Look Good...Feel Better | Hair Help | Alternative Head Coverings

Introduction
Scarves and turbans are a creative, inexpensive and comfortable alternative to wigs, and especially helpful for those:

Whose sensitive scalps may be irritated by wigs.
Who are tired and not feeling well, yet want to enhance their appearance.
Who want to protect or warm their scalps while sleeping.
Who want to experiment with quick, versatile fashion looks for everyday use or special occasions.
Who want to wear a cool, comfortable head covering when at home.

Turbans
Turbans are inexpensive and a good choice for you to wear at home instead of a wig. You can buy them ready-made or make your own using a 38” scarf or bandanna to wrap around your head and tie securely. To add height to a turban, try velcroing or pinning a should pad inside the turban at the crown of the head, or put it under a wig cap and wear the turban over the wig cap.

To make turbans more visually interesting, try layering them or accessorizing with pins, clips, earrings, flowers—anything that works is a fashion statement. You can also experiment with attaching bangs and hairpieces to the turbans to add a realistic and attractive look.

Scarf Tips and Tying
Scarves offer tremendous versatility in color, style and texture.

A 32”—36” square can totally wrap around the head or be folded into a band. Smaller squares and oblongs also make attractive bands.
Scarf fabrics include silk, which tends to slip but looks elegant; cotton offers a casual look, is cool and ties securely; wool challis can be itchy but drapes beautifully. The season and the occasion will help determine choice.
Colors and patterns should be chosen to complement the patient’s outfit but exact matches aren’t necessary.
Clothing styles with soft curves and draping lines work especially well with head wraps.

Tying Basics

Fold a large square diagonally and drape it low over the forehead. Then, bring the ends to the back and finish by:
Looping (tie ends in a bow over point)
Bundling (knot ends and fold point around bundled ends; secure point inside band)
Coiling (cross ends over point and coil to front; intertwine coils for a continuous band and fold back point up inside crossed area). If a scarf is too small to accomplish the above, fold it off-center to make a larger cap. If the ends are short, band with a second scarf and finish with a decorative tie.

Band and Coil Options

Band (fold opposite corners of a square to center, overlapping points, and fold again to desired width)
Coil (twist a band from the center out for an even coil) Several simple, decorative headwraps may be created using bands and coils.

Bow

Tie ends in a half knot.
Use lower tied end to form first loop.
Bring other end over and around first loop, continue partially through opening that is formed, thus making the knot and second loop.
Flare loops and spread center.

Square Knot

Tie half knot.
Bring upper end down over lower piece.
Continue to loop around lower end and come through opening.
Flare endings and spread center knot.

Rosette

Tie half knot leaving ends long.
Tightly intertwine ends to form a coil, leaving a short length uncoiled.
Relax coil and guide it to flatly encircle around itself. Poke end of coil partially through center of circle.
Spread sash ends to ruffle around the rosette.

Half Bow

Tie ends in a half knot with lower end twice as long as upper.
Use lower end to make a loop. Bring upper end down over loop.
Continue around lower loop and bring scarf end completely through opening.
Flare loop and spread knot.

T-Shirt Wrap

The t-shirt wrap is a great casual option, especially in spring and summer:

Cut straight across a t-shirt, just under the sleeves. There are now two pieces—the top 1/3 of the shirt (neck and sleeves) and a fabric “tube” which is the bottom 2/3.
Take the finished t-shirt hemline of the “tube” and place it centered on the forehead at the hairline.
At the back of the head, hold each side of the tube and cross the piece of fabric in the right hand over the left, creating a figure 8.
With the fabric crossed, pull the lower half of the figure 8 from the back of the head to the front, creating a halo or headband effect. Tuck in any loose fabric around the headband to create a neat look.
The final result will look like a cotton turban with a matching headband going around the head. T-shirt wraps may also be accented with fringe bangs.
The two sleeves of the top 1/3 may also be cut off and used as headbands.

Hats

Hats, from the sporty baseball cap to the snappy fedors to the sensuous beret, are always in style, and always an option. Some hats are sold with a hair piece already velcroed or permanently sewn in (such as a ponytail, bob, or bangs) and may be found at wig stores, hair salons, some department stores, and catalogues. Encourage patients to try different combinations of hat styles over a scarf or turban for a uniquely individual look.