Wearing a helmet when riding a motorbike or bicycle is definitely the best way to keep yourself safe when participating in traffic. However, wearing it for long hours can seriously damage the stylish look you gave your hair before going to work. Not only that, but you can also lose hair due to wearing a helmet the wrong way or for too long. So what is helmet hair and what can be done to prevent helmet hair? Let’s find the answers to the above questions in this article!
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What is helmet hair?
Helmet hair is something that happens to everyone at one time or another. When you are driving on the road for a long time, especially in extreme weather such as the hot sun. Then you remove your helmet, or cover your hair, the obvious and predictable result is your hair sticking to your head. Helmet hair is the result of your hair being held in place for long periods of time by a hat, helmet, or any other head covering that restricts your hair from moving naturally. No one is comfortable with this experience because it brings shame to everyone around and worsens your image. So how to prevent helmet hair situations? Continue reading below to get the answer.
Tips to prevent Helmet Hair
Although wearing a helmet while riding is not compulsory in the UK, it can significantly increase safety on the road. However, it has been proven that wearing a helmet for long periods of time or every day can seriously damage your health and your stylish appearance. Indeed, wearing a helmet can cause hair loss in severe cases or scalp problems. That’s why it’s important to learn how to prevent helmet hair.
Keep your hair clean
Keeping your hair clean and healthy and implementing a healthy and regular routine for your hair and scalp can prevent many of the problems riders face when wearing a helmet. The scalp continuously secretes sebum, creating a natural condition for your hair. However, when you do not wash your hair regularly, the oil will accumulate, making the hair greasy and oily. Excess sebum can be a food source for the microorganisms that cause dandruff and, if severe, hair loss. Washing your hair regularly will help keep it clean and is the first step in preventing hair loss caused by wearing a helmet.
Also, using a natural moisturizer like Aloe Vera or Coconut Oil can help you keep the roots and ends of your hair healthy. In any case, you should make sure your hair is dry before putting on a helmet. Also, pay attention to the sweat and sugar dust left in the hat as they can cause a build-up in the hair roots that can worsen hair problems like dandruff and hair loss.
Do not put on a helmet if your hair is wet
If you wear a helmet while your hair is wet, the inside of the helmet may get wet. Did you know, that a warm and humid environment is perfect for bacteria growth? The lack of airflow encourages the growth of germs and fungi, causing scalp infections and even hair loss. Additionally, a helmet can exacerbate the harm done to wet hair. It’s best to take the time to properly dry your hair before wearing a helmet.
Make the right hairstyle
If you ride every day, you should consider getting an appropriate haircut such as short hair to make it easier to wear a helmet. Short hair is usually less affected by the traction and friction of the helmet, which allows the rider to enjoy the hairstyle intact after riding. If you have long hair, protecting long hair from the impact of a helmet becomes a bit more complicated. Depending on your hair type, thickness, and style, you may find it difficult to maintain your hairstyle. Don’t worry because we have some suggestions as follows:
- Braided hair: Braids are one of the simplest, most affordable solutions to keep your long hair tangle-free and frizzy. When you arrive, you just need to let go of the braid and you’ve got glamorous bobbing hair with soft waves that add a bit of dynamism to your look.
- Use a headband or headscarf: To keep the hairdo basic and shield your long curls from the elements, wrap them in a silk or cotton scarf. It is crucial to always use a clean scarf or headband, even though doing so can significantly lower the risk of hair damage. Contrary to other antibacterial surfaces, scarves and other types of cloth can accumulate bacteria that damage rather than protect your hair. But if you routinely wash and dry the fabric, you may simply avoid this.
- Ponytails: You can also tie your hair in a ponytail to keep it neat and prevent it from blowing in your face. Whether it’s a single ponytail or a double ponytail, tie them down to the nape of your neck, not higher. If your hair is fairly long, you can tie it into a high ponytail at the back of your helmet.
- Use spray: Whether you chose to braid your hair or bun it in a scarf, your long hair will have a soft look after getting off the car. Embrace the look and invest in a beach spray for that natural, carefree look that many strive for. Or you can make your own by mixing a mixture of warm water, one teaspoon of avocado oil, two teaspoons of sea salt, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Use Hair Wax: Even when you’re wearing a helmet, hair wax can help you produce more environmentally friendly hairstyles. However, purchasing hair wax of low quality can harm your hair, so be sure to pick natural products free of artificial additives.
Choose the right helmet
Choosing the right helmet is also very important in the process of preventing helmet hair. A helmet that is too tight will pull the hair roots away from your scalp and cause hair loss. Although not very common, this condition can cause gradual hair loss and thin of the hairline. Protect your hair by choosing a helmet with the right size, ventilation, aerodynamics, weight, and price tag. You can also opt to wear a baseball helmet. Nowadays, a lot of people wear baseball caps indoors and outdoors, even in corporate offices. It is simply the next solution similar to wearing a bandana simply hiding your helmet hair.
Keep the helmet clean
As we all know, wearing a helmet for a long time is likely to accumulate sweat and dirt on the inside of the helmet. They will then potentially come into contact with your hair causing conditions like dandruff and hair loss. Furthermore, if you’ve just had your hair done, the sweat and moisture on your helmet can ruin your hairstyle. So clean your helmet regularly and, after cleaning or going home, place it upside down in a place conducive to steady air circulation.
Lining fabric inside the helmet
Keeping the padding inside your helmet clean is also an effective solution. You can also add a cotton or silk cloth to the inside of the helmet, which will help reduce the likely friction between the padding and your hair. In addition, it is easy to wash such a fabric when it has absorbed sweat and has become less effective. Please ensure that the cloth used is always clean and dry.
Bring a comb
Carrying a comb around might not be a long-term fix for your hair after wearing a riding helmet. Carrying a comb, however, can be useful if you don’t have any hair issues but still need to find a quick solution to fix your hairdo when you step out of the car.
The solution if you have hair loss due to wearing a helmet
It’s never too late to fix hair loss caused by wearing a helmet. In addition to following what is listed in this article, you can also do other things. If hair loss becomes more severe, you should see a doctor for appropriate advice and guidance.
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Eat more foods that contain protein
- Exercise regularly
- Relieve stress
- Do not use heat styling tools
Helmets are not directly responsible for hair loss. It just keeps you safe and away from any unnecessary incidents. However, the reality is that wearing a helmet for long periods of time can worsen your existing scalp and hair conditions like dandruff and hair loss. Helmet hair is essential but also very easy. Make sure you clean the inner lining and padding of your helmet regularly, wash your hair with a mild shampoo, choose a helmet that fits well, and possibly use a towel or headband if you spill sweat too much. Hope this article has helped you in keeping your hair beautiful and healthy while riding.
Video: Source from Moto Blonde (Youtube)
Source:
- Columbia Doctors: Alopecia (Hair Loss)
- Harvard School of Public Health: Coconut Oil
- Wikipedia: Traction alopecia
- Academia: How To Maintain Hairstyle While Wearing Helmet
