How to prevent helmet hair: 5 ways to look good after a bike ride

Solution #1: Embrace beach spray

Beach spray is the secret way to make your wavy, slightly frizzy hair look totally intended and #iwokeuplikethis. Start with your hair parted on the side, as a middle part can often look flat. Spray and scrunch your strands with a beach spray, and then pull into a bun at the nape of your neck for your ride. Choose a spray that promises tousled, touchable locks, instead of a salty, stiff and sticky finish. Our pick? Oribe’s Aprés Beach Wave and Shine Spray. Its formula includes hydrolyzed wheat protein and pro-vitamin B5 to create great texture and offer a light, soft hold. Plus, it comes in a 300ml bottle as well as a 75ml bottle, making the latter perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

Oribe Aprés Beach Wave and Shine Spray (US $22, net-a-porter.com).

Solution #2: If you want to keep your hair smooth and sleek, wear a silk scarf

Favour silky-smooth strands over the just-off-the-beach look? Opt for a silk head scarf to protect your mane. It will be the barrier between your locks and the helmet that will absorb the friction which causes frizz and kinks.

Club Monaco Thora Silk Scarf ($99, clubmonaco.com).

Solution #3: Braids will be your saving grace

Keep your hair neat and tangle-free under your helmet with a braid. First, spray your hair with a beach spray or texturizer, then braid it into the style of your choice. To prevent your locks from getting frizzy, twist the braid into a low bun, just for the ride. Our suggestion? Get creative and have fun trying new styles. For inspiration, we love Vancouver blogger Cara Jourdan, who gives us some mad #hairgoals.
(instagram.com/carajourdan).

Solution #4: Use the heat from the helmet to your advantage

Use the heat from the helmet to your advantage and create waves in your hair as you cycle. Just twist your locks and secure them into a top bun. The heat will help create and set waves in your hair. When you reach your destination, shake your head upside down, spray a little beach spray or texturizer, and you’ll have an effortlessly cool ‘do. But be sure to use soft ribbon hair ties. Elastic hair dents are so not cool.

Sephora Collection Ribbon Hair Ties($12, sephora.com).

Solution #5: Carry an arsenal of mini-essentials

Better safe than sorry, so always be sure to carry a special hair product for – if nothing else – peace of mind. If your main concern is frizz, bring a beach spray or anti-humidity spray. If your problem is greasy-looking locks caused from sweat, opt for a dry shampoo. Not only will it make your mane look fresh, but it will add some much-needed volume.

Principessa Beauty Mini Bianco Breeze Dry Shampoo & Body Powder ($12, murale.ca).