5 Hairstyles for Avoiding Helmet Hair
The secret to a good hair day regardless if you're biking, hitting the gym, or laying around the house, will always be dry shampoo and a good hairbrush! A quality dry shampoo should liven up greasy hair after a long ride, while a solid brush, such as one with boar bristles for styling, or wide plastic teeth for reaching roots in the shower, can help disperse the natural oils in your hair so they don't cluster at the scalp and create greasiness. If you want to step off the bike confident in your hair (hello to all my Leo's out there!), these two tools will be your best friend.
Another good hair habit for all your biker babes out there, is maintaining clean helmet padding. Hands down the easiest way to prevent helmet hair, is by keeping a dry inner helmet. While it may not be the most fun or convenient chore ever, washing the inside of your helmet regularly will help make styling faster and easier. (Not to mention, prevent other annoying side effects like forehead acne or a lingering smell.) Simply bringing a clean paper or cloth towel to blotch any residual grease in your helmet after each use can prevent the oil from transferring to your head when you ride. With a few extra steps throughout the week, you can have your cake, and eat it too!
French braid
This is perhaps the most time consuming style we have listed, but it really can't be beat on a day when you're suffering from irreversibly greasy locks. If you have the extra time between rides, a french braid can make a good hair day of even the most oily and unconditioned hair. You can really do (or not do) what you like up until the point of arriving at work, school, or an event. Once you take your helmet off, you'll simply braid your hair, perhaps with one or two invisible hair ties. To soften the look, tuck the bottom of the braid into itself instead of tying, securing the style at the neckline with some bobby pins. This is a great option if you don't have time to shower but can spare five to ten minutes in the bathroom!
Low knot
For this hairdo, you'll depend mostly on clean hair and/or dry shampoo, a trusted brush, hair ties or clips, and accessories. Before putting on your helmet, tie your hair in a protective style, such as a single braid, or a tight low pony tail or bun. The goal here is to find a similar shape to a pulled back hair style, so it doesn't resist when you begin styling. After dismounting, you'll want to shake out your hair, using dry shampoo and a brush as necessary. You'll then pull your hair back to the nape of your neck, brushing out any bumps if wanted. At this stage, you get to choose how casual or sleek your hairstyle will be. Tie your hair into a low pony, and then twist the remaining hair into a rope-like strand (see cover image). Twist until your hair builds some tension and starts to curve. Continue to twist in circles, letting the hair naturally circle itself, literally tying the hair like a knot when you have only a couple fingers worth of hair left. Use bobby pins and clips to your liking so you can secure the knot in place. A finishing ribbon or scarf can be tied around the knot, letting two pieces fall down either side of your hair.
Beachy waves
I know what you're thinking: this isn't possible. But I disagree! Beach waves are a simple (and perhaps the least time consuming) way to style your hair after wearing a helmet. Even better, most of the work is done the night before. Ideally, you'll braid your hair in two simple sections before going to bed. To prevent frizz, rub a light hair oil or styling creme in your hands before braiding. I'd suggest including a sea salt spray or texturing creme before you start as well, so that you don't loose volume when wearing your helmet. The next morning, you'll want to pack a travel dry shampoo and comb. Gear up as usual and hit the road. When you're ready to take your helmet off, you can undo the braids and touch up any grease on the top of your head, brushing out the waves if you want a more natural look. The whole process should take no more than five minutes!
90's French Girl clip
Casual "French Girl" updos have become popular recently. Even if they weren't in fashion, there's an understated brevity to twirling your hair around a few times and putting a clip in it. When done right, it's elegant, flattering, and upscales an entire outfit. It's the next best option to a hair tie. (Dare I say, it's even better...) Plus, it's perfect for a lazy day or when your hair feels dirty. If you haven't tried this style before, I suggest practicing the motions beforehand. Pull your hair back, and loosely twist the hair upward, securing all of it with a large jaw clip to the upper backside of your head. When you're feeling confident in putting it up, you'll only need to bring the clip with you when you leave. Wear your hair in whatever way is most comfortable for your motorcycle ride, and pack your jaw clip. When you're ready for an updo, clip it back. Easy as 1, 2, 3.
Messy textured pixie
Perhaps the easiest way to get away with helmet hair, is by using frequent helmet wear to your advantage. One way to style a short, textured pixie, is by playing with the hair, twisting and leading it in opposite directions while blow drying. Afterward, you can tame your hair with a styling pomade or mousse, still maintaining volume. The hair mousse you already applied will grant you some flexibility in fixing and restructuring your hair after putting a helmet on. Or, you might consider blow drying, then using pomade when you arrive at your destination. This really depends on how comfortable you are with styling your hair, and how much time you need to do so.
Another option for short haired peoples, is to use the helmet hair effect to your advantage. For a straight hair stye, let the helmet keep your hair flat. Bring along a bandana, a few hair clips or bobby pins to pin back mini bangs or face framing pieces, and voila! You're having a good hair day.