How To Wear A Motorcycle Helmet With Long Hair

I know the topic of how to wear a motorcycle helmet with long hair is a very controversial subject. I have done quite a bit of research and testing, which will be explained later in this article. And as you may or may not know I have hair that goes down to my butt, so it’s something that has always been an issue for me.

How to wear hair under motorcycle helmet

First off- let me start by saying wearing your hair up while riding your motorcycle is crucial! A good friend of mine got her hair stuck in her spokes on her motorcycle *while* riding the bike…she ended up tearing out huge chunks of hair from her scalp (that hurt just thinking about it) and after she was finally able to get the bike she looked like 80% of her hair had come out. I’m just saying, it’s not cute and you don’t want to be in that situation. So wear your ponytail up or put your hair in a bun either on the top of your head or towards the back. That being said…back to how to wear a motorcycle helmet with long hair.

To start off: How do I even keep my hair down while riding if I need my ears covered? It seems like such a contradiction- but I will explain how, and trust me it works! First, let me show you what works for ME:

I love wearing hats over my helmets (and under) *when* I have short hair; however, when you have long hair leaving it down is more difficult. Granted, if your hair is short it’s not really an issue, but when you have long hair gravity will pull it down and the end result…is you don’t look cute and when I say “you” I do mean me (lol).

I love wearing a hat over my helmet- and now on to how I wear my helmet with a ponytail:

The easiest way for me was to get creative with a couple of scrunchies and a ponytail holder. Note: This works best for people who have straight or wavy hair. If you have curly hair…well good luck because there are no shortcuts and this won’t work for you…sorry! Here’s what I did:

1) First off, get a scrunchy. I have also used an old sock rolled up into a donut shape to give it some volume and hold my hair in place (see the picture below)

2) Then, take your ponytail holder and pull all of your hair through it.

3) Now, put the scrunchie on first *over* the ponytail holder; this is because if you put the scrunchie under the ponytail holder once again gravity will pull down your hair. Once you’ve got that done then put your ponytail holder over everything- just like you would when pulling your hair up with a normal scrunchie…and tada! You are now ready for your motorcycle helmet!

4) Pulling on the scrunchie will give it a little more volume and when you are wearing your helmet this is good because it makes sure everything stays put.

This method has worked for me for many years- in fact, since before I had hair to my butt (lol); however, there are some tips that you need to know if this works for you as well:

1) The tighter the better- if your ponytail holder isn’t tight it won’t work because gravity always wins. There is no way around this so don’t try!!! Also, pulling on the scrunchie while putting it on will make it tighter…so do that. Oh yea, be careful! You can accidentally pull out a massive chunk of hair trying to get it on tighter (trust me I’ve done it- I’m not proud of this).

2) If you are wearing a beanie or any other hat, make sure the scrunchie is *over* the hat’s bow. This way when your hat comes off it won’t pull on your hair and come out with it. Also, if you wear a bandanna over your ears that goes under the hat’s bow make sure to put your ponytail holder under that so it doesn’t choke you while pulling your hair up into a ponytail. This has happened to me as well- and trust me…it’s not fun getting choked by anything when riding!

3) You may need to adjust some depending on how tight/loose you have in your ponytail. The best way to do this is once you have it all in place and the hat on- stand in front of a mirror! It will be easier for you because sometimes putting your helmet on with your hair up is difficult. Be gentle with it, you don’t want to accidentally pull out chunks of hair (talk about crying like a baby)- I have done that as well…

4) If none of these work, go back to short hair- I’m serious. Don’t worry, though- if you love your long hair and can handle wearing a motorcycle helmet every now and again there are other ways. Put your hair in a tight bun or get yourself some bobby pins, although I’ll tell you, those bobby pins will hurt your head!

5) Again, this works best for people with straight or wavy hair. If you have curly hair…well good luck I guess. Sorry!!!

Hopefully, this helps you or at least gives you some ideas on how to wear a motorcycle helmet with long hair! The last thing anyone wants is to not be able to ride because they cannot wear their helmet; however, when we have long hair it’s necessary that we get creative and do what we can in order for us to both look cute AND ride our motorcycles- no matter the date range of said motorcycle (I’m looking at all you Harley owners out there

Tips for how to wear your hair in a way that will work well under your motorcycle helmet

A motorcycle helmet is not just a device to protect your head. It’s also something you’ll be wearing in public, and it has a big impact on how people see you and treat you. Your appearance can have both positive and negative effects on the way people view you, so making sure that your hair works well with your helmet is important. The following are some tips for how to wear your hair in a way that will work well under your motorcycle helmet:

1- Long hair should not fall below the bottom of the helmet

Long or thick hair should ideally end at the jawline or higher when worn under the helmet. This gives face protection as well as neck protection. It’s not uncommon for women who don’t like to cut their hair to tie it in a bun, or otherwise bundle it as high up on their head as possible.

2- Ponytails are too low down on the neck and allow debris in

Ponytails that fall forward towards your face can sometimes be fashionable if you’re wearing a regular helmet. This style does not work for half helmets (also called ‘shorty’ helmets) however, because long hair falling forward offers no neck protection. You should also avoid pulling your hair back into a ponytail that is too low down on the nape of the neck because this leaves your neck exposed to road debris. To make sure that your ponytail doesn’t fall forward or too low down on your neck, try tying it higher up at the back of your head.

3- A high ponytail is fashionable, but avoid a tight one!

If you don’t want to wear your hair down, then a high ponytail is the perfect solution because it’s quick and easy to do. The higher up on the back of your head that you tie your hair, however, the more likely it will be for road debris to get in between your head and helmet. This can be uncomfortable so try not to make it too tight!

4- Hair should not bunch up inside the helmet

Remember that when you put on your motorcycle helmet before getting on the bike, you should also check that there are no bunches of hair inside it or caught underneath it which would be impractical to remove once seated on your bike.

5- Wearing a bandanna or scarf around the neck is an alternative to long hair if it’s cold

If you’re more comfortable with your neck being covered, then covering it may help you stay warm in cooler weather when wearing a half helmet. If this does not bother you, then you can also wear a scarf tied around your head and under the chin as well as a pair of gloves and some sunglasses for good measure!

6- If needed, use headbands/hairbands to keep hair back away from your face

Long hair means nothing if it falls into your eyes while riding. Long earrings should also be avoided since they can get caught in headphones or even injure your ear during an accident.

7- Avoid getting a haircut just before going for a ride

You should avoid having your hair cut just before you’re about to go out for a ride. The reason behind this is that it takes many hours for the cut hair to fall away from your head which can potentially cause discomfort while riding, and also because the very act of getting your hair done means that there will be some loose hairs flying around. These might work themselves up into awkward places in your helmet or elsewhere on your body where they could become uncomfortable (and dangerous).

8- Hair ties are an essential part of any female rider’s kit!

Sure, guys have always had their wallets to store these items, but here at Biker Outfitters, we’ve come across a solution for the ladies. We’ve got hair ties that are specially designed to be out of the way under your helmet. There are a few different options and colors, so go ahead and check them out now!

Related: Check out the Best Motorcycle Helmets Brands

What are the benefits of wearing a motorcycle helmet with long hair?

The majority of motorcycle helmets have a rule from the Department of Transportation that states at least half an inch of your hair should be tucked away. While this is probably more for safety than anything, there still are some benefits to going helmet-hair free: less weight on your head protecting your neck and spine, better airflow making you cooler, and if you do end up flipping over the bike or getting into an accident, it’s good to know that your locks are safely in place (not horribly tangled). If you’re considering cutting off all your pretty little tresses though, think about how crazy life would be without them – although helmets sell every year during Spring Break season, not everyone’s lucky enough to actually ride, and there aren’t always helmets for sale in bars. If you’re still attached to your long hair, make sure it’s tucked into the helmet or at least doesn’t interfere with it (many helmets have a way of tucking them up under there securely).

Motorcycle accidents are serious business and can result in very serious injuries that can cost someone their life if they don’t take proper precautions before going out on the road. Wearing a safety helmet is something we all should be doing when we get on our bikes as it is the most important part of body protection from a motorcycle accident aside from wearing protective riding gear. And while some riders don’t like to wear motorcycle helmets because it can make them hot, uncomfortable, and even claustrophobic when wearing one, the benefits of wearing a safety helmet far outweigh any of these so-called “disadvantages”.

Wearing motorcycle helmets with long hair has its own set of problems which is why the DOT requires that you tuck in at least half an inch or more of your hair. There are some motorcycles out there that have special attachment points for putting your ponytail up through the back opening but if not then you’re going to want to go with getting a shorter hairstyle instead. Wearing longer styles on your head while riding your bike is also an easy way to get caught up in the wind stream being jerked around which can cause you to lose control of the bike.

Ways you can style your locks when wearing a bike helmet

Let’s face it – wearing a bike helmet means that your hair can’t get to all the fun places it could be without one. So if you like to change things up more often than every 90 days, layering is just the thing for you! Here are some options:

1. Layers – The best choice for minimal maintenance and maximum versatility, layering lets you change your hairstyle as often as you like with little effort or damage done beyond a couple of layers of expensive shampoo. Add heat styling accessories when using this method (curling irons in particular). It works well on medium to long length hair.

2. Ponytail – This classic hairstyle has been worn by schoolgirls since time immemorial…or at least since the last time someone at your school was made fun of for wearing their hair in one. But ponytails don’t have to be boring or old-fashioned! Try adding some cute, colorful, or even decorative ties and beads into the tails of two to three (maximum) loose braids before securing them with rubber bands. It works best on medium-length hair that is layered and/or wavy.

3. Headband – This style is a good choice if you must wear a helmet but need something more stylish than a plain ponytail for your long locks. Just push all your hair back and secure it out of the way by tying it in either an over-the-top exaggerated bow or an understated sleek knot beneath your chin. A headband that matches your hair or highlights its color is a nice touch, but not necessary. This works best on long-length hair (past the shoulders).

4. Beanie – Grab an old knit cap with a soft fabric lining and cut out two holes for the ears through which to pull your ponytails. Then secure your ponytails beneath the cap so they peek out of the top by tying them in bows or pushing them through small slits you cut into the material instead. It works best on medium to long length hair that is layered and/or wavy.

5. Side Pull-Back – For this style you will need at least one rubber band, preferably matching colored ones maybe a few decorative items like fabric or bead ties. Just gather all of your hair to one side and secure it using rubber bands of your choice, leaving the rest hanging freely behind you. It works best on medium-length straight hair.

6. Hat-band – The key to this simple style is a wide hat with a stiff brim and/or an inner wire that can help maintain its shape when it’s set upon your head. Sweeping all of your hair back so that it hangs over one shoulder and then tying the tail in a large bow before securing it beneath the hatband (which should be fairly high up) keeps everything out of your face without resulting in flattened locks! This works well on most lengths of hair but is especially nice for long, thick, or curly hair.

7. Bob – Using the tail of your hair, push a small section over the forehead to create a faux fringe (or “bangs”) like those popularized by Tavi Gevinson and other girls really into vintage clothing these days. Snip out any uneven or wispy bits that are left behind before pulling all of your hair back into a low ponytail at least three inches above your neckline. Try pinning it in place with decorative barrettes, bows, or poof balls if you want to add an extra touch! It works well on short to medium-length hair that is layered and/or straight.

8. Faux-Hawk – When you’re ready to take a break from blunt-cut bangs but don’t want to go the route of wispy layers or side-swept fringes, try this faux-hawk look instead! Here’s how: Combine all of your hair at the center back of your crown and secure it in a low ponytail. Then tease the hair just below it before flipping that section forward (away from your face) so that it creates a small puffball over your forehead. Finish by tying the tail into an even smaller slanting ponytail above and behind the puff before tucking any pieces that are out of place underneath…and voila! It works best on medium-length straight or slightly layered hair.

The best ways to tie up and secure your mane while riding on two wheels

Remember being a kid and learning how to ride a bike? You would run alongside your bike, hold the handlebars and push off with your other foot. As soon as you felt balanced you let go, pedaled like crazy to get some speed, and then jumped on when it was safe. It’s not that easy for grown-ups who still act like kids life is endless summer vacation. Riding a motorcycle without protective gear is incredibly dangerous, even more, deadly than car accidents. The good news is there are helmets, riding jackets, pants, boots – all designed to keep you safe while cruising down the street with the wind in your hair. But then what? How do we tie our hair back in a secure way? Check out these hairstyles to keep your tresses from spilling into your face or getting tangled up in the bike’s wheels.

A simple ponytail is one of my favorite go-to hairstyles for riding a motorcycle. I tie it with a hairband (pictured) but you can also use a rubber band, bobby pins, or whatever works best for you. Just make sure your mane is securely tucked away and won’t be flying around while cruising down the road. Braids securely fastened with an elastic are another great way to manage your hair if you don’t want to wear it in a ponytail. Of course, braids aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but they work well if that’s what you’re going for.

A low bun is another great solution for tying up your hair. Tie it with a scrunchie or use elastic and bobby pins to fasten the look. Here’s how you can tie your hair into a low bun on the go:

You can make this style more secure by adding bobby pins through the rolled-up part of the bun. Other ways to keep your tresses from flying in your face, including wearing a headband, scarf, or even a helmet if you have a removable one that’s not too bulky.

Conclusion

It is important to wear a motorcycle helmet with long hair. You can tie your hair back, put it in a bun, or make sure you have the right size for your head so that no strands are sticking out. With these simple tips and tricks, you should be able to enjoy riding on two wheels while still keeping your locks looking gorgeous!

Read more: What Are Motorcycle Helmets Made Of?