With the overcast skies of the retreating monsoon giving way to a hot, unforgiving sun, experts are recommending covering your hair when you step out to help protect your strands from damage. And what better way to do that than to tap into one of fashion’s most classic trends — head scarves. “From casual to elegant, head scarves can be styled with a variety of looks. In fact, the right scarf can instantly up the style stakes of even the most basic outfit by lending a vintage, bohemian vibe,” explains fashion stylist Mitali Ambekar.

The basics

There are various ways to style hair scarves, depending on your mood, outfit and whether or not you’re having a bad hair day. “Square head scarves are the easiest to work with for a variety of hairdos. However, make sure your scarf is big enough to accommodate your chosen style. If you want it to cover all or most of your head, it should be at least 28 by 28 inches. Rectangular head scarves are not as versatile but can come handy if you like a longer drape or prefer a full head-wrap or turban,” Ambekar suggests.