10 Tips to Beat Winter Hat Hair—Plus, the Cutest Beanie-Friendly Styles

Nothing completes a winter outfit or kills a great hair day like a cozy cap. We’ve all dealt with winter hat hair before: as soon as the hat comes off, your once-perfect blowout falls flat or your flyaway hair takes over. But it is possible to wear a nice winter hat And feel good about your hair underneath. With proper preparation, you can preserve your hairstyle for your destination. Or, if the hat completes the outfit, there are plenty of trendy ways to style your hair around it.

One thing you shouldn’t do? Avoid hot layers for the sake of your hair. The body evacuates most of its heat through the head, which reacts up to five times more sensitively to cold than other areas. So grab your favorite knitwear and don’t despair: with these simple tips and tricks, your winter hat will be no match for your volume and shine.

How to keep your hairstyle intact under a winter hat

Keep your hair hydrated.

Just like your skin, your hair needs a little extra moisture to stay healthy during the dry winter season. Using a rich conditioner and sealing dry hair with a hydrating oil can help prevent dryness, breakage and frizz, which are likely to occur from the friction of a winter hat.

If you have flyaways after taking off your hat, adding a deep conditioning treatment to your regular hair care routine can make a big difference. “Conditioning products help hair retain moisture and weigh down strands, in a good way, which is the best way to combat static,” says Oscar Blandi, owner of the New York City salon. Charm.

Use a leave-in conditioner.

Likewise, using a leave-in conditioner can help smooth hair and create a barrier between your weaker strands and the material of your hat. If you’re trying to maintain a silky style or curl definition, a nourishing leave-in will be very helpful.

Turn up the volume.

Many winter hats press the hair flat, but using a volumizing spray or root powder to create more volume before putting the hat on. The best part? These products are easily reactivated with a root tousle when you take off your hat and easy to take away for touch-ups.

Dry your hair properly.

Always let your hair dry completely, especially around the roots, before putting on a winter hat. Wet hair will crease and conform to the shape of your hat more easily, but more importantly, you don’t want to trap moisture around your scalp. Depending on how long you wear the hat, it may cause irritation or odor to the follicles.

Courtesy of the brand

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Maintain shape with braids.

For a practical yet stylish hairstyle that will help your hair maintain its shape and texture under a hat, try a loose braided hairstyle. French braids can help preserve volume at the roots, and braided ends look super chic and pop out of a bonnet.

Wear cotton hats.

Cotton hats may not be as warm as sheep’s wool or virgin wool hats, but they allow more oxygen to reach your hair. More room to breathe means less flatness.

Avoid static electricity.

If you don’t want to do without your beloved wool hat, try tying a silk or satin scarf around your hair before putting on your hat. The fine fabric offers perfect protection against rough wool fibers and prevents the hair from becoming burdened. And when static is unavoidable, keep a curl moisturizer or hair oil on hand: “In very simple terms, static occurs when the hair or the environment around the hair is dry, so humidity is the answer,” says Blandi.

Opt for a maximalist hat.

If you’re hoping to preserve root volume with your cap choice, go big or go home. A wide or loosely knitted headpiece helps give your hair a little extra room. Opt for a fluffy bucket hat or chunky beret to seal in heat without smothering your roots.

Take care of your outerwear.

If you wear the same hat every day and notice that it is affecting your hair more, try swapping it with other options or washing it. It’s good to give your hair a break on hotter days and make sure you wash your hats frequently to prevent sweat, oil and hair products from building up.

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The Laundress Luxury Laundry Detergent

Need inspiration? Find the Best Bonnet Hairstyles for Every Hair Length

Bob plus cap

The bob is not only one of the biggest winter hair trends: it also pairs great with all kinds of hats. Chin-length hair sticks out just enough to create a chic silhouette, without getting tangled in your other layers.