6 Quick Tips for Getting Rid of Hat Hair

1. Totally, Completely Dry Your Hair

It may seem obvious, but there are many reasons why going out in the cold with damp hair is just not a good idea. And if you think popping on a hat is enough to keep you warm, doing so will do two things: 1. wet your hat, so you’ll feel the chill even more, and 2. cause your hair to get matted down, dented, or (especially if your hair is on the finer side) take on the shape of whatever hat you’re wearing once it dries. Dry your hair thoroughly and you’ll set yourself up for a better hair day, promise.

2. Make Sure Your Beanie Fits

We’ve all been there—we’ve spent precious time braiding, curling, or waving our hair only to put on a too-tight beanie and flatten all hope of having gorgeous volume all day. One way to avoid this is simply making sure your beanie fits. Super tight beanies may feel more secure, but a looser one will keep your head protected without matting down the hair at your crown, or on either side. Also, wear it slightly back off your face and not too far down your forehead or over your ears—this will help give your hair room to move instead of being squished under your hat. Tip: If you're concerned about your beanie slipping, try securing bobby pins to your hair behind your ears to keep it in place.

3. Choose Your Hat Wisely

When shopping for hats, the material of the hat is just as important as how well it fits you. Make sure it’s made from smooth fabric so it's not rough against your hair. Rough materials can snag onto strands to cause frizz and static. Additionally, really heavy materials can flatten your hair faster, or trap in heat that sets your hair to the shape of the hat.

4. Try a Hat Hair-Friendly Hairstyle

Try a hairstyle that adds texture and volume to your hair, like this faux fishtail braid by Alvarez. It’ll give you that perfect, windswept look on windy days.“This style is suitable to wear under a hat because the top of your hair remains intact while all the volume and detail are just below it,” says Alvarez. To create it: “Split your hair down the middle into two sections and run a dime-sized amount of leave-in conditioner (she used IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm to boost moisture and fight frizz) from mid-shaft to ends, says Alvarez. “Take a small section of hair from either side of one section and tie them together using a clear elastic. Flip and pull through the opening above the elastic. Repeat this step until you reach the ends, then pull on the sides of each braid to fluff and loosen.”

5. Nix Frizz in a Pinch

We can hardly remember our apartment keys let alone frizz-taming sprays and balms when we’re on-the-go. But this nifty trick will make sure you’re always prepared to tame pesky static caused by hat hair. Keep a few dryer sheets folded in your makeup bag, wallet, or purse and run it on the inside and outside of your hat before putting it on, then use it on any frizzy or static-y areas throughout the day. It’ll smooth your hair like magic.

6. Flip, Tousle, & Go

It’s tempting to grab a brush and fight frizz and flyaways, but doing so can make hat hair worse. Just give your hair a good flip and gently use your fingers to tousle up your roots. If you’ve got a dry shampoo on hand, spritz it on before to add back some texture and volume, and soak up any dampness (especially if you’ve been in the snow).

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