The Safavid Revolution was a sensational one, for it transformed the sensorial and material landscape in Iran and beyond. The adoption of the Shi'i adhan, with its distinctive proclamations, and clamorous rituals involving effigy burning and symbolic violence, inundated the senses of both allies and adversaries. This transformation was further reflected in the iconic twelve-gored crimson headgear instituted by Shaykh Haydar (d. 1480), father of Shah Ismail I (r. 1501-1524). This red hat served as a powerful visual marker, captivating the gaze and refashioning the Safavid identity. The moniker "Qizilbash" ("Redheads") itself testifies to its significance. For Safavids, it represented sanctity and loyalty, while for Sunni rivals, it symbolized heresy and rebellion. Drawing on diverse sources like travelogues, Qizilbash religious texts, legal documents, and polemics, this analysis delves into the contentious role of the headgear. By integrating material and sensory studies, it argues that grooming practices like headwear played a critical role in shaping confessional and communal identity. This approach challenges traditional narratives that overemphasize theological debates and legal pronouncements in understanding Sunni-Shi'i differences. It posits that tangible artifacts, sensory experiences, and even grooming habits were equally, if not more, crucial in differentiating communities, fostering belonging, and building associations.