Head wraps are a statement piece many Black women feel pride in wearing. They are great for casual, formal, cultural or even vintage looks. Even better, there are many ways to wear them, too. You can find countless online tutorials that explain how to wrap your scarf or head wrap. You can go for a stylish, Bohemian look or even serve the girls in an elaborate, elegant style. However you choose to wear them, they are a godsend for natural and relaxed girls everywhere.
A Low-Maintenance Option
They’re a great way to hide a bad hair day as well. They are convenient to wear when you’re running late for work and need to style your hair quickly. They’re also a cute styling option when you need to run an errand but don’t want to fuss over your hair. And if you’re natural or transitioning, they’re perfect to wear when you want to limit manipulating your hair too much. Just tuck your ends with a slicked-back bun or braided style, and cover it with a satin-lined head wrap.
The History of Head Wraps
Head wraps have always been a part of the culture dating back to ancient Africa. Depending on the tribe, the head wraps represented honor and respect or pointed to a woman’s marital status. As part of Yoruba tradition, women wore their “gele” tied to the left to indicate that she was single. If it leaned to the right, she was likely married.
Women also wear them as a sign of politeness. While many Western cultures consider it rude to wear a hat at the dinner table, some African cultures cover their heads with head wraps to show respect to others and while in religious settings.
They are not only a fashionable styling option, but they’re historically and culturally relevant as well. Here are five unique head wraps to add to your wardrobe right now:
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Wig caps, headbands, and hats are common styling options that rub against your hairline, creating friction against your edges that can cause breakage and hair loss. Satin is a synthetic woven material often used to protect natural hair. It’s used as a lining for scarves and bonnets, and some pillowcases are also made from satin.
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This satin head wrap from Wrapped By Nellz is not only pretty to look at, but it can also protect your hair. The lining of the head wrap is soft on your hair to help you maintain healthy strands. In addition, it comes in multiple colors, from olive to peach to plum, so that you can style it with any outfit.
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Many times, head wraps come in bright and striking colors and patterns. Head wraps are already a bold fashion choice so wearing a brightly colored head wrap can turn even more heads. But not everyone likes the attention. Whether you like your closet filled with dark colors or just prefer to remain low-key, this black “Trippy Metallic Headwrap” is an excellent way to be fashionable without standing out too much.
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Black is a neutral color, so you can pair it with any outfit, shoe, or accessory. And even better, this head wrap by Twisted Headwraps is pretty large, measuring 72″ x 30″, making it easy to use for any hairstyle.
Matching Head Wrap and Glasses
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When it comes to accessorizing your head wrap, the world is your oyster. Some celebrities like Eva Marcille keep it simple with a cute pair of glasses and a necklace. Others prefer a more dramatic look with chunky necklaces, earrings, and bangles like Beyonce.
If you’re having trouble figuring out the right way to accessorize your head wrap, Malawai Headwraps LLC has you covered. Their head wrap and matching lensless glasses do all the work for you. The pattern is bright and colorful, so it compliments solid colors well and can even be worn with a basic white tee and a pair of denim jeans for a toned-down look.
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Velvet is considered a luxury fabric because making it is often complicated and time-consuming. Throughout history, velvet symbolized wealth and prosperity as it was an unaffordable luxury to many people. Fortunately, it’s more widely available to the public today. You can call yourself a queen in this regal velvet head wrap from Cee Cee’s Closet that’s made from a deep and rich Bordeaux wine color.
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It also comes in other colors like honey yellow and plum, and includes a matching velvet mask so you can protect yourself in style. And if you can’t get enough of the soft and plush feel of velvet, Cee Cee’s Closet carries head wraps made from ribbed or perforated velvet as well.
Double-Sided Gingham Head Wrap
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When shopping for head wraps, there are so many colors, prints, and styles available, that it can be hard to choose which one to buy. But in the famous words of Cardi B, “I can get ’em both. I don’t wanna choose.” So when you can’t decide between two colors, go for both.
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You can have the best of both worlds with this double-sided gingham headband from Diva Headwraps. The headbands are versatile enough that you can twist them to display one color at a time or both for a unique layered look. Their versatility also allows you to wear them with different outfits and accessories.