Ask any Muslim woman for the best way to accessorize the hijab and you’ll receive a different answer every time. From using trendy magnets and fashion tape to bonnets and straight pins, there are countless methods, tips and tricks to the art of styling a hijab. To complicate the matter, what works for one woman may be the very method that led to years of unnecessary discomfort in another.
This complex, trial-and-error relationship with accessorizing the hijab is not reserved to converts or newbies to the modest fashion scene— even lifelong hijabis struggle with finding the best solutions to the seemingly simple problem of putting on a scarf.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular hijab accessories, their most common uses, and a few tips and tricks to make them work for you. Whether you’re a new hijabi overwhelmed by countless YouTube tutorials or a seasoned veteran looking to perfect her technique, this deep dive can help you expand your boundaries and improve your relationship with hijab as a whole.
1. Undercaps and Bonnets
Undercaps and bonnets can be a useful tool to keep hijabs in place. Whether you choose a full-coverage “ninja” cap to avoid accidentally exposing your neck throughout the day, or if you prefer tie-backs and tube caps which cover the hairline but leave the hair exposed in the back, slippery fabrics like chiffon, silk, or satin are best worn with an undercap. Unfortunately, they are not a catch-all solution. While some women complain that they can cause headaches, others say that they actually relieve discomfort. Try a few styles and see what works best for you!
Shop our Ribbed Tie Back Undercap in Ginger Snap here
2. Safety Pins
Safety pins are often the first tool in a new hijabi’s wardrobe. They are a deceivingly simple way to secure hijabs at the neck, but they come with the risk of poking holes in more delicate fabrics. However, safety pinning guarantees that your hijab will be budge-proof even on the windiest of days. Our tip? Save your safety pins for your toughest fabrics: tight-woven viscoses or jerseys are usually best.
3. Straight Pins
Straight pins are a multipurpose tool that can be used for countless styles and techniques. Because they don’t pull on the fabric in the same way as a safety pin, straight pins can secure your hijab in place without the same risk of damaging delicate fabrics. Get creative with different colors, lengths, and placements. Additionally, don’t be afraid to use straight pins alongside other accessories to add draping, pleats, or additional coverage to your look.
Shop our various hijab pins here
4. Magnets
Magnets may seem like the perfect replacement for pinning your hijab, but they aren’t without their drawbacks. While they can hold fabric in place without causing damage, they are not well suited to thicker materials, especially if you like to fold your hijab at the seam to create a pointed shape. Magnets are also great for securing hijabs to clothing. Instead of constantly tossing your hijab over your shoulder when it slides, secure it with a magnet to your top.
Shop our hijab magnet pins here.
5. Volumizers
Volumizers are particularly controversial. While some women love the aesthetic they provide, others criticize it as an unnecessary addition to the hijab that is not based in religious teaching. Wherever you fall in this debate, volumizers can act as a replacement to traditional hair ties while also providing a beautiful, uniform shape to the hijab that your natural hair may not be able to provide on its own. For some women, volumizers are cumbersome and feel like an added step to their routines. Other women feel more confident wearing one. Either way, you’re beautiful the way you were created— volumizers are a personal choice and don’t define your hijab.
Shop our volume scrunchies here
What are your favorite hijab accessories? Do you have any tips or tricks for women looking to improve their collection?
