How to avoid hat hair. I love hats for their ability to take an outfit to the next level, but I also wear them for practical reasons like when it’s very windy or when my head is cold. Beanies are an easy and great option, but they are especially handy when I’m coming home from a dance class or the gym because they make me feel cozy and warm.

I recently wrote How To Wear Hats In Fall 2016 and then realized that some people might be shying away from this awesome accessory because they are afraid of getting the dreaded “hat hair”. In fact, that’s the biggest problem that I have with them. If I manage to avoid a weird dent in my hair then it’s all frizzy and static-y and I’m not sure what’s worse.

HOW TO AVOID HAT HAIR

THE RULES

Dry Your Hair. Your first rule is to never put a hat on damp hair. I know it’s tempting, especially when you are in a rush, but if you do your hat will shape your hair. The result will be flat, dented hair.

Use Hair Spray. By spraying just your roots, you will reinforce your hair and style so there’s less of a chance of it flattening out.

Use Minimal Products. The more product you use, the more weighed down your hair will be. A serum or a light oil is all you need.

Style Appropriately. Pony tails and braids always work, but if you are wearing a hat with a more fitted brim, wavy hair is a great option. If you do get any dents they won’t show due to your waves. If I know that I’ll be wearing my hat for a while, I usually scrunch my hair up so that when I finally remove my hat, my hair will be wavy when I get to my destination. You can also try temporarily parting your hair differently than usual which will maintain your volume when you take your hat off.

Shake it out. If you do need to fluff up your hair after wearing a hat, leave your comb (although you can brush it out if absolutely necessary) at home (it will just highlight hat head) and use your fingers. Don’t play with your hair, just run flip your head upside down and run your fingers through your roots and you’ll get that oh-I-just-woke-up-this-way, slightly tousled look.

Go Up A Size. All milliners need not read this point, but I tend to buy many of my hats on the larger side. Not so big that they fall off my head, but just roomy enough that they don’t squeeze my hair. I also look for high quality hats. My wool and cashmere beanie (that I’ve had for years and it still looks brand new) is ultra soft, doesn’t squish my hair and keeps frizz at bay.

HOW TO FIGHT THE FRIZZ

Tools Of The Trade. Frizz happens because your locks are dry and using a lot of heat to style them will only exacerbate that. If you can’t let your hair air dry then opt for professional grade styling tools because they style your hair faster and you’ll cut the time they have to be on your hair.

Condition. The key is to keep as much moisture locked in your strands as you possibly can. Oil, hair masks and deep conditioners are your best friend when it’s hat weather. If you are using a hair straightener, a blow dryer or other styling tools then at the very least make sure you wear heat protector to keep the moisture in.

Wash Sparingly. When it isn’t as hot outside, your hair isn’t getting as greasy and as a result, you don’t need to wash it as frequently. The less you wash it, the more moisture it will retain and the less frizzy it will be.

Dealing with winter hair can feel like a full time job, but it really isn’t. You just need to approach it differently than you would in the summer months. So go ahead and put on your favourite hat; with a little planning you’ll find that your hair always looks amazing.

What’s your favourite winter hat?

Some of my favourite cold weather hair products:

Continue the conversation on BLOGLOVIN and INSTAGRAM

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE PLEASE SHARE IT AND SIGN UP FOR REGULAR UPDATES

feature image courtesy of Unsplash.com other images courtesy of DollarPhotoClub.