We can talk about scarf hairstyles now that the trend is at its peak. The scarf hairstyles for black women are an exquisite fusion of function, history, and beauty, without compromising one’s color or race. 

Any lady who has ever wrapped a scarf over their hair knows the instantaneous impact it can have on one’s style (True stuff!). Think about the history, benefits, and opportunities that scarf hairstyles can give you.

Wearing them was a way for women like Angela Davis to honor their African roots (without shame).  From the earliest African civilizations to the Harlem Renaissance, Black women are still using scarves as a form of self-love, self-expression, social status, and fashion pieces. 

Nevertheless, Because of the harsh circumstances of slave labor on plantations, headwraps originated years back and were an absolute need for slaves’ hair. 

Why are Scarf Hairstyles Significant for Black women?

For many Black ebony queens, scarves signify far more than the usual 50-80-minute quick hair fix. Their cultural significance is pretty spot-on. 

Years ago, African and Caribbean women used head coverings to preserve their hair and—more importantly—as symbols of authority and identity. It still holds to date, yeah.

Scarves still have the same power even as you’re reading this; they enable us to express our style and link us to our background at the same time. Heard of the Hijab and gele?

Remember this: Enslaved African women in the Americas wore head coverings (scarves) not just to hide their hair while laboring in the sun but also as a muted but effective measure in the early centuries. That was a lot!

What Do You Need to Know About Scarfs’ Hair-Saving Effects?

First and most crucially, if you’re interested in hair health (and who isn’t?), you’ll be thrilled to hear that covering your hair with a silk or satin scarf could be the secret wonder you’ve been searching for.

This temporary solution is your best bet at reducing friction, which is a primary culprit for split ends and breakage of your hair. Scarfs are literal lifesavers!

Still, there’s more to it beyond merely stopping breakage. 

The 8 Best Scarf Hairstyles for Black Women 

In addition to saving hair during bedtime, Scarves assist you to retain enough moisture following your hair needs as well. 

Unlike cotton scarves, which have their way of draining the natural oils in your hair and leaving it dry, silk or satin scarves preserve your hair in a coming-of-age fashion. 

So, my melanin beauties, one fast suggestion is to always go for a silk or satin-lined scarf when purchasing. Later on, your hair will thank you!

1. Scarf with braiding

Why not decide to do something more than your usual routine? For your strands to have color and texture, the braided scarf pattern is great for a striking and va va voom effect.

• Starting with the piece of your braided hair, Divide your hair into any style that makes you comfortable. 
• Tie your $2-$4 scarf around your hair.
• Now it’s time to twist your scarf at the front into any style (do it your way).

Tip: To match your attire or mood, do some experiments at home with numerous scarf designs and colors. You will find one that matches!

2. The Classic Turban Wrap

“It’s like a tiara-themed piece I wear every day,” reveals 34-year-old New York-based businesswoman, Jessica. 

The traditional turban is a confidence metro booster beyond what others see. Here, all you need for your black hair is a turban.

• Start with a nice square or rectangular scarf (it’s easier to fold)
• Fold it into a triangle then lay the middle of the long side on the nape of the neck.
• With your gentle hands, fold the ends together, then carefully put them under the fold at the neck.
• Underneath you should tuck a satin cap (if you’ve not braided your hair) then wrap it to create volume.

Why is it great? The classic turban wrap is protective as well as fashionable. It tucks your hair down, hence lowering how much your hair is exposed to environmental stress.

3. The Retro Scarf

Some call this the nostalgic ‘Aaliyah’s’ street style. The modern way ladies pull up different styles with scarfs brings back the ’60s and ’70s timeless look in a few seconds.`

Some ladies love using bold floral-patterned scarfs to add a pop touch to their outfits. A brilliantly patterned scarf quickly ups your styling game.

• Go for a long thin square scarf. Fold it from one edge to another (in the form of an obtuse triangle)
• Around the back of your head or wig, make a knot or bow. You can tuck the ends in for a more neat appearance or leave them free.

Why is it great? This method will assist you in preserving your edges while adding a quirky, fun accent to your clothes and the hair at the back.

4. The High Bun Wrap

Nothing compares to a high bun when it comes to expressing grace and class with black women. This gets even more stunning when paired with a quality branded scarf.

“I dress in this manner anytime I have a significant meeting,” explains Monique, a 38-year-old business executive. “For me, I don’t have to get bothersome about my hair looking crass and crude.”

• Begin by holding out your extensions or 360  lace  wig into a high bun.
• Fold your scarf longwise, put it around the nape of the neck, and tug the ends forward.
• At the top of your head, fold, knot, or bow whatever end is left into a neat finish; then, put them away under the scarf.

Why is it great? On days when you want to seem professional but don’t have time to prepare an entire hairdo, call for this method. Yeah, we have those days.

5. The pineapple wrap

Those with natural curls absolutely should attempt the pineapple wrap cause it resembles a ‘pineapple’ in truth. It not only enhances your curls but also preserves them throughout sleep.

I will always recommend a satin scarf for this style. It preserves your curls from frizz-ing overnight.

• After tying carefully, create a knot with the ends; then, tuck them too.
• Your hair should be in a loose ponytail at the top of your head
• Fold a huge satin scarf into a triangle and lay the long side at the nape of the neck.

Why is it great? This method looks wonderful throughout the day and can help retain your curls while you sleep.

6. The ponytail wrap

The low ponytail wrap highlights simplicity, elegance, and charm. This style is pretty for any gathering and business meeting. Interestingly, it is also easy to achieve.

“I love this style for workdays,” adds 33-year-old Ebony, a teacher.

• Get this look by low pony-ling your hair.

• Fasten a long, thin scarf around the ponytail base.
• Tie the scarf in a knot or bow then hang the ends from your ponytail.

Why is it great? This design is adaptable and looks wonderful on black girls for any purpose.

7. The Top Knot Wrap

When you want to keep things simple but attractive, the top knot wrap comes in pretty beneficial. Though minimal, this scarf wrap style looks excellent on braided hair and extensions.

Amongst the Africans, it’s a common look for running errands or just lounging around the house.

• Pull your hair top knot style.

• Around the base of the knot, wrap your scarf.
• At the top tie a bow or knot; then, tuck the loose ends beneath the scarf.

Why is it great? Being stylish and keeping your hair out of the way depends on the style. This is ‘the style’!

8. The Top Wrap style 

Why not incorporate a scarf into the mix if you braid your hair with extensions year-long? An exquisite method to look arranged is with a top braid wrap.

You can use a brilliantly colored scarf from Amazon marketplace or TikTok sellers for this style. It spices your look with a pop of color from the front and back views.

• Get this look by starting by packing your braided hair up.

• As you work, weave a long, thin scarf into the braid.
• To secure the braid on top, wrap the scarf and tuck the ends in.

Why is it great? This method is ideal for giving plain braided hair or your natural hair some distinctive flare.

Doable Advice for Selecting the Ideal Scarf

The difference you need might be in choosing the right scarf. This often makes all the difference!  Here are some helpful recommendations from our stylists to aid your decision of the ideal scarf for your hairstyle:

1. Select a suitable material

Try out the silk and satin hair scarfs. But if you want a more elegant attitude, cotton or linen could also work—just be sure they’re soft enough.

Before you pay the $2-$5 for that scarf, feel the cloth closely. Should it be abrasive or harsh, stay away from it.

2. Measurement counts

The breadth of your scarf defines how versatile it will be in the long run. Smaller scarves (20–25 inches) are suitable for more simple designs like headbands or ponytail wraps; bigger scarves (35–40 inches) can also be folded and styled in numerous ways.