How to Wear Hijab Arab Style for Kids: A Step-by-Step Guide

In Arab society, the hijab holds deep cultural and religious significance. You’ll see that for many Arab families, the hijab is more than just a piece of fabric. For them it’s a symbol of modesty, respect, and tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. Starting at a young age, girls are often introduced to the idea of wearing a hijab, whether it’s for religious events, family gatherings, or simply going out in public.

One of my close friends from an Arab family styles her 11-year-old daughter with a hijab. It’s a special process, done with care and love, and she has shared her approach with me. In this blog, I’ll guide you through how to wear hijab Arab style for kids, using my personal experiences and expert insights.

The purpose of this blog is to help parents like you guide your children in wearing the hijab in the traditional Arab style. I hope this step-by-step guide will make wearing the hijab easy, simple, and fun for both you and your child. We’ll explore everything from choosing the right hijab to making sure it stays comfortable and secure all day long.

Hijab in Arab Culture and Islam

In Arab culture, the hijab is an important part of a girl’s upbringing. It symbolizes modesty and religious values. The idea of the hijab is rooted in Islamic teachings, where girls are encouraged to dress modestly as a way to respect themselves and their faith. Girls often get introduced to the hijab around the age of 10 or 11. Though this completely depends on their family and cultural background. 

Girls wear a hijab during religious occasions like Eid. They also wear hijab when they attend the mosque. You’ll often see them wearing a hijab during family gatherings and even at school. However, wearing a hijab isn’t just about covering your head. Young girls can learn the importance of self-respect and modesty by wearing hijab. The hijab can become a powerful statement of identity and faith for kids if they wear it with pride.

How to Choose the Right Hijab for Kids

You need to choose the right hijab for your kids. It is an important step. While choosing a hijab you have to find the balance between comfort, practicality, and style. You can consider several things:

1. Material: Material is very important for any piece of clothes. So, it’s important for the hijab as well. You can look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or jersey. As hijab sets on the head for a long time, these materials are lightweight and comfortable for skin. Especially for active kids these materials are great. Fabrics like chiffon or silk might be beautiful, but they can be slippery and hard for kids to manage on their own.

2. Size: The size of the hijab is important. For kids you need smaller sized hijabs than adults’ hijabs. If the hijab is too big or too small it will not fit your child properly. A medium-sized scarf is usually perfect for most kids.

3. Style: There are several hijab styles for kids. Slip-on hijabs, one-piece, or two-piece hijabs are some popular choices for kids. For younger kids, a slip-on hijab is the easiest. As they grow older, you can introduce them to different styles that require wrapping and styling.

4. Color and Patterns: It’s the fun part and you can include your children here. Let your child choose their favorite colors and patterns. Hijab-wearing should be a positive experience, and allowing them to pick something they love makes them more excited about it.

5. Ease of Wearing: For kids, slip-on hijabs can be a game-changer. They are easy to wear and you don’t need pins to wrap them.

6. Comfort is Key: Kids are little and it will be hard for them to adjust the hijab all day. So, it will be practical for them to wear a lightweight and non-slip hijab. Make sure the hijab allows airflow to prevent your child from feeling too hot, especially during playtime.

7. Durability and Maintenance: I’ll suggest to the parents to teach their kids to maintain their clothes and hijab. When they’ll start to maintain their hijabs by themselves they’ll feel more connected to this process. I already suggest you pick cotton and jersey fabric. These fabrics are durable and can withstand frequent washing.

8. Age Appropriateness: You may choose ready-to-wear hijabs for toddlers and younger kids. You can opt for pre-stitched or wrap-free styles. As kids become older and their sense of style develops, they might play around with various looks like wrapped hijabs.

9. Consider Religious and Cultural Sensitivity: Involve your child in choosing their hijab to make sure they also feel comfortable and connected to the process. It’s important for parents to keep in mind that their kids don’t feel oppression while wearing hijab. 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wear a Hijab in Arab Style for Kids

Now, let’s get into the practical part of how to wear a hijab in Arab style for kids. I’ll discuss some easy steps and by following this simple process you can wrap your kids’ hijab in just a few minutes. 

Step 1: Preparing the Hair

The first step of wearing a hijab is preparing the hair. You don’t have to do anything fancy for this. Just tie your kid’s hair neatly before putting on the hijab, otherwise the hijab will not set. My friend always starts by tying her daughter’s hair into a ponytail or a bun. This helps keep the hijab in place. It also makes sure the hair doesn’t stick out. For kids with short hair, just brushing it back will do the job.

Step 2: Placing an Undercap

Of course you want to secure the hijab throughout the day. Place an undercap to keep the hijab in place. I asked my friend what type of undercap would be great for kids. She told me she uses a cotton undercap for her daughter. I also think cotton undercap would be great because it’s comfortable and breathable. My friend also told me and undercap prevents the hijab from slipping and keeps everything in place. So, it’ll help most when your kid is at school or playground.

Step 3: Wrapping the Hijab

• Start with the center of the scarf on the forehead: Place the middle of the hijab on your child’s forehead. Assure it’s even on both sides.
• Drape the ends evenly on both sides: Let the two ends of the hijab hang down evenly on each side of the head.
• Wrap one side around the neck: Take one end of the scarf and wrap it around the neck. Then, bring it over to the opposite shoulder. For you little girl you have to make it snug but not too tight.
• Secure it under the chin: Adjust the scarf under the chin. It’ll make sure it’s comfortable and secure. You can use a small pin here if needed, but for kids, I find that the fabric usually stays in place without pins. Magnet pins have become very popular nowadays and I find them safe for kids. 
• Adjust the folds for a neat finish: Smooth out any folds or wrinkles and make sure the hijab looks neat and tidy. You can adjust the fabric around the face to create a gentle frame.

Step 4: Pinning the Hijab Securely (if needed)

The next step is optional. And you got it right, it’s pinning the hijab. If you choose cotton fabric then usually it doesn’t require any pinning. But if you choose a slippery fabric, then you can use a small safety pin to secure it under the chin. My friend usually skips this step because her daughter prefers not to use pins, but it’s an option if you need extra security. Make sure the pin is placed carefully to avoid any discomfort. I already talked about magnet pins, you can use them as well.

Step 5: Final Adjustments for Comfort and Style

Finally, check that everything is comfortable and looks good. The hijab should not be too tight around the face because kids should be able to move their head freely. After wrapping the hijab, ask them to give it a little shake to make sure it stays in place. 

Different Types of Style of Hijab for Kids

Photo Credit: Pinterest

I got to know different styles of hijab from my friends. Some of them are suitable for kids. I’ll discuss my favorite 10 styles. Each of these styles offer a different look and feel.

1. Slip-On Hijab: This is the easiest style for younger kids. It’s pre-sewn and just slips over the head. No pins or wrapping are required, making it perfect for school or playtime.

2. Two-Piece Hijab: This consists of a cap and a scarf. The cap is worn first to keep the scarf secure. The scarf is then wrapped around the head for full coverage. It’s a little more complex but offers a neat and secure fit.

3. Shayla Hijab: The Shayla is a long, rectangular scarf that can be wrapped in various ways. My friend’s daughter loves this style for special occasions because it allows her to play around with different wraps and drapes.

4. Al-Amira Hijab: This is a two-piece hijab that’s easy to wear and stays in place. It’s perfect for kids who are active or for parents who need something quick and reliable.

5. Turban Style Hijab: A more trendy and modern style where the hijab is wrapped around the head like a turban. This style typically leaves the neck exposed. So, girls can wear a turban with a matching underscarf or high-collared shirt. Special occasions or when a stylish look is preferred. The turban style offers a chic and modern look for older kids who want to experiment with fashion while still maintaining modesty.

6. Triangle Scarf Hijab: A simple triangular scarf that is draped over the head and fastened under the chin. It’s a traditional and straightforward style.Everyday wear, especially for younger kids. It’s lightweight and easy to style, making it a great option for everyday use or playtime.

7. Pashmina Hijab: Pashmina hijabs are large rectangular scarves. This hijab is usually made of soft material. You can wrap it around the head in a variety of ways. Teenage girls can get creative with pashmina hijab and can wrap it as they wish. It also provides extra warmth in colder weather.

8. Instant Hijab with Bonnet: Kids can wear this hijab and instantly get ready. This hijab comes with an attached bonnet underneath. It’s pre-stitched and ready to wear with no wrapping required. School, sports, or outdoor acts. This style is quick to put on and stays secure during playtime or physical activities.

9. Criss-Cross Hijab: A stylish hijab style where the fabric is wrapped across the front of the head in a criss-cross pattern, providing a chic look. Formal occasions or events where a more sophisticated style is desired. The criss-cross style adds a fashionable twist to the traditional hijab, making it perfect for older kids who want to look elegant.

10. Niqab for Older Girls: While not typically worn by younger children, some older girls in conservative Arab families may begin to wear a Niqab, a face-covering veil that leaves only the eyes visible. Religious practices or families following conservative traditions. The Niqab is more common in certain regions and for older girls or women who follow a stricter interpretation of modest dress.

Pros of Wearing a Hijab

Wearing a Hijab	Pros
	Cultural Identity and Pride
	Privacy and Personal Space
	Focus on Personality
	Confidence and Empowerment
	Spiritual Connection
	Solidarity and Community
	Cultural Appreciation and Respect
	Practical Benefits
	Protection from Certain Beauty Standards

Tips for Parents: Making Hijab-Wearing Fun for Kids

Some kids can feel that hijab is a boundary. They might feel it is a restriction that their parents are creating for them. Therefore, you have to make wearing a hijab fun and positive experience for kids. They should not feel trapped or should not have a negative thought about religion. Here are some tips my friend uses to make it enjoyable for her daughter:

• Let them choose their favorite colors and fabrics: You have to give some control to your kids as well. You can give your child the freedom to choose the colors, patterns, or fabric. It will help them feel more excited about wearing a hijab.

• Involve them in learning new styles: Teach them how to wrap the hijab themselves as they get older. It makes them independent and creative.

• Use fun pins and accessories: Decorate the hijab with cute pins or brooches. My friend’s daughter loves adding a sparkly pin to her hijab for special occasions.

Cultural Sensitivity and Encouragement

Hijab can be a sensible issue to kids as it can be a big change in their appearance. So, it’s important to teach kids about the cultural and religious significance of the hijab in a way they can understand. 

My friend started to explain to her daughter when she turned 9, the meaning of hijab in Islam hijab. She always encourages her to wear it with confidence and pride. But she never forces her to wear it. When her daughter hit puberty, she came to her mother and expressed her interest in wearing a hijab.  

So, you have to take time and wait for your kids to understand the meaning behind the hijab. Once they understand, they can decide when to wear it. It’s also important to support them in wearing the hijab in public, especially in some places where it might be uncommon. 

You, as a parent, can encourage them to see the hijab as a beautiful and meaningful part of their identity.

Related:

• How to Organizing Children’s Clothes: Step-by-step Guide
• Where to Donate Kids’ Clothes?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

There are some misconceptions about hijab and as a parent it’s your responsibility to debunk them to your kids. When you can successfully break the misconceptions and fear it will make wearing a hijab for kids a meaningful and fun experience. It’s not just about covering the head, it’s about teaching important values like modesty and respect. With the right approach, you can help your child embrace wearing the hijab with confidence and pride.

I hope from this guide you’ll learn how to wear hijab Arab style for kids in a way that’s simple, practical, and comfortable. By following this step-by-step guide you and even your little princess can master wrapping hijab.