Nothing completes a winter outfit—or kills a great hair day—like a cozy cap. We’ve all dealt with winter hat hair: As soon as the beanie comes off, your once-perfect blowout falls flat, or your flyaways take over. But it's possible to wear a cute winter hat and feel great about your hair underneath. With the right prep, you can preserve your hairstyle for your destination. Or, if the hat completes the outfit, there are plenty of trendy ways to style your hair around it.
One thing you shouldn’t do? Skip out on warm layers for the sake of your hair. The body releases most of its heat through the head, which reacts up to five times more sensitively to cold than other areas. So grab your favorite knit and don’t despair: With these simple and tricks and tips, your winter hat will be no match for your volume and shine.
How to keep your hairstyle intact under a winter hat
Just like your skin, your hair needs some extra moisture to stay healthy during the drying winter season. Using a rich conditioner and sealing dry hair with a hydrating oil can help prevent dryness, breakage, and frizz—which are likely to flare up from the friction of a winter hat.
If you deal with flyaways after taking off your hat, adding an extra deep-conditioning treatment to your usual hair-care routine can make a big difference. “Conditioning products help hair retain moisture and keep strands weighed down—in a good way—which is the best way to fight static,” NYC salon owner Oscar Blandi told Glamour.
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Similarly, using a leave-in conditioner can help to smooth the hair and create a barrier between your more fragile strands and the material of your hat. If you’re trying to preserve a silky hairstyle or curl definition, a nourishing leave-in will go a long way.
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Lots of winter hats press the hair flat, but using a volumizing spray or a root powder to create more volume before you put the cap on. The best part? There products are easily reactivated with a root tousle when you take your hat off—and easy to take on the go for touch-ups.
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Always let your hair dry completely—especially around the roots—before throwing on a winter hat. Wet hair will crease and mold to the shape of your hat more easily, but more importantly, you don’t want to trap moisture around your scalp. Depending on how long you’re wearing the hat, doing so can cause follicle irritation or odor.
For a practical yet stylish hairstyle that will help your hair keep its shape and texture under a hat, try a loose braided hairstyle. French braids can help preserve root volume, plus braided ends look super chic peeking out of a beanie.
Cotton hats may not be as warm as sheep’s wool or new wool hats, but they allow more oxygen to reach your hair. More breathing room means less flatness.
If you don't want to do without your beloved woolly hat, try tying a silk or satin scarf around your hair before putting on your hat. The fine fabric provides perfect protection from the rough wool fibers and prevents the hair from becoming charged. And when static is unavoidable, keep a moisturizing curl cream or hair oil on hand: “Very simply put, static flyaways happen when the hair or the environment around the hair is dry, so moisture is the answer,” Blandi says.
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If you’re hoping to preserve root volume with your hat choice, go big or go home. Large or loosely knitted headgear helps to give your hair some extra space. Opt for a fuzzy bucket hat or a chunky beret to lock in warmth without suffocating your roots.
If you reach for the same hat everyday and notice that it’s affecting your hair more, try swapping it out with other options or giving it a wash. It’s good to give your hair a breather on warmer days, and make sure to wash your hats frequently to keep sweat, oil, and hair product from building up.
Need some inspiration? Find the best beanie hairstyles for every hair length
The bob is not only one of the biggest winter hair trends: It also looks great in combination with all kinds of hats. Chin-length hair peeks out just enough to create a chic silhouette, without getting tangled up in your other layers.
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Having trouble fitting your curls under your beanie? Try this genius hair-twist hack to make room for your cap while still giving your curls the spotlight.
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Who said bangs and hats don’t mix? Opt for a slouchy beanie that sits farther back on your head, letting your fringe peak out, or a trendy balaclava.
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Because they’re not just for the beach. If your mermaid waves still look great but your roots have seen better days, get an extra day out of the style by throwing a beanie on top.
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Also called the Olsen tuck, this look works particularly well with long, straight hair. Simply tuck your ends into your jacket or sweater. Paired with a hat, it creates an effortless chic silhouette—plus, a faux bob look if you’re toying with a chop.
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Aspen-chic, anyone? Braided hairstyles are not only gentle on your hair, but also super stylish when paired with a chunky hat.
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Similar to the bob, medium-length hair is right on trend for winter, and the perfect base for a statement hat.