elastic headband over the scarf. This will prevent it from slipping as you sleep.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Tying the Scarf into a Turban

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  1. Get out a large silk or satin scarf 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 forms the base of a triangle. [5]
    • Lay the softer side of the scarf face down before you fold it. This will reduce friction which can cause frizzy hair.
  2. Hold both ends of the folded scarf and bring the center of the folded side to the base of your neck. Make sure no hair is between the scarf and your neck. [6]

    Tip: If you have long hair, tilt your head forward so your hair falls over your face before you wrap the scarf.

  3. Pull both folded corners of the scarf up along your hairline towards the top of your head, covering your ears. Keep the scarf taut so the folded side stays firmly along the nape of your neck. Then, tie the ends into a knot and tighten it until the knot rests securely on your forehead. [7]
    • If the knotted ends hang in front of your face, tie them with a bow or knot them at the nap of your neck. Alternatively, tuck the long ends under the scarf to keep them in place. [8]
    • If the scarf feels too tight, rewrap it so you don't give yourself a headache.
  4. Now that the scarf is secure around your hairline, pull the pointed corner of the scarf forward over your hair. 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 over and under the knot so it's secure. [9]
    • Skip this step if you’re wrapping short hair , or just like to leave your hair looser instead of containing all of it under the scarf.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Covering a Hair Pineapple with a Scarf

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  1. Pull your hair together and up onto the top of your head. Then tie it into a loose ponytail with a scrunchie and let your hair fall in front of your face. This is known as a “pineapple.” Avoid tying the hairband too tight or it might be uncomfortable to sleep in. [10]
    • Using a scrunchie prevents kinks from forming in your hair overnight.
    • Wrapping a scarf over pineappled hair keeps your curls neat and intact.
  2. Take a large rectangular scarf and fold one corner over to the opposite corner to create a triangle. Then place the long, folded edge at the nape of your neck, and bring the folded corners forward along your hairline. Cross the ends to form a loose knot, as you would when you begin to tie your shoes. [11]

    Tip: If you have curly hair and want to avoid damaging it, it's important to use satin or silk. [12] Avoid cotton scarves which can snag your curls and cause them to frizz.

  3. Bring the ends of the scarf back down towards your neck, and tie the scarf into a firm knot . Then, tuck the loose corner of the scarf under the front of the wrap, near your forehead. This covers your hair and keeps it safe during the night. [13]
    • For extra hair protection, cover your wrapped hair in a silk pillowcase or cap. This can be especially effective if you're protecting braids .
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What material is best for head wraps?
    Amber Rose
    Hair Stylist
    Amber Rose is a Hair Stylist 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.
    Amber Rose
    Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Avoid using wraps that have a smooth texture since they could slip off. Go for something made of cotton instead.
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    Not Helpful 290 Helpful 32
  • Question
    How do I keep my head wraps from sliding?
    Amber Rose
    Hair Stylist
    Amber Rose is a Hair Stylist 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.
    Amber Rose
    Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    After you tie the knot in the wrap, tuck it underneath to prevent it from moving around.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 28
  • Question
    What do I do if I have a scarf but it isn’t made out silk/satin?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can use a scarf made out of another material, but it may frizz or sap moisture from your hair. Consider using a shower cap or a soft pillowcase, instead.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 20
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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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      References

      1. ↑ hhttps://www.tiktok.com/@travelingwithjessica/video/7302853339945913643?lang=en
      2. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@travelingwithjessica/video/7302853339945913643?lang=en
      3. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@travelingwithjessica/video/7302853339945913643?lang=en
      4. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@travelingwithjessica/video/7302853339945913643?lang=en
      5. ↑ https://www.functionofbeauty.com/blog/new/the-benefits-of-wrapping-your-curls-in-satin/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VGiTC0Lum0&t=3s
      7. ↑ Amber Rose. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
      8. ↑ Amber Rose. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VGiTC0Lum0&t=23s
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/cyAMazWCt-g?t=27
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXvD3XQyuDo&t=198s
      3. ↑ https://www.functionofbeauty.com/blog/new/the-benefits-of-wrapping-your-curls-in-satin/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXvD3XQyuDo&t=204s

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