Nigerian Gele is a headwrap that is an essential part of Nigerian fashion. It is a beautiful and colorful headwrap that is worn by women on special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and other cultural events. Tying a Gele can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. However, with the right guidance and practice, anyone can learn how to tie a Gele. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to tie Nigerian Gele styles.
Summarizing Table
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, here is a summarizing table of the different Nigerian Gele styles and their descriptions:
| Gele Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Round Gele | A perfectly round Gele that sits on top of the head |
| Pleated Gele | A Gele with pleats that run from the front to the back |
| Infinity Gele | A Gele that is tied in a figure-eight shape |
| Rose Gele | A Gele that is tied to look like a rose flower |
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Nigeria |
| Material | Aso Oke, Ankara, Damask, and more |
| Popular Styles | Classic, Avant-garde, Double-gele, and Turban |
| Occasions | Weddings, Church, Traditional ceremonies, Parties |
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Gele Fabric
The first step in tying a Gele is choosing the right fabric. The fabric you choose will determine the final look of your Gele. Some popular fabrics for Gele include Aso-Oke, Ankara, and Damask. Choose a fabric that matches your outfit and complements your skin tone.
Step 2: Fold Your Gele Fabric
Fold your Gele fabric in half lengthwise and place it over your head. Make sure that one end of the fabric is longer than the other. The longer end will be used to create the Gele style.
Step 3: Create Pleats
Start creating pleats on the longer end of the fabric. Make sure that the pleats are even and run from the front to the back of your head. Keep creating pleats until you reach the end of the fabric.
Step 4: Tie the Knot
Once you have created the pleats, tie a knot at the end of the fabric to secure the pleats in place. Make sure that the knot is tight and secure.
Step 5: Create the Gele Style
Now it’s time to create the Gele style. Depending on the style you want to create, you can either wrap the fabric around your head to create a round Gele or create more pleats to create a pleated Gele. You can also twist the fabric to create an infinity Gele or fold it to create a rose Gele.
Step 6: Secure the Gele
Once you have created the Gele style, use bobby pins to secure it in place. Make sure that the Gele is tight and secure on your head.
1. Classic Gele Style
The classic Gele style is timeless and suits almost every occasion. It’s the foundation of all Gele styles and a must-know for every fashion enthusiast.
Steps to Tie the Classic Gele:
- Fold the Gele: Start by folding the Gele’s edge (about 2-3 inches) to give a firm grip.
- Place on the Head: With the folded edge at the back, wrap the Gele around your head.
- Tie and Adjust: Cross the two ends of the Gele at the back and bring them to the front. Tie securely and adjust to ensure it’s firm.
Tip: Always start with a mirror in front of you. It helps in making adjustments and getting the perfect fit.
2. Avant-garde Gele Style
For those who love to make bold fashion statements, the Avant-garde Gele style is a perfect choice. It’s edgy, modern, and sure to turn heads.
Steps to Tie the Avant-garde Gele:
- Fold and Place: Just like the classic style, fold the Gele’s edge and place it on your head.
- Twist and Turn: Instead of tying, twist the two ends and take them to the back.
- Secure with Pins: Use hairpins to secure the twisted ends at the back.
Tip: This style works best with stiffer fabrics like Aso Oke.
3. Double-gele Style
Why settle for one when you can wear two? The double-gele style is for the adventurous souls who love to experiment.
Steps to Tie the Double-gele:
- Start with One: Begin by tying the first Gele in the classic style.
- Layer the Second: Place the second Gele over the first and tie in your preferred style.
- Adjust and Fluff: Adjust both Geles to ensure they sit comfortably and fluff out the layers.
Tip: Use contrasting colors or patterns for a vibrant look.
4. Turban Gele Style
The Turban Gele style is chic, easy to tie, and perfect for casual outings.
Steps to Tie the Turban Gele:
- Wrap Around: Instead of folding, wrap the Gele around your head.
- Twist the Ends: Take the two ends, twist them together, and tuck them in.
- Adjust: Ensure the front is smooth and sits comfortably on your forehead.
Tip: Accessorize with brooches or pins for an added touch of elegance.
Video Tutorials
If you’re a visual learner, there are many video tutorials available online that can help you learn how to tie Nigerian Gele styles. Here are some of the best video tutorials we found:
- How to Tie Perfectly Round Gele
- Gele Tutorial for Beginners
- How to Tie Nigerian Wedding Guest Gele
- How to Tie Simple Gele Yourself
Conclusion
Tying Nigerian Gele styles can be a fun and creative way to express your personal style. With the right fabric and guidance, anyone can learn how to tie a Gele. We hope that this step-by-step guide has been helpful in teaching you how to tie Nigerian Gele styles. Remember to practice and experiment with different styles to find the one that suits you best.
