Hannah M
Every curly hijabi knows the struggle of finding the right products that work for you. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the endless recommendations online, but here’s where I can help. I’ve been there, done that, and I can help you on your hair journey too!
Like many, there are days when I have my hijab on for hours at a time. When I finally take off my undercap at the end of a long day, it’s as if my hair has been glued onto my scalp. The curls have disappeared, and the volume is non-existent.
Over time, I noticed my hair thinning at the front and panicked. I scoured TikTok, Instagram and dozens of other social media sites for the quickest way to reverse the damage. Here’s what I found has helped me the most as someone with 3A/3B curls.
Problem One: Receding Hairline
Firstly, I changed my undercap. There are many different types, but I have found what works best for me. I used to wear a cotton undercap; however, I found this used to tug on the front of my hair and cause tension at the roots. Now, I wear a breathable satin undercap which reduces friction (due to its anti-static material) and prevents breakage at the front of my hair.
It didn’t help that I used to tie my hair into a bun, so I now do a loose ponytail with a silk scrunchie or an Invisibobble, making sure not to tie the front pieces of my hair too tightly. I also change my hair parting regularly to prevent thinning.
“I massage my scalp before applying the oil to stimulate blood flow”
You have probably seen the viral Mielle Rosemary Hair Oil, and I can confirm that this worked for me. I massage my scalp before applying the oil to stimulate blood flow, and then massage the oil into my scalp.
However, the bottle is quite small for such a high price, so an alternative that has worked just as well is some good old Jamaican Black Castor Oil. The consistency is very thick, and the smell is… interesting. Again, I massage my scalp and apply the oil in small doses, as a little goes a long way.
I always rub oil in the night before I wash my hair. I find if I wear a satin undercap with the oil in, there are rarely ever grease marks, and the satin prevents the oil from rubbing off.
Problem Two: Brittle ends
Friction from your scarf material can also cause the ends of your hair to become brittle and the curls to lose their shape. Before putting on my headscarf, I protect my hair with mustard oil.
Mustard oil has been a generational tradition for South Asians, and I find this works best with my hair. However, you can also use argan oil.
“It’s easy to feel demotivated when we see brands and influencers completely overlook us”
Regularly applying a leave-in conditioner to the lengths of your hair works wonders and keeps your hair moisturised throughout the week. Noughty’s Thirst Aid Leave-In Spray is a personal favourite.
On wash days, I like to nourish my hair with a moisturising deep conditioner, like the Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Banana, leaving it in for a good twenty minutes before rinsing.
Problem Three: Dry And Itchy Scalp
As someone with a dry scalp, I avoid washing my hair too often, as this makes it drier. So I aim to wash my hair around once a week.
As our hair frequently gets squashed underneath a headscarf, it loses moisture, so a moisturising shampoo and conditioner are essential. I use a scalp massager to stimulate growth and remove any build-up on my scalp and this ensures the shampoo is effective.
So, there you have it. It is possible to continue caring for your hair underneath your hijab. It’s easy to feel demotivated when we see brands and influencers completely overlook us hijabis as an audience, but hopefully, these tips will help you get your curly hair back on track.
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