Hat Hair

When the temperature drops below freezing, a hat isn’t just an accessory; it’s a necessity. Whether you live in the bitter cold or you’re visiting the slopes, you need to know the best ways to rock a hat. Angie Brown, spa director at the Arrabelle at Vail Square and the Lodge at Vail in Colorado, shares her insider advice.

Prevent Static Hair

Just as humid summers bring on frizzy hair, the cold, dry air in winter causes static electricity -- especially when you wear a hat. The best way to fight flyaways is to keep your hair well-moisturized. While a common trick is to spray hairspray on your hairbrush, using one with alcohol can make the problem worse by dehydrating your hair. Instead, use a moisturizing conditioner each time you shampoo. Consider using a boar’s-hair or natural-bristle brush, which will distribute the oils in your hair to the ends and prevent static electricity. Lastly, rub the inside of your hat with a dryer sheet or spray it with Static Guard.

Outsmart Hat Head

If your hair is prone to hat head, try this trick before heading outdoors: Pull your hair up at the back of your head and twist into a high bun. Secure it with a hair pin or large plastic barrette and give it a quick spritz with leave-in conditioner. After you take your hat off, shake your hair down for loose waves. Use your finger to fluff the crown of your head and separate the curls.

Hat-friendly Hairstyles

For a fun and youthful look, wear two braids -- a favorite style of ski bunnies, Brown says. “Not only will braids look good with ski and trapper hats (those with flaps that come down over your ears), they’ll work with your ski helmet as well,” she says. For a sexier look, wear a low side-ponytail that falls across one shoulder. Don’t pull your ponytail too tight -- it will encourage hat head. If your hat is more structured, like a fedora, wear a low, loose chignon at the back of your head.

Hope DeAngelis Schmid has written on a variety of topics, including summer hair care and Brazilian Blowouts for many websites, including Daily Makeover, Sephora's Beauty and the Blog, Glamour's Beauty Blog and the DC Ladies. She is the co-founder of the popular travel website, TheJetSetGirls.com.

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