How To Style A Gele In Nigeria

Gele is more than just a headwrap in Nigeria; it is a symbol of elegance, tradition, and identity. Whether you're attending a wedding, religious ceremony, or any other special event, wearing a beautifully tied gele is often the finishing touch that elevates your outfit. For Nigerian women, especially among the Yoruba, Igbo, and other ethnic groups, gele is a fashion statement, an embodiment of cultural pride, and an accessory that brings confidence and grace to any attire.

Styling a gele might seem like an overwhelming task at first, especially for beginners, but with a little patience and practice, you can master the art of tying this traditional headwrap. This blog post will guide you through the basics of selecting, styling, and securing your gele, so you can confidently wear this beautiful accessory.

The Importance of Gele in Nigerian Culture

Before diving into the details of how to style a gele, it’s important to appreciate its cultural significance. Gele is worn mostly by Nigerian women during significant events like weddings, engagement ceremonies (also known as traditional weddings), religious services, and cultural festivals. The headwrap not only adds beauty to traditional attire, such as aso-ebi (coordinated group attire) and iro and buba (Yoruba traditional outfit), but it also represents the elegance and status of the wearer.

The color, size, and fabric of the gele can convey different messages. For instance:

• Color: Bright, bold colors like gold, red, and blue often indicate celebration, while softer tones might be worn to more somber events.
• Fabric: Luxurious fabrics such as aso-oke, damask, or segmented ankara are commonly used for gele. These fabrics can vary in texture, stiffness, and pliability, influencing how the gele is styled.
• Size: The size of the gele is symbolic of the prominence of the occasion. Larger, more elaborate geles are often worn for weddings and prestigious events, while simpler styles may be worn to church or casual outings.

Types of Gele Fabrics

Before you begin tying your gele, it’s essential to understand the different fabrics used to make them. Some fabrics are easier to manipulate than others, so knowing which material you’re working with can make styling more manageable.

1. Aso-Oke Gele: Aso-oke is a hand-woven fabric traditionally made by the Yoruba people. It’s stiff and heavy, making it ideal for more elaborate and structured gele styles. Aso-oke often has a rich, metallic finish and is popular for weddings and important ceremonies.

2. Sego Gele: Known for its stiffness, sego gele is similar to aso-oke but is made of a blend of metallic fibers and polyester. Its stiff nature allows for dramatic folds and angles, making it perfect for those who want a more prominent look.

3. Ankara Gele: Ankara, a popular wax print fabric in Africa, is softer and easier to manipulate than aso-oke or sego. Ankara geles can be styled in a more casual, relaxed manner, but they can still be structured with multiple layers for a formal appearance.

4. Damask Gele: Damask fabric is slightly less stiff than sego or aso-oke, and it has a luxurious sheen. It’s often used for formal events and can be styled into more intricate designs due to its flexibility.

5. Satin Gele: Satin is a smooth, soft fabric with a shiny finish. Satin gele is delicate and requires a more skillful touch to achieve a structured look, but it offers a softer, more feminine aesthetic.

Tools You’ll Need to Tie a Gele

Styling a gele requires a few basic tools to help you achieve the perfect look. Here’s a list of essential items:

• A Long Piece of Gele Fabric: Choose a fabric that is long and wide enough to wrap around your head multiple times.
• Hairpins or Bobby Pins: These are helpful for securing your gele and keeping it in place.
• Hair Gel (Optional): To keep your edges smooth and neat, apply hair gel or edge control before tying your gele.
• Mirror: A full-length or handheld mirror will help you monitor your progress as you tie the gele.

How to Tie a Classic Gele

The classic gele style is one of the most popular and elegant ways to wear this traditional headwrap. It’s known for its structured, layered appearance, which creates a regal crown-like effect. Follow the steps below to achieve this look.

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair

Before you begin, ensure that your hair is pulled back into a low bun or tightly braided. This creates a smooth base for the gele and ensures that the wrap stays securely in place. If you have natural hair, you can use edge control or gel to smooth your edges for a sleek finish.

Step 2: Fold the Gele

Take your gele fabric and fold about one-third of the width inwards. This fold will create a clean edge that frames your face when you begin wrapping. The length of the gele should extend evenly on both sides.

Step 3: Position the Gele

Place the gele at the back of your head, making sure the folded edge is at the front. Bring the ends of the gele forward so they sit over your ears, and hold the two ends in front of your face. One side should be longer than the other by about 30–40 cm.

Step 4: Begin Wrapping

With the shorter end in your left hand and the longer end in your right, take the shorter end and wrap it around your head tightly, pulling it towards the back. Hold the shorter end in place at the nape of your neck while using the longer end to continue wrapping.

Step 5: Create Pleats

As you wrap the longer end of the gele around your head, begin to form pleats. Use your fingers to pinch the fabric and create neat folds as you work your way around. The pleats should sit on top of one another, creating a layered effect. Pleats add volume and structure to your gele, giving it the iconic shape.

Step 6: Secure the Gaps

Once you’ve wrapped the longer end around your head and created pleats, tuck the remaining fabric securely under the folds at the back. You can use bobby pins to keep everything in place, ensuring that the gele doesn’t unravel.

Step 7: Adjust and Fluff

Now that your gele is tied, stand in front of a mirror and adjust the pleats to your liking. You can widen the folds for a fuller look or keep them close for a more structured appearance. Fluff out the top of the gele to add height and give it a crown-like effect.

Step 8: Final Touches

Tuck in any loose ends and ensure that the gele is comfortable and secure. You can use extra bobby pins to fasten any areas that feel loose. Make sure the gele frames your face neatly, highlighting your features.

Additional Gele Styles

While the classic gele is timeless and popular, there are other styles you can experiment with depending on your personal taste and the occasion.

1. Side Sweep Gele

This style is similar to the classic gele but with a twist. Instead of creating pleats evenly around the head, you focus the pleats on one side, giving the gele a sweeping, asymmetrical look.

2. Fan Gele

The fan gele is a more elaborate style that requires skill to achieve. The pleats are arranged in a fan-like pattern at the top of the head, giving the gele a dramatic flair. This style is perfect for weddings and high-profile events.

3. Infinity Gele

This style has gained popularity in recent years, especially at weddings. The infinity gele is tied in such a way that it creates an endless loop of fabric, with multiple layers forming a circular pattern. It’s a stunning, eye-catching style that adds a unique twist to the traditional gele.

4. Turban Gele

For a more casual or modern look, the turban gele is a great option. It’s simpler to tie and has a sleek, minimalistic appearance. This style works well with softer fabrics like satin or Ankara and is often worn to less formal events or religious gatherings.

Tips for Styling the Perfect Gele

• Practice Makes Perfect: Tying a gele can be tricky at first, but with regular practice, you’ll become more comfortable with the process. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect—just keep practicing.

• Choose the Right Fabric: Some fabrics are easier to manipulate than others. If you’re a beginner, start with a more pliable fabric like Ankara before moving on to stiffer materials like aso-oke or sego.

• Use Accessories: You can elevate your gele by adding brooches, beads, or decorative pins for an extra touch of glamour.

• Consult a Professional: If you're preparing for a significant event like a wedding, you may want to visit a professional gele stylist. They can create intricate designs that are difficult to achieve at home.

Conclusion

Gele is more than just a headwrap in Nigeria—it’s a powerful symbol of tradition, beauty, and cultural pride. Whether you’re attending a wedding, religious event, or special celebration, learning how to style a gele will not only enhance your appearance but also connect you to the rich history of Nigerian fashion.

By following this step-by-step guide and practicing different techniques, you can confidently tie your own gele and stand out in any crowd. With the right fabric, a little patience, and creativity, you’ll be able to master the art of gele styling in no time.