How to Wear a Hat With Curly Hair: Tips to Look Fab Under Any Lid

Hats are a super cute accessory, but can be tricky to style if you have naturally curly hair. The friction between hair and hat fabric can cause tangles, frizz, and flattened curls. However with some preparation and TLC for your ringlets, you can rock hats while maintaining fabulous spirals and coils.

Keep reading for tips on making curly hair work under any type of hat while avoiding dreaded “hat hair.”

Why Hats Cause Issues for Curly Hair

Before we get into solutions, let’s look at why hats and curly hair don’t always mix:

• Friction – Rubbing against hat material can cause frizz, breakage, and tangles.

• Flattening – Hats smash curls flat against the head, diminishing definition.

• Absorption – Hats can soak up natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle.

• Displacement – Taking hats on and off can displace curl clumps.

• Static – Rubbing creates static electricity, causing flyaways.

• Pressure – Tight hats put pressure on delicate curls.

• Indents – Tight shaping leaves dents when hats come off.

So how do you avoid hat hair horrors? Follow these tips before, during, and after hat wearing.

Prep Hair Before Putting On a Hat

You want to set your curls up for success before covering them with a hat. Here’s how:

• Moisturize – Quench dry hair with leave-in conditioner or hydrating mist.

• Seal – Work in an oil or cream to lock in moisture and reduce friction.

• Define – Set your curl pattern with gel or mousse before hat wearing.

• Detangle – Gently finger comb to prevent tangles and breakage.

• Scarf – Tie hair up in a silk scarf before adding a hat.

• Dry Completely – Don’t cover wet hair, which can cause issues.

• Avoid Heat Styling – Heat tools lead to drying and frizz under hats.

When hair is moisturized, defined, detangled and dry before adding a hat, it will hold up much better.

Choose the Right Hat Material

Pay attention to what your hats are made of when wearing curly hair. Some fabrics are better than others:

• Soft Fabrics – Cashmere, wool, silk, and fleece are gentle on curls.

• Natural Fibers – Cotton, linen, and straw let hair breathe.

• Satin Lining – Hats lined with satin minimize friction.

• Stretchy Knits – Beanies and other knit hats stretch rather than smash hair.

On the other hand, avoid these materials:

• Stiff Fabrics – Denim, canvas, and leather can be rough on strands.

• Synthetics – Acrylics, polyester, and nylon create static.

• Tight Weaves – Tightly woven fabrics don’t provide airflow.

When possible, go for soft, natural, breathable fabrics over harsh synthetics or stiff weaves. And look for satin linings!

Style Your Curls Under Hats

Certain curly hairstyles work better under hats than others. Consider these options:

• Buns – A loose topknot is comfy under a hat and keeps ends protected.

• Twists or Braids – These protective styles don’t get easily crushed or tangled.

• Low Ponytail – Pulling hair back and away from the hat edge prevents squashing.

• Middle or Side Part – Less hair over crown prevents excessive flattening.

• Short Cuts – Chin or shoulder-length cuts don’t get as smooshed.

• Banding – Section hair into multiple ponytails inside the hat.

Choose styles that protect and minimize hair contact with hat fabric. Avoid wearing curls fully loose and uncovered.

Carefully Place and Remove Hats

You want to be gentle when putting on and taking off hats. Here are some tips:

• Don’t force a tight hat onto hair – it should slip on easily. If not, your hat is too small!

• Adjust hair comfortably under the hat and make sure no strands are caught on the edges.

• Lift the hat gently straight up during removal. Don’t tug the brim and displace your hair part.

• For knit hats, unroll slowly rather than pulling off quickly.

• Unravel braids or undo ponytails before removing hats to avoid yanking.

• Detangle strands by finger combing after removing hats. Don’t brush dry!

With mindful placement and removal of headwear, you’ll minimize disruption to your lovely curls.

Maintain Moisture Under Hats

Hydration is key to preventing brittle, frizzy hat hair. Be sure to:

• Condition – Use a creamy leave-in conditioner before covering hair.

• Oil – Seal in moisture with oils like argan, olive, or coconut.

• Spritz – Mist hair lightly with water or moisturizing spray as needed.

• Refresh – Carry a water bottle and refresh spray when on-the-go.

• Reapply – Add more hydrating products after removing hats.

Dryness leads to damage and frizz. Keep your hair moisturized to stay fabulous under your hat!

Banish Frizz and Static

Frizzy, staticky hair is common after hat wearing. Reduce it by:

• Using anti-frizz serum or polish under your hat.

• Carrying anti-static spray in your bag for quick touch-ups.

• Applying lightweight oil or conditioning cream mid-day.

• Finishing with a satin scarf or hair wrap after hat removal.

• Using silk or satin hair bonnets for sleeping after hat wear.

Fight frizz before, during and after hat wearing for smooth strands!

Handle Hat Hair Between Washes

Don’t despair if your curls get unruly between washes after wearing hats. Try these solutions:

• Finger style curls back into place where flattened.

• Mist lightly with water and scrunch to revive texture.

• Spot treat frizzy areas with curl cream or anti-frizz balm.

• Diffuse flattened sections on low heat to add lift.

• Refresh roots with dry shampoo for a boost of volume.

• Fix parts and smooth flyaways with edge control gel or balm.

• If needed, embrace messiness and rock that “bedhead” look!

Corrective Tips for Severe Hat Head

In extreme hat head cases, you may need to:

• Cleanse hair if dirt, oil buildup, or product residue occurs.

• Do an intensive deep conditioning mask to restore moisture.

• Dust ends with a tiny amount of protein powder if excessively dry.

• Use coconut oil to detangle and prevent breakage after repeated hat friction.

• Bantu knot sections if the curl pattern gets really out of whack.

• Try finger coiling the most stubbornly misshapen curls.

• Visit your stylist for a repairing Olaplex or keratin treatment if needed.

While annoying, most hat hair issues can be fixed with TLC between washes or at your next style session.

Avoid Hat Hair in the First Place

Diligent prep and gentle handling are key to preventing hat disasters with curly hair.

• Always start with fully detangled, moisturized hair.

• Select right-sized hats in curl-friendly fabrics.

• Carry emergency smoothing and hydrating products.

• Learn your styles that best work under hats.

• Remove hats slowly and finish with silk at night.

With some care, you can wear cute hats for any occasion without trashing your luscious locks!