Muslim Woman Challenges Misconceptions with Her Viral Hijab Styling Videos (Exclusive)
Muslim Woman Challenges Misconceptions with Her Viral Hijab Styling Videos (Exclusive)
Jordan GreeneTue, April 14, 2026 at 9:00 PM UTC
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Samia Benchaou posing for the cameraCredit: Oliver Barile -
Samia Benchaou gained 100,000 followers in 9 days after sharing her modest fashion styling videos online
Her platform challenges misconceptions about hijab-wearing women while inspiring a global audience to embrace modest fashion
Benchaou has collaborated with major brands and media but advocates for more diversity in the fashion industry
Samia Benchaou always had an eye for style — she just needed a place to show it off.
The Copenhagen-based stylist and content creator, 44, joined social media in 2019 after realizing it could be more than just a pastime. Watching others build careers online, she began to wonder if she could do the same.
Long before she started posting, Benchaou was already experimenting with her look. As someone who dresses modestly for her Muslim faith, she found creative ways to express herself through clothing, mixing textures, layering pieces and even using unconventional items like skirts and shoes to style her hijabs.
“I had to find different ways to cover up while still expressing myself," she tells PEOPLE exclusively. "I remember seeing someone style a cap with a hijab and thinking it looked really cool, so I decided to try it in my own way.”
Samia Benchaou posing for the cameraCredit: Oliver Barile
For a time, those ideas remained personal.
But about two years ago, she began sharing her styling videos more intentionally, and the response was immediate.
“It took off very quickly," she says. "I gained 100,000 followers in just nine days, and I remember thinking, 'Finally, yes.' ”
That momentum quickly turned into something bigger. In just over two years, Benchaou has grown her following by more than 600,000, building a global audience drawn not only to her style, but to her perspective.
“What really surprised me is how many non-Muslim women see me as an inspiration," she says. "I feel honored that so many women want to dress modestly but didn’t know how, because they always saw it as boring.”
“There are many misconceptions about women who wear the hijab," she adds. "A lot of people think we are oppressed, and I really dislike that. We are women like all other women: we enjoy life, we love to eat well, dress well, go out with friends, travel and express ourselves.”
Her styling process reflects that same sense of freedom, intuitive, bold and often built around colors and how to mix them.
"I often look at what I already have in my closet and style my pieces in different ways," she says. "I can create a look within minutes — I usually start with one piece and build from there.”
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While her outfits may draw people in, it’s the emotional impact that keeps them coming back.
“What means the most to me is knowing that I can make someone smile, brighten their day and help women feel more confident.”
She adds, “I’ve always been bold and had my own style, but I’ve definitely gained even more confidence from the support I receive from my community.”
Like many creators, Benchaou has learned to navigate both praise and criticism online.
“Honestly, I love the positive comments and the hype. When it comes to negative comments, I tell myself that those people are not happy within themselves and they take it out online on strangers," she says.
“I also strongly believe that the fashion industry needs to be much more diverse," she adds. "Even though I inspire women all over the world, regardless of race or religion, I’m still not getting the same opportunities, and that needs to change.”
At the core of everything she shares is intention, both in how she dresses and how she shows up.
“I truly believe that being a beautiful human being and dressing well with intention makes you confident. I also want to be successful economically.”
Benchaou has plenty of advice for anyone looking to explore their own style.
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Samia BenchaouCredit: Oliver Barile
“My advice is to start with good, stable pieces that you can style in many ways. Then add small details like sunglasses, a cool necklace, amazing shoes, a bold bag, earrings or a fun T-shirt."
"Start with one bold piece and build from there," she continues. "When I worked as a personal shopper, many of my clients loved color, but didn’t feel bold enough to wear it, so they stayed with black. My advice is always: start small.”
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
