How To Tie Square Chemo Head Scarves
There are many ways to tie a head scarf, here are some of our favourites. If you want a simple way to tie it, get a hairband and drape the fabric over your head, gathering the ends into a ponytail. On days when you want to be more creative, take a look at some ideas below
Scarf Tying Tips
Getting to grips with tying a chemo headscarf can be frustrating. You need to build muscle-memory with your fingers and this can take time, but here are a few tips that might help make the process easier:
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Start learning when you have some quiet time to yourself. Make yourself a cup of tea/coffee and give yourself 20mins to just have a play and give some of the styles a go. Dont try learning how to tie a chemo headscarf when you are under time pressure or have visitors popping in and out, you will only get frustrated.
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Use the weight of your arms to keep the fabric tension. There is no need to grip your headscarf tightly, just hold onto the ends and after you have crossed them over behind your head or tied a single knot, let them relax and use the weight of your arms to keep the fabric taught. This not only gives your arms a break (especially if you have had breast surgery), but it also helps you pause a little before moving onto the next steps
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If tying the knots is a pain, use an elastic band or hairband (we recommend a hairband because elastic bands can be difficult to use). Sweep the ends together and tie them like you would do a ponytail. The benefit of tying your headscarf this way is three-fold; it helps you tighten your headscarf whenever you need to, you can take your headscarf off your head and put it back on without having to re-tie it, and you can also use the hairband to create a bow by passing the ends of your headscarf partially through a section of the hairband.
Style 1
The Free Spirit
Using a square chemo head scarf, fold it from corner to corner so it makes a triangle, then fold the long edge over a few times.
Place the chemotherapy scarf on your head, the long part needs to be across the forehead and the pointed part of the scarf must be at the back of the head.
To tie the scarf, pull both ends behind your ears around the back of the head.
Style 2.
The Classic Wrap
This style gives full coverage and stays comfortable all day and works if you have a rectangular or square scarf. If starting with a square scarf, either fold it in half to make a rectangle, or a triangle - it works both ways!
Place the scarf over your head so it’s even on both sides, with the front edge sitting just above your eyebrows.
Cross the ends at the nape of your neck and pull them snugly (but not too tight). Bring both ends up to the front of your head and tie a firm knot.
Tuck the loose ends under the scarf for a smooth, tidy finish.
Style 3.
The Side Knot
If you want something with a softer, more relaxed feel, try the side knot.
Fold your scarf into a triangle and place it over your head so the long edge sits across your forehead.
Bring the ends around to one side of your head just below your earlobe.
Tie them once, then twist the ends together and loop them into a small knot just above your ear, securing the ends by tucking them part of the way through the middle of your twisted knot.