How to Tie a Bandana on Your Head: 6 Simple Styles

Quick Answer: To tie a bandana on your head, fold a square bandana in half into a triangle, roll or fold it into a band, set it across your head and knot it at the nape or on top. Six simple styles cover most looks: nape knot, top knot, triangle tie, ponytail wrap, braid tie and side knot. Tie it snug, not tight, so it does not pull on your hair.

A bandana is a square of cloth you tie yourself, which makes it flexible and a little fiddly. This post gives six simple ways to tie one on your head or in your hair, and explains how it differs from a bandeau, which needs no tying. Akitai does not sell bandanas, so the post ends with the no-tie alternative it does sell. For styles that use a stretch headband, see Akitai's guide on how to wear a headband.

What is a bandana, and how is it different from a bandeau?

Wikipedia (checked September 2026) describes a bandana as a large, usually colorful kerchief that originated on the Indian subcontinent, is often printed in paisley and is most often used to hold hair back. The word comes from the Hindi for "to tie". A bandeau is a different thing: a wide, stretchy band that slips on.

How do you get a bandana ready to tie?

Fold it first, because how you fold it decides the look. Lay the square flat and fold it in half corner to corner to make a triangle. For a wide band, leave it a triangle and fold the long edge over a few times. For a slim band, keep folding until the strip is only a few fingers wide. Smooth out the folds so the fabric lies flat against your head.

What are the 6 simplest ways to tie a bandana on your head?

Each style starts with the folded band and takes about a minute.

1. Nape knot. Set the band across the top of your head, ends behind, and knot it under your hair at the nape.
2. Top knot. Start with the band under your hair at the nape, bring the ends up and tie a knot on top of your head, with the tails pointing up.
3. Triangle tie. Leave the bandana as a triangle, lay the point down your back, and tie the two ends beneath it at the nape.
4. Ponytail wrap. Fold it into a slim band and tie it around the base of a ponytail in a bow.
5. Braid tie. Fold it into a slim band and tie it around the end of a braid, or weave it through the braid.
6. Side knot. Wear a folded band across the head and tie it just above one ear, leaving the tails to fall.

How do you tie a bandana without pulling your hair?

Tie it snug, not tight, and never pull your hair back hard before covering it. The American Academy of Dermatology (checked September 2026) says the constant rubbing of a hat, head scarf or other hair covering can lead to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss, especially if you pull your hair back tightly first. Loosen the knot if it hurts or leaves a mark, and change where the knot sits from day to day.

When is a bandeau easier than a bandana?

When you want a look with no knot to fiddle with. A bandeau slips on and stays by stretching. Akitai's Tribal Purple bandeau and Black Mandalas bandeau are 80% polyester and 20% spandex, a stretchy blend, according to their product pages. Since Akitai is the brand behind this site, they are our own products. Akitai's Warranty page says to hand wash bandeaus in mild soap and cold water and let them air dry. You can also read the longer bandeau headbands guide, or try making your own with DIY boho bandeau headbands.

Frequently asked questions

How do you tie a bandana around your head?

Fold it into a band, set it across your head, take the ends behind and knot them at the nape or on top. Keep it snug without pulling.

How do you wear a bandana on your head?

Pick a fold and a knot position from the six styles above. A wide band covers more of the head, and a slim band works as a headband.

What is a headband bandana?

It is a bandana folded into a band and worn like a headband. A bandeau gives a similar shape without any tying.

How do you tie a bandana in your hair?

Fold it into a slim band and tie it around a ponytail or a braid, or wear it across the head with the tails left loose.

How do you tie a scarf in your hair?

The same way as a bandana. A long, narrow scarf can be tied in a bow around a ponytail or wrapped around the head and knotted.

Can a bandana damage your hair?

A tight one can. The American Academy of Dermatology says hair coverings that rub or pull, especially over tightly pulled-back hair, can lead to hair loss.