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QUESTION: I have been wearing the hijab for over two years now Alhamdullilah and I am noticing that I am losing alot of hair. I feel I am doing something wrong. Is there a specific type of cloth that a hijab should be made out of to reduce this problem? ANSWER: I asked Umm Zaid, of www.ModernMuslima.com, to answer this issue. The following is her answer. You'll find much of benefit on her excellent site. (Shaykh) Faraz Rabbani. Loss of Hair Because of Hijab Answered by Umm Zaid (www.ModernMuslima.com) Answer: It is true that wearing the hijab, especially if you wear it for many hours at a time, can cause your hair to both darken and thin. Rely on Allah subhannahu wa ta'ala. Take comfort in the knowledge that women, including our Muslim mothers, have been wearing veils for thousands of years. If hair loss was a major result of hijab, balding women would be a common sight in the Ummah. Whether you lose hair or not, insha'Allah, Allah ta'ala will reward you for following His Divine Command. Alhamdulillah, there are a few things you can do to fight this.

First, you should rule out any health issues that may be causing you to lose hair. A birth, surgery, severe infection or high fever, anemia, thyroid conditions, high doses of vitamin A, fungus, and reactions to common medications (including birth control) can cause you to temporarily lose hair, even after several months have passed. If you think this may be the cause, you should talk to your physician. Also, it is common for women's hair to thin as they age, especially just before and after menopause. You should also make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet, as protein deficiency can cause hair loss.

Second, you should not wear your hair in tight braids. If you do wear cornrows or other types of braids, keep your scalp moist, and give your hair a break every few weeks by taking them out. If you wear a ponytail, use the new no-metal parts fabric covered bands (rubber bands and metal in bands will pull your hair out). Keep your ponytail loose, and wear it at the nape of the neck. Wear your hair loose as often as possible at home.

You should be wearing a loose fitting cotton or lace cap under your scarf. This will keep the scarf -- of any fabric -- from slipping and rubbing against your scalp. It also keeps your hair from coming loose under the hijab. Don't wear tight fitting lace headbands or peach skin fabric underscarves -- these only exacerbate the problem.

If you dye or chemically process your hair, or regularly use a curling or straigtening iron or hot curlers, you should stop for the time being. If you don't want to air dry your hair (which would be best), then use a diffuser on your dryer. If you regularly use styling products, you should use a gentle clarifying shampoo every two weeks, which will help remove residue from your hair and scalp. There are also volumizing and maximizing shampoos and conditioners on the market that will help thicken your hair.

When shampooing your hair, massage the soap from your scalp to the ends with your fingers instead of lathering it up on top of your head. That causes tangles which can cause your hair to break and fall out. Don't brush your hair while it's wet; use a detangler and a wide toothed comb. To towel dry, squeeze your hair with the towel gently from roots to ends instead of rubbing it against your scalp. Don't put your hair in a braid or ponytail while it's still wet.

If you have very wavy or curly hair, use a pic or wide toothed comb instead of a brush. If you can, spend a little more money to buy a high quality cushion brush with smooth tipped bristles.

- Umm Zaid.

[Source: SunniPath]