Does Wearing a Hijab Lead to Hair Loss? Understanding the Real Factors
For many Muslim women who wear the hijab, caring for their hair often requires intentional effort—especially in warm, humid climates like Singapore’s, where scalp-related concerns can arise more easily. Issues such as hair fall, scalp irritation, dampness, or breakage are not uncommon, even with consistent hair care routines.
Over time, questions may surface: is the hijab contributing to these challenges?
While the hijab itself does not directly cause hair loss, certain styling habits and care practices surrounding it can lead to scalp stress or thinning in specific areas. Understanding these contributing factors is a helpful first step towards maintaining both hair health and confidence—without compromising on personal or religious commitments.
Unpacking the Question: Is Hijab-Related Hair Thinning Real?
Hair loss is a common concern for many women who wear the hijab. But contrary to what some might assume, as mentioned above, the hijab itself is not the direct cause of hair thinning. Instead, what often contributes is certain associated practices—such as wearing hair too tightly under inner caps or wrapping damp hair before it’s fully dry. These can create continuous tension or reduce ventilation, potentially affecting scalp health over time.
It’s also worth noting that the amount of hair shedding after removing the hijab might look excessive—but this can simply be due to the natural loss of 50 to 150 strands daily, which haven’t had the chance to fall throughout the day. That said, sudden patchiness or visible bald spots are signs to look out for and may indicate more than routine shedding.
Being aware of these patterns helps in separating myth from reality—and supports better choices around daily hair care.
Common Hair Challenges Faced by Hijab-Wearing Women
Wearing the hijab daily brings with it unique hair care considerations. Over time, certain styling habits and fabric interactions can contribute to issues like hair thinning, dryness, and scalp discomfort—especially when left unaddressed.
Traction Alopecia: The Strain of Tight Styles
One of the common issues among hijab-wearing women is traction alopecia—a type of hair loss caused by consistent tension on the hair follicles. This often stems from tight buns, braids, or undercaps worn snugly under the hijab. When these styles are repeated over long periods, the strain on the scalp can lead to hairline recession or gradual thinning around areas experiencing the most pull.
The friction between the fabric and scalp, particularly when paired with tightly secured hairstyles, can also aggravate the follicles. Early signs include scalp tenderness or increased shedding near the temples. While the damage can be gradual, switching to looser styles and giving the scalp time to recover can help reduce the risk.
Scalp Sensitivity: Irritation from Covering
When the scalp is consistently covered, it may experience reduced airflow and regular contact with the fabric. Over time, this can lead to irritation or a feeling of discomfort—especially in warmer climates or with materials that hold heat. Friction between the hijab and scalp can also cause areas of inflammation or increased sensitivity, particularly around the hairline or crown. If left unaddressed, this environment may contribute to scalp stress, which can affect overall hair condition.
Dryness and Breakage: Lack of Natural Hydration
Keeping the hair covered for long hours may limit its exposure to air and natural moisture. Without adequate hydration, strands can become brittle, leading to dryness, split ends, or breakage over time. This is especially noticeable when the hair is tied up for extended periods without rest or moisture replenishment. As the hair becomes more fragile, it may appear dull and less manageable, making regular care and moisture maintenance an important part of any hijab-wearer’s hair routine.
Proactive Steps to Address Hijab-Related Hair Concerns
While wearing the hijab is deeply meaningful, it’s also important to be mindful of the haircare habits that surround it. With a few simple adjustments, many common concerns like breakage, irritation, and tension can be better managed.
1. Don’t Wear Your Hairstyle and Hijab Too Tight
Tight buns and snug hijabs may keep everything in place, but they can also put unnecessary stress on your scalp. Constant pressure on the same areas—especially at the crown or hairline—can lead to scalp tenderness and, over time, contribute to hair thinning or traction alopecia.
Choosing looser hairstyles, varying your part, and using undercaps or pins that don’t tug can help reduce this tension. A secure wrap doesn’t have to mean a tight one—comfort should always come first when styling under the hijab.
2. Maintain a Consistent Hair Wash Schedule
How often you should wash your hair depends on a few key factors—like your hair type, activity level, and even the climate. In humid places like Singapore, the scalp tends to produce more oil and sweat, which can build up under the hijab.
For some, washing every other day may feel right, while others may find twice a week is enough. What matters is that your routine keeps your scalp clean and balanced.
3. Wash Your Hijab Frequently
Just like any item of clothing that sits close to the skin, your hijab—especially the underscarf—accumulates sweat, sebum, and bacteria throughout the day. This buildup can easily transfer back to your scalp and hairline, potentially clogging follicles and contributing to scalp discomfort or breakouts. Regular washing, particularly of underscarves that are worn for long hours, helps minimise this. Aim to clean them after each use with a mild, fragrance-free detergent to avoid irritation while keeping your scalp environment clean.
4. Prioritise Scalp Care
Caring for your hair starts at the scalp. When the scalp is healthy, hair has a better chance of growing strong and staying resilient. Scalp massages, whether done during shampooing or with nourishing oils, can help support blood flow and ease built-up tension. For added care, occasional treatments tailored for scalp health—like exfoliating scrubs or hydrating serums—can make a difference. Small steps like these go a long way in maintaining overall scalp balance.
5. Nourish Your Hair from Within
What you eat has a direct effect on how your hair grows and feels. Since hair roots sit within the deeper layers of the skin, nutrients from your daily meals play a role in keeping them well-fed. A diet that includes enough protein, iron, zinc, and healthy fats can support hair health from the inside out. If meals lack variety or are repetitive, try incorporating more variety—think leafy greens, eggs, legumes, and nuts. Giving your body what it needs is a quiet but essential part of every haircare routine.
6. Choose Gentle Fabrics
Ever wondered if polyester can cause hair breakage? The type of fabric that comes into contact with your hair makes a difference. Materials like nylon or polyester, often used in scarves or underscarves, can create friction that leads to hair breakage over time. These synthetic fibres may also hold more static, which can contribute to flyaways and dryness.
Opting for natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, however, allows for better airflow and reduces mechanical stress. And if wearing synthetic scarves, consider using a cotton underscarf to act as a buffer between your hair and the outer fabric.
7. Avoid Wrapping Wet Hair
Wrapping your hair while it’s still damp may seem harmless, but it can actually increase the risk of breakage. This is because wet strands are more fragile and prone to friction—especially when tightly secured under a hijab or styled into a bun. Over time, this repeated stress can affect the structure of your hair and make it more likely to snap. As such, whenever possible, allow your hair to dry fully before covering it, and try to avoid tight wrapping on freshly washed hair.
8. Vary Your Hair Part
Sticking to the same parting every day can put repeated tension on the same area of your scalp, especially when your hair is tied under the hijab. Over time, this can lead to thinning or even signs of traction alopecia along the parting line. Switching up your hair part from time to time helps distribute that tension more evenly and gives frequently pulled sections of your hair a chance to rest. It’s a small change that can help protect your hairline in the long run.
Restoring Hair Health While Wearing Hijab
For those managing ongoing hair thinning or breakage, it’s worth knowing that there are ways to support hair recovery—without having to stop wearing the hijab. Addressing the underlying causes and introducing appropriate care methods can make a difference. In certain cases, clinical or medical interventions may also be explored if lifestyle changes are not sufficient.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble nutrient that plays a key role in how the body processes fats and proteins. It’s often linked to hair and nail health, although a true deficiency is uncommon.
While biotin supplements are widely promoted for hair growth, current evidence does not support the idea that they significantly improve hair thickness in individuals who already meet their biotin needs. Taking excess biotin may also interfere with certain blood tests, so it’s advisable to consult a medical professional before starting supplementation.
Hair Transplant
In cases where hair loss is more severe or has resulted in permanent thinning—such as from prolonged tension or traction—hair transplantation may be considered. This procedure typically involves relocating hair follicles from fuller areas of the scalp to those with visible thinning or balding. Though not a first-line solution, it can be an option when other approaches have not been effective. Like any medical procedure, it requires careful evaluation and consultation to understand if it is suitable for your specific condition.
Empowering Hijab-Wearing Women with Haircare Knowledge
Awareness of early signs, such as persistent thinning or patchy areas, matters—especially for those wondering if hair can grow back after friction-related issues. With proper care and consistency, many women find ways to restore strength and volume. And for those dealing with long-term hair loss, support is available. Whether it’s through routine care or seeking advice from a hair loss clinic or hair transplant clinic, exploring your options doesn’t have to mean compromising your identity.
If you’re looking to understand more about managing hair loss while wearing a head covering—or if you’re considering hair transplant options—start by speaking to a trusted provider who can walk you through what’s suitable for your needs.
