Haircare: How to maintain and nourish hair as a hijabi

10/26/20253 min read

Introduction

Here at Notes of Noor, we're a team of hijabis who fully understand and appreciate the difficulties of having and maintaining hair while wearing hijab. Below is a gentle, practical guide to maintaining healthy hijabi hair — including scalp care, moisture routines, and product recommendations. Read to the end to download our free checklist on maintaining healthy hair!

1. Keep Your Scalp Clean & Balanced

A healthy scalp equals healthy hair — especially when it’s covered most of the day.

Wash your hair 1–3 times per week

Over-washing strips moisture, but under-washing can cause oil buildup, itching, and dandruff.

Choose a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo

Look for scalp-friendly formulas:

All are great for dry or brittle hair.

Add a weekly scalp scrub or exfoliant

Great for removing build-up and improving circulation:

Give Me Cosmetics Scalp Scrub
Rice Water or Rosemary Water scalp rinse (easy DIY)

This prevents the “itchiness under hijab” problem most hijabis struggle with.

2. Prioritise Moisture – Your Hair Will Thank You

Hair covered all day tends to become dry, especially at the ends.

Use a rich conditioner every wash

Our personal and affordable favourites for adding essential softness back into your hair:

Apply a leave-in conditioner before tying your hair

This protects hair from friction under the scarf:

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Repair Cream
Gisou Honey Infused Leave-In Spray (luxury option)

Seal the ends with a light oil

Especially helpful if you have dryness or breakage. Best oils we recommend:

Argan oil
Sweet almond oil
Jojoba oil
Lightweight hair serums

3. Avoid Tight Hairstyles Under Your Hijab

Tight buns can cause breakage and tension hair loss (traction alopecia).
Go for loose, comfortable styles:

Low loose bun
Low ponytail
Loose braid
Use silk or satin scrunchies instead of rubber bands

This prevents pulling around the hairline and reduces headache tension.

4. Choose Hijab Materials That Are Kinder to Hair

The fabric you wear really matters.

Best for hair health:

Jersey
Modal
Cotton blends
Silk-lined underscarves

These allow airflow and reduce friction.

Fabrics that can cause dryness or friction if worn daily:

Chiffon
Polyester
Satin without an undercap

(Still fine — just use a soft undercap underneath!)

Use a silk/satin undercap

This is one of the best investments for hijabi hair. It reduces friction and breakage.

5. Night Routine: Let Your Hair Breathe

When you get home, try to:

Uncover your hair
Loosen your bun or ponytail
Brush gently
Let your scalp breathe for 30–60 minutes

Sleeping on a satin pillowcase also helps reduce frizz and breakage.

6. Avoid Wearing Wet Hair Under Your Hijab

This is a big one! Covering wet or damp hair can lead to:

Scalp irritation
Fungal issues
Smell or mildew over time
Breakage (wet hair is fragile)

Always dry your hair before styling your hijab.

Conclusion

Your hijab does not damage your hair — lack of a healthy routine does. With gentle care, the right fabrics, moisture, and a loose hairstyle, your hair can remain strong, thick, and beautiful.