Most hijab wearers know the routine. You leave the house with everything sitting perfectly, and by lunchtime the front has slid back, the side has loosened and there is a pin somewhere you would rather it was not. Straight pins also leave tiny holes in fine fabric and are easy to lose.
The good news is that a hijab that stays put all day is mostly down to three things: what you wear underneath, the fabric you choose and how you fasten it. Get those right and pins become optional.
Why hijabs slip in the first place
Slipping usually comes from one of four causes. Smooth fabric sliding over smooth hair. A scarf that is too light for the style. Fastening points that take the weight of the whole scarf. And everyday friction from coat collars, bag straps and headphones. Each one has a simple fix.
1. Start with a base layer that grips
An undercap is the single biggest improvement you can make. A fitted cotton or jersey cap covers your hair fully and gives the hijab a textured surface to hold on to, so it stops sliding backwards.
Tie-back caps are a good choice if you want to adjust the fit through the day. Tube caps are quicker to pull on. Either way, choose one in a breathable fabric. A cap that makes your head hot is one you will take off by mid-afternoon.
2. Choose fabric for the day you are having
Not all hijabs grip equally.
- Jersey and bamboo jersey have a soft stretch and natural grip. They are the most secure choice for long, busy days.
- Modal is smooth but not slippery, and holds a wrap well over a cotton cap.
- Chiffon is light and slightly textured. It stays in place well once anchored, but it moves in the wind.
- Satin is the most slippery of the lot. Save it for occasions and always pair it with a grippy cap.
If you are commuting, walking a lot or going straight from the office to dinner, jersey or modal will save you the most readjusting.
3. Swap pins for magnets
Hijab magnets come in two parts. One sits on the outside of the fabric and the other underneath, and they snap together through the layers. Because nothing pierces the scarf, there are no holes, no snags and nothing sharp near your face.
They are also quicker. One click under the chin and one at the shoulder, and you are done. Many people keep a pair of magnetic hijab pins in their bag as a backup, even if they still use pins for some styles.
How hijab magnets work with different fabrics
Magnet strength matters more than most people expect. A light-strength magnet suits fine chiffon and single layers. Medium strength works for everyday fabrics like modal and jersey. If your style has several layers of fabric at one point, you need a stronger magnet to hold them.
There is a clear breakdown of strengths, placement and safety in this guide to how hijab magnets work.
Where to place them
Two magnets cover most everyday styles:
- Under the chin. Bring both sides of the scarf together and fasten where you would normally put the first pin.
- At the shoulder or side of the head. This takes the weight of the longer side, so the front does not get pulled backwards.
If you wear a style with pleats or a turban wrap, a third magnet at the temple keeps the frame of your face steady.
A few safety notes. Avoid using magnets on fabrics with metallic threads or sequins. Keep them well away from young children, as small magnets are dangerous if swallowed. If you have a pacemaker or another implanted medical device, check with your doctor before wearing them.
4. Wrap with the weight in the right place
How you wrap matters as much as how you fasten. Keep the longer side of the scarf on the side you fasten at the shoulder, so the anchor takes the weight rather than your chin. Tuck the ends rather than leaving long tails that catch on bag straps. And before you fasten, pull the front edge forward slightly so it sits just on the hairline. It will settle back a few millimetres as you move, not a few centimetres.
5. Small habits through the day
- Coats: lift collars away from your head when putting a coat on or taking it off.
- Bags: carry heavy bags on the side without the drape, so the strap does not drag the fabric.
- Headphones and glasses: put them on over the hijab, then adjust the fabric behind the ear rather than pushing the arms through tight folds.
- A quick check: a glance in a mirror after you arrive somewhere takes ten seconds and saves the full re-wrap.
The short version
A grippy undercap, a fabric that suits your day and two well-placed magnets will keep most hijabs secure from your morning commute to your evening plans. Pins can stay in the drawer for the styles that really need them.