5 Easy Ways to Tie a Head Wrap

How to tie head wraps?

Head wraps have been used for centuries as a fashion accessory and to protect the scalp and hair. In fact, this was why head wraps were first worn. Their use has a complicated past but have now been reclaimed and turned into a look that exudes pride and power.

At Nkeoma, we offer head wraps, head scarves and bonnets so that you can make a style statement and protect your hair the way you want to. All of our scarves, wraps and bonnets are made from the finest quality materials in traditional, powerful African prints.

How to Choose the Right African Head Wrap?

First of all, the most important thing when you choose a head wrap is your personal taste. There are so many different colors, designs, patterns and styles that you might be spoilt for choice. That choice is completely yours and is down to what you prefer to wear.

There are a couple of other things to consider too. First of all, think about the size you need and how you want to tie your wrap – a shorter wrap won’t be as versatile so try a wrap that’s 60-72 inches long. Wraps also come in lots of different materials, again this is a personal preference and depends on the style you’re looking for.

How To Tie Your Head Wrap?

Now that you’ve selected your head wrap, it’s time to learn about the different ways to tie it. When it comes to tying an African head wrap, it might seem complicated but there are some easy instructions that you can follow. This can stop you from wondering how to tie a hair wrap.

The Front Knot Hair Wrap

If you’re not feeling your hair then the front knot is the style to keep it covered. Use your head wrap to cover your entire hair (leaving your bangs out is optional).

Place your scarf around the back of your head and hold each end at the side of your head. You want the ends to be balanced and have roughly the same amount of fabric on each side. Then wrap the scarf around your head and twist the two ends around each other at the front of your head.

Keep twisting until you’ve created a knot at the front of your head. Secure it by tucking the ends into the wrap.

The Low Bow Hair Wrap

This style of head wrap is perfect if you’re wearing your hair straight (or working with a straight weave). It’s easy to do and looks great.
Put the head wrap on your head, covering it from your forehead to the top of your neck, and tie a knot. Make a big bow and try to make it as symmetrical as possible on both sides. You can change up how you have the bow depending what you want your wrap to look like.

The Low Bun Hair Wrap

The Low Bun is ideal if you want to cover your hair and keep it out of the way easily.

Tie your hair back in a low bun and work out where you want to wear your wrap. Then drape it over your wrap. Hold the ends firmly, pulling it into a ponytail. Twist the length of it. Hold the knot with one hand, while you wrap the longer pieces around your fingers. Continue wrapping and twisting until you reach the end of the knot.

The Nefertiti Head Wrap

If you’re wearing braids as a protective style, or just because you like the look, then adding an African head wrap is a great way to keep them in great condition. They’re also a perfect choice if you just want to change your look for the day. Braids come with a little commitment (hours in the chair means you probably want to keep them as long as possible.

The Nefertiti Head Wrap looks stunning, and far more complicated to do than you might think. Here are the simple steps to create this look:

• Gather your braids into a bun at the center of your crown.
• Tie the wrap around your head from the back and keep tying it around until you reach the ends of the fabric.
• Secure the ends of the wrap in the first layer you created.

If you want to add a little more drama to the look, add another wrap on top of the one you’ve just added.

The Wrapped High Ponytail Head Wrap

A wrapped high ponytail head wrap is beautiful for locs or braids. This is a good style to begin with if you’re not used to wrapping your hair when it’s been braided.

All you need to do is tie your hair into a high ponytail, on the top of your crown. Then roll your scarf into a band and wrap it around your head from the back.
Cross the two ends on top of your head, twist them around your ponytail and tie them together.

Ready to Wrap?

If you’re ready to try out a head wrap or you want to look at some alternative accessories to showcase your African heritage, check out our accessories.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/5-easy-ways-to-tie-head-wrap

How To Sanitize African Fabric Masks?

If you’re still planning on wearing a mask to reduce your chance of contracting coronavirus (or passing it on to others) then it’s likely that you’ll be wearing a fabric or a disposable face mask.

How to Choose Between a Fabric or Disposable Mask?

Disposable face masks don’t need to be sanitized as they’re designed to be single-use. Whilst this is a hygienic option it’s not great for the environment (or your budget), so many people opt for a reusable fabric face mask. But how do you make sure they stay clean and ready to use hygienically?

You can find high quality African print clothing on our website Nkeoma.com.

How to Sanitize Fabric Masks?

You should clean your fabric mask after every wearing. This reduces the risk of spreading the coronavirus or other germs.

To sanitize a fabric mask (such as one made from cotton) wash it with your regular laundry using hot water. You can then tumble dry them on a high setting. Try to skip a really thorough spin cycle as this can cause damage.

You can also hand wash your mask, using hot, soapy water. Scrub the mask for at least 20 seconds, and dry them on high heat in the dryer. Handwashing is effective but washing with your laundry is more likely to thoroughly clean it.

You might consider using a non-scented laundry detergent if you are sensitive to perfumes so it is easier to wear the masks.

Satin, silk or polyester fabrics will need to be treated differently so take a look at the manufacturers instructions. Washing at a high head can damage these fabrics and completely ruin your mask for future wear. If you’re choosing your mask because you want to reuse it then this isn’t something you’ll want to do!

You should store clean masks carefully and safely in a clean place when you are not using them. Always keep a back up to hand when you’re somewhere where you plan to wear a mask just in case the one you have gets dirty or lost.

Myths to Sanitize a Fabric Mask

There has been some misinformation about keeping masks clean and sanitized so let’s run through some things to avoid when it comes to keeping your fabric mask clean.

Using Bleach

Even if you’ve diluted bleach, you should avoid it as this can be dangerous to inhale and can affect the integrity (and color) of your fabric. This could compromise how effective your mask actually is, which can render it a little redundant.

Microwaving Your Face Mask

While it’s true that heat can be great for handling germs, this isn’t recommended. You might burn your mask, cause changes to the fabric, ruin the color or in the worst-case scenario actually start a fire at home.

You Don’t Need To Worry About Touching Your Mask

Whilst it’s easy to forget when you adjust your mask (or remove it), you could potentially transfer germs from your hands onto your mask each time you touch it. Whilst it isn’t something to get obsessed over, you do need to think about it as viruses can be transmitted by touch as well as through the air.

Here’s what to do when you take off or touch your mask:

• Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Don’t touch the front of the mask or your face.
• Carefully remove your mask by grasping the ear loops or untying the ties. For masks with a pair of ties, unfasten the bottom ones first, then the top ones.
• If your mask has filters, remove them and throw them away. Fold the mask and put it directly into the laundry or into a disposable or washable bag for laundering.
• Clean your hands again.

Masks Can Cause Mold and Health Issues

When they’re kept clean and sanitized properly there should be no issue with mold and health issues caused by masks. If you have underlying health conditions then you should seek advice from your health provider on what the best course of action should be when it comes to wearing a mask.

Tips for Choosing a Fabric Mask

As well as sanitizing fabric masks and keeping them clean, there are some other things to think about when it comes to choosing a fabric mask in the first place.

You want to choose good quality fabric for your cloth mask. It isn’t necessarily about the type of fabric that you choose - high quality fabrics have a thicker thread and are woven more tightly so this means less droplets pass through.

If you can see through a mask in the light, and clearly make out the individual threads in the mask when you hold it up to light then it may not be effective. Layers can be a way around this. Masks made from two layers are more effective than those made from one, and three layers is better than two.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/how-to-sanitize-african-fabric-masks