As much as I adore wearing hats (sometimes to conceal my oily roots, and other times as a stylish accessory), I can’t deny that my strands always look flat, frizzy, and lifeless by the time I’m ready to take it off. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way.
While hat hair is definitely a real issue, there are ways to keep your mane looking its best while still getting the most out of your accessory. Below, we’re breaking down six tips for preventing hat hair, plus showing off our favorite ways to style your strands under a hat.
If you’re searching for a hat to add to your styling routine, you’re in luck! From September 8 to October 8, you can snag our exclusive Hair.com Still Good Denim Cap for free with any $50 purchase.
Tips For Preventing Hat Hair
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Don’t skimp on drying
If you throw in the towel on drying your hair before heading out the door, you’re pretty much asking for a bad case of hat hair. Your strands will need to be completely dry before wearing a hat, or you’ll be dealing with creases, frizz, and flyaways once it's time to take it off. Allow your mane to air dry completely or use a blow dryer. Once your hair is dry, apply a light-hold hairspray like Redken Fashion Work 12 Hairspray to your roots to keep flyaways at bay and help maintain volume under your hat.
Ensure a proper fit
A hat that fits too snugly can trap excess, frizz-inducing heat, and also cause creases or dents. When hat shopping, be sure to find styles that fit well, but aren’t too tight.
Materials matter
Knowing what your hat is made can be key in helping you prevent hat hair. If keeping your hair fresh underneath is important, you may want to skip the wool beanie and opt for a cotton version instead. Look for hats made from cashmere, silk, or other non-abrasive knits, as these will allow your hair to breathe. Pro tip:Try wearing a silk hair scarf beneath your hat to protect your mane from frizz and flyaways.
Keep your mane moisturized
Being diligent with a leave in conditioner is an excellent idea not only for hair health but also to combat hat hair! Properly hydrated hair is more elastic than dry strands,which makes it less prone to breakage when exposed to friction, thus more likely to retain its shape and style underneath a hat. We recommend Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier Spray. This lightweight mist primes, protects, and perfects while delivering 21 essential benefits for color-treated hair.
Be prepared with styling products
As much as you try to prevent hat hair, dealing with it at some point is inevitable—which is why you should be prepared with a few key products to help to fix your hairstyle on-the-go. Be sure to toss your favorite travel-size hair spray or smoothing hair oil into your purse so you have it at all times.
A few spritzes can help tame whatever frizz your hat may have left behind. Plus, it’s a great way to refresh your style throughout the day.We love Redken Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Hair Oil to protect against frizz and puffiness. Redken Anti-Static Oil Mist is also an excellent option to combat static.
Choose the right hairstyle
If you’ve just styled bombshell curls or an intricate updo, covering it with a hat will likely always mess it up. That’s why we recommend finding a few fool-proof hairstyles that work well under a hat. See six of our favorite hat hairstyles below.
The Best Ways To Style Your Hair Under A Hat
Photo Credit: @Brendayvelasquez.
Double Braids
Double braids are the perfect gym hairstyle for keeping your strands off your face while also helping to show off your gorgeous length while wearing a baseball cap. Try crafting double fishtail braids for added flair.
Photo Credit: @deedeedoeshairr.
Soft Waves
Wearing a hat can give your tousled waves an extra touch of glam.
Photo Credit: @lexiconofstyle.
Accent Braids
Plaited hairstyles don’t need to be complicated to make a statement: You can achieve this simple accent braid in five minutes and looks stunning when paired with a French girl beret.
Photo Credit: @alfajaesalon.
Blowout
A hat can help conceal greasy roots that come with second-day hair while allowing the rest of your mane to shine. Apply a few spritzes of dry shampoo like Redken Invisible Dry Shampoo to give your hairstyle a quick refresh.
Straight And Subtle
Keep your hairstyle as simple as possible with straight hair neatly tucked under a fitted beanie.
On-The-Go Ponytail
A low ponytail paired with a hat offers a laid-back, everyday look. You may even want to leave out some wavy face-framing strands. For an intentionally disheveled hair texture, use a texturizing spray like L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray.
Interested in more expert styling tips? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Brushable Hairspray 12
A fast-drying hairspray that offers 24-hour control and humidity resistance for color-treated hair.
5 MINIS FOR $35
Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray
A dry texturizing spray that creates a weightless, tousled, second-day, disheveled look on all hair types.
5 MINIS FOR $35
