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As a woman who wears a hijab, taking care of my hair has always felt like a sacred act of self-love. There’s something special about pouring into an aspect of your beauty that few people see—but there’s also a practical aspect to it, too.
It can be easy to convince yourself that because your hair is kept private, it requires less effort. Why spend time beautifying a part of you that is often hidden? Aside from the fact that you deserve to see yourself in your full beauty, covered hair requires more attention because it can be prone to breakage, thinning, and even traction alopecia if not cared for properly.
Here are some ways you can keep your hair lush, healthy, and nourished underneath your hijab, according to experts.
Gua Sha massages have taken over our social media feeds. And while it might be easy to discount this as just another wellness trend that’s soon to disappear, this one is backed by science and tradition. It’s also particularly important for hijabis.
According to Meriem Mahrez, a certified Trichology Hair Practitioner and founder of You Are Your Home Hijab Haircare, hours of wearing a hijab can restrict airflow and circulation to your scalp. This, in turn, deprives follicles of the oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive.
If you’re noticing that your hair looks thinner, is experiencing breakage, or has lost its shine, this is your sign to start massaging your scalp as part of your morning and evening routines. Even a few extra minutes a day can help counter any stagnation and help increase blood flow.
Using your fingers or a Gua Sha scalp comb, slowly work through your scalp in circular motions. For added benefits, add a few drops of your favourite hair oil before massaging.
They weren’t kidding when they said healthy hair begins at the scalp. Exfoliating your scalp weekly (or bi-weekly) not only helps remove product buildup, but it also improves texture, shine, encourages hair growth, and stimulates hair follicles.
Opt for a gentle exfoliator to start. The charcoal helps absorb excess oil and minimizes congestion along the scalp, while the blend of coconut, peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils helps bring in moisturizer and anti-inflammatory properties.
The fabric of your hijab and under pieces can actually have a pretty significant impact on your hair health. According to Meriem, friction from certain hijab fabrics can roughen the hair shaft, while heat-trapping materials cause buildup, inflammation, and even ingrown hairs—all of which silently impact overall hair health.
Opt for natural fibers like cotton, silk, and linen, or semi-natural fibers like modal. For undercaps, choose bamboo, cotton, or a TAJ Crown, a 3-D printed headband that allows for airflow and circulation.
You’ll particularly want to avoid materials like polyester, those tight undercaps that leave your ears numb, and hair care products with drying alcohols, sulfates, or heavy silicones.
We love the clean girl aesthetic, but constant slicked-back hair is ruining your hairline. Traction alopecia is something that Maria Dowling, founder and creative director of mariadowling Salon, sees often in her clients.
“The most common hairstyle to wear underneath the hijab is a bun or a ponytail, but doing it every day will cause a constant pull on your hair, especially at the front and the temples,” she says. Instead, wear your hair loose and opt for alternative styles to give your hair rest. Tying your hair in the same place daily can also lead to weakened strands and breakage.
For the girlies with long, gorgeous manes, washday is exhausting. The last thing I want to do is add steps, but your hair and scalp will thank you. Chronic moisture on your scalp is an ideal breeding ground for dandruff and fungus. Maria says to always make sure your hair is completely dry before wearing your hijab.
It’s also another reason to avoid wearing fabrics like polyester and nylon, which can trap moisture in your scalp.