10 Simple Steps on How to Tie the Perfect Gele:
The Gele is a traditional African head wrap that is often worn to special events, weddings, and other occasions. It is a symbol of elegance and sophistication and is an important part of African culture.
However, many people find it difficult to tie the Gele, and often end up with a messy, unprofessional-looking head wrap. In this post, we will provide you with 10 simple steps to help you tie the perfect Gele.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert at wrapping your own head, our step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect look every time.
We’ll cover everything from choosing the right fabric and preparing your hair to tying and styling your Gele to perfection.
So, whether you’re a bride-to-be, a wedding guest, or just someone who loves the look of a Gele, read on to learn how to tie the perfect Gele!
1. Introduction to the art of tying a Gele
Tying a Gele is an art form that has been passed down from generation to generation in many African cultures.
The Gele is a headwrap that is traditionally worn by women on formal occasions such as weddings, religious ceremonies, and cultural events.
There are many different styles and techniques for tying a Gele, and each one is unique and beautiful in its own way.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Gele wearer, it is important to understand the basics of this art form in order to create the perfect look.
In this blog post, we will break down the art of tying a Gele into 10 simple steps that will help you achieve the perfect style every time.
From choosing the right fabric to mastering the technique, we will guide you through each step of the process.
So, whether you are getting ready for a wedding, a religious ceremony, or just want to add a touch of elegance to your everyday look, this guide is for you.
2. Why it’s important to tie a perfect Gele
Tying a perfect Gele is important for several reasons. Firstly, Gele is a significant part of African culture, and it is often worn on special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and other traditional events.
As such, it is essential to ensure that your Gele looks perfect on these important occasions.
Secondly, tying a perfect Gele can help to boost your confidence and self-esteem.
When you look good, you feel good, and a perfectly tied Gele can be the finishing touch to your overall look. It can make you feel more beautiful, elegant, and poised.
Thirdly, a perfectly tied Gele can help you stand out from the crowd. With so many styles and patterns to choose from, tying a perfect Gele can help you create a unique and distinctive look that makes you the center of attention.
Finally, a perfectly tied Gele can also be a symbol of your personality and style. It can help you express your individuality and showcase your creativity.
By learning how to tie a perfect Gele, you can experiment with different styles, colors, and patterns to find the one that best represents you.
3. Materials needed to tie a perfect Gele
To tie the perfect Gele, you need to ensure that you have the right materials.
Gele tying requires a certain level of skill, but having the right tools can make the process a lot easier. Here are some materials that you will need to tie a perfect Gele:
1. Gele Fabric: This is the most important material you need. Choose a good quality fabric that is stiff enough to hold its shape. The fabric should also be long enough to wrap around your head at least twice.
2. Comb: You need a wide-toothed comb to ensure that the fabric is smooth and has no creases.
3. Pins: You need some straight pins to hold the fabric in place as you tie the Gele.
4. Hair Ties: You need hair ties to hold your hair in place as you tie the Gele.
5. Scarf: You may need a scarf to wrap around your head before you start tying the Gele. This will help to keep your hair in place.
6. Mirror: You need a mirror to see what you are doing as you tie the Gele.
7. Hair Gel: You need hair gel to slick down your hair and keep it in place.
8. Bobby Pins: You need bobby pins to hold the Gele in place once you have tied it.
9. Earrings: You need a pair of earrings to complete the look.
10. Confidence: Lastly, you need confidence. Be confident as you tie the Gele. A positive attitude will help you to tie the perfect Gele.
4. How to choose the right type of Gele
Choosing the right type of Gele is an important step in getting that perfect look.
There are different types of Gele fabrics available in the market to choose from such as Aso-Oke, Jubilee, Damask, and Ankara.
Each fabric has its unique texture, pattern, and feel, so it’s important to choose the one that will compliment your outfit and occasion.
For example, Aso-Oke is a popular and traditional fabric commonly used for weddings and other cultural events.
It’s a thick and sturdy fabric that can hold its shape well and is perfect for creating big and elaborate Gele styles. Jubilee and Damask are also popular choices for weddings and formal events.
They are softer and easier to work with compared to Aso-Oke, but can still hold their shape well.
Ankara, on the other hand, is a versatile and colorful fabric that can be used for both casual and formal occasions. It’s a lightweight fabric that can be styled in different ways to suit your outfit and occasion.
When choosing the right type of Gele, it’s important to consider the occasion, your outfit, and personal preference.
Make sure to also consider the weather as some fabrics may be too thick or too light for certain seasons or climates.
By choosing the right type of Gele, you’ll be able to create a stunning look that will turn heads and make you feel confident and beautiful.
5. Fitting the Gele on the head
Once you have tied your gele to perfection, it’s time to fit it on your head. This is an important step because, if not done properly, all your efforts in tying the gele may go to waste.
Firstly, make sure your hair is neatly packed and your edges are laid. This will give your gele a smooth base to rest on.
Then, hold the gele in both hands and place it on your head, positioning it towards the middle of your forehead.
Next, adjust the gele on your head to ensure it is balanced and even on both sides. You can do this by pulling the gele gently on either side until you have achieved the desired balance.
Make sure you have enough fabric left to tie a knot or bow at the back of your head. The knot or bow should be firm enough to keep the gele in place but not too tight that it causes discomfort.
If you are using pins to secure the gele, make sure they are hidden from view and do not prick your scalp. You can also use a hair band or elastic band to secure the gele in place.
Once you have fitted the gele on your head, take a mirror and check to see if it is sitting perfectly. Adjust if needed and voila! You have successfully tied the perfect gele and fitted it on your head like a pro.
6. How to create the base shape
Creating the base shape when tying gele is essential to getting the perfect style. To create the base shape, start by folding your gele fabric in half to form a triangle.
Next, place the folded edge of the fabric at the center of your forehead, making sure that the base of the triangle is resting on the nape of your neck.
Then, take the two ends of the fabric (one on each side of your head) and cross them at the nape of your neck. Bring the ends to the front of your head and tie them in a knot just above your forehead.
Make sure the knot is tight enough to hold the gele in place, but not too tight that it causes discomfort.
After tying the knot, you should have two ends of fabric hanging down on either side of your face.
Take one end and pull it tightly across the top of your head. Repeat this step with the other end, making sure that both ends are pulled tightly and evenly across the top of your head.
Once you have both ends pulled tightly across the top of your head, tie them together in a knot at the nape of your neck. Make sure that the knot is secure and tight, but not so tight that it causes discomfort.
At this point, you should have a base shape that resembles a turban. Adjust the fabric as necessary to make sure that it is smooth and even, with no wrinkles or bumps.
This base shape will serve as the foundation for the rest of your gele style, so take your time and make sure it is perfect before moving on to the next step.
7. Working with the fabric
Working with the fabric is a crucial step in tying the perfect gele.
It is important to use high-quality fabrics that are easy to manipulate and will hold their shape throughout the day. Popular gele fabrics include Aso-oke, Ankara, and damask.
When working with the fabric, it is important to pay attention to the grain and direction of the fabric.
The grain is the direction of the weave and it is important to keep the grain straight when folding and tying the gele. This will ensure that the gele holds its shape and doesn’t droop or sag.
Another important tip is to use starch or fabric stiffener to make the fabric more rigid and easier to work with. Simply spray the fabric with starch or fabric stiffener and then iron it to activate the product.
When folding the fabric, it is important to make crisp and even folds.
Use your fingers to create sharp creases and smooth out any wrinkles or bumps. This will ensure that the gele looks neat and polished.
Finally, when tying the gele, be sure to pull the fabric taut and secure each fold with a pin or clip.
This will ensure that the gele stays in place all day and doesn’t come loose or unravel. With these tips, you’re sure to master the art of tying the perfect gele!
8. How to create the perfect pleats
Creating the perfect pleats is an essential part of tying a flawless gele. To create the pleats, you need to first fold the gele fabric into a triangular shape.
Ensure that the base of the triangle is facing the back of your head while the top points towards your forehead.
Next, fold the fabric at the base of the triangle to create a pleat. The size of the pleat will depend on how big you want your gele to be.
Once you have created the first pleat, continue creating more pleats by folding the fabric in the same way, ensuring that each pleat is the same size as the previous one.
It’s important to keep the pleats neat and even as this will give your gele a polished and sophisticated look. To keep the pleats in place, use bobby pins to secure them at the base of your head.
If you want to add some extra flair to your gele, you can also create a fan at the top of the gele.
To do this, fold the top of the triangle down towards the middle of the gele, creating a fan shape. Then, fold the sides of the fan inwards and secure it in place with bobby pins.
Remember, practice makes perfect! With a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and intricate gele styles in no time.
9. How to secure the Gele in place
Once you have tied the Gele in the desired style, it’s important to secure it in place to prevent it from falling or slipping off.
To do this, take the end of the Gele that is hanging down and tuck it underneath the Gele at the back of your head. You can use bobby pins to secure the Gele in place.
First, insert a bobby pin through the Gele and into the hair at the back of your head. Then, take another bobby pin and insert it through the Gele and into the hair at the front of your head.
Make sure to insert the bobby pin in a diagonal direction to ensure that it secures the Gele in place.
Repeat this process with as many bobby pins as you need to keep the Gele secure. Be sure to position the pins where they are not visible to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the Gele.
It’s important to note that the Gele should not be too tight, as this can cause discomfort and headaches.
To avoid this, ensure that the Gele is tied firmly but not too tightly. With these tips, you can tie a Gele that looks beautiful and stays in place all day long.
10. Common mistakes to avoid when tying a Gele
Tying a Gele is a beautiful and intricate art that requires patience, practice, and precision. However, even the most experienced Gele wearer can make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when tying a Gele.
The first mistake is not properly preparing your hair. Your hair should be neatly styled and out of the way before tying your Gele. Failure to do this can lead to an uneven and sloppy looking Gele.
Another common mistake is not using enough fabric. If you don’t use enough fabric, your Gele will be too small, and it won’t have the desired height and fullness.
Using the wrong fabric is another mistake to avoid. You should always use a fabric that is stiff enough to hold the shape of the Gele. Using a fabric that is too soft or thin will result in a droopy and unflattering Gele.
Another mistake is tying your Gele too tightly. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to headaches and migraines. Make sure to tie your Gele snugly but not too tight.
Not taking the time to properly adjust and shape your Gele is another common mistake. Take the time to adjust the fabric and shape it to your desired style before securing it.
Lastly, rushing is the biggest mistake you can make when tying a Gele.
Take your time, be patient, and don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t come out perfectly on the first try. With practice and persistence, you’ll be tying the perfect Gele in no time.
We hope you enjoyed our blog post about tying the perfect gele.
We know that geles are an essential part of African fashion, and mastering the art of tying a perfect gele can sometimes be daunting.
However, with the 10 simple steps we’ve provided, you can become an expert in no time!
Don’t forget to experiment with different fabrics and colors to create the perfect look for your next event.
Thank you for reading, and happy gele tying!