What is an African head wrap called?

In Nigeria a head tie is called a gele — that’s the word used by the Yoruba, one of the country’s many ethnic groups. But the wearing of head wraps is traditional for all Nigerians and indeed for most African cultures. An artfully folded gele is part of everyday wear and de rigueur for special occasions like weddings.

How much fabric do I need to make an African head wrap?

A head wrap should be about ½ a yard to 1 yard in length and the width really depends on the cut of cloth — some pieces of cloth come in wider widths than others. The cloth usually goes around the head once but may go around twice if the cloth is more than a yard.

What is the size of an African head wrap?

about 60-72 inches
Available in many colors and patterns, fabrics and sizes, headwraps are usually about 60-72 inches—or the length of an average scarf. A headwrap can be worn for a casual day at home or the most special occasion.

Why did female slaves wear head wraps?

In America, the head-wrap was a utilitarian item, which kept the slave’s hair protected from the elements in which she worked and helped to curb the spread of lice. Yet, as in Africa, the head-wrap also created community — as an item shared by female slaves — and individuality, as a thing unique to the wearer.

What is the best scarf for black hair?

A silk scarf is the best option because it isn’t very porous, therefore it doesn’t absorb the moisture out of your hair like cotton or other materials would. Silk scarves can be costly, so other alternatives are satin or polyester.

Do African men wear Headwraps?

Similar headwraps soon became popular among black men as well, with items such as the durag used to maintain popular hairstyles including the conk. The durag was a type of pressing cap that helped to protect chemically treated hair that was fashionably manipulated into soft waves.

How to tie African head scarf?

Hold the cloth behind your head with its ends in each of your hands. (Make sure you have an even amount of fabric on each side.)

Bring your hands forward so the scarf wraps around your head from the back.

Twist the trailing ends around each other,then curl them into a circle (like a lazy dancer’s bun) above your eyebrows.

Tuck in the ends to hold the headwrap secure.

What is an African head scarf?

Traditionally speaking, the African tie is a woman’s head scarf and depending on the African country that you are from, it could reflect religious purposes and also make a fashionable statement. You most likely heard the expression that a woman’s hair is her crown of glory. The African head tie is that and much more.

What is a head wrap called?

A head wraps is called many names from head tie, a head rag, a head scarf, a veil, hijab among many other names. Here is a list of what a head wrap is called in other countries. It’s called a Gele.

What is head wrap?

The head wrap is a soft crepe bandage of a fabric only used in India that can be used to wrap the brow and eyes to release tension in the head and draw the senses inwards.