How to Tie a Regency Turban

You know those mysterious costuming mysteries that sometimes plague us?  How to tie a turban is one of them.

If you are practically hair-less like me, a quick and easy head-wrap is the perfect way to finish off a Regency gown, day or evening, and hide your lack-of-hair.

Here’s a quick video showing how to do it.  This can be done with any standard-sized scarf.  The one in the video was done with a silk scarf; the one in the photo below with a basic rayon scarf.  My only warning is to avoid really huge scarves or shawls, as they can be a lot to handle.



Practice, be creative and experiment, and have a fun weekend ๐Ÿ™‚

A turban tied with a basic rayon scarf.  Try it with a pashmina-style scarf for the perfect period touch

24 Comments

  • E. Waterman

    November 19, 2011 at 3:31 AM

    I have to know; where did you get that scarf, and tell me more about that first portrait at the end of your film!! that FRILL!! I must re-create!

    Reply
  • Anonymous

    November 19, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Oh, how spectacular. This answered many questions for me, and I loved the pics at the end of the videos. And loved the pics from TN.

    Reply
  • Nycteris

    November 20, 2011 at 5:05 AM

    Beautiful turban! ๐Ÿ™‚ Nice video, too. I recognize that beautiful music from Marie Antoinette! ๐Ÿ˜‰
    Your costumes are always so creative and wonderful.

    Reply
  • E. Waterman

    November 21, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    i want you to know, that since this has been posted, i have been tying turbans on my head in my pajamas with every scarf i can find in the house.

    you. rule.

    Reply
  • Oregon Regency Society

    November 23, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Lauren, I stole this video and posted it on my turban page. I hope that's okay. ๐Ÿ™‚ I will post a link to your blogpage. I also wanted to ask if you would be willing to do a post about Regency shoes for the Oregon Regency Society blog?

    Stephanie Johanesen

    Reply
  • Angela

    November 24, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    This is most welcome! I have short hair as well these days for modern convenience but I want to do more Regency so your efforts on this are wonderfully appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  • Seidenweberin

    November 26, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Very neat – thank you for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚ I usually work with two scarves, and the result is different each time, so I gladly try your variation ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  • Laurie (@Turban_Diva)

    November 27, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Lovely! These tutorials are so helpful, and this is a beautiful variation. For those that have a hard time wrapping, there are 2 piece turbans with a hat & matching scarf called Titillating Turbans that are very easy.

    Reply
  • Allison S

    July 20, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    Thank you so much for the wonderful tutorial! I was wondering what I could do with really short hair and here is my solution!

    Reply
  • [email protected]

    August 24, 2013 at 5:26 PM

    Thanks so much for this tutorial! I'm wearing a turban with my first ever Regency costume in September — such an easy way to look elegant. And much faster than fixing an authentic hairstyle. I found your tutorial on YouTube and since then have been enjoying your blog.

    Reply
    • Frances Grimble

      September 15, 2013 at 9:27 PM

      BTW, my book The Lady's Stratagem: A Repository of 1820s Directions for the Toilet, Mantua-Making, Stay-Making, Millinery & Etiquette contains instructions for numerous turbans, both tied and made-up.

      Reply
    • Lauren Stowell

      October 26, 2015 at 7:25 PM

      Hi Sarah – oh, my hair is definitely not reliably curly, and it's very slippery! Fear not, though. To help the turban stay put, you can use a wig wearing trick – make small pin curls behind the front/bangs that will be visible. Tie the turban over them. They create a sort of anchor that keeps the turban from slipping off your head.

      If getting your curls to hold through the day in general is the issue, I highly recommend wet-setting. You can rag curl or pin curl the night before, while the hair is damp. Spray your hair with Lotta Body or a use a light gel. Roll them up, sleep on them, and undo the next day. Your curls should hold for far far longer than if you do them with the curling iron.

      Reply
  • Unknown

    July 16, 2017 at 12:30 PM

    So, "standard" means oblong here…. There are a number of ways to help keep your scarf from slipping off. A great source for tips on this is YouTube videos and websites by women who wear scarves for religious or cultural reasons.

    One popular site (I'm not affiliated in any way, this isn't an ad, just saying) is Wrapunzel.com. They offer velvet headbands that come in different sizes (or you can look at them and create your own — they use Velcro fasteners). The velvet keeps the scarf in place. For the same reason, some women will wear a simple cotton underscarf to keep silk, satin, or other slippery scarves in place. The underscarf can also add volume, which is more flattering on many women.
    https://www.wrapunzel.com/store/no-slip-headband/

    Reply

Leave a Reply