Now is the perfect time to bring back the hair scarf. Let’s be honest—we’re all spending more time at home, skipping showers, lounging in pajamas, and watching our roots grow out. When even putting on jeans and a sweater feels like too much effort, a few simple hair scarf styles can add a little flair to your look and make things feel a bit more normal.
Here are seven easy ways to style a hair scarf that will brighten your day—and conveniently hide the fact that you haven’t washed your hair in a while.
Take a regular bandana or handkerchief, twist it into a narrow strip, and wrap it around your head from back to front. Tie a knot on top and tuck the ends underneath. You can fan out the scarf for a fuller look. Opt for bright colors, and no one in your Zoom meeting will notice that you’re still wearing yesterday’s t-shirt.
For a slightly more polished look, grab a structured cloth scarf and roll it up until it’s about two or three inches wide. Wrap it from the back over your hair—whether it’s up or down—and tie it in a bow at the side of your head. It gives off a relaxed, bohemian vibe and is perfect for those days when you’d rather not bother with a hairbrush.
If your scarf is long enough, you can incorporate it into a braid for extra volume and a fun touch. Wrap it over the top of your head and weave it into your braid, either straight down or off to the side, depending on your hair length.
For the simplest option, pull your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Then, tie your favorite scarf around the base of the ponytail. The only downside? If you’re only seeing people through video calls, they might not even notice your stylish addition.
If you have thick hair, this braided scarf style will stand out. Part your hair down the middle and take a section from the crown, dividing it into three pieces for a braid. Place the middle of a rolled scarf on your forehead and braid one side into the section at your crown, adding more hair as you go for a French braid effect. Clip that braid temporarily and repeat on the other side. Once both braids are done, pull them back and tie them together with the ends of the scarf.
For a classic, vintage-inspired look, fold a square scarf into a triangle, pull your hair back, and drape the scarf over your head. Tie it under your chin, and you’re all set. This is a great way to cover up grown-out roots—just add a bold, matte lip color for extra flair.
If you prefer a sleeker style, tie the scarf at the back of your neck instead. Wear your hair up or down, depending on your mood. This look is perfect for taming flyaways, disguising greasy roots, or simply handling a bad hair day with style.