Are you someone who wants to know how to wear a hijab or wants to step up your hijab look?
Look no more, as a Muslim mother who’s had multiple hijab phases in my life and teaching my daughters how to wear hijab, I have the experience to take you on a journey of self-expression and confidence.
We all know that wearing a hijab is a deeply personal choice, and getting it right can be tricky. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
By the end of this post, you’ll have the knowledge and tips you need to not only wear your hijab properly but also make a bold fashion statement in any style.
You’ll radiate confidence in every step you take. So, if you’re ready to elevate your hijab game, let’s dive in and discover the art of wearing a hijab correctly, all while keeping it comfortable and stylish.
Your journey to hijab perfection starts now!
What is a Hijab?
Basically, a hijab is the covering scarf, cloth (or any material) that covers the hair part of a Muslim woman’s head.
A hijab’s main purpose is to cover the hair, it can be in any shape and form, in different colors and styles. It’s a form of modesty and submission to God’s will. Wearing a hijab is also a choice that many Muslim women make to identify themselves as followers of Islam.
Why wear a Hijab?
Hijabs are worn by Muslim women to show their faith in their religion (Islam). There can be many reasons one might wear a hijab, but the sentence before is the base of it all, it is to follow one of the rules of the religion.
With that being said, some Muslim women choose not to wear hijab and some younger girls are questioning the importance of wearing a hijab, but this doesn’t mean they are unfaithful to Islam.
This is a rather wide and in-depth topic to be discussing, but just know that Islam is not a forcing religion, it is a very understanding religion that allows forgiveness in some situations.
Types of Hijabs
Depending on where you live, your hijab style may vary differently, some countries are more strict with how much they cover themselves and some are much looser, some like to wear them just for the sake of covering their hair and some like to style them even more, adding colors and pins to their hijabs. The materials of the hijabs are also different.
Here are the types of hijabs:
- Hijab – the general covering term.
- Niqab – a type of hijab that covers the face, leaving only the eyes exposed.
- Burka – a long and loose garment covering the entire body from head to toe.
- Abaya – another loose-fitting garment worn over clothing for full coverage.
- Chador – similar to an abaya but with no sleeves, it is worn over other garments like a dress.
- Shayla – a rectangular scarf that is draped over the head and pinned under the chin.
- Al-Amira – a two-piece hijab with a cap or tube-like shape that covers the head, similar to the shay
The Basics of How to Wear a Hijab
The basics of wearing a hijab are to cover the hair on the head and neck area, leaving the face exposed. Here are different styles you can wear a hijab correctly:
The One Step Hijab
Source: Pexels
If you’re a beginner, this style is probably the easiest one to go for! It might not be as stylish as some of the others on the list, but hey! it does the job and that’s great. It is just a one-piece covering hijab.
Steps to wear this hijab (you don’t need the tutorial for this hijab honestly):
- Put on a small inner cap to keep your hair in place (some might not need it).
- Like putting on a T-shirt, put your head through the scarf and adjust it until it stays put on your head.
I think with how many Muslim women have come to the fashion industry these days, companies have started making more stylish-looking designs for these hijabs, so you don’t need to worry about falling behind in fashion! Moreover, this is the type of hijab that has been used by Muslim athletes, sports companies like Nike and Adidas have published sport hijab with simple designs and easy applications like this.
The Trendy Layers
Source: Bokitta
This next hijab style is probably the most popular hijab style to be worn by many women. There are many styles that can be made and customized with layer hijab. I remember when I first started wearing this style, it looked so complicated and confusing to me because of how many folds and pins were used when I watched video tutorials. But as I grew, I started exploring the different styles and discovered how flexible and customizable the style is.
It is impossible for me to fit in all the hijab trends out there in this section, so I’ll include one that has been consistently my favorite, simple and stylish for everyone:
What you’ll need:
- One Chiffon scarf (or any other material of your choice).
- Inner cap.
- 1 safety pin.
- 2 needles.
Steps to wear this hijab:
- Put on an inner cap to hold your hair. They are great time saving hair tips for hijabis.
- Take the chiffon scarf and put it on your head horizontally, let it fall on both sides of your face.
- Pull so that one side is about a finger shorter than the other side.
- Adjust the scarf to the shape of your face and pin it at the bottom of your chin with a safety pin.
- Take the longer side of the scarf and wrap it around your head, making sure it is wrapped tightly and neatly.
- Pin with needles at both sides of the head to secure the scarf wrap in place, you may use more needles to secure it more (be careful with the sharp needles!).
- Now just adjust the scarfs around the shoulder and neck according to your liking, you may put more safety pins to ensure it doesn’t move around.
You can go ahead and follow the trends but you can also start a new trend for yourself where you can choose the length and coverage, and many more.
The Everyday Loose Style
Source: Pexels
This is probably the most casual and simple hijab style to wear. It doesn’t require any pins or folds, just a scarf that is wrapped around your head loosely, it gives a bit of coverage but not too much.
What you’ll need:
- 1 rectangular scarf.
- Inner cap.
Steps to wear this hijab:
- Put on an inner cap to hold your hair, it is important to keep the inner cap in place so that the scarf doesn’t slip off.
- Place the rectangular scarf on your head horizontally with both sides the same length.
- You can use needles to secure it more on your head.
- Take both ends and wrap your neck, for example, the left side wraps the right side of the neck and the right side wraps the left side of the neck.
- Now you are done, OR, you can tie the ends at the back of your neck.
- Tuck in any loose ends and adjust accordingly.
This hijab style is great for everyday wear as it gives a bit of coverage but also allows for some air to flow through, perfect for warm weather.
Conclusion
Hijabs are not just a piece of cloth that covers the head, it is a cultural and religious symbol for Muslim women. With so many different styles and ways to wear them, it allows for self-expression while still adhering to modesty. Whether you choose to follow the trends or create your own unique style, hijabs give women the opportunity to showcase their individuality and identity. There are just so many fashions and styles you can adjust your hijab to, even green cargo pants!
So go ahead, experiment, and have fun with your hijab! Also, remember that hijabs are not just limited to Muslim women, anyone can wear them as a fashion statement or for cultural reasons. Let’s embrace diversity and inclusivity in the world of fashion!
FAQ
What is the significance of wearing a hijab?
Wearing a hijab is a personal and religious choice for many Muslim women. It symbolizes modesty, privacy, and adherence to their faith.
How do I choose the right fabric for my hijab?
Consider the weather and occasion. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon are great for summer, while warmer options like jersey work well in colder months.
What are the essential hijab accessories for a comfortable fit?
Invest in undercaps, hijab pins, and magnetic clips to secure your hijab and keep it in place throughout the day.
Are there different styles of wearing a hijab, and how do I choose the right one?
Yes, there are various hijab styles like the square, rectangular, and turban styles. Choose one that suits your face shape and personal style.
How can I prevent my hijab from slipping or sliding off my head?
Make sure your undercap or under scarf is snug, and use hijab pins strategically to keep your hijab secure. You can also try using a non-slip hijab cap.
Can I wear a hijab with different outfits and still look fashionable?
Absolutely! Hijabs come in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to coordinate them with your outfits and create stylish looks.
What is the proper way to care for and wash my hijabs?
Hand washing or using a gentle cycle in a mesh bag is best to preserve the fabric and colors. Avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners.
