So fortunate to have been surrounded by very supportive group of Hijab friends, giving very useful Hijab tips, be it real life friends or online ones. Here, I would very much to share some of those tips. May you find them useful and resourceful as I have.
Tips are not mine.
Some tips have been credited.
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1) Some of the shawls styles worn according to the face shapes
There are different ways to wear a hijab and you have probably tried them all out by now. But a less known fact is that certain hijab styles go better with certain face shapes
THE SQUARE FACE
People with square faces should not wear a tight style pulled right back under their chin that leaves their square jaw jutting out. It just makes your jawline look even more masculine. The typical Turkish style hijab that involves A SQAURE scarf pinned tightly under the chin and covers the sides of the top of your head looks horrible on square faced women as it turns their face into a heavy triangle. It seriously just pushes out a square jaw and loses all femininity instantly. Instead frame your chin and the sides of your jawline with a nice scarf to give a more rounded/oval appearance and keep the forehead and cheekbone area uncovered.
THE ROUND FACE
Women with round faces should not wear undercaps/underscarves/bonnets that are pulled down over their forehead as it shortens a round face incredibly. Round faces need length, so if you do wear an undercap you need have it hidden. I have a round face and I always make my hijab start at the very beginning of my hairline - try it, it will make use of the length you have. By doing this and by also framing the scarf close over the cheekbone area of your face, you can create the illusion of an oval shape.
Round faces should also avoid the Egyptian/Spanish hijab styles that expose the neck, especially if you have a double chin or chubby face i general (no matter what your face shape). It doesn't flatter at all and just makes you look like a fatty turtle head as it puts the focus straight on any chunkiness you have in that area. These styles only really look good on people who have a slender neck. Short necked people in general should stay away from this particular style as well.
THE LONG RECTANGULAR FACE
If you have a long/rectangular face do not opt for a style that clings tightly around your face as it only emphasises your elongated head. Instead you can try shortening the length by pulling your undercap down your forehead so it cuts at least a quarter of the length off your face. Expose your cheekbones as far back as you can to create some much needed width to your face while also choosing hijabs with ruffles and volume/detailing at the sides of your head to further create an illusion of width. Don't add volume to the top of your head or expose your neck as this only extends the length of your face and drags it down. And whatever you do, don't wear an Al-Amira pull on type scarf. EVER.
THE HEART TRIANGULAR FACE
Heart/Triangle shaped faces look great in looser hijab styles. A tightly wrapped hijab, specifically focused on the top half of the head, only emphasis your larger forehead area, so try to keep it draped in a loose effect by creating gentle folds around this area that fall down loosely around your jawline whilst covering the sides of your forehead to minimise the space and create a more pleasing diamond shaped face.
THE OVAL FACE
Oval faces (being the most symmetric of all face shapes) will 99.9% of the time suit all hijab styles and can work pretty much any scarf shape out there.
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2) Pinwheels and Pincushions
Always carry Berry headed pinwheels and pincushion in your bag. Make sure they are easily accessed and well-organised. Throw away spoilt or rusty pins as they can damage your shawls. Always stock your pins, as we all have the habit of misplacing them after use. You may use magnets to pick up the pins.
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3) Hijab slip ons
For the modern career busy women, wrapping a scarf around the head may not be the best solution especially if we are running late for office.
A such, in order to cut time, and to look elegant at the same time, wearing a hijab slip-on is very practical and convenient.
It provides instant coverage to the head, neck, shoulders and chest without any frills and frivolities.
There is no need to keep re-pinning or re-wrapping, thus saving time. In addition, they are even more affordable than the fancy beaded or embroidered tudungs and ensure that you go about your work looking neat and composed.
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4)First few steps in wearing a Hijab
- Once you decide on embarking on the Hijab journey, try to know yourself, what kind of person your are, how do you want to portray and express yourself to others, how do you want other people to look at you when you are wearing a Hijab.
- Go to the malls and retail outlets selling the almost limitless Hijab outfits and scarves. Recce the prices, feel the material texture and visualise what kind of Hijab woman do you want to be.
- Be around people with Hijab, who can encourage and advise you on anything that's Hijab's related. Get their tips on Hijab fashion and ways to dress yourself creatively in relation to your personality.
- The Internet is the best tool to look out for Hijab ideas and fashion, and many ways to wear your Hijab and scarves. Tutorials are everywhere, watch them, learn.
- Stock yourself with lots of accessories, scarves and matching Hijab outfits for any kind of occasions, etc. wedding, casual, office.
- Practice, practice, practice, and feel good for yourself. After all, every Hijab woman is beautiful.
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5) How to tie a simple Hijab
Hijabs can be elegant and beautiful. Although there are many ways to wear the hijab, the following instructions are for one of the most simple and widely used hijab styles.
1. Place a large scarf, shawl or pashmina (about 4 feet in length) over the top of your head. Leave one side hanging longer than the other.
2. Hold the front ends of the scarf level with your neck and pull them together behind your neck until they meet.
3. Without letting go of the two edges of the scarf, use a safety pin to connect them snugly yet comfortably behind your neck.
4. Taking hold of the end of the longer side of the scarf, wrap it under your chin and then over your head, flipping the rest of it to the other side of your head so that it hangs just past shoulder level.
1. Place a large scarf, shawl or pashmina (about 4 feet in length) over the top of your head. Leave one side hanging longer than the other.
2. Hold the front ends of the scarf level with your neck and pull them together behind your neck until they meet.
3. Without letting go of the two edges of the scarf, use a safety pin to connect them snugly yet comfortably behind your neck.
4. Taking hold of the end of the longer side of the scarf, wrap it under your chin and then over your head, flipping the rest of it to the other side of your head so that it hangs just past shoulder level.
5. Connect the part of the scarf that you have brought over the top of the head to the part of the scarf that is wrapped around the neck using a pin.
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6) HIJAB HAIR CARE
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Wearing a hijab can often make you oblivious in context to your hair, frequently resulting in no-tolerance mane management. You rise and shine when the suns up, get dressed, tie your hair in a bun in a flurry and uptight, wear the hijab super-quick and are all set to face the world. Now here’s what happens when you turn oblivious to all that might be happening underneath the headscarf, while you are busy working away outside your personal space:
1) Due to lack of oxygen under your hijab, the hair tends to get greasy and lacks vital nutrients, which tend to make your hair break easily.
2) If you are heat prone, sweating is another common problem with having hair tucked in for too long.
3) You could lose volume and have your hair dry and limp, when covered for a fairly long time.
The good news is, there are solutions to these little hitches and we guarantee they’d work wonders if implemented. Here are some effective tips and remedies for hair care under hijab:
1) Let those gorgeous hair breathe:
Get into a habit of letting your hair free in a private solo space, even if it’s just the bathroom. Just open your headscarf, brush your hair gently, before you pray and let the oxygen in. If you’re someone who can’t stand hair in your face, use a headband, or clip the front of your hair up, let it down and allow it to breathe as often as you can.
2) Be the masseuse for your hair:
Massage your scalp frequently. This helps improve blood circulation around the scalp area, which is vital for ensuring optimum hair growth. Spend few minutes of your time daily in a massage like this and you will truly notice hair that is remarkably strong from the roots within. A good time to massage is post shower.
Here’s how:
- With your finger-tips (not your nails), start from the forehead on both sides and massage gently.
- Applying sufficient pressure, massage the area with your fingers in a circular motion for about a minute.
- Continue this towards the top part of your scalp, until the back
This technique also enhances and uplifts the mood, thanks to the endorphins and serotonin released during the massage.
3) Just let it dry naturally:
Never put your hijab on while your hair is wet. Give it time to dry very naturally. But if you are in a rush, blow-dry your hair only after using a heat protectant product to keep your hair healthy and avoid breakage.
4) Hair Mask should be in your closet for sure!
You need to have a hair mask for certain in your bathroom closet. Apply it once a week, to keep mane healthy and to add shine.
5) Power of H2O
Absolutely nothing beats the power of nature in the form of water. Drink a well of water everyday to lock moisture. Make that a habit for life.
6) Eat healthy
The key to healthy hair is in your diet as well: Foods such as Salmon, Legumes, Nuts, Eggs, Wholegrain, Lots of vegetables (especially carrots) is the name of the mane game.
7) Keep your bonnet/inner/underscarf loose:
This would give some air circulation on your head scalp. And it’s better to use inner from natural fibers, such as cotton. Even better, organic cotton.
8) Keep your ponytail or bun loose:
If you braid or tie your hair into a ponytail or bun under your headscarf, keep it loose, so it won’t draw your hair.
9) Choose a shampoo that is appropriate to the character of your hair:
There are Halal conscious and Hijab special shampoos available in the market these days. Even if you aren’t able to find these shampoos or hair care products, choose those that tend to match your hair characteristics.
10) Avoid wearing the hijab on your hair while wet..
because it will increase the moisture content of hair that will cause instant fall out. And when wet, dampness will cause odor.
11) Oiling can make a world of difference…
in maintaining the life of your mane. Essentials oils you could use (atleast twice or thrice a week), are almond, rosemary herbal, coconut, argan and olive. Use any one or mix all – whatever you prefer.
Wearing a headscarf should not stop you from ensuring hair care under hijab, on a daily basis. As a gift from Allah (SWT), we’re obligated to take care of what we’ve been blessed with. Regular care is all you need and you’ll have beautiful hair for the longest, ever.. insha’Allah!