Ever seen an interesting Hijabi style and have always wanted to try it out but just don't know the technique – the proper covering of the neck, the invisible pin right on the side of the scarf, and let's not forget the symmetrical corners all set up right? Well, I have, and after much wondering and stealing side glances, I simply asked. So today, I will share what I have learnt. Style No.1: The Traditional Square Scarf
Just fold into a triangular shape and wear it. There are some hardcore Hijabis who will wake up half an hour before the alarm rings to iron their scarf so when worn, it is straight like a needle.
Style No. 2: The Long Rectangular Hijabs (Shellas)Pashminas and Dupattas can easily be converted into Shellas, but the trick is to make sure you don't look like you have a swollen thyroid problem on your neck. Quick tips on the Shella: Fold the Shella a little bit before wearing it, as it gives a softer appearance of your face. Do not push your Shella/scarf all the way to the back of your forehead; rather, pull the sides a little bit more forward so that if you have a round face, it actually makes it look longer.
Style No. 3: The Cap and ScarfMany online stores have light cotton caps in different that look like bandanas that can be worn before you wear the Hijab. These caps really help if you are wearing a transparent Hijab or, in this case, if you want to coordinate different colors in your Hijabs to match your outfits. Simply wear the cap and then wear the Shella in a different color, making sure one side is longer than the other. Wrap the Shella around your head, and pin the end on the side of your head.
(Since the majority of Palestinians who I have met seem to wear it this way.) Wear your Shella and make sure one side is longer than the other side. Pin the Shella at the back of your head, then pull over the longer side and wrap it around your neck and over your head. Pin it with a Hijabi pin. This style works really well if you have a Shella that has fringes on the end.
Style No. 5: The Creative StyleOkay, so let's say you want to be risky for the day, and apart from going way over the speed limit, you want splashes of color in your style too. Well, here goes. Wear a different colored cap, for instance, black. Then take two Shellas – red and black – and wear them over the hat and pin both of them together under your neck. (Make sure the red is on the bottom so that it contrasts with the black hat and Shella). One of the Shellas has to be longer on the side that will be going over your head. Wrap the bottom Shella over your head, and pin it on the side with a small pin. Then wrap the longer Shella and pin it with a cute Hijabi pin. If the longer Shella has fringes on the end, it will look more fun.
(Note: you can also double layer the Shellas without the cap, and instead use one solid scarf and one multicolored scarf.)
Just like everything else in life, practice makes perfect. Wear it in front of your friends and family and get their opinion, and after all, everything comes down to what you are comfortable in. So dress right and go out there and represent!