Winter is beautiful, but it's always a challenge for my curly hair. Finding the right winter hat that keeps me warm without turning my curls into a frizzy mess has been an ongoing journey. I've tried so many different options, from beanies to scarves, and I've finally found a few solutions that work for me. Let me share my experience and what I've learned along the way!
Every winter, the same problem arises: how do I keep my head warm without sacrificing my curls? I've always struggled with "hat head," that dreaded flattened and misshapen hairstyle that comes after wearing a hat for even a short amount of time. It’s especially frustrating when I've spent time defining my curls only to have them ruined by a hat. I knew there had to be a better way.
My first attempt was with a regular knitted beanie. While it kept me warm, it completely crushed my curls and left me with a flattened, shapeless mess. That's when I started exploring other options. I wanted something that would protect my hair and keep me warm at the same time. I began looking for hats that wouldn’t squeeze my curls so tightly.
I kept hearing about silk-lined beanies, so I decided to give one a try. The difference was incredible! The silk lining helped to reduce friction, preventing my curls from getting as frizzy or flattened. It was a game-changer. I now swear by silk-lined beanies for those really cold days when I need full coverage. It's a simple change that makes a huge difference.
Another option I explored was slouchy beanies. The extra space at the top allows my curls to breathe and prevents them from getting squished. I found that getting a slightly larger size helped even more, preventing the dreaded "poof" at the bottom. I also really like berets. They offer a stylish look and don't compress my curls as much as a traditional beanie. My friend, who is a fantastic knitter, even made herself a beret with a larger volume on top specifically to accommodate her curls. I might have to ask her to make me one!
For days when I don't need full head coverage, I've found that earmuffs are a great alternative. They keep my ears warm without affecting my hairstyle. They're also easy to take on and off, which is convenient when I'm going in and out of buildings. Plus, they come in so many cute styles!
Sometimes, when I want to avoid wearing a hat altogether, I'll opt for a hooded coat or jacket. The hood provides warmth and protection without flattening my curls. Another trick I've learned is to use an infinity scarf loosely draped over my head, creating a half-hood, half-scarf effect. This keeps me warm while still allowing my curls to maintain some volume. These methods help me avoid the worst of "hat head".
Here are some practical tips I've gathered from my experiences: