In a perfect world, we would be able to accessorize any and all outfits with cute hats that don’t ruin our fresh blowouts. But alas, hat hair can be a real headache. We've all been there - that embarrassing moment when you take off your hat only to reveal the horror of a flattened, static-filled mess on top of your head like you’ve just touched a Van de Graaff generator. And we shudder to think of the awful dent in your hair your much needed warm beanie can do!
But fear not! Getting rid of hat hair is all in the preparation, and we’ve got quick and effective tips for saying goodbye to hat hair once and for all.
Why Do We Get Hat Hair?
Before we dive into solutions, let's explore why hat hair happens in the first place. It's a fairly predictable scenario when you think about it. When you wear a hat, it causes pressure on your head and hair follicles, forcing your hair to flatten and take on the shape of the hat. This is similar to how hair can get a bend when you remove a tight hair tie.
Another common outcome of wearing a hat is the occurrence of flyaway hair. This happens when the hat rubs against your hair, causing the strands to lift and become unruly. In most cases, the material of the hat can also generate static, which adds to the flyaway, staticky effect.
What Causes Static?
The cold and dry air of winter leads to a decrease in humidity, causing the hair to lose moisture and become drier. Dry hair is more susceptible to static electricity because it lacks the necessary moisture to balance out the negative charges that build up on the hair strands, When hats rub against the hair, they generate friction, which further increases the buildup of static electricity.
To combat this use products that add moisture to your hair, such as hydrating creams and hair masks. By keeping your hair hydrated, you'll reduce flyaways and minimize the chances of a static halo.
Pre-Hat Hair Prevention
Before you even put on a hat, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of hat hair. Start with a volumizing shampoo. Hat hair is flat hair, and using a volumizing shampoo will pump up the roots in preparation for your winter accessory.
Oribe’s Magnificent Volume shampoo is formulated with polymer blends, vegetable proteins, and moringa seed extracts that plump the hair shaft for fullness and body.
Post shower, prep your hair using a volumizing root spray to create texture and lift, or applying a light dusting of dry shampoo to absorb excess oils and sweat before it starts. By giving your hair some extra oomph, you'll reduce the impact of the hat on your hairstyle.
Choosing the Right Hat
The type of hat you choose can greatly affect your chances of getting hat hair. Consider the material and fit of the hat. Opt for hats or beanies made with silk or satin liners, as these materials are less likely to cause friction and static. Choose a hat that doesn’t squeeze your head either, not that it’s comfortable to begin with, but this is what creates a hair dent.
Dry Hair Only
Avoid wearing a hat on damp or wet hair. Even a slightly damp head can increase your chances of hat hair happening. Wet hair is very malleable and will take on the shape of the hat and dry flattened to the inside of the hat, making indentations, flyaways, and frizzies harder to remove.
Hair Styling Techniques
When it comes to wearing a hat, certain hairstyles are more compatible than others. While some hairstyles may look virtually unchanged even after removing a hat, others may not fare as well. If you plan on having a day where you frequently take your hat on and off, it's a good idea to opt for hairstyles that are well-secured and can be easily smoothed back into place.
Styles like loose buns or curls are more likely to get crushed under a hat, we recommend trying out these hat-friendly hairstyles:
Messy Waves
While securing and smoothing your hair is typically recommended when wearing hats, it's also worth considering a more playful option. If you prefer a messy, carefree look, a hat can actually enhance the dishevelled look even further. Our hair experts recommend using TO112 Dry Texture Spray to give extra grit to your boho waves.
 |
|
Braids
Braids come in various styles and sizes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your hair length and personal preference. This style is an excellent choice known for its ability to keep hair securely in place, preventing flyaways from happening. This means your hair is less likely to get tousled or messy when you take your hat on and off. Use Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream to tame frizz and flyaways.
 |
|
Ultra Sleek Hair
If you're aiming to channel the Y2K aesthetic, opt for perfectly straight strands. This sleek look doesn't heavily rely on volume, making it a breeze to effortlessly remove and put on your hat without disturbing your style. Use Olaplex No7 Bonding Oil to dramatically increase shine, and enjoy the convenience of wearing and removing your hat whenever you please while maintaining a chic and polished appearance with straight hair.
|
 |
Post-Hat Hair Fixes
Once you've taken off your hat, don't despair. There are ways to fix hat head and bring your hair back to life without having to do a whole hair wash. The easiest way to get rid of hat hair is to take a damp towel, not wet, and wrap it gently around your head for no more than two minutes. We like using the TO112 bamboo hair wrap for convenience. Remove, and fluff hair.
For medium to coarse textured hair, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle any knots, apply a leave-in conditioner to ease stubborn tangles and to add moisture. Spray dry texturizing spray to revive flat hair and you’re good as new!
Quick Fixes on the Go
We understand that hat hair can strike at any moment while you're out and about. That's why we've got some quick and easy solutions for you. Carry a dry sheet in your bag to swipe down flyaways, and to remove static. To absorb excess oil, and restore body and to get your hair back in place keep a travel-sized dry texture spray handy for touch-ups. With these on-the-go fixes, you'll always be prepared to combat hat hair.
Final Thoughts
Now that you've learned our quick tips for eliminating hat hair, it's time to put them into practice. Remember to prep your hair, choose the right hat, style your hair strategically, and have post-hat hair fixes at the ready. With these tips in hand, you'll be able to say goodbye to hat hair and hello to fabulous hair days, no matter how often you wear a hat.