This winter has been particularly harsh, with SA being hit with one cold front after another. Many of us are living in our beanies, and can’t leave home without a hat or hoodie. While beanies and hats are trendy winter staples, they actually also go a long way in trapping heat and keeping us warm.
But there’s one downside: wearing something on your head could result in hair oiliness, flatness, frizz, static and kinks, a range of annoying hair tendencies otherwise known as “hat hair.” While a hat or beanie is a fantastic way of hiding a bad hair day, it could also result in one.
Luckily you don’t have to sacrifice style or warmth this winter – there is hope for preventing dreaded hat hair. Try these easy tips to ensure your hair looks its best when your hat or beanie comes off.
Shampoo regularly
Hats and beanies generate a lot of heat beneath them, and while this is great for staying warm, it often results in flat, greasy roots. An easy way to solve this is to keep a bottle of good quality dry shampoo on‐hand. Once you remove your hat, spritz the dry shampoo onto the roots, massage and brush out – not only will the greasiness be gone, but dry shampoo is known to give your roots a lift too.
If you’re privy to head wear, you might need to shampoo a little bit more regularly than usual. Choose a shampoo that’s gentle on the hair and scalp, and that won’t strip your hair scalp of moisture. Mane ‘n Tail’s Herbal Gro Shampoo (R199.95) is formulated with natural herbs blended with an olive oil complex to nourish, strengthen, and fortify hair from root to tip. It gently cleanses hair and is designed to prevent breakage, frizz, and split ends, making it a great option for hat‐ wearers.
In addition to static, hats and beanies can also lead to frizz. Marc Anthony Bye Bye Frizz Keratin Smoothing Shampoo (R144.99) transforms frizzy hair into smooth silky locks. Infused with K‐silk complex and amino acid blend to repair damage and create soft, shiny, manageable hair.
Opt for natural fibres
Natural fibres like pure wool, cotton or cashmere are the answer to avoiding static, as artificial fibres like nylon and polyester increases the hair’s static tendencies. It’s also important to select a comfortable fit. Tight beanies and hats will have a greater effect on your hair and are also more likely to make your scalp greasy as your scalp will perspire at the roots. Whenever possible, opt for a loose‐fitting style.
Never wear a hat or beanie over wet hair
Be sure that your hair is completely dry before you put your hat on, as a hat will mould wet hair and flatten it too (and it’s almost impossible to fix without washing it again). If you’re blow‐drying it to minimise drying time, remember to spray a heat protectant product on it beforehand. Not only will this protect your hair from damage, but it will also help preserve its moisture. Try Hask Curl Care 5‐ In‐1 Leave‐In Spray (R189.99). It detangles to prevent breakage, seals in moisture, softens and adds shine, provides thermal protection and up to 24‐hour frizz control.
Work with your natural style
Wearing a hat strategically may help to prevent unwanted kinks in your hair. Let your hair fall in its natural direction before putting your hat on. This includes your fringe: if you have one, let it fall naturally rather than pull it back into the opposite direction. You can always secure it using a few pins before you put your hat on.
Add volume
Hats and beanies almost always flatten hair. Avoid the worst of it by increasing your hair’s volume before putting on your hat. Start off with some volumising spray and tease or back‐comb your hair a little to increase its volume. This will add some height and padding, and prevent your hair from falling completely flat once you take your hat off.
Invest in a volume‐boosting hair care routine to help lift your strands. HASK Biotin Boost Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner (R179.95) help volumise, strengthen and fortify hair. Marc Anthony’s Big Volume range is another great option. Marc Anthony Big Volume Thickening Cream (R169.95) contains ultra‐lightweight microfiber bonding technology that works with body‐boosting ingredients to create root lift and weightless volume. Marc Anthony Big Volume 7 in 1 Foam (R169.95) is a multi‐tasking foam that offers conditioning and volumizing benefits. Microfibers plump your strands and lift your roots – just what you need on hat days!
