How to Tie Gele Without Stress: Easy Tips for First-Timers

In Nigeria and across Africa, fashion is tied to culture, heritage, and identity. One of the most iconic pieces in traditional fashion is the GELE, a colorful, often elaborate head tie worn by women for weddings, parties, and cultural events. A gele is a crown that speaks volumes about elegance, pride, and celebration.

For many beginners, however, tying a gele can feel hard especially with all the folding, pleating, and arranging, it looks like a skill reserved for professionals. But you can learn to tie your own gele with patience, practice, and a few simple steps.

What is a Gele?

A gele is a traditional Nigerian head tie made from stiff fabric like aso-oke, damask, jacquard, or ankara. It’s commonly worn at weddings, religious gatherings, and festive occasions. Beyond style, gele represents cultural pride and femininity, making it an essential part of African fashion.

Types of Gele Styles

Before learning how to tie, it helps to know the common gele styles:

• Classic Round Gele – Simple and timeless, perfect for beginners.
• Side Knot Gele – Tied with a bow or knot to one side, giving a playful look.
• Infinity Pleats Gele – Sleek and layered pleats for a neat, professional finish.
• Avant-Garde Gele – Big, bold, and dramatic styles often tied by professionals.

As a beginner, start with the classic round gele before moving on to more advanced styles.

Related Content: Stitching Together Our Past: How Fashion Can Preserve Our Cultural Heritage

What You’ll Need to Tie a Gele

To get started, you need:

• A gele fabric (preferably aso-oke or damask for structure).
• Hairpins or bobby pins to secure the gele.
• A mirror (preferably a large one so you can see both front and back).
• A scarf or headband (to hold your hair in place).

How to Prepare Your Hair

Before tying your gele, ensure your hair is neat and packed low at the back or cornrowed flat. This makes it easier to tie and ensures the gele sits properly on your head. If your hair is bulky, consider using a wig cap.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tying a Classic Gele

Step 1: Position the Fabric

• Fold the gele in half (width-wise) to make it less bulky.
• Place it at the back of your head, with one side longer than the other. The longer side will be used for pleating and wrapping.

Step 2: Cross the Ends

• Bring both ends forward and cross them over at your forehead.
• Pull tightly to secure the gele to your head. The short side should stay in place while the longer side does most of the work.

Step 3: Start Pleating

• Take the longer side and begin folding it into neat horizontal pleats.
• As you pleat, lay each fold on top of the other, working your way around the head.
• Keep your pleats firm and aligned—they’re what give the gele its elegant structure.

Step 4: Wrap Around

• Once you’ve pleated enough, wrap the longer side around your head toward the back.
• Tuck the end securely at the back with pins.

Step 5: Adjust and Style

• Stand in front of the mirror and adjust the gele to balance both sides.
• Spread out the pleats at the front so they fan beautifully across your forehead.
• Pin down any loose areas to keep the gele firm.

Beginner Tips for Tying Gele

1. Practice makes perfect – Your first gele may not look perfect, and that’s okay. The more you practice, the neater your pleats will be.
2. Start with a softer fabric – If aso-oke feels too stiff, try ankara fabric first—it’s easier to handle.
3. Don’t tie too tight – While you want the gele secure, tying it too tightly can cause headaches. Comfort is key.
4. Watch tutorials – Combine written steps with video tutorials for visual guidance.
5. Experiment – Once you master the classic round gele, try side knots, rose gele, or layered pleats.

When to Wear a Gele

• Weddings – Whether as a bride or guest, gele is a must-have.
• Religious Celebrations – Commonly worn during church, mosque, or traditional festivals.
• Cultural Events (Owambe) – Gele completes the festive look when paired with aso-ebi.
• Fashion Statements – Even outside Nigeria, gele has become a global symbol of African beauty.

Tying a gele may seem like an art reserved for experts, but with patience and practice, anyone can learn. Start small, stick to simple pleats, and gradually advance to more elaborate styles. Remember that your gele is a statement of confidence, culture, and celebration.

So the next time you’re invited to an owambe, don’t shy away from tying your own gele. You might just surprise yourself and steal the show.