Salaam - Seeking practical hijab styles that feel comfortable and keep me confident
Assalamu alaikum. TL;DR: It comes down to inconvenience and feeling insecure, so I want to try new styles. I usually wear a tube undercap over a bun and a jersey hijab, tying the tails behind my back. Fast and practical but I find it ugly and I want suggestions for fabrics and simple styles that stay put with movement, hats, earphones, etc. The looks I find online often don’t seem workable for daily life and work, and I don’t like puffy styles. My vibe is street/Gen Z - always pants and baggy clothes, neutral colors. Also looking for hijabi fashion creators who keep things comfy and low-fuss. Is it possible to ditch undercaps entirely? A bit of background: I started wearing hijab at 16 and I’m 23 now. I chose it and never took it off; I could explain it in my western circles. Until last year I didn’t feel bothered by it, but lately it’s become a real hassle, especially in winter. My hair gets ruined, strands around my face pop out so I’m always fixing it, the tail swings when I move, and I keep checking my neck isn’t showing. From the back it looks messy when I have a bun or ponytail - it bothers me. It’s also starting to feel tight and suffocating even though I pick convenient fabrics and a practical style. I don’t feel like I look good in it, my confidence drops, and I avoid photos - which is hard because I loved photos of my curly partly-dyed hair and bangs before hijab. It’s not about attracting others; it’s about feeling secure and myself. I miss feeling wind on my hair and more freedom with hats (I wear a lot of hats). Most of all I feel very self-conscious since I’m often the only hijabi around, and that standing-out feeling makes me constantly monitor my behavior. It gets tiring and I feel boxed into a category instead of being seen as an individual. I’m also wondering about how much modesty around hair is interpreted differently over time and cultures, but that’s another conversation. I want to be clear: I will never remove my hijab. I don’t think taking it off would solve these feelings. I tell myself, Insha’Allah in Jannah we won’t have to wear it 🥲 Any practical tips would help - fabrics that breathe but stay in place, simple wrapping methods that suit a bun or ponytail without puffiness, ways to avoid constant adjustments, hat-friendly looks, and creators who share comfy, everyday hijab inspo. JazākAllāhu khayr for any advice.