How to Wear Hats Without Destroying Your Hair

How to Wear Hats Without Destroying Your Hair

Your winter lid doesn't have to fight your hairdo—these simple tips will get them working as a team

Some people like to wear hats to keep their noggin toasty; others sport them as a style statement. Whatever the reason, both groups have to deal with one dreaded aftereffect: hat head.

To help you avoid that mane mishap (and avoid static, too), we've figured out which hairstyles look best with different hats—both while the hats are on and once they come off!
 

Brooke Nipar

Beanie
"Go sleek, no matter what your hair length. Fitted hats make it hard to maintain waves," says Nunzio Saviano, a New York City salon owner.

1. Apply nourishing hair oil to damp strands, then blow-dry straight.
2. Make sure hair is totally dry. If you don't, "You risk that stubborn dent on the sides of your head," says Saviano.
3. Switch your part to the opposite side, then reverse it after taking off the hat. By doing so, Saviano says, you'll maintain a bit of volume at the roots.

Brooke Nipar

Trapper
"Keep hair off your face and shoulders so it doesn't compete with the furry, face-framing shape of the hat," says Saviano.

1. Work a bit of moisturizing serum like Oribe Smooth Style Serum ($49, oribe.com) through damp hair, then air-dry (or blast with a hair dryer) and go with your natural texture. "This hat is a great excuse to give hair a little break," says Saviano.
2. Part hair anywhere, then make a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. "The side flaps press the sides of your hair down—a plus when wearing a pony," says Saviano.

Brooke Nipar

Beret
"Loose curls are great—if the hat's snug-fitting edge leaves a dent, it won't stand out among the waves," says Saviano.

1. Got straight hair? Air-dry, then wrap one-inch sections around a 1 1/2-inch curling iron. Try Revlon CurlStay 1 1/2" Titanium Styling Iron ($19, at Walmart).
2. If your hair is wavy or curly, apply a light-hold gel while it's damp for soft definition. Try Matrix Biolage Agave Nectar Control Gel ($16, matrix.com). Then blow-dry, styling hair with your fingers for a natural look.
3. When you take off your hat, shake out your hair. "Don't worry about flatness up top. Waves look prettier when they're a little bigger at the bottom," says Saviano.
 

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