Hijab Styling Tips for Every Face Shape

When it comes to building a harmonious outfit, it’s important to consider what styles best suit your body type. This also applies to hijabs. 

Certain styling tips and techniques for hijabs suit different face shapes. Figuring out your face shape and styling accordingly can help you feel and look your best, accentuating your features even more.

Today, AbayaButh will discuss the different styles suited to each face shape to help you find the most flattering look.

1. Oval Face Shape: The All-Rounder

The oval face shape is considered the most balanced and versatile, so most styles will suit you. 

The oval face is characterised by a length one and a half times the width of your face and a slightly narrower jaw than the forehead. 

Some recommended styles for this face shape include:

1. Turban-style hijab: This trendy style neatly frames the face for a simple look. If you prefer something more eye-catching, you can add twists and knots to the style. For a chic finish, consider leaving the ends loose or draping them over your shoulder.

1. Loose-draped hijab: This timeless style naturally highlights the face while adding softness. Secure your hijab loosely under your chin, allowing the fabric to fall over your face and drape across your shoulder. 

The Best Fabrics

For an oval face shape, the best fabrics include:

• Jersey (for effortless draping and layering)
• Chiffon (perfect for loose and fitted styles)
• Silk (for a touch of luxury and glamour)

2. Round Face Shape: Creating Definition

The round face shape is characterised by soft, curved lines, with the length and width of your face equal to each other. 

These make a person appear youthful and radiant. To add some definition to your face, try out the following styles:

1. Loose-draped hijab with defined layers: This hijab style balances the natural roundness of your features by drawing attention downwards. Start by pushing the hijab further back on your forehead so that part of your hairline is visible. Avoid tucking the fabric too tightly under your chin; instead, let it drape loosely about your neck and shoulders.

1. Asymmetrical hijab draping: Asymmetrical hijabs make the face appear longer since the hijab naturally creates a vertical line on one side longer than the other. To achieve this, fold the hijab into a triangle and pin it under your chin as usual. Then, wrap one end over your head and let the other end hang longer on one side. 

The Best Fabrics

For the round face shape, the following fabrics help to accentuate the face:

• Georgette (for creating loose and defined layers)
• Viscose (for asymmetrical draping)
• Chiffon (for creating soft layers)

3. Square Face Shape: Softening the Edges

For Muslimahs with a square face shape, hijab styles that soften the edges of the face are flattering. 

A square face is characterised by a sharp jaw and a broad forehead, with the width of the face almost equal to the forehead, cheeks, and jawline. The following hijab styles will soften the sharp angles:

1. Side-swept layers: A side-swept hijab helps break up the boxy symmetry, giving your face a softer appearance. To do this, wrap one end of the hijab over your head and let it drape longer on one side. Secure the shorter end at the nape or pin it under your ear, creating a side-swept effect.

1. Voluminous hijab: Adding volume to the top or sides of your hijab can help reduce the prominence of your jawline. Opt for a thicker fabric, like pashmina, or layer a lightweight fabric. Create layers higher up on your face to soften the overall silhouette.

The Best Fabrics

Materials that drape smoothly and add flow are best for square faces. This includes: 

• Pashmina (to add thick layers)
• Jersey (for creating rounder shapes)
• Chiffon (to reduce harshness)

4. Heart Face Shape: Balancing Width

When styling a heart-shaped face, the goal is to add subtle volume around the jawline to balance the larger upper half of the face.

Heart-shaped faces are characterised by a wider forehead that tapers down to a pointed chin, often creating a distinct and striking silhouette. 

1. Softly Wrapped Hijab with Volume at the Sides: Adding volume to the sides of the face rather than the top helps create a more harmonious appearance. For this, use a hijab cap to keep the hijab securely in place while adding subtle volume at the sides. Add a loose drape that rounds out the jawline.

1. Hijab with Side-Swept Layers: This style helps make a heart-shaped face appear more symmetrical. To do this, wrap one side of the hijab over the opposite shoulder, letting it cascade diagonally across the chest.

The Best Fabrics

The following materials help to achieve loose drapes and add volume to the face:

• Viscose (for adding layers without bulk)
• Pashmina (to add volume and structure)
• Jersey (for creating layers at the sides)

5. Long/Rectangular Face Shape: Adding Width

Long or rectangular face shapes feature more defined jawlines, high cheekbones, and a slightly elongated forehead and chin. 

The key to styling this face shape lies in creating the illusion of width and minimising the appearance of extra length. To do this, try the following styles:

• Turban Style with Side Volume: The turban style is flattering for long faces as it focuses on filling out the sides. For this, wrap the hijab around your head, creating layers or knots at the sides to draw attention outward rather than upward. Avoid adding bulk to the crown. 

• Hijab Styles with Horizontal Layers: Horizontal layers help to shorten the length of the face by adding volume to the sides. For this style, fold your hijab so it sits slightly forward on your forehead, then wrap it in horizontal layers around the sides of your face. Allow the fabric to drape naturally at the sides rather than flowing straight down.

The Best Fabrics

When styling a hijab for a long or rectangular face, the following fabrics help to create a flattering look:

• Pashmina (for creating structured styles)
• Viscose (for layered hijab styles)
• Jersey (ideal for horizontal layers)

Here at AbayaButh, we offer a beautiful selection of hijabs, perfect for any occasion. 

With fabrics that drape beautifully, colours to complement any skin tone, and long-lasting materials, you’re bound to find something you love. 

For more styles, you can check out our video on youtube here