The hijab is a head scarf worn by many Islamic women. It covers the head and chest as part of Islamic dress. While the hijab is required for Muslim women to maintain modesty, there are many different stylish ways to wear it that complement different hairstyles. Here are some tips for pairing hijab styles with various hair looks.
Short Hair
For women with short hair, cropped close to the head or at chin length, simple hijab styles tend to look best. Turban style hijabs are a great option, where the scarf is wrapped around the head in coils and pinned or tucked in place. These give a put-together, elegant look. Alternatively, the two-piece hijab with a close fitting underscarf and a rectangular scarf pinned under the chin also suits short hair.
Shoulder Length Hair
The classic one-piece rectangular hijab folded into a triangle works well for medium length hair that falls around the shoulders. Wrap it snugly around the head, bringing the two corners together under the chin and pinning them. Let the hair cascade out from underneath the hijab. For a more voluminous look, use a multi-layered rectangular scarf and leave some loose drapes. The front can be pinned back on one or both sides to reveal the hair.
Long Hair
For long, flowing hair a circular hijab style brings a romantic boho vibe. Twist a large scarf into a circle, fold it in half into a semicircle and place it over the crown of the head. Pin the folded edge at the nape of the neck, then bring the ends under the chin and pin them together. Leave long hair loose to trail down the back in waves or curls over the circular hijab shape. Loose shawl hijabs, draped over the head and shoulders, also work with long locks.
Updos
Formal events call for put-together hairstyles like buns, braids, or ponytails. Match these updos with complementary hijab looks. For a braided updo or bun, wrap the hijab closely around the head so the shape of the hair shows through, called a muffin cap style. Use a couple of decorative pins to hold the wrap in place. With a high ponytail, let the end of the ponytail descend in front of one shoulder within the hijab for a pretty effect.
Layers
Women with layered hair can let the longest layers peak out from under their hijabs. Use a rectangular scarf folded into a triangle and wrapped under the chin. Let some of the ends of the layered hair cascade down over the chest area left uncovered by the hijab. Pulling the front points back along the head and pinning them will hold the shape and also show more layers around the face.
Voluminous Curls
Big natural curls can be gorgeous with a hijab that allows them to shine. Use a large, rectangular scarf and wrap it around loosely so there is some extra volume. Tuck, drape and pin the ends artfully to allow the texture of the curls to show through the fabric. A benefit of voluminous curls is that they help hold the hijab in place and create a fuller look under the scarf.
Crimped Hair
For crimped hair, create definition by draping the hijab smoothly over the textures. A simple style like the two-piece hijab with a close underscarf topped with a rectangular wrapping scarf works well. Make sure to fold down the top edge of the rectangle to display the crimped section across the forehead and temples. The crimps add attractive contour under the hijab.
Straight Hair
Long, straight hair looks best with a loosely wrapped, draped hijab so the locks can shine. Use a large, rectangular scarf and wrap it around the head, leaving some extra fabric. Allow the long straight hair to hang freely down the back, contained by the loosely draped hijab. Add definition by using bobby pins to tack down any flyaway hairs around the hairline peeking out around the face.
Ombre or Highlights
For hair with ombre coloring or highlights, choose a hijab style that lets you show them off. Fold a wide scarf into a triangle shape. Wrap it around the head with the ends hanging down over one shoulder. Pull the front corners back along the hairline towards the nape of the neck. Pin them so they reveal the ombre or highlighted hair cascading over one shoulder and upper chest area.
In summary, there are many ways to complement your hairstyle with a stylish hijab look. Wrap or drape your scarf using shapes, fabrics and styles that work with your hair length, texture and coloring. With some practice, it’s easy to achieve fashionable hijab pairings that suit your personal taste and hairdo.