
Organize your hair properly. Apply styling spray to your hair. Secure your hairstyle so that it won't get messed up when wearing the helmet. After fixing your hairstyle, put on the helmet.

I'm absolutely qualified to answer this question, having worn a helmet every day during my trip along the Sichuan-Tibet route last year, which gave me plenty of time to figure things out. The main issues with messy hair come down to hairstyle and wearing technique: Girls with long hair are advised to braid their hair tightly against the scalp before setting off. I once saw a female rider with a fishtail braid that didn’t tangle even after eight hours of riding. Guys with thick hair might as well go for a layered short cut, trimming the sideburns shorter. Also, the helmet liner is crucial—after switching to a silicone pad with shock-absorbing foam, I never had any pressure marks on my scalp again. When wearing the helmet, don’t pull it too far back; leave a two-finger gap at the forehead so it won’t slide down and press on your hair when you look down. Here’s a lesser-known tip: helmet liners deform over time, so it’s best to measure your head circumference and adjust or replace them every six months.

Every time I take off my helmet after riding, my hair looks like it's just been through an explosion. Later, I tried a few methods with great results. The first trick is to spray anti-static spray before putting on the helmet—the kind that costs around ten bucks on Taobao works just fine. When hair doesn't cling to the inner walls of the helmet, it's less likely to get flattened. The second method is to use a wide-tooth comb to tease the underlayer of hair for volume, then let the top layer naturally cover it. Another handy tool is a smooth neck gaiter, which keeps all the stray hairs at the nape in place—mine is made of ice silk and only cost 9.9 yuan. If your hair gets flattened, don't comb it forcefully. Instead, apply a hot towel for five minutes and then spray some hair care spray to restore it. Oh, and when a helmet, don't go for one that's too big. When trying it on, if you can bite down on the cheek pads without them digging into your cheeks, it means the fit is just right.

I've got experience with flattened hair—three words: layered, short, and thin! Last year, I bravely chopped my waist-length hair to just below the ears, and now my Shark helmet fits perfectly. When getting a haircut, remember to ask for thinning, especially layering the back of the head. Alternatively, try a short faux hawk style—just put on the helmet in the morning, take it off at work, spray some hair wax, and tousle it for a cool look. If you really don’t want to cut your hair, buy a sports headband to press down your bangs before wearing the helmet; it also absorbs sweat while riding. A heads-up: avoid using hair wax before wearing the helmet, as the chemicals can corrode the EPS foam liner.

After repairing helmets for ten years, I found the key lies in the inner lining system. A good helmet liner should have a zoned modular design, such as certain Arai models using mesh fabric on the top and suede at the back of the head. Here’s a testing method: Put on the helmet and shake your head vigorously from side to side. A quality liner will move with your head without rubbing against your hair. For those who sweat a lot, a sweat-absorbing cap is a must. Wear a Coolmax material cap before putting on the helmet to protect your hair and prevent oil from staining the liner. Don’t panic if you notice indentations; just use a hair roller at the roots for ten minutes at home to restore volume. During long rides, take off the helmet every two hours to massage your scalp and promote blood circulation. Remember to choose a helmet with an emergency release pad design—in an emergency, cutting your hair is more important than your scalp.

As a female rider, here are some hairstyle tips to share. Low buns are the most practical, but placement matters: avoid right above the cervical spine—I always tie a bun at the center of the back of my head and secure it with U-shaped pins. Clipping a shark clip at the occipital bone can actually feel uncomfortable. For flyaways at the hairline, use eyelash glue—the semi-transparent cosmetic kind—applied along the hairline before putting on the helmet. When removing the helmet at home, first loosen all the straps, then hold the back rim with both hands and lift it straight up. Remember to care for the helmet liner every three months: wipe it with a damp cloth dipped in baking soda, then air-dry. Sweat buildup can stiffen the fabric and press harder on your hair.


