How to style a head scarf

Ah, the head scarf. The consummate mix of understated elegance that is sought after by many and successfully pulled off by so few. Hairstylist Paul Hanlon made easy work of it backstage at Marni, though, which made us both curious and envious of his coiffing prowess. Still, try as we might right now with an oversized Hermès number we reserve for special occasions, perfection still eludes us. So we called for reinforcements, i.e., Bumble and Bumble’s Nico Aceves, who kindly agreed to walk us through the process:

1. Prep hair from roots to ends with a styling product, like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray, to help give grip and texture.

2. Blow-dry using only your hands for a finger-combed effect.

3. Collect all of the hair at the back of your head and gather it into a slightly off-center ponytail. While holding the ponytail tight with one hand, use the palm of your other hand to rub upward against the grain of the hair from the back of the head to the front to loosen it a bit and make a few pieces fall out.

4. Secure with an elastic, but only pull the pony halfway through the last time you wrap it around, creating a large loop.

5. Fold your scarf of choice lengthwise and position the folded edge at the hairline. Wrap the ends around to the back of your head and tie once, slightly askew.

6. Make a rabbit ear with one end, then wrap the rest of the length around and knot. This gives a lovely off-kilter elegance to the ends of the scarf.

Photo: Greg Kessler

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