Wearing a hijab is a beautiful expression of faith for Muslim women around the world. It's also a personal choice that requires a bit of practice and patience to perfect. In this blog post, we'll explore how to wear a hijab and offer some tips and tricks for beginners.
What is a Hijab?
A hijab is a headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover their hair and neck. It is a symbol of modesty, privacy, and religious devotion. The word "hijab" comes from the Arabic word "hajaba," which means to conceal or cover.
Types of Hijabs
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The Shayla: A rectangular scarf that is wrapped around the head and pinned at the shoulder. It is a simple and elegant style that is popular in the Middle East.
The Standard Hijab: The standard hijab is a rectangular or square-shaped scarf that covers the head, neck, and chest. The standard hijab is a common and popular style of headscarf worn by Muslim women around the world.
The Al-Amira Hijab: A two-piece hijab that consists of a headband and a tube-like scarf that is slipped over the head and pulled down to cover the neck. It is easy to wear and perfect for those who are new to wearing hijab.
The Khimar: A long, flowing garment that covers the head, neck, and shoulders. It is often paired with an abaya, a long cloak that covers the entire body.
The Chador: A full-body cloak that covers the head, hair, and body. It is mostly worn in Iran and is often made of black fabric.
The Niqab: A veil that covers the face, leaving only the eyes exposed. It is often worn in combination with a hijab or other headscarf.
The Burqa: A full-body veil that covers the entire face and body, with a mesh screen over the eyes. It is mostly worn in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
How to Put on a Hijab?
Now that you've chosen your hijab, it's time to learn how to put it on. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Before putting on a hijab, you need to prepare your hair. Tie your hair in a bun or ponytail, so it is out of the way. This will help the hijab to sit more comfortably on your head.
Step 2: Put on an Underscarf (Hijab Cap)
The next step is to put on a hijab cap. An hijab cap is a head-covering that helps to keep the hijab in place. It is also useful in providing extra coverage. Hijab caps come in different materials, including cotton, polyester, and spandex. Choose one that is comfortable and fits your head size.
Step 3: Place the Hijab on Your Head
Now, it is time to place the hijab on your head. Start by holding the hijab lengthwise and placing it on your head with one end longer than the other. Make sure that the shorter end sits just at the top of your forehead. The hijab should be centred on your head, with equal amounts of fabric on either side.
Step 4: Bring the Longer End Around Your Head
Take the longer end of the hijab and bring it around your head, crossing it over the shorter end. Make sure that the hijab is snug but not too tight. The hijab should cover your neck and chest, but not your face.
Step 5: Pin the Hijab in Place
Once you have brought the longer end of the hijab around your head, use a safety pin to secure it in place. The most used method involves placing a pin underneath your chin. Alternatively, you can also pin it behind your ear at the back of your head. This will ensure your hijab is kept securely in place after draping it around your head.
Step 6: Adjust the Hijab
Finally, adjust the hijab to make sure that it is comfortable and secure. Make sure that it covers your neck and chest, and that it is not too tight. You can also adjust the folds of the hijab to create a style that suits you.
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Hijab Styles for Beginners
Once you've mastered the art of putting on a hijab, it's time to experiment with different styles. Here are 3 popular hijab styles to experiment and get started:
The Casual Pashmina
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The casual pashmina hijab style involves using a long and wide rectangular scarf made of soft and lightweight fabric like pashmina, however this can be styled with any hijab. The scarf is draped over the head, and one end is brought over the opposite shoulder, while the other end is left to hang loosely.
The Front Knot
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The front knot hijab style is a trendy and modern way of wearing hijab that involves tying a knot at the front of the head, creating a unique and stylish look. This style is typically done with rectangular hijab scarves.
The Neck Drape
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The neck drape is a hijab style that involves draping the hijab fabric around the neck and letting it fall loosely over the shoulders. The neck drape style is versatile and can be worn with a variety of hijab fabrics, including rectangular scarves and shawls.
Conclusion
Wearing a hijab is a personal choice that requires practice and patience to perfect. Whether you prefer a standard hijab, Shayla, Amira hijab, or Khimar, choosing the right type and size of hijab can make a significant difference in how comfortable and confident you feel wearing it.
Creating stylish hijab looks requires time and effort, but the results can be worth it. With so many hijab styles and fashion trends to choose from, there are endless opportunities to express your personality and creativity while staying true to your religious values. Whether you prefer a simple and classic style or a bold and modern look, experimenting with different hijab fashion options can help you find a unique and personalized style that reflects your individuality.