Seven Slip-Proofing Secrets

Updated: May 9

One of the challenges of wearing a headscarf is getting it to look good and stay put throughout the entire day. These tools and techniques have proven themselves effective for many readers. Experiment with different combinations and see what works for you.

1. Placement

Scarf: Amazon / Cardigan: Amazon Essentials

Before putting on your scarf, spritz your hair with water to create extra grip. Then place the scarf's front edge over your ears, covering about an inch of your forehead.

Push or fold the front edge toward the back of your head when you're done tying the look, and if your scarf slips backward during the day, just pull the front edge down as needed.

2. Fabric

1. To keep a slippery scarf budge-proof, wear a cotton layering scarf underneath.

2. Look for scarves made of fabric that has height or texture, such as burnout velvet or stretch lace. They grip to themselves and stay in place better than those made of satin.

3. Scarves made of stretch fabrics allow you to tie snugly, especially over the ears, without discomfort.

3. Headbands

2.5" cotton jersey headband

A jersey headband is breathable and does fine work keeping your scarf or slouchy beanie where you want it. For even more staying power, try a velvet headband.

The direction of the velvet pile faces the front of your head, creating a strong grip. Many have a velcro closure in the back for a custom fit.

4. Hair Elastics

Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics: Amazon

With gravity on your side, a high ponytail or hair bun underneath your headscarf helps prevent it from sliding back away from your hairline.

Two of the most slip-proof hair ties for supporting your ponytail or hair bun are the slideproof variety with exposed rubber, and hair bungees.

Also known as bungee bands, these hair elastics give the perfect fit and are easy to adjust without tugging.

To use, gather your hair back and hold it in place between the thumb and forefinger of one hand. Use the other hand to insert the hook into the base of the ponytail, and then wrap the elastic around to get your desired tightness. Secure by inserting the other hook into the base of the ponytail.

5. Undercaps

Stocking cap: Amazon

For maximum slip-prevention, wear a thin nylon stocking cap underneath a cotton headscarf.

The most lightweight and slip-resistant caps are the semi-sheer variety that are made with the same stretchy material as pantyhose. They come in black or beige, and you can find them at beauty supply stores or on Amazon.

For long-lasting results, stretch out the stocking cap along the outer band before use. Put it on your head so it covers most of your forehead, then push it back as desired.

Green ruched undercap: Cardani / Yellow cotton undercap: Amazon / Pair of gray and black undercaps: Amazon

A more comfortable alternative, especially if you have little or no hair, would be caps made of cotton or bamboo jersey. All of these undercap options keep fly-aways under control, so they don't peek out around your hairline.

You can let the cap's front edge peek out underneath the front of your scarf for color contrast.

Undercap: Headcovers / Pre-tied scarf: Headcovers / Dress: Uniqlo / Brooch: Amazon

6. Shapers and Volumizers

Volumizer cap: Headcovers

The pleated, lightly padded back section of these pillowy volumizers gives your scarf the perfect silhouette every time, without any hair fuss. Available on Amazon, they are comfortable even on bare skin and come in many different colors.

7. Faux Hair Buns

If you don't have enough hair for a bun, or you simply want more fullness, put a hair donut around your ponytail. They're lightweight and the results are impressive!