You've decided to wear the hijab — or you're seriously considering it — and you're wondering where to start. Between fabrics, colours and ways to tie it, the choice can quickly feel overwhelming. Don't panic. Here's what you really need to know to get started.
1. Fabric: the most important choice when you're starting out
When you start wearing the hijab, the top priority is comfort. You'll be wearing it all day, so the fabric needs to be soft, gentle on the skin and easy to keep in place.
Here are the two most recommended fabrics for beginners:
- Modal hijab: fluid, silky, ultra-soft and opaque. It doesn't slip, doesn't always need pins, and works for every season. It's the ideal fabric for a first everyday hijab.
- Jersey hijab: slightly thicker and stretchy, it holds easily on the head without pins. Perfect if you want something very simple to wear, especially for active days.
At first, avoid very lightweight fabrics like chiffon, which need more technique and accessories to hold well.
2. Starting with a bonnet: essential
This is the key thing many beginners overlook: the bonnet (or under-hijab) makes all the difference. It stabilises the fabric on the head, stops the hijab from slipping, covers the hair at the nape and hairline, and gives a much neater result.
Without a bonnet, even the most beautiful hijab will struggle to stay in place. With a bonnet, everything becomes much simpler — even for your very first tries.
That's exactly why at AMBJAYA, every set includes a matching organic bamboo bonnet. You have everything you need from the first try, without hunting for a separate bonnet that may not even match your colour.
3. Colours to start with: begin with neutrals
For a first hijab, neutral colours are your best friends. They go with everything, don't require thinking every morning, and flatter every complexion.
The must-haves to start with:
- Vanilla / Sand / Camel — for warm complexions and light outfits
- Pearl / Light grey — versatile, works with everything
- Midnight (deep black) — the timeless classic, perfect to start with
Once you feel comfortable, you can try bolder shades: Jade, Azure, Garnet, Matcha, Lychee... Colour is something that comes naturally with time and confidence.
4. Practicality before style
At the start, the goal isn't to get the perfect drape on the first try. The goal is to feel good, covered and at ease throughout your day. Style comes with practice.
A few practical tips:
- Practise at home before big outings
- Start with simple methods — a wrap around the neck is enough to begin
- Keep a couple of discreet pins in your bag just in case
- Choose hijabs in fabrics that "forgive" small imperfections (modal and jersey are perfect for this)
5. Why a hijab + bonnet set is the ideal solution for beginners
When you're starting out, you don't want to overthink things. An all-in-one set with the hijab AND matching bonnet gives you:
- ✅ A coordinated colour from the very first try
- ✅ A bonnet that genuinely protects your hair (bamboo is naturally soft and antibacterial)
- ✅ Less time in the morning
- ✅ More confidence in the final result
That's exactly what AMBJAYA offers: sets designed to simplify your daily routine, with quality fabrics (modal, jersey, bamboo) and colours carefully chosen to suit every style and complexion.
In summary: where to start?
- Choose a soft, opaque fabric: modal or jersey
- Pick one or two neutral shades to begin with
- Make sure you have a matching bonnet — or go straight for a set
- Practise, trust yourself, and go at your own pace
The hijab is a personal journey. There's no right or wrong way to start — there's just your way, at your own pace.