Hair care for hijabis: Experts offer their top tips

Photo: frantic00 / Shutterstock.com

The hijab is a mark of identity that many Muslim women wear with pride. While the fabrics, colours, and styles of the hijab can create a great look, the hair underneath is sometimes ignored. If you want to keep your hair healthy and lustrous, your hijab doesn’t need to get in the way of that.

We’ve got some on-point tips and tricks for you to keep your hair healthy and lustrous, both under the hijab and when you take it off.

STYLING

“You need to choose a style based on how you wear the hijab, keeping in mind that the hijab will alter the hairstyle,” Hajar Aarab of Belle Femme told My Salaam. Hajar is the go-to stylist for designer Lamya Abedin, who swears by her skills at giving her a new look.

If you’re going for curls for special occasions, make sure you cover your head with a hairnet before leaving the salon wearing the hijab. This will help your curls last longer. “I recommend using a volumiser on the roots, because usually the roots tend to become flat from wearing the hijab,” said Karima Hassan Dehmani of Belle Femme.

The BlowOut Bar’s Meerim Zhumabaeva advocates mixing up your hair styles. “Many ladies wear a ponytail or bun under their hijabs because they are easy and keep the hair neat. The key to avoiding hair breakage is to switch up the styles from time to time. Instead of placing your ponytail in the same place each time, move the ponytail higher or lower on the head. Also try something different every once in a while, like braiding your hair, for example.”

CARE

In general, hair is hair. There are really no differences in care routines for women who wear the hijab and those who do not. “In fact, it is sometimes easier with hijabi women as most of them keep their hair short, so it’s easier to handle,” said Aarab.

Zhumabaeva’s advice is that hair should be kept loose under the hijab: “When you style a ponytail or a bun, keep it loose so you aren’t unnecessarily pulling your hair and causing stress on the hair shafts and scalp.” She also suggests using your fingertips to re-volumize your hair and massage your scalp once you are home and the hijab is off.

TIPS

If you are styling your hair for a special occasion and you want to wear the hijab on the way, make sure it’s not too tight, so the hairstyle is protected. In addition, don’t use too much spray, as the spray will only flatten the hair more under the hijab,” said Randa Bint Abdulmajid Khoms of Belle Femme.

For hair treatments, see a professional, whether it’s for trimming or for treatment. “You can also wash your hair with mineral water at the end of the shower to keep it stronger and healthier, and use a mask regularly,” Khoms added.

“Another great trick is to use dry shampoo, as it adds volume to the roots, and sea salt spray is also a good product to use (it should be applied on towel-dry hair),” said Zhumabaeva.

Climate also plays a role in maintaining your hair, so you can opt for anti-frizz and collagen products in the winter and serum and cream control products during the summer. “If you are living in a high-moisture climate, like during the monsoon season, a deep Botox treatment will help maintain your hair better,” said Dehmani.

UK-based celebrity hairstylist Asgar Saboo offered his top tips:

Don’t tie wet hair!

Tempting as it can be when you are in a rush, tying wet hair under the hijab is actually very damaging for the roots. When tied up for hours, the hair ends up drying flat against the scalp, so when you remove the hijab, your hair will be flat, tired, and limp. Make sure you factor in the time to dry your hair naturally, and try to limit use of a hairdryer.

Give the hair some TLC

Comb and trim your hair regularly to avoid split ends and brittle ends and to keep your hair fresh and neat. Oil is your greatest friend here. Mix two or three oils to create a concoction, then once every week, sit under the sun and massage your hair for 20–30 minutes to boost circulation.

Tie your hair correctly

It’s important not to tie the hair too tight or too high. This relieves excess pressure on your hair and provides breathing space for the hair to grow well. If you have silky hair or the hair on your forehead slips out easily, use an under-cap.

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