Hats can instantly elevate your outfit, but if you have long hair, they’re not always easy to wear.
Long hair can get messy, feel uncomfortable, or appear flat when wearing a hat. And sometimes, it’s just hard to find a hat that works with your hairstyle.
The key is to choose a well-fitting hat, secure your hair properly, and go for simple styles like braids, buns, ponytails, or loose waves.
Let’s talk about how to wear a hat with long hair without any hassle!
Choosing the Right Hat for Long Hair
This is a crucial step because many people grab any hat without thinking, and not every style suits long hair. The wrong hat can flatten your hair, feel too tight, or sit awkwardly on your head. That’s why choosing the right one matters.
1. Consider the Hat Style
The style of hat you pick matters for long hair. Some hats work better if your hair is down, while others are easier to wear with a ponytail or bun. Here are some good options:
Wide-Brim Hats
Wide-brim hats, like sun hats, fedoras, or floppy hats, work best with hair worn down, soft waves, or loose curls. They don’t press your hair down too much, letting it flow naturally.
Baseball Caps
Baseball caps are easy to wear and go well with a low ponytail, side braid, or hair left loose. You can also tuck your hair behind your ears for a casual, everyday look. They’re great for keeping hair out of your face on windy days.
Beanies
Beanies are perfect for cold weather. A regular beanie works well with braids or low ponytails, while a slouchy beanie provides extra space for buns or high ponytails without flattening your hair.
Berets
Berets look stylish and pair nicely with hair worn down or in a low bun. You can also tuck a side braid inside for a neat, comfortable look.
2. Pick the Right Fit
If a hat is too tight, it can squash your hair, and if it’s too loose, it won’t sit properly. That’s why finding a fit that feels comfortable is so important.
- Deep Crown: A hat with a deeper crown gives more space for your hair, preventing it from getting squished.
- Adjustable Straps: Hats with adjustable straps let you loosen or tighten them depending on your hairstyle.
- Open-back Design: Some hats, like certain baseball caps, have an open-back style, which is great if you want to wear a high ponytail or bun.
3. Select the Best Material
The material of your hat plays an important role in your long hair comfort and health.
Breathable Fabrics: Materials like cotton or linen allow air to circulate, helping keep your scalp cool and preventing excessive sweating, which can affect long hair.
Straw and Felt Hats: These lightweight materials are commonly used in summer hats. They protect from the sun without trapping heat or causing frizz in long hair.
Silk or Satin-lined Hats: Hats with silk or satin linings help reduce frizz and tangling while maintaining smoothness and shine.
Moisture-wicking Materials: These hats pull sweat away from your scalp, keeping your hair dry and comfortable, which is especially helpful on hot or humid days.
4. Match Your Hat with Your Hairstyle
When choosing a hat, it’s important to consider your hairstyle, since different hairstyles work better with different kinds of hats.
Hair Down: Wide-brimmed, floppy, or straw hats are ideal. They give your hair room and let it flow naturally without getting flattened.
Ponytail (Mid or Low): Baseball caps or snapbacks work best. They let your ponytail sit comfortably and stay neat.
Bun (High or Low): Berets, wide-brimmed hats, and flat caps keep your bun in place without flattening it.
Braids (Low or Simple): Bucket hats, slouchy beanies, or fedoras are great. They won’t squash your braids and keep your style intact.
Braid Down Your Back: Floppy hats or fedoras work well, letting your braid hang naturally while still looking stylish.
French Twist: Fitted berets or sleek caps complement a French twist, keeping the style neat and polished.
Found the right hat? Now, let’s see the best way to wear it.
Here’s How to Wear a Hat with Long Hair (Step-by-Step)
A little prep before wearing a hat can save you from flat hair and actually make your style look even better. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Before wearing a hat, brush or comb your hair to prevent tangles. If you plan a ponytail, braid, or bun, do it before wearing the hat so it stays in place.
Step 2: Tuck or Arrange Your Hair
If you’re wearing a ponytail or bun, select a style that complements your hat. Open-back caps are great for ponytails, while beanies and berets work better with braids or low buns.
If you prefer leaving your hair down, smooth it out so it sits comfortably without creating uneven bumps under the hat.
Step 3: Position the Hat Correctly
Place the hat where it feels natural. If it’s too far back, it might slip off. If it’s too forward, it can press on your forehead. Find a comfortable position that also looks good.
Step 4: Adjust for Comfort
After wearing the hat, check in the mirror. Adjust if needed to avoid flattening or discomfort. If it’s too tight, loosen it and reposition it.
How to Style Long Hair After Removing a Hat
If your hair feels flattened or messy after removing a hat, here are some easy ways to fix it:
- Shake out your hair: Run your fingers through your hair and give it a gentle shake. This helps lift the roots and bring back natural volume.
- Smooth down your hair: If any parts look frizzy or uneven, lightly pat or smooth them down with your hands.
- Add a little moisture: A light mist of water or a leave-in conditioner spray can tame static and bring softness back.
- Restyle if needed: If it still feels off, go for an easy fix like a braid, loose bun, or ponytail.
With these simple touch-ups, your hair won’t just recover from hat hair—it can actually look effortlessly styled.
How to Prevent Hat Hair
Nobody likes taking off a hat and ending up with flat, frizzy hair. A few smart tricks can save you from that:
Wear a silk or satin scarf under your hat
Hats rub against your hair and create friction, which leads to frizz. Wrapping a thin silk or satin scarf underneath creates a smooth barrier. (Even L’Oréal Paris backs this tip!)
Choose a hat-friendly hairstyle
Loose hair tends to get messy under a hat. Go for low ponytails, side braids, or soft waves styles that hold up better.
Use a lightweight hairspray or anti-static spray
A touch of hairspray or anti-static spray keeps flyaways under control. Kiehl’s actually recommends misting both your hair and the inside of your hat for best results.
Never wear a hat on wet hair
If you do, your hair will dry flat or in odd shapes. Always wait until it’s fully dry before putting on your hat.
By following these steps, your hair will stay smooth and manageable even after taking your hat off.
Final Thoughts
Hats can complete your look, and with the right hairstyle and fit, they can be comfortable and stylish.
Experiment with braids, buns, or ponytails to protect your hair. Quick fixes can help if hat hair shows up. And if you ever go for a shorter cut, you might also like our guide on how to wear a hat with short hair for more styling ideas.
Enjoy your hats without worrying about your hair!
FAQs
What hats are best for long hair?
Hats that give your hair space work best. Beanies, baseball caps, and wide-brim hats are all good options.
Should I tuck my hair behind my ears when wearing a hat?
That’s up to you! Tucking your hair gives a neat look, while leaving it loose feels more natural.
Can wearing a hat damage long hair?
Not usually. The main issues come from hats that are too tight or made with rough fabrics, which can cause tangles. Stick to soft, breathable materials and make sure the fit is comfortable.
