The ultimate hijab hair guide to tackle hair loss and friction – Stylist Magazine

Like most people, structuring the perfect haircare routine has been complex to say the least. Add the extra layer that is my hijab, and we’re talking a whole different ball game. In the good old days, when my hair was (literally) out of my hands, my mum adopted the same routine for my sisters and me. Despite our hair types ranging from big 2c curls to 4c coils, it somehow worked across the board.

When I finally graduated to looking after my own hair, I enrolled myself on the online beauty school that is YouTube. Ever the eager student, I bought all the haircare products under the sun – I needed everything, according to YouTube. From leave-in conditioners to homemade oil concoctions, it quickly became too complicated – and expensive. All the discipline and hard work proved to be too much, and soon enough, I entered the carefree stage, figuring that one of the bonuses of wearing a hijab was that I didn’t really have to do my hair because it’s covered. 

Fast forward to today: I’ve established a middle ground and my hair is definitely thanking me for it – regardless of who sees it. Being unseen in mainstream beauty media has led to Muslim women writing the script for themselves, and while beauty may be superficial on certain levels, representation matters on all levels everywhere. 

As a result, I discovered the world of hijabi beauty bloggers: people that not only looked like me but could also educate me about how my hijab was causing breakage, dryness, scalp irritation and frizz from wearing it too tightly. 

I delved straight into what the community had to offer me. It wasn’t until I was watching the likes of Shahd Batal, Umayma Abdul, Aysha Harun, Chinutay, and Iqra from The Blushing Giraffe, that it all clicked for me. Why had it taken me so long to turn to women in hijabs for haircare advice? Hijabi bloggers were scarce back when I needed them the most, but it’s something that’s been gaining traction over the last couple of years – along with the gratifying sense of familiarity and belonging as the community builds. I’ve racked up so much information that’s changed my hair – and my life – for the better, so we can support and educate each other where mainstream hair discourse won’t.

Pick your scarf materials wisely

This is where it all begins. The biggest change for me came when I swapped my polyester scarves for lighter, more breathable fabrics. As your scarf rubs against your hair, the friction causes breakage and frizz, and even a greasy and irritated scalp. Cotton, chiffon and silk are less likely to rub, and their natural origin means they’re kinder …….

Source: https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/hair/hijab-hair-care-routine-hair-loss-breakage/561266