A bandana is one of the fastest ways to change up your hair without touching a single hair product — cover a bad hair day, stretch time between washes, or just add color and pattern to an otherwise plain look. Here are 7 ways to wear one, from the simplest tie to a full wrap.
A quick sizing note before you start: our 21.5" regular bandanas work well for shorter hair and simpler ties. If your hair is past your shoulders, thick, curly, or in a bun or braid, reach for the 39" large size instead — you'll need the extra fabric to fully wrap and tuck. (For exact measurements, see our bandana size chart.)
1. The Classic Headband Wrap
Fold the bandana into a long strip (roughly 2–3 inches wide), place it across your hairline with the ends behind your ears, and tie or knot at the nape or crown. Works with hair down or in a low ponytail. This is the easiest style to start with and works with either bandana size.
2. The Half-Up Bandana Tie
Gather the top half of your hair as if starting a half-up ponytail, then wrap a folded bandana around the base and tie in a bow instead of using a regular hair tie. A simple upgrade that instantly dresses up an everyday look — best with the 21.5" size for a neater bow.
3. The Full Head Wrap
Fold into a triangle, place the long edge at your hairline, tie snugly at the nape, then twist the two tails together and wrap them around the base of the knot before tucking the ends in. This fully covers your hair — ideal for bad hair days, protective styling, or just showing off a bold print. Requires the 39" large size to have enough fabric for a secure, comfortable wrap.
4. The Top-Knot Wrap
Gather your hair into a high bun or top knot, then wrap a bandana around the base — either as a simple band tied in a bow, or twisted and wrapped fully around the bun for more coverage. A great way to dress up gym hair or second-day hair. Works with either size depending on how much of the bun you want to cover.
5. The Turban Twist
Similar to the full head wrap, but instead of tucking the ends, twist them together into a rope and wrap that twist around the crown of your head like a turban, tucking the very end underneath. This creates a more sculpted, structured look than the simple full wrap. Needs the 39" large size — the twist uses up length fast.
6. The Low Ponytail Wrap
Wrap a folded bandana around the elastic of a low ponytail and tie in a bow, letting the tails hang or tucking them under. A quick way to add color at the base of a simple ponytail without much effort. Either size works — 21.5" for a smaller, tidier bow.
7. Braid-In Accent
Fold the bandana into a long thin strip and braid it in alongside a section of your hair (a "boho braid" technique), securing the end with a small elastic. This works especially well with the 39" size, since the length gives you enough fabric to braid through a full section without running out partway down.
A Note on Slip and Hold
Because our bandanas are 100% cotton batik rather than silky synthetic fabric, they have more grip than a slippery polyester scarf — ties and wraps tend to hold better and slip less throughout the day. That's one advantage of the fabric beyond the pattern itself.
Ready to try one of these? Shop regular bandanas for simpler ties or large 39" bandanas for full wraps and turban styles.
