Wearing the hijab is a beautiful feeling. Showcasing to the world that you’re a Muslim woman with such pride, shines in the brightest light. And as Muslim women, we all strive to do the best we can. However, sometimes it’s easier said than done.
How many times have you heard “sister, your hair is showing” or “babe, cover your curtains”. That’s what my husband tells me. It gets frustrating because no matter how you tie your hair, baby hairs somehow make their way through your hijab cap, and framing your face.
It isn’t a cute look, therefore I’ve compiled a list of actions you can take to ensure your hair is elegantly placed under your cap and hijab, with no way out.
1. Hair Tie
First things first. Your hair tie will determine the longevity of having your hair held back all day. The weaker the hair tie, the more likely you’ll have hair greeting your face throughout the day.
Try opting for an elastic hair tie. Not the clear/plastic elastic ones. Otherwise you’ll be pulling out all your hair. But the ones that are covered in elastic band material. There are also some hair ties that are elastic at the base but concealed with a silk material. They’re good if they don’t loosen at the very first use.
You want to ensure the hair tie you’re using is strong enough to hold back your hair without causing too much damage. Sometimes, using multiple hair ties may be necessary so it doesn’t loosen your hair.
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 allowing your hair to drop mid way through your day.
This applied 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. Your hair should look like the image below.
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 bun. It’s also a lot more comfortable when you have your hair 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.
3. Hairspray
This applies to all hair types, however mostly for the girls with soft or straight hair. The only way you can tame them hairs from framing your face under the hijab is by using hairspray or its alternatives. This includes gel, wax, mousse, pomade and styling clay.
Personally, this is an approach I take ONLY if I have an event, or know I’ll be out of the house all day and want to look in my proper form without any mishaps. It’s also the only method hijab stylists use when getting hijabi girls ready for an event. And that’s because it works.
Try opting for the products with less damaging qualities, and only apply this approach during times you most need. I wouldn’t do this everyday as it could potentially harm your hair.
4. Underscarf/Cap
This is absolutely necessary if you plan on covering your hair from every angle. They come in many different sizes, materials and colours. Most important part is to ensure the underscore/cap 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 underscarf/cap to tighten if necessary.
Some underscarf/caps come with an elastic band at the bottom to cater to different head sizes, whereas others can be tied. It just depends on preference. They also have underscarf/caps 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 underscarf/cap 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,
All Glamorous x
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