Welcome to your very own Hijab 101 Course! I have been wearing the hijab for about 16 years now, Alhamdulillah! While it has some seriously empowering and liberating qualities, wearing the hijab can be challenging at times.

Hijabi fashionistas on YouTube opened up a world of scarf styles, fabrics, and a sense of community for me all those years ago. And nothing is more exciting than finally understanding what works best for you.

But if you don’t have a favourite hijabi-nista yet, allow me to introduce you to three of my favourite Hijab store owners from Cape Town – Firdows Sirkhotte from Pearl Boutique, the Lahan & Co. team, and Faaika Adams from Scarf World – who shared their 💯 handy-dandy hijab tips!

If you have a tip for helping a hijabi sister, let us know in the comments below 😎😎😎 Thnx!

The best hijab material that doesn’t damage your hair (too much)?

“To minimise hair damage, consider hijabs made from gentle, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or bamboo,” says Faaika Adams from Scarf World. Adams also advises women to avoid rough or thick materials. “Loose, flowy styles can also reduce hair friction and damage,” she says.

What is the perfect fabric or style for little girls and women just starting out?

An instant scarf is a game-changer explains Firdows Sirkhotte from Pearl Boutique. Jersey scarves and pin-less fabrics are also perfect for women beginning on a hijab journey. Sirkhotte advises that Turkish grip or magnetic pins are easier to use than straight ones. Burqahs are also extremely popular for beginners because it’s ‘easy to slip on’ without worrying about styling the fabric too much.

What fabrics can help keep you cool while looking classy?

“Consider wearing lightweight, breathable hijabs made from fabrics like cotton, silk, or chiffon,” says Adams. She says neutral colours like beige, ivory, or pale grey can add a touch of elegance while keeping you cool. Adams says “everyone has their personal favourites when it comes to hijab”, and picking what you love will always make you shine.

The LAHAN & Co. team recommends pairing your hijab with an A-line dress (in chiffon fabric). “The flowy nature of chiffon adds an ethereal elegance to your look and keeps you cool in the summer heat. Pair it with a light, breathable underdress for added comfort and coverage” they add.

Whether it’s an intimate garden party or a formal summer wedding, says the team, this combination is a foolproof way to stay effortlessly chic and comfortable.

Any tips on how to wear a cap + hijab combo, comfortably?

Pairing hijabs with hats or caps can feel tricky at first, but it’s all about keeping things light and easy says LAHAN and Co.

“A thin, breathable scarf with less fabric is your best friend here: it creates a seamless look without adding too much volume under your hat,” says the team.

• Caps: opt for a basic wrap or turban style, keep it sleek and functional
• Wide-brim hats: experiment with looser drapes, keep it flowy and effortless.

Faaika Adams says you should always consider factors like the fabric, colour and style. “For styling with a cap or hat, choose a hijab that complements the cap’s colour and texture,” adds the Scarf World founder.

LAHAN doubles down on this: “The style of your hijab should always match your outfit. If your outfit is laid-back, go for a more casual scarf wrap. For a dressier look, you can elevate the vibe with a silk or satin scarf.”

How do you pick the perfect colours to match your skin tones and undertones?

“Understanding your skin tone and its undertones (cool, warm, or neutral) can make picking flattering colours so much easier,” says the LAHAN & Co. team.

• Warm tones: look stunning in earthy shades (i.e. rust, mustard, olive)
• Cool tones: shine in jewel tones (i.e. sapphire, emerald, burgundy)

But style is also about self-expression, says the team. While knowing your personal colour palette is helpful, you should always try on colours and textures you might not usually go for!

Their top tip is to use a well-lit mirror or natural daylight to see how a scarf colour complements your complexion. “It’s all about finding shades that make you feel radiant and confident,” adds the team.

Let’s talk under caps: what works best?

“When I work with clients,” explains Firdows Sirkhotte, “I always look at their face shape and consider their preferences.” Polycotton is the Pearl Boutique founder’s favourite fabric for under caps, as chiffon or satin scarves stay on the head without slipping off. “The material needs to make you feel secure and comfortable”, Sirkhotte explains.

• True beginners or those who struggle with the heat: a headband-like under cap allows the rest of the head to breathe and keep cool.
• Round face shape: a crisscross banded under cap compliments face features.
• Senior hijabis: tie back under caps allow the wearer to adjust the tightness of the cap for all-day comfort.

When winter eventually rolls over, should we switch up our hijab game?

It comes down to personal preference, says LAHAN, “we’d recommend going with a thicker hijab.” It keeps you warmer, and you won’t necessarily need to layer, which can feel “bulky or uncomfortable throughout the day”.

“A thicker scarf sits beautifully, adds structure to your look, and keeps you cosy without needing a neck scarf,” they explain. “The trick is to balance function and fashion, so you stay comfortable and effortlessly chic no matter how cold it gets”.

A huge shukran to these hijabi experts for taking the time to answer my questions. If you have any questions, comments or compliments, let us know in the comments – we might have to do a part 2 featuring all of it 😎

Check this out!

Pearl Boutique – for everyday wear hijabs, airflow abayas and gifts

Find their Instagram right here: https://www.instagram.com/786pearl.boutique/

Scarf World – experts in sophisticated hijabs and accessories. They also have a beautiful, exclusive range of colourful Palestinian scarves.

Find their Instagram right here: https://www.instagram.com/scarf_world/

LAHAN – the home of beautiful modest dresses and abayas

Find their website: https://lahanonline.co.za

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