Hat Hair? Not This Winter!

Wool hats are the enemy. They stick to the hair like wool sweaters cling to shirts, pants and anything in between. Opt for cotton or cashmere, or if you want to avoid hat hair all together, go with earmuffs.

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Does your hair stand on end when you whip off your hat? The friction created between the material and your hair (particularly clean, product-free hair) makes static unavoidable. To ease the electrical charge, renowned stylist and New York City salon owner Yves Durif suggests adding a finishing product to your styling routine. The product creates a barrier between the hair and the hat, so when the hat comes off, the hair stays in place.

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While a finishing product may help minimize static, it's not a guarantee. Says Durif, "If you have fine hair, wave a fabric softener sheet over the hair." Just like it does to laundry, it controls static cling. As for wavy, curly or course hair, he adds, "Always carry a bottle of Evian Water Spray and lightly spray the hair after removing the hat to tame static."

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If your hair looks flat or dented when you take off your hat, just add volume. Keep a volumizing spray in your handbag for instant lift: spray directly to the roots (if your hair is long, flip over and apply the product) and massage with your fingertips to reshape and re-boost body.

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If your hair is long or you have bangs, Durif offers a few tricks to keep the hair looking polished when it's time to take the hat off. Before putting on your hat, tie long hair into a loose bun at the nape of the neck. It can be easily removed, says Durif, and hair still looks pretty. If you have bangs, pull them to the side and secure with a hairpin to keep them from denting or matting.

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As it turns out, the finer and straighter the hair, the more likely you are to experience hat hair. Shorter styles are at risk, too, because the hat covers every last strand. Adding volume to the hair before putting on your hat should help minimize the damage.

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