We’re loving the ankara turban-headwrap trend, so much so because it’s versatile – looks good on almost any type of outfit, from simple to luxurious and even looks good on English-wears. Swipe/ scroll down to watch the 6 ways to tie an Ankara turban headwrap (turban gele).
Ankara turbans are also easier and quick-to-tie than the traditional Gele. But then, to do a fashionable turban-style ankara headwrap fit for a special occasion or wedding, you need style inspiration.
1. Front-Knot Ankara Turban Headwrap Tutorial
2. Five Ankara Turban Headwrap Styles (Step by Step)
What You Need: Ankara / Wax Print Fabric – from 2 or 3 yards and more (if you want a bigger turban). Oh, by the way, you can use any type of ankara to achieve the African turban head wrap style – the dutch wax print (vlisco hollandais, woodin), uniwax, daviva, hitarget, ABC wax… anyone at all would do.
Fun Ways to Rock a Nigerian/ African Ankara Turban
- Tie an Ankara turban scarf on an ankara gown or skirt-and-blouse;
- Wear it on denim/ jeans to turn up your casual wear
- Tie your ankara turban on an office or church outfit – trad or English wear (just be sure to find a matching or complementary colour Ankara fabric to go, or use the same exact material if you’re wearing an Ankara gown or skirt-and-blouse or Ankara wrapper-and-blouse)
- Can you wear Ankara turban headtie to a wedding or an owambe party or with an asoebi outfit? Absolutely, yes, you can draw inspiration from the pictures below of Tiwa Savage in this picture

- MORE: Learn How to Tie Ascot Rose Gele (Video Tutorial)
- Learn How to Tie Infinity Pleats Ankara Gele (Video Tutorial)
Turbanistas: Top Ankara Turban Gele Fashionistas
Every Nigerian woman has plenty Ankara materials sewed into different styles, and there’s always a piece of fabric reserved for tying a turban headwrap.
When I think of ankara turban gele, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie comes to mind. Ankara fashion turban headwraps have become one of her signature look everywhere she goes (Nigeria or abroad) and whatever she wears (native or English wear). Lupita Nyongo and Solange (Beyonce’s sister) occasionally step out rocking Ankara turbans.
Arewa/ Hausa babes are also top on the wearers of Ankara (atampa) fabrics – we love them because ‘atampa’ is a big part of the Hausa asoebi (for women) and bridal fashion. Our Arewa fashionistas also love this Ankara turban fashion trend.
MORE HEADWRAP & GELE TYING TUTORIALS:
- How to Tie the Side-Twisted Fan Gele Style (Video Tutorials)
- How to tie a Simple Pleated Gele Headtie
FUN FACT: Did you also know that ankara wax fabric is also called kitenge, chitenje or khanga in some African countries. From this side of the World you’d think that people everywhere call ankara wax print by the name ‘ankara’.
Wrap Up
The above video tutorials will show you how to do beautiful ankara turban head-wrap styles. Ensure to replay the video and practice some more until it sticks. So, if you are invited to a wedding, and you don’t want to rock the regular gele, you can opt to tie an ankara turban, which is easier and quicker. That’s
Which of the 6 ankara turban styles is your favourite. Leave a comment down below to tell us.
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