PRETTY PROTECTIVE

Here's How to Make a Face Mask With a Bandana and Hair Ties

Plus, a selection of bandanas that perfect for creating a no-sew face covering that follows CDC recommendations.
Woman in bandana face mask outdoors
Getty Images

This story is part of our Self-Care Is Essential project exploring the simple power of caring for yourself.

As the world continues to navigate the best path to reducing the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been regularly updating its recommendations. Previously, the CDC said it was not necessary for people to wear a face mask to cover their nose and mouth when out in public and now they recommend wearing one, in addition to practicing social distancing.

In light of new evidence that shows asymptomatic carriers may still be able to spread coronavirus without knowing they have it, the CDC's site states that it "recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission." While there is currently little to no evidence that cloth masks do much to protect the wearer against exposure to someone else's germs, the "CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure."

Many people with sewing skills have started making masks for themselves, family, friends, and essential workers using a number of patterns that have popped up online, including on the CDC's own website. But for those who don't sew and don't know someone who does, there are several tutorials on social media that share how to turn a bandana — the CDC recommends "tightly woven cotton" — into a face mask with some folding and the clever use of hair ties to keep it secured behind the ears. The tutorial on the CDC's website also advises folding a coffee filter into the center of the folded bandana for additional effectiveness.

Check out this how-to from hairstylist Bridget Brager:

Instagram content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

If you don't have a bandana or a similarly sized scarf and you'd prefer not to cut up a shirt or dress into the recommended 20 inches by 20 inches, you will find that quite a few online retailers have some fantastic woven-cotton bandanas currently available. We've rounded up a few of our favorites that you can use for the no-sew/hair-elastics method to create a face mask that helps you do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while still embracing your personal style — because it's okay to seek out normality and joy even (and especially) in strange and stressful situations.

Note: The CDC emphasizes that surgical masks or N-95 respirators should not currently be used by the general public. "Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for health care workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance," the website states. Additionally, according to NPR, as of April 4 during a briefing of the coronavirus task force, the White House urged people to take into consideration the importance of the next two weeks and stay at home as much as possible, including foregoing trips to the grocery store. These masks are protective measures for others during any essential runs when you absolutely have to leave the house, rather than excuses to go outside.

"The next two weeks are extraordinarily important," said Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House's coronavirus response coordinator. "This is the moment to not be going to the grocery store, not going to the pharmacy, but doing everything you can to keep your family and your friends safe and that means everybody doing the six-feet distancing, washing their hands."

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Courtesy of brand
    1/17

    Urban Outfitters Tie-Dye Paisley Stripe Bandana

    [There's something mystical and whimsical about this semi-shiny Urban Outfitters Tie-Dye Paisley Stripe Bandana. There's just under two feet of silky material to work with so it's comfortable and you can play around with how you wrap it.] REWRITE: THIS BANDANA FROM URBAN OUTFITTERS IS MADE WITH JUST UNDER TWO FEET OF SILKY MATERIAL, SO YOU CAN PLAY AROUND WITH HOW YOU WRAP IT FOR THE MOST COMFORTABLE FIT. 

    $14 (Shop Now)

  • Courtesy of brand
    2/17

    PigMintStudio Hand-Dyed Bandanas

    [Not only are no two scarfs the same from Etsy shop — the color names of PigMintStudio's Hand-Dyed Bandanas are just as fun as the vibrant tie-dyed prints. We'll take one “Summer Skies” and one “Night Owl,” please.] SUGGESTED REWRITE: TIE DYE HAS BECOME THE UNOFFICIAL PRINT OF STAYING AT HOME, AND THAT EXTENDS TO OUR FACE COVERINGS. A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THESE BANDANAS GO ARE DONATED TO THE WEST SUBURBAN COMMUNITY PANTRY IN WOODRIDGE, ILLONOIS. 

    $12 each (Shop Now)

Most Popular
  • Courtesy of brand
    3/17

    Free People Voyager Block Print Bandana

    [Wear the Free People Voyager Block Print Bandana around your face when taking a stroll, then fold it into a top for your next Zoom happy hour. There's more than enough fabric for it to double as both PPE and party attire.] I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE RECOMMENDING PEOPLE REUSE THESE, SINCE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO WASH AFTER EVERY USE. CAN YOU REWORK COPY? 

    $28 (Shop Now) 

    *Here's the lowdown on [how to subscribe to Allure's print edition](https://subscribe.allure.com/subscribe/splits/allure/ALL_Failsafe?source=EDT_ALL_SITE_TEXT_LINK_0_ContextualPlacement_ZZ) for more beauty routines, recommendations, and features.*

  • Courtesy of brand
    4/17

    Madewell Bandana

    [The patchwork print of this Madewell Bandana feels like looks like a big cozy quilt. The organic cotton fabric will feel just as comfy and snug around your face.] NEITHER OF THESE SENTENCES MAKE SENSE GRAMATICALLY — CAN YOU REWORK? FOCUS ON COTTON MATERIAL AND THE FACT THAT MADEWELL SPECIFICALLY RECOMMENDS USING THESE AS A FACE COVERING  

    $13 (Shop Now) 

Most Popular
Most Popular
  • Courtesy of brand
    7/17

    Ralph Lauren Printed Cotton Bandanna

    CAN WE CUT THIS SLIDE? I'M ALL FOR THE OCCASIONAL SPLURGE IN REGULAR PRODUCT ROUNDUPS, BUT FEELS OFF HERE WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT PPE/COVID SPECIFICALLY CONSIDERING THE CURRENT UNEMPLOYMENT RATES

    Consider this Ralph Lauren Printed Cotton Bandanna couture PPE. It's a splurge to say the least, but the prints on the Italian cotton fabric were inspired by advertising bandanas from the late 1800s.

    $125 (Shop Now) 

  • Courtesy of brand
    8/17

    Lucky Brand Gingham Bandana

    Although you'll be wearing Lucky Brand's Gingham Bandana around your face, let the black and white picnic blanket print be a reminder that we will have beach and park days again in the future.

    $23 (Shop Now)

Most Popular
  • Courtesy of brand
    9/17

    Echo Coastal Floral Bandana

    [Set against the polka dot background, the flowers on the Echo Costal Floral Bandana looks like it was hand sketched and water color painted.] FIX GRAMMAR IN THIS SENTENCE [The colorful bouquet feels like spring, even it outside says otherwise.] CUT

    $25 (Shop Now)

  • Courtesy of brand
    10/17

    Noonday Collection On the Spot Bandana

    The poppy cheetah print FABRIC that this Noonday Collection On the Spot Bandana was made [in] FROM was crafted by artisans in India. Because the fabric is soft and breathable, you'll have to hand wash this one. 

    $22 (Shop Now) SOLD OUT

Most Popular
  • Courtesy of brand
    11/17

    Talbot Bandana Floral Neckerchief

    The fringe edge around Talbot's Bandana Floral Neckerchief makes the entire scarf look like a pair of vintage jeans. The fray is reinforced so it won't unravel when you wash it. 

    $40 (Shop Now)

  • Courtesy of brand
    12/17

    REI Co-op Force of Nature Bandana

    The phrase in the center of this REI Coo-op Force of Nature Bandana pretty much sums all of us who are pushing through this whirlwind of a year.

    $8 (Shop Now)

Most Popular
Most Popular
  • Courtesy of brand
    15/17

    Fraas Zodiac Sign Scarf

    For the astrology-obsessed, these square scarves are an especially personal option. They're a reminder that you can still be yourself and enjoy color in the midst of unusual circumstances.

    $68 (Shop Now)

  • Courtesy of brand
    16/17

    Little Lark Cat Bandana

    While we're on the topic of pets, show your love for cats — and bright colors — with this hand-printed, cotton square. It's available in six colors.

    $19 (Shop Now)

Most Popular
  • Courtesy of brand
    17/17

    J.Crew Liberty Print Square Scarf

    This woven-cotton square comes in four different colorful prints, and is machine washable.

    $25 (Shop Now)

Marci Robin is a contributing editor at Allure. She previously served as senior beauty editor at GoodHousekeeping.com, executive editor of xoVain, and senior online editor at NewBeauty; her writing has also appeared in publications such as InStyle, MarthaStewart.com, and Refinery29. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree... Read more
Contributing Editor
KeywordscoronavirusCOVID-19masksbandanaaccessorieshair elastichair tieswellnesscovid 19 masks
Read More
Skin
16 Best Face Washes for Acne, According to Dermatologists
These intensive formulas target blemishes at their source.
Skin
17 Best Night Creams to Snooze Your Way to Radiant Skin
Wake up to glowing, dewy skin with these intensive moisturizers.
Skin
17 Best Face Moisturizers Allure Editors Have Ever Tested
Parched? Tight? We don't know her.
Skin
15 Best Wrinkle Creams for Plumping Fine Lines
The next best thing to (very pricey) in-office treatments.