How to Prevent Helmet Hair - Look Good after Wearing a Bike Helmet

When cycling to work or school, what you wear makes a difference to road safety and comfort. Bike helmets, for instance, protect your head in case of a crash and help keep it cool on warm days.

However, you wouldn’t want to press the helmet too hard, as this can flatten your hair and cause it to lose shape. Otherwise, you’ll get that “helmet hair”, as they call it—which can mess up your appearance! Self-conscious youngsters will want their hair to look perfect after riding their kids’ bikes.

This is how you deal with it, whether you have short, long, or curly hair. We’ll break the tips into three stages: before, during, and after the ride. You’ll be able to dismount from your city bike and start the working day looking dapper!

How to Prevent Helmet Hair When Cycling

Helmet hair tends to be more obvious with short hair (above the shoulder) because there’s less length to keep it in place. Longer hair is more likely to get tangled or out of shape, while curly hair can end up flat or frizzy.

Here are some handy tips to manage it, no matter your hair type, for both men and women:

Before the ride

(Metric Bike Helmet Gloss Pebble)

• Do not apply heavy gels or waxes, as it will make your hair look and feel greasy after being under the helmet. If styling products are part of your hair care routine, opt for something lightweight, e.g., a leave-in conditioner or texturising spray. This applies to all hair lengths or types mentioned.
• A simple hairstyle always works, especially if you’re working in a corporate setting. For short hair, comb it down or go for a slightly tousled look. That way, it’s easier to fix after the ride, unlike spiked ones (particularly for men) that may not hold up and are tricky to fix. If you have long hair, a low ponytail, braid, or loose bun can help keep it manageable. For curly hair, wrap it in a silk or satin scarf before wearing your helmet to minimise friction. A lightweight, breathable headscarf, bandana, or skullcap also works.

During the ride

(Starling Bike Helmet Blueberry)

• The number one rule of wearing bike helmets, be it kid’s helmets or adult helmets, is a snug fit but not too tight. Don’t pull the helmet down too tightly, as this can flatten your hair. Knowing your or your little ones’ bike helmet sizes is important.
• Wear a helmet with ventilation holes to let your head breathe, minimise sweat, and stop your hair from getting damp or sticky. These built-in air vents help reduce the chances of helmet hair. Take this Starling Bike Helmet Blueberry, for instance. It’s got 11 ventilation spots, comfy padding and adjustable straps. Lightweight yet durable, it’s ideal for daily commutes and off-road rides.

After the ride

(Starling Bike Helmet Pea Green)

• Always carry a small comb or brush with you and give your short hair a quick restyle when you arrive at the office or school. For tangled or flat long hair, a wide-tooth comb or your fingers should do the trick. If you have curly hair, run your fingers through it to give it a quick refresh.
• A bit of dry shampoo or texturing spray can add volume, or you can apply pomade to reshape your short or long hair. If you have curly hair, spritz it with a bit of water to bring back definition. You can also apply a small amount of curl cream or mousse to reshape your curls and add volume.
• This is optional, but a light mist of hairspray or perfume can freshen it up and keep it smelling nice after your ride – even throughout the day.

Round-up

Helmet hair can be a real nuisance, but it can be sorted with the right approach. Before the ride, stick to light styling products and/or wear a bandana or skullcap. Make sure your helmet is snug but not too tight during the ride, and give your hair a quick fix with a comb or brush afterwards.

If you’re looking for a new cycling companion, our range of Bobbin bikes is a great place to start. We’ve got bikes for kids and adults, available in a variety of styles, colours, and wheel sizes.

Up next on your reading list: What Cycling Clothing Do I Need? Tips for Beginners