How to Make a Tipare or Headband by Catherine Brown Headbands (known as tipare in the North Island, and kopare in the South Island) may be made quickly from a variety of materials. Flax is most commonly used, although houhi (lacebark), kiekie and pingao are all popular when available. Flax is improved by being softened before use; this is done by pulling it against the back of a knife or a shell. To make a headband, prepare six strips of softened flax of equal width. Taking two strips, bend one over the other to form a V as indicated. Do not bend the flax exactly in the middle, or place it in the middle of the second strip; if this were done, all the joins would later be together. The left bottom strip bends up over one piece to lie inside the original V. Now take the right strip and bend it up under one and over one. so that it lies parallel with the strip on the left.