We all want our hair to look just as good without a helmet, but helmet hair can leave us disappointed especially those who dedicate effort to get their hair looking great.
Helmet hair refers to the flattened, misplaced, or unruly hairstyle that can occur after wearing a helmet for a significant amount of time. This causes hair to become flat, frizzy or oddly shaped due to hair pressing against the helmet. This presents a common issue faced by cyclists, especially those who commute to work or school, which is hair misplaced and styling issues caused by wearing a helmet for extended periods.
But not to worry! There are multiple ways to tackle this situation effectively. This comprehensive guide offers numerous strategies to prevent and manage helmet hair, ensuring that you look just as good after your ride.
Understanding Helmet Hair
Do you ever wonder why your helmet looks messy on removing your helmet? Since helmet hair is frustrating, many cyclists opted to dissolve their problem by fixing their hair once they reach their destination yet, it’snt always a convenient approach. What causes helmet hair? When you wear a helmet, it puts pressure on your hair from all sides.
As a result, the padding inside the helmet and the straps holding it in place create friction against your hair. During your commuter, This constant pressure and rubbing can compress your hair against your scalp, resulting in flattened or matted sections.
Moreover, helmets tend to trap heat and moisture. This combination of sweat and restricted airflow can make your hair damp, leading to frizz, limpness, or even a slight odour.
Factors to consider for preventing helmet hair
Invest in a good quality helmet
Wearing a certain type of helmet can contribute to helmet hair. Look for helmets that fit snugly on your head. if it’s too fit,, it’ll squash your hair and make it look flat
But be careful, if the helmet is too loose, it won’t provide enough support in case of an accident, and that’s definitely not what we want. Safety first!
Go for helmets that have smoother interior linings or materials. These ones are less likely to cause friction and tangle your hair. So, when you’re shopping for a helmet, keep this in mind and choose one that takes care of your hair as well. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Style Your Hair Before You Ride
If you want to make sure your hair stays fabulous while wearing a helmet, consider styling the way you want before putting on your helmet. Once you reach your destination, simply fix again and add the finishing touches.
If you have long hair, why not try braiding it or putting it in a low ponytail? That way, you can avoid those pesky tangles. And if your hair is short, don’t worry! You can still keep your style intact by using products like pomade or hair gel. They work wonders in keeping everything in place.
Invest in a Helmet Liner
Consider investing in a helmet liner! These handy liners fit snugly inside your helmet and serve a couple of awesome purposes. First, they help absorb sweat, which is a total lifesaver when you’re out and about. Plus, they act as a barrier between your hair and the helmet’s material, preventing any annoying rubbing or friction.
Choosing the Right Hairstyle Wisely
Your choice can significantly influence how much your hair gets affected by helmet hair. Short hair, like an undercut with a side part, is generally more compatible with helmet-wearing. If you have long hair, avoid hairstyles with a fringe, as they can be harder to maintain and style under a helmet.
Secondly, it is important to acknowledge we all have different hairstyles along with our Hair type (Ranging from 1a to 4c). As a result , the aftermath of your hair will vary.
Myself I’ve extraordinarily curly hair and intensely dense and my hairstyle is mainly flat, so a helmet doesn’t have a notable effect on my hair when held down for a period. However, If you’re doing something fancier or with lots of volume, you’re going to have a bit of a challenge
Managing Helmet Hair for Men
What common hairstyle is prone to helmet hair?
Those with short hair are fortunately less prone to helmet hair. This is because it is usually much easier to maintain moreover, it can be fixed and resolved in a flash.
Carrying a Comb or brush
This is an excellent option for a quick fix. Carrying a comb can help manage your hairstyle after you reach your destination. A few short strokes can help re-establish your hairstyle in a matter of seconds!
Using High-Quality Hair Wax
Using premium hair gel is perfect for looks with long-lasting hold which holds your hairstyle in place. Making it more resistant to pressure from the helmet. Moreover, By applying hair gel, you can add volume and body to your hair, making it look fuller and more styled even after removing the helmet.
Regular Hair Styling
Although it seems tricky to accomplish, if done correctly it can save a lot of time. Training your hair to fall into a particular style can help mitigate the effects of helmet hair. Those with simple hairstyles can help achieve better results. I personally, recommend practising in front of a mirror until you’re satisfied with the final result.
How to prevent helmet hair in women
This advice is also applicable to men with long hair. Maintaining your hairstyle with long hair can be a little trickier.
Does hair length affect the severity of helmet hair?
Broadly speaking since longer hair is more prone to flattening, the more hair you have, the more problematic it is to upkeep.
If you’ve got long hair, watch out for tangles and knots caused by helmet hair. The helmet’s movement and rubbing can make your hair strands tangled up, making it a pain to brush or style later on. And hey, if you’re trying to restyle your long hair after taking off the helmet, be prepared for some extra time and effort.
Braiding Your Hair
Braiding is a simple, effective solution to prevent helmet hair. Braids can prevent your hair from tangling and can be easily undone once you reach your destination. Loosely braiding your hair can also reduce traction and friction. Here is some Best Hairstyle For Cycling.
Is there a helmet that doesn’t flatten hair?
luckily, If you’re ready for a significant change, you could even try an “airbag helmet” like the Hovding airbag helmet, which offers superior protection without affecting your hair.
Final thoughts
Everyone’s hair is different;There is no perfect solution to the helmet hair problem. The most straightforward approach to resolve helmet hair would be to style your hair once you reach your destination. When I get to work my hair never looks quite as neat as it did before I left, hence why I always carry accessories (Comb etc.) to fix my hair right away.
If all else fails, you might want to consider changing your hairstyle. Opting for a simple and effortless look can help you avoid helmet hair entirely. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your ride without worrying about your hairstyle!
Frequently asked question
Does a helmet cause hair loss?
Short answer is no. Helmets themselves do not directly cause hair loss. Hair loss typically occurs due to a variety of factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or certain medications.
However, wearing a helmet for prolonged periods can potentially contribute to a condition called traction alopecia. Traction alopecia happens when there is prolonged tension or pulling force on the hair follicles. This can occur if the helmet is too tight, exerting constant pressure on the scalp.
Hair products to help prevent helmet hair?
Leave-in conditioner seems to be practical option. The best part? It’s not just about protection. This leave-in conditioner also makes your hair easier to manage once you take off that helmet. Say goodbye to those annoying tangles and knots!
It is necessary to wash hair immediately after removing a helmet?
No it is not always necessary but If you’re feeling all sweaty and gross, then by all means, go ahead and give your hair a good wash. It’ll help you feel fresh and clean.