Beyond the Veil: Maintaining Healthy Hair Under a Head Covering

June 9, 2025

For many, wearing a head covering is a significant part of their religious or cultural identity. Whether it's a hijab, turban, tichel, or other forms of covering, it's a beautiful expression of faith and tradition. However, prolonged covering can sometimes lead to unique hair care challenges. Concerns like dryness, breakage, oiliness, or even hair loss can arise due to reduced airflow, friction, or lack of sun exposure.

But rest assured, beautiful and healthy hair is absolutely achievable beneath any covering! It simply requires a thoughtful and consistent hair care routine tailored to these specific needs.

Hair Challenges below the Covering

When hair is regularly covered, it faces a few common issues:

Reduced Airflow: This can lead to a build-up of sweat, oil, and product, potentially creating an environment conducive to scalp issues or greasiness.
Friction: The fabric of the covering can cause friction, leading to breakage, split ends, or even traction alopecia if the covering is too tight or secured too tightly.
Lack of Sunlight/Vitamin D: While not directly affecting hair health, a lack of direct sunlight can impact overall health and vitamin D levels, which play a role in hair growth and vitality.
Dryness: Paradoxically, reduced airflow can sometimes lead to increased dryness, as the scalp's natural oils might not distribute effectively down the hair shaft, or the covering might absorb moisture.

Your Go-To Guide for Healthy Covered Hair

Here's a comprehensive approach to keeping your hair happy and healthy:

Prioritise scalp Health: A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, especially when covered.
- Regular Cleansing: Wash your hair regularly to remove oil, sweat, and product buildup. Consider a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo.
- Clarifying Shampoo (Weekly/Bi-weekly): Use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to deep clean the scalp and remove any stubborn residue.
- Scalp Massages & Oils: Gently massaging your scalp can improve circulation. Incorporating a nourishing hair oil directly onto the scalp (before washing or as a leave-in treatment) can moisturise the skin, balance oil production, and create a healthy environment for hair follicles.
Moisture, Moisture, Moisture: Covered hair can get dry.
- Deep Conditioning: Use a rich conditioner every time you wash, and incorporate a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask 1-2 times a week.
- Leave-In Conditioners/Creams: These can provide continuous hydration throughout the day.
- Hair Oils for Hydration: A high-quality natural hair oil like Maribu applied to the lengths and ends of your hair is crucial. It helps to seal in moisture, smooth the cuticle, and prevent dryness that leads to breakage and frizz.
Choose Your Fabrics Wisely:
- Breathable Materials: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, silk, or satin for your coverings or inner caps. These allow for better airflow and reduce heat retention.
- Smooth Linings: If your outer covering isn't silk or satin, consider wearing a silk or satin inner cap. These smooth fabrics drastically reduce friction, preventing breakage and hair thinning caused by rubbing.
Avoid Tight Styles & Tension:
- Loose Hairstyles: Always tie your hair in a loose bun, braid, or ponytail before covering it. Avoid tight styles that pull on the roots, as this can lead to traction alopecia (hair loss due to consistent pulling).
- Don't Cover Wet Hair: This is a big one! Covering wet hair creates a damp, warm environment perfect for bacterial or fungal growth, which can lead to scalp issues and unpleasant odours. Always ensure your hair is completely dry before putting on your covering.
Let Your Hair Breathe (When Possible):
- Whenever you are in a private space, let your hair down and allow it to air out. This helps with circulation and prevents excessive oiliness or dryness.
- Comb or brush your hair gently after airing it out to distribute natural oils and release any tension.
Nutrition & Hydration from Within:
- A balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially A, C, D, E, B vitamins) and minerals (iron, zinc) is essential for hair health.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Maribu: Your Companion for Covered Hair

At Maribu, we understand the specific needs of hair that is regularly covered. Our Revitalising Hair Oil is 100% natural, free from parabens and silicones, and designed to be a perfect ally in your daily routine:

Deeply Nourishing: Its blend of coconut oil (our largest ingredient) and 7 other natural oils provides profound moisture, preventing dryness and brittleness.
Scalp Soothing: Massaged into the scalp, it helps maintain a healthy, balanced environment.
Reduces Friction Damage: By smoothing the hair's cuticle, it helps minimise damage caused by rubbing against fabric.
Natural Shine & Strength: It strengthens strands and imparts a beautiful, natural shine, ensuring your hair looks vibrant even when it's revealed.
Lightweight & Absorbent: It won't leave a heavy, greasy feel under your covering, making it comfortable for daily use.
Natural Fragrance: It leaves your hair smelling wonderful as a private celebration of the blessing that is your hair.

Embrace your head covering with confidence, knowing that your hair beneath is receiving the natural care and nourishment it deserves. With a mindful routine and the right products, your hair can flourish, strong and radiant.