How to Keep Your Hijab in Place All Day
Something that’s probably driven every hijabi absolutely mad at some point – the dreaded slipping hijab.
You know the feeling. You’ve spent 10 minutes getting your hijab just right, looking proper smart, feeling confident.
Then you’re halfway through the school run and suddenly you feel it sliding. By the time you’re at Tesco, you’re basically doing emergency adjustments in the car park mirror.
I’ve been wearing hijab on and off for years now and let me tell you, between working as a bridal makeup artist for 16 years and running around after four kids, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping a hijab secure.
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The Foundation: Choosing the Right Undercap
Your undercap is literally the foundation of your entire hijab situation. Get this wrong, and nothing else matters.
Cotton Tube Undercaps
These are my absolute go-to for everyday wear. They’re simple, comfortable, and they grip like nobody’s business.
Why I love them:
- Absorb sweat (important when you’re running around like a headless chicken)
- Provide grip for your hijab
- Machine washable
- Come in multipacks
Ninja Undercaps (The Ones with Ties)
Game-changers for long days or active situations. They’ve got ties at the back that you secure under your chin.
I wore one of these to my daughter’s sports day last year. I was running in the parents’ race (don’t ask who won – it wasn’t me), and my hijab didn’t budge an inch.
Perfect for:
- Weddings and events
- Exercise or active days
- Windy weather
- Days when you cannot be dealing with adjustments
Slip Proof Headbands for Hijab
I discovered these about two years ago when one of my bridal clients mentioned them, and they’ve genuinely changed my hijab game.
What Are Slip-Proof Headbands?
These are headbands with a textured or velvet underside that grips both your hair/undercap AND your hijab fabric. They sit on your head like a regular headband but create a non-slip barrier that keeps everything in place.
Why they’re brilliant:
- Double the grip (on your head and under your hijab)
- Prevent that annoying slide-back situation
- Work with any hijab style
- Super comfortable – you forget you’re wearing them
The Best Hijab Pins That Actually Work
Safety Pins
Basic but effective. The key is using the right size and using enough of them.
My technique:
- Use 3-4 pins minimum
- Safety pin under your chin (always)
- One single pin on each side of your head
- Pin through multiple layers if needed
Magnetic Hijab Pins
Brilliant if you’re always stabbing yourself with regular pins (guilty).
Pros:
- No holes in your hijab
- No accidental stabbings
- Look neat and polished
Cons:
- Can be heavy if you use too many
- More expensive than regular pins
Foolproof Daily Method
Let me walk you through my actual routine that keeps my hijab secure through school runs, Tesco trips, and impromptu gymnastics and swimming competitions with the kids.
Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Hair Oily or damp hair makes everything slip.
Step 2: Put on Your Undercap Properly
- Pull it down to your eyebrows
- Make sure it covers all your hair at the back
- Should feel snug but not tight
Step 3: Choose Your Hijab Fabric Wisely
For everyday wear:
- Jersey material (stretchy, stays put)
- Cotton (breathable, good grip)
- Modal (soft, doesn’t slip too much)
Step 4: The Wrapping
- Drape the hijab over your head with one side longer (about 2:1 ratio)
- Pin under your chin – non-negotiable
- Take the longer side and wrap it around your head
- Pin at your temple
- Adjust the shorter side to cover your chest
- Final pin at the back of your head
Total pins used: 3-4 minimum Time taken: About 3 minutes
Step 5: The Security Check
Before leaving the house:
- Shake your head gently – does anything move?
- Look down – does the hijab fall forward?
- Turn your head side to side – any slipping?
If anything feels dodgy, add another pin.
AI Image Prompt: Muslim woman checking hijab in mirror, modest fashion styling, daily hijab routine, natural morning light, South Asian woman
Hijab Hacks for Different Situations
For Active Days
Sports Hijab with Built-in Cap
Sports hijabs are designed for movement. Use at least 4-5 pins, an inner ninja cap, and jersey fabric.
For Formal Events
After 16 years of doing bridal makeup, I know how important it is to look polished all day.
My strategy:
- Ninja undercap with ties
- 5-7 pins
- Decorative brooches that actually secure
- Hairspray on the undercap (gives extra grip)
- Emergency pins in handbag
For Windy Weather
Volumising Scrunchie for Hijab
Living in London, wind is a daily battle. Use heavier fabrics, more pins, and wrap snugly.
FAQ About Keeping Your Hijab Secure
How many pins should I use?
Minimum 3 for daily wear, 4-7 for active days or events.
What’s the best undercap material?
Cotton for everyday – breathable, absorbs moisture, provides grip.
Why does my hijab keep falling back?
Your undercap isn’t positioned correctly, you’re not using enough pins, or your fabric is too slippery.
Can I exercise in a regular hijab?
You can, but sports hijabs are better. They’re designed for movement.
How do I stop headaches?
Don’t wear it too tight. Your hijab should be snug but not tight.
How often should I wash undercaps?
After every wear – they absorb sweat. Hijabs depend on fabric and weather.
Thoughts
Here’s the thing about hijab – it’s deeply personal. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s completely okay.
I’ve been on this journey for years, and I’m still learning. Some days I nail it, some days I look like I’ve been in a fight with a scarf and lost. That’s life, innit?
The key is finding what works for YOUR lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different undercaps, pins, and styles.
And be patient with yourself. Nobody gets it perfect straight away. But with the right undercap, the right pins, and a bit of practice, you absolutely can keep your hijab secure all day.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find where my 5-year-old has hidden all my hijab pins this time.
What’s your biggest hijab struggle? Have you tried any of these techniques? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!
