5 Tips To Help You Avoid Hat Hair This Winter

One of the most exciting parts about winter style is all the seasonal accessories. Although, as fashionable as our favorite beanies and berets can be, one not-so-chic side effect is hat hair. Sure, loose curls or undone waves look great underneath that cap, but once it comes off,  the static, flatness, and shapelessness can wreak havoc on your cute winter hairstyle. However, with the right styling techniques and hair care tips, you won’t have to hang up your hopes of wearing voluminous-looking locs and cute hats in the cold weather months. To help put a lid on these hairy situations, we’re sharing five of the best tips and tricks to prevent and control hat hair.  

1. Stick With Cotton And Cashmere Hats

The material that your hat is made of can make a big difference in how your underlying hair is affected. Wool and synthetic materials like polyester are more apt to turn hair flat or full of static. Stick with cotton, cashmere, and loose-fitting hats, like floppy styles and berets, that leaves room for your strands to move and scalp to perspire without pressing your hair flat against your scalp.

2. Reduce Static

One of the biggest hat hair offenders is static, which is even worse in the winter thanks to the lack of moisture in the air. Static control sprays leave will come in handy during this season, but you can reduce static by making sure your hair is nice and moisturized before you top it off with a hat. Also, to fight static try cutting back on heat tools and add a hair oil like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment or moisturizing serum like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In to your styling routine. 

Editor's tip: In a pinch? A dryer sheet works surprisingly well — just give your hair a quick wipe like you would with a towel. 

3. Use Volumizing Hairstyling Products 

You can help counter the effects of your favorite winter hat by using volumizing hairstyling products beforehand. Start in the shower with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Volume Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Volume Conditioner to help give your hair a fuller base that won’t deflate underneath your accessory. For bounce, the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse is a lightweight hair mousse that gives even lifeless hair a shot of long-lasting volume. Then finish with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Extra Strong Hold Volume for a hairspray that creates effortless volume with a satin touch that lasts all day.

4. Wear Hat Friendly Hairstyles 

There are plenty of styles that are easy to wear if you plan on rocking your winter hat all day. A low braided ponytail goes great under a beret, or a high messy bun can fit right under a big beanie. Try brushing your hair into a ponytail high up on your head, and secure it into place with an elastic. Braid the ponytail and circle it into a bun, pinning as you work your way around the base. Finish with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray for hold. So set it and forget about it as you head off into your day.

5. Use Hat Hair To Your Advantage

Make that hat hair work for you by using it to give your hair a texture that resembles a more lived-in look. When you reach your destination, take your hat and give your strands a quick toss with your fingers or a brisk comb-through to help reinvigorate your hairstyle. Wearing a hat can also help dry your hair if you left the house with damp strands. Mix in the right styling products and let your natural texture do the rest. If you need a boost of volume once your hair is dry, hit your roots with a spray of the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo. 

Next: 6 Hair Myths To Stop Believing, According To A Celebrity Hairstylist

Written and Photographed by: Lauren Paige Richeson