How to tie or wear your African head-gear (gele)

Tying your head-gear is as easy as making a bow but more versatile. The following steps will work you through the basic styles. Head-wrap styles are as versatile as your imagination can take you.

1. Start by folding the head gear piece to a width of about six inches. This can be achieved by folding the piece in half lengthwise, and then folding again twice or so.
2. Wrap the piece around your head with the right side extending about one and half over the left side.
3. Push in the left side but keep the ends out while crossing the right side over (on top of the left end); also keep the right-side ends out.
4. Pull both ends as tight as desired. Push the left side while pulling the right side to get the desired comfort.
5. Push in the right side only from where it touches the left side but without pulling it all the way through. This forms a bow.
6. You may now move this bow to the front, to the side (left or right) or leave it on the back; the choice is yours.
7. Spread out the two ends to obtain a rose petal look, or pin the two ends to obtain yet another look. The different possible styles and looks are endless. You'll be surprised what you can achieve by experimenting.

Always keep your head gear piece crisp with a spray starch for better results.