How to Fold Bandanas

Co-authored by Katie Quinn

Typically square and in a paisley handkerchief pattern, bandanas are a great way to hold your hair out of your face. Not only that, but there are many ways to fold them to add a colorful accessory to any outfit. Some bandanas are more creative and showcase your favorite bands or other interests. Whatever your reason for wearing them, folding and securing them properly can make all the difference.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Headband Fold

1
Fold your bandana into a triangle. Flatten your bandana on the table. A square bandana works best for this style. Position it like a diamond, and fold it in half to form a triangle.^{[1]
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2
Create a long strip out of your bandana. Fold the base of the triangle up about 1–2 inch (2.5–5 cm) toward the tip of the triangle. Crease the fold and repeat, folding until the bandana is a narrow rectangle.

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3
Tie on the headband. For a simple headband look, place the center of the strip against your forehead. Tie the ends around the back of your head, using two knots to keep it secure.
4
Wear it with a top bow instead. Alternatively, place the middle of your bandana strip on the center of the hairline on the back of your neck. Move your two hands toward the edges of the strip and pull it onto the top of your head.^{[2]
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Research source} Tie a double knot on top of your head. Take the short ends sticking out of the knot and open the folds of the bandana to create your bow.
- Flip your head over if you’ve decided to wear your hair down. Once you’ve pulled the corners to the top of your head, flip your head back over so you can see what you’re tying.
5
Secure your bandana. If you want the bow to be off-center, now is your time to move it. Simply grab the knot with one hand and the middle of your bandana with the other and shift it until it reaches your desired spot. Pin the bandana near your ears and at the knot to keep it from shifting further.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Head Wrap

1
Fold a single corner of your bandana. Lay out your bandana. You want a square bandana in order to make this kind of fold. Take the corner closest to you (the bottom corner) and fold it up so that the point hits the center of the bandana.^{[4]
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- If you have a smaller bandana, make this fold smaller—don’t make it reach to the center. This will give you more fabric to stretch over your head.
2
Wrap the bandana around your head. Holding your bandana on each corner of the fold, place across your forehead. Make sure the small piece of fabric you folded is on the inside. Move your hands outwards toward the two side corners, pulling them toward the back of your head. The top corner of the bandana will be on top of your head.^{[5]
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- If it makes it easier, you can bend over forward to perform this step.
3
Tie your bandana. Use the two side corners to tie a single knot at the back of your head. You want it tight enough so that it feels secure. Be careful not to make it too tight though, because it will be uncomfortable.
4
Flip the top corner and tie it in place. Keep one hand on the knot you’ve created. Bring the top corner of the bandana over the top of your head and to the knot. Place it over your original knot and use your side corners to tie another single knot over this piece. This will catch the top corner in the middle of a secure double knot.^{[6]
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5
Make any necessary adjustments. You can hold on to the front and pull the knot to loosen your bandana. To tighten it, use both hands to tighten the knot as securely as possible. If you have longer ends than you wish, create a triple knot to shorten them.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Ponytail Accessory

1
Pull your hair into a pony tail. Before adding your bandana, you need to style your hair. Pull it back into a pony tail at your desired height and secure it with an elastic. If you wish to pull your bangs out, do so before adding your bandana.
2
Create a skinny strip with your bandana. Lay your bandana flat. You can use a square or rectangular bandana for this style. If you have a square bandana, fold it in half to form a triangle. If you have a rectangular bandana, fold it hot-dog style in half. Create a skinny strip by making 1” folds starting from the bottom of your bandana.^{[7]
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[v161361_b01]. 14 April 2020.}
3
Wrap the bandana around your ponytail.^{[8]
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[v161361_b01]. 14 April 2020.} Flip your pony tail over the top of your head. Place the center of your skinny bandana strip on the elastic under your ponytail. Move your hands toward the ends of the bandana as you bring it up above your head. As you pull the ends up, flip your ponytail back into its natural position.
4
Tie your bandana off. Take one of the ends and wrap it under the other to create a knot. Double knot this if you feel it won’t be secure enough with a single knot. Let the sides hang down beside your ponytail. Loosen the folds if you wish to show off your bandana. Run your fingers through your pony tail to loosen your hair strands around the bandana for a more natural look.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Neck Scarf

1
Use your bandana as a neck scarf or neckerchief.^{[9]
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[v161361_b01]. 14 April 2020.} This is a fun, unconventional way to add a bandana to your outfit. You can tie it as an ascot wrap to accessorize.
2
Place the bandana around your neck. Take two opposing corners and hold one in each hand. Pull the bandana tight and place it around the back of your neck with the ends hanging in the front.^{[10]
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[v161361_b01]. 14 April 2020.}^{[11]
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3
Create and secure your loop. Fold one end over the opposite end twice. On the last fold, bring the end up through the loop at your neck. Take both hands to loosen the wrap at the front of your neck. Also, loosen the end that you pulled through your loop to create your ascot look.