Anna comes to the clinic complaining that her hair falls. She feels her hair has thin out. She is worried if she may have cancer which causes her hair to fall. Sure enough when the doctor asked her to remove her hijab for examination, she noted that Anna has dandruff and her hair falls easily. Why is this? Is Anna having cancer? Cancer generally do not cause hair loss but some chemotherapy which is one of the treatment for cancer can cause hair loss.

Out of sight, out of mind ?

If you are using hijab and the world could not see your hair, you shouldn’t bother taking care of it? No. Islam wants the girls to cover the hair because it is one of the most beautiful parts of your body. So you should be grateful for this gift and take care of it. Healthy hair will be shiny, lively and the scalp does not itch nor has dandruff. How to ensure this?

Care of the hijab

1. Change your bonnet or under-scarf regularly. Since it is in direct contact with your hair and skin, it dirties easily. Dandruff, dusts or hair can get collected to your bonnet and this can damage your hair.
2. Don’t use your hijab or bonnet too tightly. It will block the circulation
3. Avoid using bonnet or under-scarf which needs to be tied up as your hair may get caught in the knot and get snagged or pulled.

There are various types of bonnet or under -scarf

 Care of your hair and scalp.

Remember how you usually take care of your hair and scalp before using the hijab? Well it is not much difference except for some extra few tips.

1. Ensure your hair dry thoroughly before you put on the bonnet or under-scarf

2. You usually tie your hair before putting on the bonnet. Not to tie it too tight. Tying your hair too tight may weaken your hair roots and it will fall easily.

3. Use snag free material to tie your hair as it is less likely to pull and snag your hair causing it to break or pull strands of your hair. If possible keep your hair loose under the bonnet or under-scarf.

4. Do not use your hijab tightly. Your scalp does not get enough oxygen and this will cause dryness, itchiness and dandruff.

5. When you get home or whenever possible, take off your hijab and bonnet and let your hair down. Allow your hair and scalp to breathe.

6. Use hair masks and ease hair products weekly. This will keep your hair strong and healthy.

7. Comb your hair regularly. This is important to stimulate the blood flow to the scalp. When you have just removed your hijab your hair will be flat. Use brush or wide tooth comb to loosen your hair knots and tangles first.

8. You can also increase the blood circulation to your scalp by regularly massaging your scalp. Best time is after shower. This is important to ensure optimum hair growth.
   • Use your finger to massage your scalp and not your nails
   • Make circular motions starting from your forehead upwards to the top part of the scalp until the back of your scalp

9. Allow your hair to dry well before putting on your hijab. Allowing your hair drying in hijab will cause your hair be flat and limp. You may even end up with headaches by doing so. Dampness will also cause odor and scalp itchiness.

10. If you need to use the hair dryer, use only the low or medium heat as extreme heat may damage your hair

11. Trim your hair regularly. It will help to reduce the split ends and also prevents it from recurring.

12. Drink water adequately to ensure your skin moisturize well.

13. Wash your hair regularly and choose a shampoo appropriate to your hair type.

14. Your hair and scalp still need the sunlight. Staying outdoor even with the hijab is a good activity as Vitamin D from the sunlight is important for healthy hair and scalp.

Health, cleanliness and beauty goes hand in hand. You want to be beautiful and healthy? So take care of your hygiene.

References

1. Life style of a hijabi
2. Hijabi Girls Problem. Hijab and hair care
3. Haute Hijab. Ask Haute Hijab: How to Take Care of “Hijab-Hair
4. DUHAI HAWA. Tips berpakaian muslimah (photo)
5. Butik Busana (Photo)