# Would/Should Non-Muslim Women Wear Headscarves? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 10, 2015, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047 "2015-12-10T04:33:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2015, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/41 "2015-12-10T18:14:12Z")
[Not Muslims.](https://galynatate.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_4135.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2015, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/42 "2015-12-10T18:37:30Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > One of my Muslim friends, who would NEVER have let me see even her hair previously, has stopped wearing her headscarf out of fear of attack by bigoted assholes. (The aforementioned bigoted assholes seem to prefer to take out their Islamophobia on Muslim women, presumably because they’re too cowardly to try this bullshit with men.) > > So…thanks for that, guys. :mad: Jeez, is her hair that bad? ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2015, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/43 "2015-12-10T18:45:39Z")
I like scarves. Wish they would come back into fashion. They can be [a lovely accessory.](http://www.theloungesoho.co.uk/images/284_l_headscarve_the_lounge_soho_london.jpg) I even bought [this book](http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Wear-Scarf-Lauren-Friedman-ebook/dp/B00GOJT7KK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449773332&sr=1-1&keywords=scarves) some months ago. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2015, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/44 "2015-12-10T19:01:20Z")
> [@GrumpyBunny](#): > > After 9/11, I wore a headscarf because idiots in my city were being twits to women wearing headscarves. > > Most of whom were Jewish. > > I hope it doesn’t come to that; I look terrible in a headscarf. Like I’m going to farm potatoes. > > Anyway, I’ve worn one before and I’d wear one again. Maybe this time I could tie it like Erika Badu. I think I look pretty in a headscarf. But I still don’t like how I look in one, if that makes any sense. I don’t look like me. To answer the OP, I would not wear a headscarf to show my solidarity. I can show my solidarity by voting for right-minded leaders and challenging people on their ignorant opinions. But I don’t have to alter my physical appearance to show I care. I don’t like participating in fads, for one thing. And for another, I’m not brave enough to willingly suffer all the potential consequences. ---
**Author:** ![Turpentine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecd19e/32.png) [@Turpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turpentine)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2015, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/45 "2015-12-10T19:13:29Z")
> [@Aangelica](#): > > I voted no - but that is because wearing _anything_ on my head drives me nuts. I rarely wear hats because the sensation annoys me constantly. And I can’t wear anything at all that’s close around my neck (turtleneck sweaters, for example) without feeling like I’m being strangled all day. Most of the shirts I own are either scoop or v-neck, and the crew-neck t-shirts I own are all stretched out to hell around the neck because I pull on them constantly. > > If I were travelling (or visiting) somewhere where a head covering was appropriate, I’d suck it up in the name of courtesy. Otherwise, I’ll have to express my solidarity in other ways 🙂 I could have written this word for word. I can’t stand wearing things on my head or having things wrapped around my neck. V-necks all way! I’m trying to grow out a pixie cut right now- I found that it looks pretty good if I pull it back in a headband. Except that I can’t stand wearing a headband all day, I’ve learned. It comes off in about an hour, no matter how much I like the look. However, I _would_ wear a headscarf for solidarity if I could tolerate it. I just can’t, though. ---
**Author:** ![Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maggie_the_Ocelot)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2015, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/46 "2015-12-10T19:20:51Z")
When my father died, I covered my head for a full year - not completely hiding my hair, not in the same style Muslim women do, I just wore a kerchief tied at the base of my skull, [like this.](https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/72/cb/c1/72cbc163f74d130c701b8f39d7eab445.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/300404237616165848/&h=564&w=570&tbnid=KVXhokrYZ6vkhM:&docid=bJSt_kpSi5MBqM&hl=en-us&ei=UtBpVtLOOJLsjwOM5ayoDw&tbm=isch&client=safari&ved=0ahUKEwjSv5W4gdLJAhUS9mMKHYwyC_UQMwggKAMwAw) It wasn’t for any religious reason, it just felt right for me at the time. I wouldn’t wear one in the Muslim style, though, because it’s not my culture and it wouldn’t feel right to do. ---
**Author:** ![Lasciel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e79b87/32.png) [@Lasciel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lasciel)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2015, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/47 "2015-12-10T20:13:03Z")
I wear scarves and pashminas all the time, and in cooler or bad weather, that includes on/around my head. I don’t purposefully go for Muslim styles, but since idiots can’t tell the difference between headwear anyway, I doubt it makes a difference. I did it for fashion and comfort before all this current mess and stigma against Muslims, and I’m not allowing the current mess to push me away from something that I enjoy and think looks good - but I’m not exactly DOING it to be supportive or show solidarity - just not NOT doing it because screw assholes trying to influence my behavior. ---
**Author:** ![Jane\_Elliot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jane_elliot/32/6166_2.png) [@Jane\_Elliot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jane_Elliot)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2015, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/48 "2015-12-10T20:18:52Z")
I wouldn’t wear one. I think it’s a custom that shames women unnecessarily and has nothing to do with religion. On the other hand, I live in Maine and we are now in the season that I constantly wear head coverings outdoors. But that’s my choice, no one shames me if I go out bare headed. ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2015, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/49 "2015-12-10T21:56:16Z")
When I was younger and cared about my appearance I’d choose a headscarf to cover my head in cold weather because it doesn’t muss your hairstyle like a hat would. I’d probably wear one if I had one now. A big one that would cover my shoulders as well. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/50 "2015-12-11T03:04:13Z")
Neither Muslim nor a woman. Yes, I’d wear a headscarf. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/51 "2015-12-11T03:26:17Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Not[a muslim](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/05/08/article-2321472-19AEF94F000005DC-126_308x448.jpg). But pissed off about something! Did her horse not even place or something? ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/52 "2015-12-11T04:32:15Z")
> [@stillownedbysetters](#): > > I would not have thought it appropriate to wear an actual Islamic headscarf > [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](#): > > I wouldn’t wear one in the Muslim style, though, because it’s not my culture There isn’t a specific “actual Islamic” or “Muslim style” scarf. There are various _common_ styles of wearing scarves, typical to women in different places, but none of them are universal or exclusive. Case in point, > [@Maastricht](#): > > I like scarves. Wish they would come back into fashion. They can be [a lovely accessory.](http://www.theloungesoho.co.uk/images/284_l_headscarve_the_lounge_soho_london.jpg) To my eye, five of those women might _be_ Muslims. For all that you can tell from the scarf. [These](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/How-To-Wear-Hijab-Modern-Gallery101.jpg) [five](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/3792813748_381055f0c8.jpg) [women](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Girls-In-Hijab-7.jpg) [definitely](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Latest-Abaya-Hijab-Styles-Fashion-2013-2014-For-Girls-07.jpg) [are](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/new-hijab-styles-2011-550.jpg), and they look nothing like each other. ---
**Author:** ![Memnon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Memnon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Memnon)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/53 "2015-12-11T11:25:34Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Not to mention that it rather defeats the purpose of “solidarity” when you can’t see that the person doing it isn’t of your group. Good point. Consider my objection withdrawn. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/54 "2015-12-11T11:33:39Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > Jeez, is her hair that bad? I assume you’re joking but her hair is fine. But going bareheaded in front of other men besides her husband is considered by her to be “immodest”. She’s had her scarf off when my wife was visiting, but never when I was around. That’s why her recent decision was quite shocking - it was a big deal for her to go uncovered in public. (Note for clarity that we’re only talking about headscarves here - she is of Somali origin and didn’t/doesn’t wear the Saudi-style full body or face coverings.) ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/55 "2015-12-11T13:21:42Z")
> [@Peremensoe](#): > > There isn’t a specific “actual Islamic” or “Muslim style” scarf. There are various _common_ styles of wearing scarves, typical to women in different places, but none of them are universal or exclusive. > > Case in point, > To my eye, five of those women might _be_ Muslims. For all that you can tell from the scarf. > > [These](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/How-To-Wear-Hijab-Modern-Gallery101.jpg) [five](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/3792813748_381055f0c8.jpg) [women](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Girls-In-Hijab-7.jpg) [definitely](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Latest-Abaya-Hijab-Styles-Fashion-2013-2014-For-Girls-07.jpg) [are](http://stylonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/new-hijab-styles-2011-550.jpg), and they look nothing like each other. I was going to ask about this. When I think of “Muslim style” scarves, I picture something along the lines of [this](http://jwtalk.net/forums/uploads/monthly_11_2015/post-4202-0-82570700-1448651203.jpg). I know ladies wear them in different fabrics, but I’m mainly referring to the way it’s wrapped. As mentioned, the linked photos show very different ways of wearing them. I guess my question is, what is the standard or bare minimum or whatever?Is it simply that no hair can be showing? What about the neck? No way would I want to wear something on my head every day and I sure as hell wouldn’t do it for religious purposes, but there are some really attractive ways to wear a scarf if one has the freedom to wrap it in any way they choose. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/56 "2015-12-11T13:53:27Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > I assume you’re joking but her hair is fine. But going bareheaded in front of other men besides her husband is considered by her to be “immodest”. Just an interjection here. I hate the phrase “immodest”, although it is not incorrect. But “immodest” makes it sound like they’re so prim and Victorian. I know Muslim women who cover who are also hilariously raunchy. What being uncovered in front of an outside man feels like is being without a shirt in front of a stranger. Or with no pants, I suppose, if you’re a man. Being uncovered…it’s like walking around with your balls hanging out. In the privacy of your own home, with your family members, not a huge deal. But not the way most of us want to be seen by even our best friends or extended family members. (I was at the house of a Muslim family last week, and since I’m a woman, there were no covers. A guy was in the garage fixing the furnace, and when her husband led him into the house, both women silently panicked and ducked behind me. That’s when I finally got it. It’s not a calculated modesty. It’s a reflex deep reaction, same as I would feel topless in front of a repair guy.) ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/57 "2015-12-11T14:30:55Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > I guess my question is, what is the standard or bare minimum or whatever?Is it simply that no hair can be showing? What about the neck? If you’re looking at Muslimahs worldwide, and especially at women who are not in poverty… it’s _really_ up to interpretation, local/subcultural and individual. Lots of hijabis think that all hair _should_ be covered, though letting one lock show is often acceptable. But then look at women in places like Iran, where if they’re not in chador they are likely to have [half their hair uncovered](http://www.frontpagemag.com/sites/default/files/uploads/2014/08/iranian-women-dk.jpg). But often still with necks more-or-less wrapped. Elsewhere, some women who are careful about covering their hair leave much or all of their necks bare. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/58 "2015-12-11T14:57:51Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Just an interjection here. I hate the phrase “immodest”, although it is not incorrect. But “immodest” makes it sound like they’re so prim and Victorian. I know Muslim women who cover who are also hilariously raunchy. Oh, I absolutely agree. I just couldn’t think of a better word off the top of my head [sic]. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/59 "2015-12-11T15:09:32Z")
I think the main concern/universal is actually covering all the hair. Just wrapping something around your head isn’t showing solidarity. ---
**Author:** ![Hector\_St\_Clare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5ac83/32.png) [@Hector\_St\_Clare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hector_St_Clare)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047/60 "2015-12-11T15:26:13Z")
I don’t approve of Islam or of headscarves, so no, definitely not. In point of fact, I often wear a cross specifically so that I’m not mistaken for a Hindoo or Muslim. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047.md?page=4)