Helmet hair can be an unattractive deterrent that discourages regular cycling to work, college, and other destinations.
This guide offers practical strategies for preventing helmet hair so that you can stay safe while looking your best.
The Problem with Helmets
Whether riding a bicycle or ebike, helmets are essential for rider safety, reducing the risk of serious injury by approximately 70% and the risk of fatal injury by 65%. Unfortunately, many riders are reluctant to wear helmets due to "helmet hair".
Your hair takes on this flattened and frizzy texture after being submerged for an extended period.
What Causes Helmet Hair?
Helmet hair results from pressure, friction, sweat, and prolonged compression of hair under a helmet—an effect that may prevent growth or lead to traction alopecia if left unchecked.
Helmets with tight fitting and limited ventilation compound these problems, leaving hair looking limp and oily.
How to Keep Your Hair Looking Good While Wearing a Helmet
To achieve stylish locks beneath a helmet, products, accessories, and a good hair care regimen are critical to keeping it in good condition. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Use High-Quality Hair Products
For Men: Wax is often more suitable than gel in terms of hold and resilience - helping your locks revert into place after helmet use.
Do not buy cheap waxes, as these tend to become greasy quickly. Carry some with you for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
For Women: For optimal results, use texturizing or beach spray before styling your hair into braids, ponytails, or buns to prevent frizzing and better maintain shape under helmets. This style will reduce frizzing for reduced frizziness.
Applying a leave-in conditioner can also be used to keep your locks smooth and manageable.
2. Dry Your Hair
Never put a helmet over wet hair, as this will lead to an unflattering flat style as your strands dry under it.
Blow-dry your hair regularly to help it maintain its shape and resilience. Blow-dried locks tend to hold their style better after helmet removal and look more full-bodied.
3. Train Your Hair
Conditioning your hair into a particular style can be transformative. Regularly styling and using a blow dryer will help your locks maintain shape after removing their helmets.
Dividing and combing your hair daily in one direction will help it to fall naturally into place.
4. Wear Protective Accessories
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Silk Scarf: Use a silk scarf between your hair and helmet to reduce friction and frizz. This will maintain smooth locks by helping keep dandruff and scalp irritation at bay. Keeping the scarf clean will prevent further issues such as dandruff.
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Hair Sock: A hair sock can also help your locks remain in place and prevent tangling, particularly for those with longer locks who want an added barrier between their head and their locks. These socks are convenient if your helmet cannot reach all parts of your mane!
5. Maintain Good Hair Hygiene
It is vitally important to use natural products on your locks to maintain good hair hygiene and preserve their health and shine.
Regular washing and conditioning help protect against greasiness and breakage, making your locks more resistant under a helmet. Use shampoos and conditioners specifically tailored to your hair type instead of products containing harsh chemicals.
Read more: Navigating Bicycle Helmet Laws Across the United States
Choosing the Right Helmet
Finding a helmet designed to reduce helmet hair can make a noticeable difference.
Search for those featuring high clearance and ventilation to help minimize flattening or greasiness.
Helmets with removable liners may also prove more beneficial as they make cleaning and maintenance easier.
3 Tips for Men
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1. High-Quality Wax: Use superior hair wax for better hold.
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2. Dry Hair: Ensure your hair is dry before wearing the helmet.
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3. Train Your Hair: Regularly style your hair to help it maintain its shape.
3 Tips for Women
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1. Neat Hairstyles: Secure your hair with braids, ponytails, or buns.
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2. Silk Scarf: Use a silk scarf to reduce friction.
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3. Beach Spray: Embrace beach spray for a natural, wavy look post-ride.
Additional Tips for Preventing Helmet Hair
1. Use a Light Cap or Bandana
Adding a light cap or bandana under your helmet can help keep the hair in its place and decrease friction, helping keep hair out of your way and reduce friction.
Consider breathable and moisture-wicking materials to keep your scalp cool and dry.
2. Consider a Hair-Friendly Helmet
There is an assortment of helmets on the market designed specifically to be hair-friendly; generally speaking, look for one with high clearance and good ventilation as a baseline requirement.
This combination protects against flattening and oiliness in your locks.
3. Regular Helmet Cleaning
Clean your helmet regularly to maintain good hygiene and ensure maximum effectiveness. This will keep your helmet looking like new and keep sweat and bacteria at bay, which could compromise hair and scalp health.
Keep the helmet pads clean and give them time to air out after each use.
4. Embrace Protective Hairstyles
Protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, or buns can help keep your locks neat and manageable when wearing a helmet.
These styles reduce friction and tangling, making maintaining your hair's health and appearance easier.
Conclusion
While helmet hair may be an ongoing nuisance for cyclists, its importance cannot be discounted. A helmet provides critical safety protection.
By following these tips and selecting appropriate products and accessories, you can keep your hair looking its best while staying safe on the road. Prioritize safety over looking good - and enjoy your ride without fearing helmet hair!
FAQs
What causes helmet hair?
Helmet hair is caused by pressure and friction from the helmet, combined with sweat and prolonged hair compression.
How can I prevent helmet hair while cycling?
Use high-quality hair products, dry your hair before wearing a helmet, and consider using protective accessories like silk scarves or hair socks.
Are there helmets designed to prevent helmet hair?
Yes, look for helmets with high clearance, good ventilation, and removable liners to minimize hair flattening and greasiness.
