Coverage should never inspire neglect, we are to cherish our crowns of hair in and out of the hijab.
For quite some time now, the responsibility of hair care has been lost amidst our conversations about the importance of the hijab. In truth, if we have made the decision to wear the hijab, the same respect and pride should appear in our regular hair care routines. But too often, we become accustomed to coverage and place hair care routines on the backburner since after all, who is going to see what we have wrapped up in fabric all day? Such a question entirely misses the purpose of the hijab, and would be more appropriate coming from the thoughts of those who have never encountered a hijabi in their lives. For my modest sisters who have lost touch with, or simply aren’t sure how to properly care for and cover your hair, here are some tips on wrapping up (and unwrapping at home) that will be kind to your spirit, and your hair!
Style it right!
As we all know, the traditional (and most reliable!) tight buns give the security we like to feel—certain that not a single strand could possibly escape. Unfortunately, this style causes intense tension and pulling at your scalp. By the time you get home and unwind the tight style, your scalp is definitely sensitive to touch and washing out your hair will feel as though you’re poking your own bruises. Not okay! To avoid the strain on your hair that could cause hair loss, a receding hairline, and headaches, opt for a french braid or a low bun or a mixture of both; the key here is to reduce tension (so no tight pulling) and lay your hair in the natural direction of gravity.
A low bun with your hair brushed down instead of straight back, or french braids that follow your hairline are the ideal options. Trust me, your scalp will thank you later!
All fabrics are not created equal—find hair-friendly Hijabs!
As a divine token of our spiritual nature and the value of modesty, our hair deserves quality coverage. You wouldn’t wear an itchy bedsheet as a shirt all day, your hijab is no different! Just because you cannot always feel the friction building up between your hair and your hijab doesn’t mean it isn’t there—synthetic materials contain rough surfaces that scratch up against your hair, and on the warmer days when sweat is piling up under your cap and scarf, the toxic chemicals seep through the fabric and cover your scalp all day long.
Silk is by far the best option for hijab material, and that’s not just our opinion, it’s fact! Produced from the cocoons of mulberry silkworms, it is 100% organic, smooth, hypoallergenic, and thermally regulated! The silky nature glides across your hair easily and without resistance, reducing the pesky flyaways, frizz, and breakage of your delicate hair strands. Not to mention, you’ll never have to dress for the weather; silk is ideal in any climate!
Keep your caps clean!
Keeping your hijab caps and scarves clean is crucial. A single fabric covering your hair all day long is sure to collect oils, dust, dandruff, sebum, and other microscopic bacteria. Wearing the same article over and over again without proper cleaning in between can cause oil build-up making your hair greasy and your hairline overrun with acne, so remember to change out your Hijab or underscarves regularly with a clean, fully dry fabric.
Allow your scalp to breathe!
Covering your hair under a hijab all day long prevents your scalp from absorbing the nutrients, moisture, and oxygen it needs to stay vibrant and healthy. So when you get home, be intentional about giving your hair and scalp time to breathe. Pamper it with oils, conditioners, a nice scalp scrub and a gentle massage to encourage blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.
