How to Tie a Babushka

Co-authored by Hannah Madden Reviewed by Melissa Young

Last Updated: March 27, 2024 References

Whether you want to look like A$AP Rocky or you just like the classic babushka look, tying your scarf around your head is sure to make your outfit fashionable and chic. You can tie your scarf in a babushka style to add a streetwear element to any look, or keep it classy by going for a vintage aesthetic. Grab your silk scarf, brush your hair, and get tying!

Method 1

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1
Pull your hair back into a low ponytail. If you have long hair, keep it out of the way so you can tie your scarf. Use a hair tie or a scrunchie to pull your hair back at the nape of your neck, then secure it into a ponytail or a bun. ^{[1]
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- If you make your ponytail too high, you could give your scarf a bump in the back of your head. Try to get it as low as possible so your hair blends in seamlessly.
- If you don’t pull your hair back, it will stick out underneath the scarf.
2
Fold your scarf in half to make a triangle. This folding method works best with a square scarf made of silk. Fold 2 points together to make a large triangle, keeping the pattern side facing outwards. ^{[2]
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- You could also do this with a short shawl.
- You can use a scarf as large as 3 by 3 ft (0.91 by 0.91 m), or you can go as small as a bandana.
- If you have a rectangular scarf, don’t worry about folding it into a triangle.
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3
Fold the long side over about 1 in (2.5 cm). Grab the long end of your scarf and fold it over itself just slightly to make a small hem. This will give your babushka tie a clean look so the fold of your scarf isn’t sticking out over your forehead. ^{[3]
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- You don’t need to secure your hem with anything; once you put it on your head, it will stay in place on its own.
4
Place the scarf over your head with the point of the triangle near your neck. Keeping the point facing downward, lift the scarf up and over your head, and situate the hemmed end at the very top of your forehead. Make sure the ends of the scarf are even. ^{[4]
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- If your scarf doesn’t look perfect just yet, don’t worry. You’ll be able to adjust it in just a second.
5
Tie the ends together under your chin in a double knot. Grab the hanging ends of the scarf and pull one over the other to knot them together. Do that again to make a double knot to ensure your scarf stays on your head. ^{[5]
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- Silk scarves are so slippery that you’ll need a double knot to hold it closed.
- If you don’t want to knot your scarf together, you can just pull the hanging ends across your neck and let them sit on top of your shoulders. However, they might not stay put all day without a jacket on top to keep them in place.
6
Loosen the knot by pulling on it if your scarf feels too tight. Stick your fingers in between your face and the scarf and pull outwards if it’s feeling a little tight. Pull down on the knot to loosen it to give yourself enough room. ^{[6]
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- You can adjust your scarf throughout the day if you feel it moving around.