Hijab & Hair Care

We hear a lot of hair problems from our clients, friends and family about loosing or thinning hair, says Zayboonisha & Faheema Mia of MiaInc – Fashion•Hair•Beauty.

Some women who wear the  hijab (head cover/scarf), tend to neglect their hair. Sheer laziness is one reason while others think “It doesn’t matter since no one will see my hair”.

With some of our hot weather conditions, this can lead to a number of problems including dry hair, hair loss, itchy scalp and dull, lifeless locks.

Women don’t  realize how unhealthy (and smelly) their hair can be without incorrect washing and hair care. The appearance and condition of one’s hair can affect a person’s mood and behaviour.

Hair products for both men and women play an important role in your hair care regime. “Buying an off the shelf product makes one believe that by purchasing a cheaper product it is cost efficient, whereas Professional Salon products transforms the hair, nourishing  and protecting it from the harsh damage and certain types of hair loss. Being concentrated, they last a lot longer and are more cost effective in the long term.” says Zayboonisha.

When wear the Hijab  extra care should be taken of the hair to boost  self-confidence and  reduce unnecessary stress resulting from hair problems.  Women wearing the hijab should not ignore hair care just because their hair is ‘less seen’. Having clean, healthy hair makes you feel good about yourself.

Choosing suitable hair care products is essential and to do that, one must first identify the hair and scalp type (dry or greasy), haircut (long or short) and hair concerns.

Zayboonisha stresses on using the correct conditioners and treatments to nourish your hair atleast once a week to every 6 washes. When wearing a scarf everyday your hair goes flat from being wrapped in a scarf. At home let your hair out  or keep it tied  loosely allowing the hair and scalp to breathe.

Trim your hair regularly to maintain dry ends and split ends every 2 months says Faheema.

To prevent hair damage and hair loss, we recommend you follow these tips:

•  Dry your hair by wrapping it in a towel after a shower or bath. Another alternative is letting your hair air-dry.
• Most people should handle wet hair as little as possible as wet hair breaks more easily when combed or brushed. However, people with tightly curled or textured hair should use a large toothed comb on wet hair to decrease the chances of hair breakage.
• Keep brushing to a minimum. Brushing your hair 100 strokes each day can cause split ends. MiaInc recommends REPAIR RESCUE Sealed Ends by Schwarzkopf Professional.
• Reduce the use of “long-lasting hold” styling products. Using a comb to style your hair after you apply the product can cause the hair to break and can lead to hair loss over time.
• Allow your hair to partially air dry before you style or comb. Decreasing the number of times per week that you blow dry also helps limit damage.
• Flat irons should be used on dry hair on a low or medium heat setting, no more often than every other day. Use a 200 °C heat proof Iron Serum which protects the hair from drying and burning. We recommend Schwarzkopfs’ OSIS+ Flatliner. If you use a curling iron, only leave it in place for a second or two. No matter your hair type, excessive heat can damage your hair.
• Do not continuously wear braids, cornrows, ponytails and hair extensions. These styles pull on the hair and can cause tension that leads to breakage. If the tension continues, permanent hair loss can develop.

Here are some tips for women wearing hijab:

•  Let your hair “breathe” — don’t keep your hair tied all the time. Expose it whenever possible.
• Brush your hair gently to prevent breakage and split ends.
• Wash your hair every two or three days and let it dry naturally to prevent loss of vital nutrients and avoid excess stress on the hair follicles.
• Apply a suitable conditioner. Leave it on for five minutes before rinsing off. Conditioners restore moisture to hair.
• Apply a hair a treatment (this is critical) once a week to every 6 washes to maintain the hair and to add shine.
• Don’t let your hair “overheat” with a thick hijab and don’t tie your hair too tightly under the hijab, because both can lead to hair loss.
• Drink plenty of water to lock in moisture.
• Eat foods that contain the right nutrients for hair such as salmon (omega-3 fatty acids are needed to maintain scalp health) as well as milk, cheese, yoghurt, eggs, green leafy vegetables, almonds, raisins, whole grains and fruit.

MiaInc highly recommends the Hair Growth Shampoo and Hair Growth Fortifying Tonic from their Schwarzkopf Professional Range.  The tonic contains Pro-Vitamin B5, Carnitine Tartrate and Echinacea which reinforces the hair fibre and reduces hair loss by promoting hair growth through stimulating the roots.

All T3 Tourmaline Bespoke Hair Irons/Hair Dryers and Schwarzkopf Professional Products available @ MiaInc.

Submitted by Zayboonisha & Faheema Mia