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If you’re coping with hair loss, scarves are another alternative to wigs and hats. There are many different ways to tie and style your scarf. Here are a few tips for choosing a scarf, and step-by-step instructions for tying some of the most common styles.
Size and shape: Scarves typically come in either a square or oblong style. For a square scarf, look for one that is 35" or larger. Oblong scarves should be about 21"x 78".
Pre-tied scarves: Pre-tied scarves are the easiest to wear. No folding or elaborate tying is needed. These typically have soft, covered elastic at the nape to hold them securely in place and provide full coverage. Look for one with a gently padded, contoured front to prevent gaping.
Kerchiefs: Similar to bandanas, kerchiefs are another easy option for covering your head during treatment-related hair loss. They fit just about everyone, and some are lightly padded in the front to prevent gaping. Kerchiefs only need to be tied once. When the kerchief is removed, the knot can be left in place.
Undercaps and headbands: An undercap or headband made with fabric like velvet can help keep scarves from slipping.
Scarf volumizers: If you want to create the illusion of having hair volume under your scarf, a scarf volumizer is an option. It also gives you more surface area to help you tie your scarf in different styles.
Tying a scarf isn’t as hard as it looks, but you can wear a turban under your scarf until you feel entirely confident about your tying skills. When you’re more confident, a headband alone can be used to make tying easier. A padded scarf or hat liner can also hold your scarf securely, as well as adding fullness.
Square scarves can be tied in several styles. All the styles listed below start with these four steps:
*Any of the styles listed below work well when placed at the back of your head or turned slightly to the side (like a side bow or a side rosette).
If you want your final style to fall to the side of your head, you can gently turn the scarf at this point, moving the knot from the back to the side of your head. You can also start out by tying the scarf on the side, rather than in back, if this is easier for you.
Follow steps 1-4 above, then:
Follow steps 1-4 above, then:
Follow steps 1-4 above, then:
*For this look, you can match the scrunchie to your scarf to help it blend in or play around with contrasting colors and fabrics.
Follow steps 1-4 above, then:
Add a hat: Take the look one step further by wearing a hat with a brim over your scarf.
Like square scarves, oblong scarves can also be tied in several styles.
*All of the styles listed below start with steps 1 and 2 of the basic wrap.
For a top knot: Follow the steps above but flip the scarf (place the length of the scarf at the nape of your neck and gather the ends at the top of your head, just below your natural hairline).
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
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Wikramanayake TC, Haberland NI, Akhundlu A, Laboy Nieves A, Miteva M. Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: What Is Available and What Is Coming? Current Oncology. 2023; 30(4):3609-3626. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30040275
Zeppieri M, Gagliano C, Spadea L, et al. From Eye Care to Hair Growth: Bimatoprost. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024;17(5):561. Published 2024 Apr 27. doi:10.3390/ph17050561
Last Revised: September 5, 2024
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