We’ve all seen this movie scene. A mysterious rider on a sleek motorcycle comes out of nowhere. They beat the protagonist in a race or perform a death-defying stunt. Who is this unknown badass?
The camera pans in, the stranger reveals their identity by taking off their helmet and shaking out their perfectly styled tresses in rhythmic slow-mo. They are gorgeous and deadly and definitely one of the reasons why I started riding motorcycles.
Oh, how I wanted to be this lone badass, tossing misogyny aside with my cascading curls. Unfortunately, reality is not like the movies. Helmet hair, wind damage, pollution, scalp sensitivity, and helmet selection had me looking more like The Princess Diaries pre-makeover than post.
Never fear, wannabe fatales. With research, patience, and a multi-pack of hair ties, we will show you how to put on a motorcycle helmet with long hair.
Types Of Motorcycle Helmets For Long Hair
First things first, let’s take a look at some different types of motorcycle helmets and their particular strengths and weaknesses when it comes to wearing them with long hair.
Full Face Helmet
Hands down the industry’s top pick when it comes to safety and protection from serious facial and cranial injury. These helmets also have the highest rate of helmet hair. There are thousands of different makes and models of full-face helmet, all providing the ultimate protection for your whole head and face.
One of my absolute favorite full-face helmets on the market is the Bell Qualifier Full Face Helmet. However, folks with long hair need not despair. Scroll down for some hair care hacks while using a full-face motorcycle helmet.
Half Helmet
As the name implies, these types of helmets only cover the top of your head and leave the face and lower back of your head exposed. Although this style of helmet is the easiest to wear long, thick, or braided hair with, they are far less effective in keeping your noggin and face protected from serious injury.
However, if you want a half helmet for short rides, you can check out the Daytona half helmet. I love this helmet for its style and functionality.
Modular Helmet
Modular helmets are a hybrid of full face protection with the breathability of a half helmet. They completely cover the whole head including the lower back half near your spine, but leave the face fully open. Many modular helmets have versatile visors that flip up and down, so there is no need to take off your whole helmet to communicate with others or stop for a quick snack.
Because modular helmets protect the back of the head like a full face helmet, helmet hair and tucking space are still a pickle for long-haired wearers. However, modular helmets offer unique and versatile functionality. One of my favorite modular helmets on the market is the ILM Dual Visor Flip Up.
How To Put On A Motorcycle Helmet With Long Hair (7 Best Styles)
Regardless of the type of helmet you choose, there are many different styling techniques to choose from to prevent helmet hair and environmental damage to your long locks. A lot of these may work better on one kind of hair than another.
For example, I have the thickest, heaviest, and waviest hair (not complaining), so I know that a low bun will definitely come apart for me mid-ride. Get to know your hair and experiment until you find the style that works best for you.
Style 1: Leaving It Down
The easiest style that will guarantee both helmet hair and environmental damage, especially during longer rides. Only recommended for extremely short trips down the block.
Style 2: Braids
Braids have been a staple of long-haired riders for decades, either with one long braid in the back or two braids on each side of the head. Although they do a great job keeping hair out of your face, the divots and holes in braids can catch debris like dust and pollution during long rides.
In addition, the friction of the inside of the helmet to the top of your head will create frizz and static, and unless you want to wear wind damaged braids all day, you have to take the time to undo and redo them which is not the most convenient. All of this isn’t to say that they are bad, but maybe they can be used in tandem with another style. Two is always better than one, right?
Style 3: Ponytail
Ah the low pony, probably every long-haired person’s first helmet hairstyle. Convenient and dependable, a low pony sits well with any helmet, even full-faced ones, and can be tucked easily into the back of your motorcycle jacket for protection from the elements.
Yet there are definitely stylistic disadvantages, especially for those with medium-long and curly hair (like myself).
If your hair is not long enough to tuck into your jacket, it can pop out and get damaged and knotted almost as bad as if you just left it all down.
If you want to take down your pony after a ride, you will definitely have a shelf of hair installed around your neck for the rest of the day. I love my wavy curls so a ponytail was just not right for me.
Style 4: Bun
Next up is a low bun, the ponytail’s funky cousin. Simple and sassy, a quick low bun under the back ridge of a full or modular helmet is often the quick style of choice for long-haired motorcycle enthusiasts.
However, the low bun is in the ponytail family and shares many of the same disadvantages of its relative.
Low buns can easily come undone during longer rides at higher speeds.
Also unless you have finer thinner hair, low buns cannot be tucked into the helmet cavity so whatever parts of your hair are on the outside of the bun will be exposed to debris, wind, and air pollution. Convenient, yes, but maybe not the most practical choice.
Style 5: Head Scarves Or Wraps
Using head scarves or wraps can be a great way to reduce sweat and frizz-causing static between your helmet and the top of your head, as well as providing a protective shield for the bottom of your long tresses if they are properly tucked into it.
An excellent method for folks with various types of hair, head scarves and wraps can be used with your long hair tied into a low pony or bun with the fabric wrapped around it or by bunching your hair as flat as possible and wrapping the fabric around your whole head.
In addition to the classic bandana or athletic cap, there are even a handful of head wraps on the market specifically tailored for long-haired motorcycle riders. Whatever head wrap or scarf you try, just make sure the fabric is lightweight and breathable so your hair doesn’t get itchy and drenched in sweat when you take it off.
Extra bonus points for being the most sanitary choice for your helmet as well! For example, the Tough Headwear Cooling Helmet Liner keeps your helmet sweat-free preventing bacteria build up.
Style 6: Neck Gaiters
Neck gaiters are long stretchy loops of fabric that go around your head underneath your eyes. Often used in cold climates, they can be worn in hot weather as well and can protect both your long hair and your neck and shoulders from environmental damage and the sun.
Low ponytails and buns can both be tied underneath the back of the neck gaiter and can still be protected and out of your face if they come undone. Because they do not cover the top of your head, the hair on the top of your head may get sweaty and frizzy from the friction.
If you’re looking for a simple solution, the TICONN neck gaiter is a personal favorite of mine and frequently found in my riding jacket pocket.
Style 7: Piling Your Hair On Top Of Your Head
I’m going to be honest with you, I’ve personally used this method the most because I like to wear my hair wavy and I also lack foresight. All helmets naturally push down on the roots of your hair, effectively deflating any volume or curl during even the shortest of rides.
By scrunching up your hair into a bun, making it as flat as you can against your head, and shoving it in bit by bit as you put on your helmet, I have been able to save my roots from getting totally bulldozed over during a night out.
However, there is a cost. Sometimes little strands of hair get my field of vision which is very annoying and can even be pretty dangerous if you’re riding fast. In addition, this strategy might not work if you have an actually well-fitted full or modular helmet.
Hair Care Tips & Tricks For Riders (Helmet Hair Prevention)
Multiple Sized Helmets
Although this can be a pricey investment especially for new riders, having different sizes of helmets to choose from based on whatever style of hair you have can save the day both for your hair and your safety. All helmets should be the right size for your head but if you have thick hair that you style in multiple ways, it could be helpful to have a backup helmet that’s slightly larger to use on these occasions.
Keep Your Hair Clean
Although this should be a given, I myself sometimes need a reminder not to wait too long after a ride to shampoo and condition my hair. Regular washing, conditioning, and brushing will help keep your hair clean and free of tangles that can trap road and air debris. If your hair doesn’t like regular washing (we’re all different), dry shampoo and a dab of argan oil can do the quick trick during a long or multi-day ride.
Keep Your Helmet Clean
Sometimes I am slightly ashamed of how long I’ve gone in the past without cleaning and disinfecting both the outside and the inside of my helmets, but I am here to rectify my sins and tell you that it’s actually super simple and easy to clean your helmet.
For deep cleans, you can remove the lining, padding, and visor of your full face or modular helmet and wash everything with a toothbrush or sponge and baby shampoo. If it’s gentle enough for a baby, it’s gentle enough for my helmet.
Between deep washes, I like to make an easy helmet cleaner made of tea tree oil, rubbing alcohol, and a couple drops of lavender essential oil. Just a few sprays inside your helmet after you’re done riding for the day will kill bacteria, mold, and funky smells for your next trip. Just make sure it has time to dry and for the smells to disperse before popping it back on your head.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is the best helmet for long hair?
In my opinion, the best helmet for your hair is the best one for your head in terms of safety. The good news is that there are multiple products on the market today to help long-haired riders of all genders, such as the Hightail Hair Protector ($45 USD from their website).
This genius little contraption is affixed to the back on your helmet and keeps all your hair inside without braids, buns, or scarves. More than one helmet? Each pack comes with two mounting mechanisms so you can switch between helmets with ease.
Are motorcycle helmets bad for your hair?
I think the choices you make while wearing a helmet dictate how bad one is for your hair. Some long-term helmet users experience hair loss due to repeated putting on and taking off of their helmets over the course of many years.
However, taking your time, being careful to not pull your hair while taking off your helmet, and proper riding hair care and maintenance can help you avoid any future issues that may occur. Also, I think we can all agree that the absolute worst thing to do to your hair would be to not wear a helmet at all.
What is the easiest way to put on a motorcycle helmet with long hair?
The easiest and fastest way to tie a low ponytail and tuck it into your jacket, although be warned. Hair shelves may occur.
Is it safe to wear a helmet with long hair?
Absolutely! If you follow the essential tips above, you will be swinging your long hair around with grace and ease.
Conclusion
There you go, wannabe fatales. Do not fear the helmet hair horrors of the past but enjoy a future of frizzless fun with your follicles on any motorcycle trip near or far. Your arsenal is the patience and understanding of what works best for YOUR hair, be it with a wrap, bandana, braid, or pony. We hoped you liked our guide on how to put on a motorcycle helmet with long hair. Ride on!
