How to Get Rid of Hat Hair: Tips, Tricks, and Hairstyles You’ll Love

The Pre-Hat Hair Routine Your Strands Deserve

The best way to deal with hat hair? Don’t let it happen in the first place. First up: Your hat choice matters more than you think. Look for hats that are lined with silk or satin (they create less friction than wool or cotton) and make sure they’re not too snug on your scalp. If your hat is squeezing your head, it’s going to flatten your style (no matter how cute it is). 

Next, prep is key. If you know you’re throwing on a hat, use a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray before styling to help your hair hold its shape. A dry shampoo at the roots (even on clean hair!) can also give you some grip and bounce.

Quick Fixes for Flat or Static-Heavy Hair 

So, you take off your hat expecting a Princess Diaries–level hair reveal... only to be met with flat roots and frizz. No need to panic—your hair can totally bounce back. There are plenty of easy tricks to bring your style back to life in seconds. For flat roots, flip your hair upside down and give it a few spritzes of dry shampoo. Massage it in to boost volume and soak up any hat-induced oiliness. A texturizing spray or volumizing powder can also add instant body and movement. 

Static or frizz? Just run a tiny bit of leave-in conditioner or hair oil through your ends to smooth flyaways. You can even glide a dryer sheet over your strands (yes, seriously) to nix static in a pinch. We love carrying minis of our fave products for emergencies like this!

Our Fave Hat-Friendly Hairstyles

Try a hairstyle that adds texture and volume to your hair, like this faux fishtail braid by Alvarez. It’ll give you that perfect windswept look on windy days. “This style is suitable to wear under a hat because the top of your hair remains intact while all the volume and detail are just below it,” says Alvarez. Here’s how to create it: “Split your hair down the middle into two sections and run a dime-sized amount of leave-in conditioner from mid-shaft to ends,” says Alvarez. She used IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm to boost moisture and fight frizz. “Take a small section of hair from either side of one section and tie them together using a clear elastic. Flip and pull through the opening above the elastic. Repeat this step until you reach the ends, then pull on the sides of each braid to fluff and loosen.”

Low buns and ponytails are also clutch for keeping your hair tidy without creating major creases (pro tip: use a scrunchie or coil to prevent dents). And if you’re rocking natural waves or curls, scrunch in a bit of leave-in conditioner or curl cream before styling to help lock in shape and moisture.