Where are you from?
I’m a Palestinian-Jordanian-Canadian.
How long have you been wearing the hijab?
I put it on for the first time on my 21st birthday. I am 35 now.
What is the Hijab Clinic?
It is a service I offer to clients in my salon to advise them on how to wear the hijab, which fabric to choose and colour coordination.
Why did you start the Hijab Clinic?
I first started to notice the stigma towards hijab when I visited Germany with my husband, who is Palestinian-German – people were taking pictures of me. I really wanted people to perceive hijab in a more positive way and I also wanted to show other women that they can still look good, stylish and have an active life with hijab.
Did you take any formal training?
Not at all. I am originally an architect, but I reached a point in my life where I wanted to be my own boss so I opened a salon. The Hijab Clinic started when so many customers and friends would ask me about my own scarves and how I wore them.
What does it involve?
I take into consideration the personality of my client and their lifestyle. The first session is all about getting to know the client; I will ask them about their lifestyle and how they need to present themselves. I also introduce them to different materials and show them how to look for the right ones for them. In addition, I take the measurements of the face and head so that I can get a very clear idea about what would suit their face. The second time they come, I will have prepared three hijab styles that best fit the criteria. I will show the customer how to do it, practise with her and take a video with her mobile so that she can look again when she gets home.
What kind of response do you get?
People come for regular styling and I have had brides who call me on Skype from their bridal suites and I talk them through it.
Is there one thing that every client struggles with?
Most of the clients have short patience for learning new styles. There is also a common mistake with the types of material that people choose; this can make a really big difference.
How much does it cost?
It is Dh400 for two sessions.
Top tip
For every hijab style it is important to wear a cotton cap underneath the scarf onto which you can pin the material.
• The Hijab Clinic is inside Polish Salon, Al Karamah, Abu Dhabi. For more information, visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/polishhijabclinic. For more styles and step-by-step guides, visit www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle
aseaman@thenational.ae
