Hijab and hair loss: practical scalp care for women who cover

Many Muslim women in Malaysia wear a tudung or hijab every day, often for long hours in hot, humid weather. It is common to wonder whether covering the hair causes hair fall. The short answer is that the hijab itself is not known to cause pattern hair loss, but some habits around wearing it can affect the scalp and the hairline. This guide looks at what is known and what you can do.

What research has found

There has been little research on hair loss in women who wear the hijab. One 2023 study from a single dermatology centre in the United States looked at 165 women with non-scarring hair loss, 125 of whom wore the hijab. The most common diagnoses were female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium (shedding), with a smaller number of cases of traction alopecia. The women who wore the hijab tended to notice hair loss at a younger age. Among them, vitamin D deficiency and seborrhoeic dermatitis were linked with a higher chance of telogen effluvium ¹.

This was a small study from one clinic, so it cannot prove cause and effect. But it highlights three areas worth paying attention to: pulling on the hair, scalp health and vitamin D.

1. Pulling: tight underscarves, buns and pins

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated pulling on the hair over a long time. It typically affects the hairline at the front and sides, and sometimes the area behind the ears ². Tight inner caps (anak tudung or ninja caps), high tight buns worn under the hijab, and pins or clips placed in the same spot every day can all add tension.

Early traction alopecia can improve if the pulling stops, but after years of tension the follicles can be damaged so that the hair does not grow back ^{3 4}. Signs to watch for include:

• A hairline that is gradually moving back or thinning at the temples
• Short, broken hairs along the edges
• Small bumps, soreness or a feeling of tightness after removing your scarf

Practical changes:

• Choose a soft, breathable inner cap that holds without squeezing
• Wear hair in a low, loose bun or plait instead of a tight high bun
• Change the position of pins and the parting from time to time
• Take the hijab and inner cap off at home when you can, to give the scalp a break

Read more in traction alopecia.

2. Scalp health: sweat, heat and damp hair

Covering the head in a hot, humid climate can trap sweat and oil. This does not cause hair loss directly, but it can make some scalp conditions worse. Seborrhoeic dermatitis, which causes flaking, redness and itch, is linked to yeast that lives on oily skin ⁵. In the study above, it was associated with shedding in hijab wearers ¹.

Practical habits:

• Wash the hair as often as you need to keep the scalp comfortable. Daily washing is fine for oily scalps. See how often to wash your hair
• Let hair dry fully before tying it up and covering it. Wearing a hijab over damp hair keeps the scalp warm and moist for hours
• Choose cotton or other breathable fabrics on hot days
• Wash inner caps often, as they collect sweat and oil
• If you have flaking or itch, an anti-dandruff shampoo may help. See seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff treatment

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is made in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. People who cover most of their skin when outdoors are among the groups the NHS says may not get enough vitamin D from sunlight ⁶. Even in sunny Malaysia, people who cover up and spend most of the day indoors may have low levels.

The link between vitamin D and hair loss is still being studied, and taking vitamin D will not fix every type of hair loss. If you have hair shedding, tiredness or bone or muscle aches, ask a doctor whether a blood test is appropriate rather than taking high-dose supplements on your own. See vitamin deficiencies and hair loss.

Other causes to keep in mind

Covered hair can hide changes for a long time, so some women only notice thinning when it is already advanced. Common causes in women, such as postpartum shedding, low iron, thyroid problems and female pattern hair loss, apply whether or not you wear a hijab ⁷. See hair loss in women and hair loss in your 30s.

Gentle hair care

General advice from dermatologists applies ⁸:

• Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair
• Avoid rubbing hair roughly with a towel
• Limit high heat and chemical treatments such as rebonding

When to see a doctor

See a GP or dermatologist if your hairline is moving back, you have patches of hair loss, the scalp is sore, red or scaly, or shedding is heavy or lasts more than a few months. Early traction alopecia has the best chance of improving.

The bottom line

The hijab itself is not known to cause pattern baldness. Tight underscarves and buns can cause traction alopecia, a covered scalp in hot weather can aggravate seborrhoeic dermatitis, and low vitamin D may play a part. Loose styles, a dry and clean scalp, and timely medical advice help most.

Frequently asked questions

Does wearing a hijab cause hair loss?

The hijab itself is not known to cause pattern hair loss. Tight inner caps, buns and pins can cause traction alopecia along the hairline ^{2 1}.

Is it bad to wear a hijab over wet hair?

It keeps the scalp warm and damp for hours, which may worsen flaking and itch in people prone to seborrhoeic dermatitis. Let hair dry fully first where possible ⁵.

Can hair grow back after traction alopecia?

Early traction alopecia often improves once the pulling stops. Long-standing traction can damage follicles so hair does not grow back, so act early ^{3 4}.

Should I take vitamin D for hair loss?

Only if a doctor confirms you are low. People who cover most of their skin outdoors are more likely to be low in vitamin D ⁶.

Educational content. Not medical advice.