10 Ways to Prevent Hat Head
By Woman's Day Staff
Baby, it's cold outside...and primetime for bundling up with scarves and hats. Fearful your hair will lose luster with all those extra layers? Wearing a cap doesn't mean you're doomed to lifeless locks. One way to tackle it-keeping fabric softener in your bag to calm flyaways in a jiffy, like reader Tina Squyres Miller from Mobile, AL, does. Keep reading for more tricks that will have you looking good all winter long. Photo by Getty Images.
Keep it Cut
Trim off dry and split ends every six to eight weeks to help your 'do bounce back quickly when you take off your hat.
Seal in Moisture
When hair is hydrated, it's less prone to frizz and static. A weekly deep conditioning will keep it looking good longer.
Related: Find out which short hairstyle is best for your face shape.
TRY: Vidal Sassoon Pro Series One Minute Mask Moisture Lock, $3.97; Amazon.com
Treat Your Tips
Use styling creams and serums only on the ends of your hair. If you wear a hat after you apply a moisturizing product all over, you'll end up looking greasy.
Dry Completely
When you blow-dry your hair quickly in the morning, it's easy to miss a spot or two, which causes hair to dry flat or take on a bumpy shape.
Related: Check out 75 timeless beauty tips.
Spray for Stay
Got static? Spritz dry hair with a light-hold hairspray and let it dry before putting on your hat. By providing a coating, you'll prevent those pesky dents from forming.
TRY: Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Hairspray, $2.88; Amazon.com
Pony Up
Before you put on a hat, pull hair into a low, loose ponytail to keep your style in place (use a fabric or ribbon tie to avoid dents). If your hair is shorter, lightly tug the hat upward along your crown so you don't flatten hair.
Let Loose
A wool hat may be your first choice for warmth, but its fibers absorb moisture, which causes friction and promotes breakage. A better option for hair protection is to wear a loose-fitting cotton or fleece hat.
Related: Discover 6 all-natural beauty fixes.
Flip to Fix
Hair already flat? Turn your head upside down and apply a volumizing spray or mousse. Shake out hair as product dries, then flip back over.
TRY: Nexxus Mousse Plus Superior Hold Volumizing Foam, $9.05; Amazon.com
Scarf It
The fastest fix: Wear a silk scarf (check HeadCovers.com) over your hair, tucking corners up and under, before putting on a hat. This creates a protective slip between hair and hat.
Use Your Hands
The best way to fluff hair back into shape is with your fingers (a brush causes friction, leading to static). Here's how: Rake fingers along your scalp down to ends while gently shaking out your style.
SOURCES: Gerard Caruso, artistic director, Rusk. Veronique Morrison, director of education, MIZANI. Nicholas Penna, Jr., owner and lead stylist, SalonCapri, Boston.
You Might Also Like:
The Most Wanted Celebrity Hairstyles This Season
10 Style Tricks to Look Younger Instantly
The Best Sex Positions for Every Situation
