Large conference crowds are the perfect place to be alone. They’re also the best place for hijab-spotting, a relatively unknown activity that involves watching hijab styles and trying to figure out how they were created (and stay in place).
For those of you who don’t know, hijab tying and pinning ranges from being functional to an art form. There are seasonal fashions and trends, and let’s not forget the pins, clips, flowers and brooch accessories.
The basic Plain Jane pinned style scarf is timeless because of it’s simplicity, convenience. Using safety pins to stay in place, it requires no adjustment over the course of a long work day.
There is also the wrapped shawl which is easy enough for anyone; unless the shape of your head prevents it from staying on in which case you use the undercap solution. But let’s face it, who likes to have their ears squished? The real danger of this style is actually the straight pins used to secure it- those things are painful when accidently encountered during a greeting hug.
Caps, babushkas and dupattas are not going away anytime soon either.
If you notice, there is no mention of the Amira one-piecer. If you’re older than 10, not playing a sport and still wearing an Amira you need a hijab intervention. And no, the Kuwaiti Amira is not better.
So what are some of the newer hijab trends? The summer favorite Turkish style is mostly over, except by the Turks of course! The new style in the Americas seems to be the Khaleeji multi-layer, looser wraparound that in extreme cases looks like a blanket attacking your head. Great for Canadian winters no doubt (for warm and toasty ears), but definitely not a good option in DC in the summer with humidity and 100+F days (your head might melt off your shoulders).
Flowers, brooches and chandelier-earring style pins- dangling anywhere between the ear and the chin- are mostly cute and functional, except when you see them as decoration on niqabs. Don’t do it my niqabi sisters, it’s like hanging a Christmas ornament on a palm tree. Your crazy bright patterned scarves under your niqabs are distracting enough, bling just makes it worse. Why attract attention to yourself when you are trying to avoid it?
The African turbans are beautiful as always and their ability to defy gravity during sajdah and ruku is marvelous.
The worst trend so far is the camel hump hairstyle under the hijab. High pony-tails and buns do not naturally achieve such heights. It is entirely possible however that those larger-than-their-head-bumps are hiding dreadlocks and that unbeknown to all, dreads have suddenly become very fashionable for the young muhajjibah.
No matter what style you choose for your cover, go forth sisters and may the force be with your hijabbing!
