How to Style a Silk Scarf: The Knotted Scarf Chignon
A simple updo, elevated with silk.
There are some hairstyles that look elegant without feeling overly styled. The knotted scarf chignon is one of them. Part low bun, part silk headband, it brings together two timeless elements, a softly gathered chignon and the colour and artwork of a silk scarf.
It’s particularly beautiful when you want your hair off your face while still adding something interesting to a simple outfit. Think crisp shirting, linen, an understated dress or your favourite T-shirt with a beautifully printed scarf doing the rest.
And despite its polished appearance, it’s surprisingly simple to recreate.
What You'll Need
An Artifact 90 × 90 cm silk scarf, a hair tie and a few bobby pins.
Because an Artifact scarf is printed on both sides, the artwork remains visible however the silk twists, folds or knots, something that works particularly beautifully with this style.
01. Create a Low Ponytail
Begin by gathering your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Keep the finish as polished or relaxed as you like. For something softer, gently loosen a few pieces around your face.
02. Twist Into a Chignon
Twist the ponytail until it begins to naturally coil around itself.
Wrap the hair into a low bun and secure it with bobby pins.
Don't worry about making it too perfect. A slightly undone chignon gives the finished look a more effortless feel.
03. Fold Your Silk Scarf
Lay your scarf flat and fold it diagonally into a triangle.
Continue folding or rolling the scarf inward until you have created a long, relatively narrow band.
For a 90 × 90 cm scarf, we'd keep the band fairly slim so the silk doesn't overwhelm the finished style.
04. Position the Scarf
Find the centre of your folded scarf and position it underneath your chignon.
Bring each end forward and upward, running the scarf behind your ears and towards the top of your head.
Try to keep approximately the same amount of silk on either side.
05. Knot at the Top
Bring the two ends together slightly off-centre at the top of your head.
Tie them into a neat double knot.
Rather than making the knot too tight, allow a little softness in the silk. This gives the style its relaxed, almost vintage quality.
06. Tuck & Finish
Tuck the remaining scarf ends underneath the band so they're hidden.
Gently adjust the scarf around the head and loosen the chignon slightly if needed.
The result should feel effortless rather than overly slick: a classic low chignon framed by a flash of printed silk.
Why We Love It
The beauty of the knotted scarf chignon is that the scarf becomes part of the hairstyle rather than simply an accessory added afterwards.
It also gives you another way to wear your square silk scarf. The same piece can move from neck tie to belt, bag, headscarf or hair accessory, changing completely depending on how it's folded.
And because every Artifact scarf begins with original artwork, even a small section of print peeking through can completely change the look.
One scarf. Endless ways to wear it.
