Keep em covered...

Wearing the hijab is an empowering feeling. It allows you to proudly represent yourself as a Muslim woman, radiating confidence and strength. As Muslim women, we all aim to do our best, though we know it's not always as simple as it sounds.

How often have you heard phrases like, "Sister, your hair is showing," or "Babe, cover your curtains"? It can be frustrating because, no matter how carefully you tie your hair, those baby hairs always find a way to slip out and frame your face.

It's not the look we're going for, so I've put together a list of tips to help ensure your hair stays neatly tucked under your cap and hijab, with no escape!

1. Hair Tie

First things first. 

Obviously, a hair tie is essential to tying your hair back. However, the TYPE of hair tie plays a crucial role in how effective it'll hold your hair throughout the day. This is especially for the girlies with smoother/straight hair which tends to fall out from almost any product used to hold it together.

Material elastic bands are the more typical form of hair ties with a stronger grip. You need the ones that have give and can knot around your hair multiple times. The better quality, the better the hold.

Silk hair ties are highly recommended. As a hijabi, your more prone to losing hair than the average woman who doesn't wear the hijab if not taken care of properly. Silk is known to be gentle on the hair and although it does a great job holding all your hair, it isn't pulling on it causing hair breakage.

2. Hairstyle

Once you’ve figured out what hair tie to use, ensure the way you tie your hair is in the most effective way possible. This means the way it is tied back and in a manner that won’t cause the hair tie to loosen, thus giving leeway for your hair to drop mid way throughout the day.

This applies to all hair types and most lengths (obviously this is excluding the girls with shorter hair and can’t tie it up). Tie your hair in a pony tail at the crown of your head, using one hair tie. Then, using another hair tie, wrap it around the ponytail, this time creating a loop at the last knot.

Believe me when I say I’ve tried multiple methods prior to this, and this is the most effective way to keeping your hair in place under the hijab. The ponytail loop allows for the hair to breathe instead of being in a tight bun.

It’s also a lot more comfortable when you have your head rested against a hard surface, i.e. car head rest, couch, etc. Your hair also stays in place, whereas in a bun it starts to shift positions and end up looking like a cone.

The video below demonstrates a great example of how to tie your hair in your hijab for a long lasting and effective method.

3. Hair Products

Before watching Sofia Richie's infamous sleek bun hair tutorial, I would only be recommending hair spray to keep your hair in place for a long lasting, all-day hijab day. Now this is something I still do, BUT only for an event where I know my hair will be in the hijab all day long and I don't want it to keep moving around or start making an appearance on my face.

However, since watching the video I have been inspired to adopt some methods Sofia uses and can say that they work just as well and are even healthier for your hair. Wearing the hijab can lead to troubles in the future if not taken care of properly.

Hair and scalp massages, hair oiling and hair treatments should be essential in any hijabi girls routine to ensure luscious, healthy hair. 

In saying so, by using hair oils to tame your hair in your hijab rather than hairspray will provide long lasting results by both keeping your hair in place as well as keeping it hydrated. This prevents the chances of hair loss or a receding hairline.

I would still recommend using hairspray of the highest quality and with ingredients that work with your hair rather than against it if you do have a whole day event such as a wedding, engagement party, etc.

4. Hijab Undercap

This is absolutely necessary if you plan on covering your hair from every angle. They come in many different sizes, materials and colours. The most important part is to ensure the hijab undercap that you’re wearing is fit to size. If it’s too big on you, it’ll slip. If it’s too small, it’ll pull on your head and hair, causing headaches and discomfort.

You want to ensure you have one that fits perfectly, and can be adjustable to your head size. I like to use a safety pin at the back of the hijab undercap to tighten if necessary.

Some hijab caps come with an elastic band at the bottom to cater to different head sizes, whereas others can be adjusted with a tie. It just depends on preference. They also have hijab undercaps that come with a silk lining to promote healthy hair.

Ladies who wear hijab, especially over a long period of time can experience hair loss, receding hairlines and weakness in hair overall. A silk-lined hijab undercap is a great option to ensure you’re looking after your hair while ensuring it's covered.

Wearing the hijab truly is a beautiful thing, and learning how to wear it in the best way possible is something we all strive for. For the girls who’ve yet to wear it, Insh'Allah one day you will be ready to take on this beautiful journey. 

May Allah (swt) protect you all and guide you towards the light.

Lots of Love ♡