How to Beat Hat Hair
Our mothers always told us to wear a hat in the winter, but they never did explain how to fix the imprint it leaves behind. Herewith, expert tips from celebrity hair stylist Adir Abergel on how to avoid the dreaded hat head.
Written By Fiorella Valdesolo
The great milliner Stephen Jones once described hats thusly: “A hat makes clothing identifiable, dramatic — and, most importantly, fashion. It’s the cherry on the cake, the dot on the i, the exclamation mark, the fashion focus. Everyone from showgirls to dictators knows that by wearing a hat they will be the center of attention.” But amid winter’s blustery temperatures, when a hat’s primary purpose becomes less ornamental, more utilitarian, we are often left with a different kind of lasting impression: hair as flat, dented and misshapen as a failed soufflé.
For advice on how to prevent hat hair or refresh your style once the damage has been done, VIOLET GREY turned to hairstylist Adir Abergel, editorial darling and shaper of some very covetable coifs — Anne Hathaway, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Keira Knightley and Jessica Biel among them. Here, his expert tips and The Violet Code–approved products you’ll require.
HOW TO BEAT HAT HAIR
TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Before you even bring hat to head, consider these three rules of thumb. Number one: Damp hair is bait for hat head, so take the extra time to dry hair thoroughly. Number two: Cashmere and wool caps are better at preventing static and flyaways than synthetic materials. And number three: Avoid shine sprays and pomades (they can weigh hair down), and opt for styling cream instead. Apply only on the ends and hair will survive and thrive beneath a hat.
LEONOR GREYL ECLAT NATUREL NOURISHING AND PROTECTIVE STYLING CREAM
STYLE ACCORDINGLY
Not every hairstyle is meant to coexist with a hat: Anything overly fussy or voluminous should be saved for another day. For longer hair, try a top-knot secured with hair pins instead of an elastic band (which will leave a significant dent) or a low-slung ponytail tied with a scrunchie [Edit note: This may sound funny, but a fabric-covered elastic saves hair from denting until you get indoors.] And for shorter hair: back-comb, back-comb, back-comb.
Violet Says: Try Y.S. Park 150 Teasing Comb. This creates extra height at the crown and better insurance against hat head.
HAVE A RESTORATION PLAN
If hat-flattened hair becomes a reality, fear not. Should you have access to a blow-dryer and round brush, spritz dry shampoo at the root in the area of concern, then do a rough, re-dry with a round brush. (Adir favors Klorane’s Dry Shampoo because the nettle extract controls oil production.) For a quicker fix at the office, flip your head upside down and spray with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. Shake out hair as the product dries, then flip back over.
See the complete hat hair remedy kit and more at VIOLETGREY.com.
