Increasing demand for fashionable hijab styles
WHAT started off as the sharing of hijab styling tutorials on the Internet unexpectedly flourished for a housewife into a successful profession as a hijab stylist.

Nursalihah Ahmad Azman Saha, 34, fondly recalled how her career took off at the end of 2022 when requests to style hijab flooded in.

“People began asking whether I was interested in styling hijab for others.

“In the early stages, I didn’t pursue styling hijab for brides. I got involved in styling models for photoshoots featuring numerous fashion and cosmetic brands,” she told Bernama.

Transitioning to providing bridal hijab styling services with prices ranging from RM500 to RM700, the mother of two said hijab stylists should keep abreast of the latest trends, including those from abroad, to meet the diverse needs of their clientele.

“Customers have a wide range of preferences when it comes to hijab styles, with many opting for the shawl and tudung bawal (wide shawl).

“Lately, there’s been a surge in demand for Turkish hijab styles,” said Nursalihah, who has also received requests from Singapore and Brunei.

Looking ahead, the holder of a architecture certificate from Politeknik Ungku Omar in Perak aimed to broaden her bridal hijab fashion collection by incorporating various fabric choices and styles.

Another stylist Siti Nurliyana A Rahim, 30, said she used her makeup and hijab styling skills during weekends to supplement her income.

The civil servant said brides-to-be were increasingly concerned with their overall appearance, not only focusing on makeup and clothing but also ensuring their hijab was neat.

She said opting for a stylist’s services alongside a makeup artist can guarantee a neater hijab for brides.

“For just RM499, my service goes beyond hijab styling. I offer tailored advice on selecting the ideal veil style for the bride, taking into account factors like colour, material, clothing fashion and face shape,” she said.

With more than three years of experience, Siti Nurliyana has styled celebrities like Wany Hasrita and Sarah Suhairi.

Since establishing a hijab consultation programme in 2018, Anis Suraya Zulkifly, 31, said her brand had produced more than 100 stylists throughout the country.

She said that her hijab brand agents undergo a two-day training programme, following which their skills are assessed through their work performance, customer reviews and online engagement.

Anis Suraya explained that hijab styling skills are categorised into five levels, namely junior, which allows stylists to charge RM99, followed by primary (RM199), pro (RM299), pro max (RM399), and master (RM499).

She said to move from the junior level to primary, stylists must style at least 15 brides.

She said she initiated a hijab-styling programme with the intent of aiding women from different socioeconomic backgrounds in generating income.
WHAT started off as the sharing of hijab styling tutorials on the Internet unexpectedly flourished for a housewife into a successful profession as a hijab stylist.