The short answer
Put the long edge at your hairline, point at the back, and tie the ends at the nape over the point. For wind and cold, bring the ends under the chin instead. Cotton and knits grip better than silk; a velvet band underneath stops slipping.
Three ways to wear it
The kerchief, tied at the nape
Works with Hair scarves, bandanas, silk. Method as described by American Cancer Society.
- Fold to a triangle
Fold a square scarf corner to corner, or use a true triangle.
- Long edge at the hairline
Put the long edge across your forehead or just behind your hairline, point at the back, ends over your ears.
- Knot over the point
Tie the ends at the nape of your neck over the point. The American Cancer Society notes a kerchief only needs to be tied once.
The old Hollywood
Works with Knit and silk triangles, windy days. Method as described by Harper’s Bazaar via AOL.
- Point to the back
Hold the long edge and lift the scarf over your head, point hanging at the back.
- Frame the face
Pull the long edge forward so it frames your face and covers your hair.
- Tie under the chin
Knot the ends under your chin, or cross them and tie at the nape for a neater line.
The bandana headband
Works with Bandanas and small silk scarves.
- Fold to a triangle
Fold a square bandana corner to corner.
- Fold into a band
Fold from the point toward the long edge until the band is one to two inches wide.
- Tie on top
Place the band at the nape, bring the ends up over the head and knot on top, a little off center.
What to wear
-
01
Stays put
A cotton kerchief or bandana
Best for Every day, summer, active days
- Grips the hair
- Machine washable
- Paisley, gingham and solid colors
-
02
Polished
A silk or satin triangle
Best for Sunny days, a retro look
- Light and smooth
- Slides, so tie firmly
- Satin is often polyester; check the label
-
03
Cold weather
A knit triangle
Best for Wind and cold, over a coat
- Doubles as a hat
- Tie under the chin or at the nape
- Wool or a wool blend for warmth
Tips that help
- Stop the slide. The American Cancer Society notes a velvet undercap or headband helps keep scarves from slipping. A velvet headband under a silk scarf works the same way.
- Knot over the point. Tying the ends over the triangle point at the nape locks it in place.
- Leave some hair out. A fringe or face framing pieces soften the look.
- Size up for full coverage. See the size guide.
More neck and shoulder knots are in how to tie a triangle scarf.
Questions people ask
What size scarf do I need to cover my hair?
For a kerchief tied at the nape, a bandana of around 20 to 22 inches square works for many people. To cover all your hair, or to tie under the chin, go larger: the American Cancer Society suggests square scarves of 35 inches or more for full head coverage.
Which fabric stays on best?
Cotton, linen and knits have more grip than silk or satin. If you love silk, add a velvet headband or a few bobby pins underneath.
Who wore the triangle scarf on their hair?
The Zoe Report pointed to Hailey Bieber in a light gray triangle over her hair in January 2025, and Harper’s Bazaar described Kendall Jenner’s chocolate wool triangle wrapped over her head in Paris that October.
Search triangle hair scarves on Amazon
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Styles, sizes and availability change; check the listing before you buy.