How to Wear Hijab Confidently as a Revert Today
It took me three years after embracing Islam to finally start practicing hijab. I don’t recommend waiting that long, but I share this to remind you that everyone’s journey is unique—what matters most is that Allah guides you at the right time. In this post, I’ll share my thought process to wear hijab confidently as a revert today.
In the beginning, I was nervous about what my family, coworkers, and friends would think. I questioned whether I was “worthy” of covering my hair. Wearing the hijab isn’t just about covering your hair—it’s a visible sign of faith, and that made me hyper-aware of my actions, my speech, and how I carried myself. I felt like I wasn’t “religious enough” to wear something that outwardly identified me as a practicing Muslim.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be perfect to wear hijab. Hijab is more than a piece of fabric—it’s a journey of faith, growth, and confidence.
Understanding Hijab as Part of Your Muslim Identity
Wearing hijab as a revert can feel challenging at first, but over time, it becomes deeply empowering and liberating. Whether you feel like you’re “not religious enough” or you’re worried about how your family will react, hijab is actually the solution—not the obstacle. It becomes part of your identity, a beautiful expression of your faith. As Muslim women, we are obligated to observe it—not just by covering our hair, but by embodying good character and modesty in our actions.
Carry Your Faith and Values with Honor
If you’re holding yourself back from wearing the hijab, remember that you are already a visible representation of Islam. This is a profound responsibility, and it’s one to carry with honor. In a world consumed by fleeting beauty standards and secular ideals, you are a radiant exception—a reminder that true value lies beyond external appearances. More often than not, people will be curious about you, drawn to the way you carry yourself. Humans love to learn about each other’s backgrounds, and yours is rooted in faith, purpose, and values that respect the earth, humanity, and everything in between the cosmos. That alone is something powerful.
Hijab Allows You to Control their Access to You
And when it comes to worrying about what others think—let it go. Everyone has their own biases and worldview shaped by their upbringing, but your path is firm, intentional, and unwavering. By covering your hair, you are aligning yourself with your purpose as a Muslim woman. We all struggle in different aspects of faith, but hijab, despite its outward visibility, will likely be one of the easiest struggles. You can’t control how people perceive you, but hijab allows you to control their access to you. That, in itself, is a form of empowerment.
You are Stronger than You Know
You are Muslim now, and your life has changed for the better. Some may look at Islam and think, “Wow, this looks difficult.” And the truth is, Islam isn’t for the weak—it refines you spiritually, shaping you into the best version of yourself. Unlike in Christianity, where the concept of salvation is tied to someone else dying for your sins, Islam calls for personal accountability. This is the real deal, and you were chosen for it. You were born for this journey.
Overcoming Initial Insecurities
Feeling insecure is a normal part of life. You have a big exam coming up, and you’re unsure if you’ll pass. You’re pregnant with your first child, and you worry about whether you’ll be a good mother. You’re launching a business and fear it might not succeed. You’re starting a new job and doubt your ability to do things right. Insecurity is natural, and it’s no different when it comes to your hijab journey.
Hijab is Deeper than Your Skin and Hair
At first, you won’t know how to style it. Then, you’ll wonder which style suits your face shape best. Let’s be real—you still want to look presentable, but now you’re figuring out how to do that with hijab. As women, this is an everyday struggle: “I want to look good to feel good.” But suddenly, you can’t show your hair, your neck, or your body shape. So what do you have?
Shut out all that noise. You have your beautiful smile, your warmth, your character. You have your voice, your expressions, your presence. You have your intelligence, your kindness, and your impact on the world. You can give to humanity in ways that don’t involve offering your body for free consumption. And how amazing is it that no one has access to the rest of you? You could lose weight, gain weight, change your hair, or even go through surgery, and none of it will define you—because they are not allowed to see it. That is power. And yet, even with hijab, someone will always have something to say. Trust me.
Do Not Compare Cultural Norms with Islam
Some will call it extreme. Some will call you oppressed. Some will assume you’re doing it for a man. But the reality is this: being half-naked is extreme. Selling your body for validation is oppression. And you wear hijab for Allah.
If you live in a non-Muslim country, people will view it differently simply because their cultural norms are different. It’s all about perspective. If you constantly listen to and follow people whose values undermine the beauty of Islam, their influence will shape you. So stop giving them your attention. Protect your faith by practicing it. Stay loyal to Allah. Look at the mercy He has given you in every aspect of your life, and show gratitude through action. This mindset—this acceptance—is what builds confidence and helps you overcome insecurity in hijab.
Live in a Non-Muslim Country?
If you’re struggling with your confidence as a muslim woman in a non-muslim country, read my article: Here’s Exactly How to Confidently Wear Hijab in Western Society.
Practical Tips for Confidence
It’s completely normal to experience spiritual and mental challenges when starting hijab—just like with any major change in life. But let’s talk about some practical steps to help you follow through and build confidence. What can you do to start wearing hijab?
For some women, easing into it gradually helps build momentum. Think of it like dipping your feet in before jumping into the pool. If this approach works for you, try wearing hijab in spaces where you feel safe—like a friend’s house, your therapist’s office, or even while running quick errands. Over time, inshaAllah, it will start to feel like second nature, and eventually, leaving the house without it will feel off.
Find Your Modesty Style
Another great way to start is by experimenting in your own space. Watch hijab tutorials, try different styles, and make the process fun. Getting used to seeing yourself in hijab is key because, at first, it might not feel like “you.” I remember thinking my head looked like an egg! But the more you train your eyes to focus on your face rather than your hair, the more natural it will feel.
Beyond styling hijab itself, you can also explore how it fits into your personal fashion sense. Modesty doesn’t mean losing your style—it means refining it. Try different fabrics, layering techniques, or accessories to express yourself while keeping it modest. Every Muslim woman goes through an awkward phase in her hijab journey, but looking back, many will tell you that experimenting was actually a fun and empowering part of the process.
Hijab isn’t meant to feel daunting—it can be something beautiful, creative, and personal. Allow yourself to enjoy the journey.
Dealing with Social Challenges
I hope this has given you the motivation to embrace hijab with confidence and align your purpose with your values. But beyond mindset, true confidence also comes from knowledge. Educating yourself about your deen will help you navigate the inevitable interactions and questions that come with wearing hijab—especially in a non-Muslim country or within a non-Muslim family.
Your Knowledge is Key to Confidence
I’ve had strangers touch my hijab, ask if I was Arab, or assume I was being forced to wear it. Curiosity is a natural part of life as a visibly Muslim woman. Unless you’re facing outright hostility, there are graceful ways to handle questions, concerns, or judgments from others. And one of the best tools for that is knowledge. While it’s not solely our responsibility to educate people about Islam, engaging with those who are genuinely curious can go a long way. Over time, you’ll learn to distinguish between sincere questions and those meant to demean your faith—and you’ll develop the confidence to handle both with grace.
It’s important to stay calm, even when someone says something ignorant or offensive. Remember, they don’t know what you know. And it’s not your responsibility to make them see the beauty of Islam. In the early stages of your hijab journey, these interactions can feel overwhelming, so surround yourself with support. Spend time with other hijabi sisters, visit the masjid often, and be in environments that nurture your spirituality and mental well-being. This isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Do Not Please Others, Please Allah
That said, don’t rely solely on external motivation. Hijab is an act of devotion, not something you do to please others. And this mindset extends beyond just wearing hijab—it teaches you to be intentional in all aspects of life. You don’t need to buy the latest trendy water bottle just because everyone else has it. You don’t need to post pictures every day just because it’s what people do. Likewise, you don’t need to compromise your hijab—both physically and spiritually—just because people around you don’t understand it. At the end of the day, Allah sees your efforts, and that is all that truly matters.
Building a Supportive Community
If you’re not already going to the masjid multiple times a week, start now. Your sense of serenity only deepens when you pray in congregation and surround yourself with devout Muslims. Not only does this strengthen your relationship with Allah, but it also helps you cut out the distractions of the secular world.
Now, let’s talk about social media. It’s a touchy subject, but its connection to hijab is real. Reduce your screen time. Be honest—do you really need to watch Sally’s skincare routine for the fifth time? A lot of what we consume online is just filler—something to pass the time. Instead, fill your time with hobbies, education, and things that truly enrich you.
I know—it’s easier said than done. Social media addiction runs deep, but unless your feed is filled with Islamic reminders, you’re constantly tapping into a world that normalizes fleeting trends and the hypersexualization of women. Some people might brush it off, but if you understand how impressionable humans are, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Big social media companies thrive on your attention—and Allah reminds us of its value through our five daily prayers.
At the very least, by spending more time in the masjid, you’re not just strengthening your connection with Allah—you’re also opening the door to meaningful friendships with practicing Muslims. Yes, social media can help you find like-minded sisters, but let’s not forget the power of in-person community. Especially with the challenges Muslims face around the world, congregating should be one of our priorities. We need spaces where we can have deep discussions, pray together, and uplift each other in our deen.
Spiritual Perspective
The words self-love and self-care are overused. As Muslims, we understand that the health of our community is a reflection of the health of the family unit. If our neighbor’s family is hungry or struggling, we are responsible for helping them. This is why I’m encouraging you to wear the hijab in this article. It’s also why we rally for our Muslim sisters in Sudan, China, and Palestine.
Hijab is more than fabric—it is an expression of obedience to Allah and an act of worship. Just as you should extend patience to yourself in your struggles, you should also extend patience to the sister struggling next to you. And when you find moments of strength—when you achieve something spiritually—pass it on. Listen to your sister, extend grace to her, and if you know her well, advise her with sincerity.
Confidence in wearing hijab comes from relying on Allah for strength and patience. To truly rely on Allah, we must accept that many things are not in our control—but our actions always are. So, in both ease and hardship, ask yourself: How will I choose to carry myself?
Conclusion
Your hijab journey is a lifelong one, but you are not alone. Every sister who wears it has faced challenges—whether from within herself, her family, or society at large. Yet, through knowledge and patience, those challenges become stepping stones toward confidence.
Hijab is more than just an outward covering—it is a commitment to Allah and a declaration of faith. It refines your character, strengthens your spiritual discipline, and reminds you that your worth is not tied to fleeting beauty standards but to your devotion and righteousness.
Remember, you don’t have to be “perfect” to wear hijab. You simply have to take each step toward Allah with sincerity. Surround yourself with supportive sisters, deepen your knowledge of Islam, and remind yourself that confidence comes from within— not the approval of others.
At the end of the day, hijab is not just something you wear; it’s something you live. May Allah grant you ease, confidence, and steadfastness in your faith. Ameen.
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