How to Wear a Hat with Short Hair (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you have short hair, you’ve probably had trouble with hats at some point. They either feel too big, sit awkwardly, or just flatten your hair.

That can be pretty frustrating.

But short hair isn’t the issue. You just need a hat that fits well and suits your style. Some hat styles work especially well with pixie cuts and short hair. Beanies, berets, fedoras, bucket hats, and baseball caps are a few that pair naturally with shorter hair.

No matter the season or the occasion, you can always find a hat that goes well with short hair.

It’s time to make hats work for you. Let’s get started!

How to Choose the Right Hat for Short Hair

Our friend had short hair and needed a hat for a cold trip. She noticed her friend, who also had short hair, looking great in a hat, and thought the same style would suit her too. So, she bought the same one.

But when she tried it on, it didn’t fit well and didn’t look right. She was confused. Why did it look good on her friend but not on her?

That’s when we explained that the right hat depends on your face shape.

1. Choose a Hat That Suits Your Face Shape

You can’t pick a hat randomly and expect it to work. Like our friend, who chose one without thinking about their face shape, it didn’t look right and felt uncomfortable.

That’s why it’s important to find a hat that actually fits your face, especially if you have short hair.

1. Round Face: If your face is round, pick hats with a little height, like fedoras or newsboy caps. They help give your face more shape. Avoid tight beanies because they can make your face look fuller.
2. Oval Face: This is the most balanced face shape. Almost any hat works well, whether it’s a beret, bucket hat, or baseball cap. Just make sure it fits your head size properly.
3. Square Face: If you have a strong jawline, soft hats like slouchy beanies or floppy hats will balance it out. Avoid boxy hats that make your face look sharper.
4. Heart-Shaped Face: When your forehead is broader than your chin, choose hats that are wider around the bottom, like cloche hats or bucket styles. This helps make your face look more balanced. Skip hats that are tall or narrow on top, as they highlight your forehead too much.
5. Diamond Face: If you have high cheekbones with a narrow forehead and chin, go for hats that sit slightly back, like berets, cloche hats, or bucket hats, because they add balance without overwhelming the face. Avoid hats that are tall or rigid, because they can stretch the look of your face.

2. Make Sure the Hat Fits Well

A hat that’s too tight or too loose can be uncomfortable and distracting. You don’t want to be fixing it all the time or getting a headache. That’s why picking a hat that fits properly matters.

1. Check Your Size: Measure your head or try on different hats to find the right fit, because a loose hat won’t stay in place, and a tight one might give you a headache.
2. Think About Your Hair: If your short hair has volume, a tight hat can flatten it and ruin your style. Choose a hat with a little extra room so your hair keeps its shape and looks full.
3. Comfort First: The best hat for short hair is the one you forgot you’re wearing. It should sit nicely without squeezing or sliding around.

3. Find a Hat That Works with Your Haircut

When choosing a hat, your haircut matters because not every style looks good with short hair. The right hat should complement your look, not hide your haircut or make it look messy.

• Pixie Cut: Beanies, berets, and fedoras work well without covering too much hair.
• Bob Cut: Wide-brim hats, cloche hats, and bucket hats complement the shape of a bob.
• Bowl Cut: Soft, rounded hats like bucket hats, beanies, and newsboy caps enhance the look.
• Super Short Hair: Snug-fitting hats, such as beanies, baseball caps, and skullcaps, sit well without slipping.

4. Match Your Hat to the Weather

Your hat should do more than just look nice. In winter, pick one that keeps you warm. In summer, choose one that protects you from the sun. This way, you stay comfortable and your hat actually works.

Best Winter Hats for Short Hair:

Cold weather calls for warm and snug hats. Beanies, wool berets, and fleece-lined bucket hats are among the best winter hats for short hair, as they provide insulation without flattening your style. If you want to maintain some volume, go for a slightly loose beanie or an earflap hat.

Best Summer Hats for Short Hair:

When it’s hot outside, you want a hat that keeps you cool and comfortable. Straw hats, wide-brim hats, and cotton bucket hats are among the best summer hats for short hair, offering shade and airflow. If you want a sporty, laid-back look, a breathable baseball cap is also a great choice.

Got your hat? Now, let’s see the best way to wear a hat so it complements your short hair.

How to Wear a Hat with Short Hair (Without Ruining Your Hairstyle)

A well-worn hat can enhance your style, frame your face, and add a nice finishing touch to your outfit. Here’s how to wear it the right way!

Step 1: Get Your Hair Ready

Start with clean, dry hair before you put on a hat. Hair that is damp or oily can lose its shape and appear messy under a hat.

If your hair is fine, use a bit of volumizing spray or mousse to lift the roots. For curly or wavy hair, a light curl cream can help your curls hold their shape.

You can also pin a few strands with bobby pins for extra control. A thin headband under the hat can give your hair a little boost and keep it looking full.

Step 2: Position Your Hat Correctly

Gently place the hat on your head without pushing it down too much. A hat that’s too tight can squash your hair, while one that’s too loose may slip off.

For a beanie, try sliding it back a little so your bangs or fringe peek out. If you’re wearing a cap, adjust it so it stays secure without disturbing your hairstyle.

Step 3: Adjust Your Hair Under the Hat

After putting on the hat, check if any hair is sticking out awkwardly. You can tuck in stray hairs for a clean look or pull out a few strands in the front for a softer style.

If your hair is very short, running your fingers through it can keep it from looking too flat under the hat.

Step 4: Take off the Hat Carefully

Remove the hat slowly so your hair doesn’t get messed up. If your hair feels flat, gently lift the roots with your fingers to add some volume. If you used hairspray earlier, try not to disturb your style too much when taking off the hat.

Step 5: Fix Your Hair After Taking off the Hat

If your hair needs a quick refresh, fluff it up with your fingers or a small comb. A little dry shampoo or water can help bring back volume, and if needed, a light mist of hairspray can set everything back in place.

By following these steps, you can wear a hat without worrying about ruining your hairstyle.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

If a hat isn’t worn properly, it can leave your hair looking lifeless, frizzy, or untidy. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Wearing a Hat on Damp Hair

If you wear a hat on damp hair, it can ruin your hairstyle and make your hair look greasy or stuck together when you take it off. Make sure your hair is fully dry before wearing a hat, or use a bit of dry shampoo to keep it fresh.

2. Wearing a Hat in the Same Position Every Time

If you always wear your hat in the same position, your hair will settle in that shape, which can look odd when you take it off. Try changing the angle of your hat occasionally to keep your hair looking natural.

3. Using a Hat to Flatten Frizzy Hair

Many people wear hats to control frizz and flyaways, but when they remove the hat, their hair becomes even more static and messy. Apply a little anti-frizz serum or leave-in conditioner before putting on your hat.

4. Not Fixing Hair After Removing the Hat

Some people don’t check their hair after taking off a hat, which can leave them with a messy or uneven hairstyle. After removing the hat, use your fingers to fluff up your hair or a small comb to reset your style.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can keep your hairstyles looking great while wearing a hat.

Conclusion

Worried about how to wear a hat with short hair without ruining your style? It can be frustrating when your hair looks flat or messy after taking off a hat. But if you prepare your hair, place the hat properly, and fix it afterward, you won’t have to worry.

Try these simple steps next time, and your short hair will look great with any hat, whether it’s a cowboy hat, a knit beanie, or a sun hat! And if you ever switch to longer styles, it’s a little different. Check out our guide on how to wear a hat with long hair for more tips.

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