Bandanas are cool accessories that you can wear around your neck, or on your head. They are great for keeping your long hair out of the way, and can also add a stylish element to your look. It’s easy to learn how to wear a bandana regardless of how long your hair is, but if you have longer locks then there are some tricks you need to know before going for this trend.
You see guys wearing bandanas all the time, and they look great. But if you’re new to this, and fancy wearing one, it’s very easy to learn how to tie it. There are numerous options for tying one, so see what suits you better and your styling needs.
It is mostly worn by bikers to enhance their bold look. But it can also be worn in other cases too.
As mentioned above, they are multiple ways of tying up a bandana. On the head, on the neck, on the wrist, and sometimes even on the arm. Here we are focusing on how to use bandanas with long-haired men.
What are bandanas?
According to Wikipedia,” A bandana or bandanna is a type of large, usually colorful kerchief, originating from the Indian subcontinent, often worn on the head or around the neck of a person”.
Bandanas originated in India, made of colored silk and cotton fabrics. To put it in simple words, bandanas are colored cotton or silk handkerchiefs with dots and other designs printed on them.
It is evident that the bandana has an origin, particularly in Kashmir. The classic prints that we associate with bandanas trace their origin to the kind of prints common in Kashmir’s culture.
The word bandana stems from the Hindi words ‘bāndhnū,’ or “tie-dyeing,” and ‘bāndhnā,’ “to tie.” These stem from Sanskrit roots ‘badhnāti,’ “he ties,” and Sanskrit ‘bandhana’ (बन्धन), “a bond.” In the 18th and 19th centuries, bandanas were frequently referred to as bandannoes.
In earlier times, bandanas also known as kerchiefs were worn not only for fashion but also for protection from the sun and other harmful elements for the skin. Today they are used solely for the sake of fashion and rocking a ‘bad boy’ look.
How To Wear a Bandana – Styling with Bandanas
To optimize your look with bandanas, always use this one thumb rule- smarter the occasion, richer the fabric. For everyday use, use regular-sized cotton fabrics. For smart occasions such as dates or hangouts with friends, go for satin or silk fabrics. For concerts and gigs, go with regular-sized cotton bandanas.
For a guy with long hair who wishes to keep his hair out of his face, or when working out, tying a bandana like a headband (such as soccer athletes do) can be helpful.
Headband Style
- Before you begin adjusting the headband on your head, arrange your hair first in order.
- Fold the bandana into a triangle by parting it from the middle.
- Then start rolling it into folds of two to three inches until it forms a band-like structure.
- Before you wrap it around your head, spray the bandana with hairspray to keep it intact on your hair. Make sure you spray it on the inside of the band which is going to be in contact with your hair.
- Once done with spraying, wrap it around your forehead.
- tie a knot at the back of your head.
- Make sure the tied-up hair goes above the knot of the band.
Wide Band Style
Source: Toppik
- Lay the bandana flat on a flat surface.
- Bring two opposite points close to the middle of the bandana.
- Make sure the two points are overlapping each other to some extent.
- Spray it with hairspray on the inside.
- Settle your hair backward and wrap the band around with the hair strands hanging down from the back.
- Adjust the band accordingly so that no loose ends let the hair tuck out.
- Tie a knot.
90’s Bandana Style
Source: Twitter
- Lay the bandana flat on the surface with the corners pointing towards you.
- Take one of the corners and bring it to the middle of the bandana till it reaches a couple of inches shy of the opposite corner.
- Settle your hair backward without tying it.
- Place the bandana on your forehead with the flat side facing downwards and right above your eyebrows.
- Tie the bandana with a simple, square knot.
- Tuck in the remaining top corner under the knot.
- Adjust the hair on top of your head and make sure the bandana is fitting properly.
The Pirate Wig Style
Source: Shutterstock
- Place the bandana flat.
- Grab the opposing corners and bring them to the middle until they are partially overlapping each other.
- Part your hair from the middle and brush sideways while keeping them open.
- Place the bandana right above the eyebrows on your forehead.
- Make a loose knot at the back.
- Settle your hair to avoid any loose strands hanging out.
- Tighten the knot.
Mid Part Bandana Style
- Fold the bandana into a wide headband.
- Part your hair midways.
- Spray the bandana with hair spray.
- Wrap it around the forehead slightly higher than the eyebrows.
- Tie it loose around the head.
- Grab the hair higher than the knot level and keep it out of the band.
- Once all the hair is out, tighten the knot.
Front Knot Style
- Part your hair from the middle and brush your hair thoroughly.
- You can also try messing up your hair a little here and there at the front.
- Tie your bandana with the corners facing the front.
- Keep the bandana under your ponytail, and settle the loose ends at the top.
- Adjust the bandana, and tie it up in one or two loops.
Side Part Band Style
- Comb your hair sideways following the hair’s natural part.
- Fold the bandana into a headband.
- Wrap the band around the forehead higher than the eyebrows.
- The opposite side of the part stays over the band.
- The knot goes at the back.
- Make sure the side of the hair’s part stays under the band and is snuggly.
Know Your Bandana Style
All these styles go differently with different face shapes and hair lengths. Find your style matching your personality and traits. Use different colored bandanas for different occasions. Varying the colors and style will take your styling game to a new level. If this article helps you with your query “how to wear a bandana” leave a comment below to let us know!
