How to Prevent Helmet Hair
How to Prevent Helmet Hair
Q: The most important question first: do you have a cure for helmet hair?
A: OMG, I love you for asking this because it means you’re taking your safety seriously and actually wearing a helmet! The struggle is real, and I totally get it!
While I haven’t found a cure for helmet hair just yet, I have some bike ride-tested tips and tricks to protect your hairstyle while riding and extend the overall life of your look. Taking a little extra time to safeguard your hair can make all the difference!
Protecting Your Medium to Long Hair with a Silk Snood
If you’ve styled your curls or prefer to wear your hair down and straight, here’s a chic way to keep your locks frizz-free while biking:
What is a Snood?
A snood is a fabric accessory that keeps hair out of the way during physical activities. Looser than a ponytail, it doesn't leave a crimp in your hairstyle while also keeping hair secure. You don’t need to buy one—just grab a silk or satin scarf measuring at least 24 inches (61 cm) on each side.
Step 1: Snood Preparation
Hold the silk scarf by the corners.
Step 2: Wrapping
Flip the scarf around your neck and scoop your curls into it. Tie two adjacent corners into a simple knot on top of your head.
Step 3: Knotting
Grab the other two corners and twist the excess material in each hand to create a pocket for your hair. When the pocket is about halfway up your head, close it by knotting the twisted ends, ensuring it’s positioned below the occipital ridge to avoid interfering with your helmet.
With everything secured, you’re all set for your bike ride without worrying about frizz or flattening!
Keeping Your Bangs Intact
Now, let’s ensure your bangs look fabulous even after a ride:
Step 1: Prepare the Silk Scarf
Fold a silk scarf diagonally and roll it loosely into a belt shape.
Step 2: Positioning
Place the silk belt under your bangs like a sweatband, resting it against your forehead. Tie it behind your head with a single knot—trust me, a double knot can become too bulky.
Step 3: Styling
Fluff and style your bangs over the sweatband, then gently place your helmet on top.
Experience: I tried this method on a 30-mile ride, and my bangs actually looked decent upon arrival—just a quick comb-through was all I needed! If you give this a go, I’d love to hear how it works for you.
Bonus Tip for Extra Longevity: Dry Shampoo
Before your ride, apply some dry shampoo to your roots, crown, and bang area. This will soak up any excess sweat and oil that might crop up while you’re riding, improving the longevity of your style.
I’ve tried a ton of different dry shampoos, but I prefer powder options like Klorane Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo or the Dry Shampoo from Rabbit Brush Goods.
Conclusion
Whether it’s protecting your curls or keeping your bangs in check, a silk scarf is your stylish ally for bike rides. By taking a few extra moments to care for your hair, you can enjoy your ride without sacrificing your fabulous style!
Helmet Hair Alternative
But if the idea of wearing a snood makes you feel too sweaty, check out this blog post for a cute hairstyle to wear with a bike helmet that'll keep you cool and comfortable: Cute Hairstyle to Wear with a Bike Helmet.
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