Wearing a helmet with long hair can be challenging, but it’s manageable with the right techniques. Start by gathering your hair into a ponytail or braid and neatly tucking it under the helmet. If you’re using a full-face helmet, you may need to hold the chin straps apart with both hands to fit the helmet over your head. Hairnets or bobby pins can also help keep your hair in place and prevent it from becoming tangled or frizzy.
For a comfortable fit, you can twist your hair and bring it up over your head and face, using your lips to hold it while you briefly put on the helmet. Once it’s on, adjust any stray strands to keep them out of your face. This approach helps keep your hairstyle intact and prevents it from interfering with your ride.
How To Wear A Helmet With Long Hair
Tightly Tie Up Your Hair
To keep your hair in good condition and avoid tangles while wearing a helmet, secure it properly before you ride. Start by combing and detangling your hair to minimize breakage. Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or hair serum to protect against friction and prevent freeziness. Use a rubber band to tie your hair into a low ponytail or braid to keep it in place. Wrapping your hair with a scarf or bandana can also help manage sweat and keep your hair dry. This way, your hair remains tidy and avoids damage under the helmet, maintaining a neat look for your ride.
How to Make a Secure Low Ponytail for Riding
When riding in challenging conditions like windy or bumpy roads, it’s essential to keep your hair comfortable and protected from breakage or damage. A low ponytail is a great choice because it can fit comfortably under a motorcycle helmet. Use a hair-friendly elastic band that won’t cause friction or entangling, preventing strand damage. For extra protection, consider covering your hair with a bandana, head sock, or even cloth or leather hair wraps to keep it from getting frizzy or caught in your jacket. Make sure the ponytail is not tied too tightly, as that can cause tension, but avoid making it too loose, which may create discomfort under the helmet.
Braiding Your Hair for Comfort and Protection
When braiding your hair, it’s important to do it loosely to avoid discomfort and hair damage. A loose braid is ideal when wearing a motorcycle helmet, as it fits comfortably under the padding without causing tension. Tight braids can lead to headaches and even Traction Alopecia, which happens when the hair is constantly pulled. To start, gently brush your hair to remove tangles, then gather it into a loose ponytail before you begin braiding. This method keeps your hair secure, prevents it from dangling or getting caught in the wind, and protects it from dust while riding.
Get the Perfect Helmet Fit
When choosing the right-sized helmet, it’s important to measure the size of your head using a measuring tape, including the length of your long hair. Wearing the correct motorcycle helmet keeps your hair from sticking out and prevents it from becoming messy, even when tied up. A helmet that’s too tight can cause pressure headaches and leave marks on your forehead, while a loose one won’t properly protect you in an accident. Some helmets for individuals with long hair have an extended tail or a padded chin bar to avoid hair entanglement in the straps. Modern designs also include ventilation holes to keep your hair cool and reduce friction.
Use a Hair Net or Balaclava for Extra Protection
Wearing a hair net or balaclava under your helmet helps keep long hair in place and prevents tangles. It also stops your face and neck from coming into direct contact with the helmet, shielding you from dust. Ensure the hair net, balaclava, or bandana is made from natural fabric to absorb sweat and keep your hair and the helmet’s lining clean. You can also try a cloth-based bandana or a head scarf to keep everything secure and protect your hair from the helmet liner. If your hair is below shoulder height, a balaclava or head sock offers full coverage, protecting both your hair and neck from dust while you ride.
Best Products to Control Frizzy Hair While Riding
As a motorcycle rider, protecting your hair from damage caused by wearing a helmet is essential. Using an anti-frizz hair product like a lightweight hair serum on wet or dry hair before riding can help keep your hair smooth and frizz-free. For extra protection, you can use a heavier hair oil. It’s important to pick the right product for your hair type and the climate. If you have dry hair, choose a product with humectants. In a humid climate, go for one that contains silicones or oils. Always apply the product to damp hair to ensure it penetrates the hair shaft for better protection.
Protect Your Hair with a Scarf or Durag
Wearing a scarf or durag inside your helmet is a great way to keep your hair from constantly rubbing against the helmet’s interior. You can adjust how tight or loose you tie the scarf or durag around your head. These accessories are especially useful for motorcycle riders with curly or oily hair, as they help keep the hair covered and reduce friction during rides.
Keep Your Hair in Top Shape with Regular Maintenance
To avoid hair damage while wearing a helmet, it’s crucial to stick to a regular hair care routine. Washing hair often helps prevent issues like dryness, dandruff, and hair loss. Additionally, moisturizing your hair reduces friction with the helmet’s inner lining, helping maintain smoothness. For extra care, consider deep conditioning treatments to nourish and strengthen your hair. These treatments keep your hair resistant to damage caused by friction and pressure from the helmet.
Essential Tips for Wearing a Helmet with Long Hair
- Ensure your hair is not wet before wearing the helmet. Allow it to air dry or use a hair dryer.
- Shower and wash your hair with shampoo to remove dirt from your scalp.
- Avoid combing or styling messy or dirty hair, as it can damage hair roots and lead to hair loss.
- After a motorcycle tour, if you have dirt in your hair but can’t wash it, use dry shampoo. However, it’s not a complete substitute for washing with water and soap.
- To prevent frizzy hair and keep it from becoming brittle, apply oil and regularly massage your head.
- Avoid combing immediately after removing your helmet and don’t use hair sprays or gels before wearing it.
- Regularly clean your helmet’s interior to avoid dust and grime.
- If you struggle with a full-face helmet, consider using a modular helmet and a neck gaiter or bandana to cover your neck.
FAQs
How do you wear a safety helmet with long hair?
To wear a safety helmet with long hair, braid your hair and pin it up on the sides or position it on top of your head. This way, it won’t interfere with the safety features of the hard hat.
How to maintain hair while wearing a helmet?
To maintain your hair while wearing a helmet, use a bike mask or cotton cloth, and always wash and condition your hair regularly. Avoid a helmet on wet hair, massage your scalp with warm oil once a week, and choose good quality, well-fitting helmets.
How do people with long hair wear helmets?
For those with long hair, wearing modern motorcycle helmets can be tricky due to the tight fit. To stay comfortable on long rides, try using a balaclava, head scarf, or skullcap to help manage the tight fit and avoid feeling uncomfortable.
How to tuck long hair into a helmet?
To tuck long hair into a helmet, start by gathering your hair into a ponytail or bun. Use a hair tie to secure it, then gently tuck it into the helmet. Ensure the helmet fits snugly and comfortably without pressing on your hair.
