Hijab vs Shayla vs Turban vs Headscarf: What's the Difference?
Hijab, shayla, turban, headscarf: you will hear all four words used for a scarf worn on the head, sometimes as if they mean the same thing. They overlap, but they are not identical. This guide compares shayla vs hijab, turban vs hijab and hijab vs headscarf, so you know exactly what each term means and which style might suit you.
Quick Comparison
| Style | Shape | Typical coverage | How it is worn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hijab | Rectangle or square scarf, or a one-piece instant style | Hair, ears and neck; face visible | Wrapped or draped around the head and under the chin |
| Shayla | Long rectangular scarf | Hair, ears and neck; face visible | Wrapped loosely around the head and pinned at the shoulder |
| Turban | Rectangle or square scarf | Hair; ears and neck often uncovered | Twisted or knotted around the head |
| Headscarf | Any scarf | Varies; may cover only part of the hair | Tied in many ways, for faith, fashion or weather |
What Is a Hijab?
A hijab is a headscarf worn by many Muslim women that covers the hair, ears and neck while leaving the face fully visible. It can be wrapped in dozens of ways, and it comes in many fabrics, from breathable modal and stretchy jersey to light chiffon. The word hijab also carries a wider meaning of modesty. Read more in what is a hijab?
What Is a Shayla?
A shayla is a long rectangular scarf that is wrapped loosely around the head and pinned at the shoulders. It is especially popular in the Gulf region. Because the scarf is long, one end usually drapes over the shoulder or chest, which gives a soft, flowing look.
Shayla vs hijab
A shayla is really a type of hijab. The difference is in the shape and the wrap: a shayla is always a long rectangle and is worn loosely draped, while "hijab" is the broader term for any style that covers the hair, ears and neck. If you like a relaxed, flowing look, a long chiffon or modal scarf wrapped shayla style is a good choice.
What Is a Turban?
A turban, or turban style hijab, is a scarf twisted or knotted around the head rather than draped under the chin. It sits higher and frames the face. Classic turban styles cover the hair but often leave the ears and neck uncovered.
Turban vs hijab
The main difference is coverage. A traditional hijab covers the neck, while many turban styles do not. Some women wear a turban with a turtleneck or a fuller wrap to keep the neck covered. Others wear a turban purely as a fashion head wrap. Our turban hijab and head wrap styles guide shows six ways to tie one, including a full-coverage version.
What Is a Headscarf?
Headscarf is the most general term. It means any scarf worn on the head, for any reason: faith, fashion, sun, cold or a bad hair day. A headscarf might cover all of the hair or only part of it, and it is worn by women of many backgrounds and cultures.
Hijab vs headscarf
Every hijab is a headscarf, but not every headscarf is a hijab. A hijab is worn to cover the hair, ears and neck, usually for reasons of faith and modesty. A headscarf can be tied loosely, worn back from the hairline or knotted at the nape for style alone.
What About Niqab, Burqa and Al-Amira?
- Niqab: a face veil that leaves the eyes visible, usually worn with a hijab.
- Burqa: a full outer garment that covers the face and body, often with a mesh panel over the eyes.
- Al-Amira: a two-piece style with a close-fitting cap and a tube-like scarf pulled over it. Our instant hijabs work on a similar slip-on idea.
For the full list of styles, see our types of hijab guide.
Which Style Should You Choose?
- Want full coverage that is easy to wrap? A classic hijab in jersey or modal, worn over a hijab cap.
- Prefer a soft, flowing look? A long scarf wrapped shayla style.
- Want something quick for busy mornings? An instant hijab that slips on in seconds.
- Want a modern, face-framing look? A turban, with a turtleneck if you want neck coverage.
Not sure where to start? A hijab set with a hijab cap gives you a scarf and a cap that work together for any of these styles.
Keep Reading
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