People with afros may have trouble wearing helmets because of their hair’s voluminous and delicate nature. However, wearing a helmet while riding or engaging in any activity that requires head protection is essential. Today I am presenting to clear a popular question about how to wear a helmet with an afro.
To wear a helmet with an afro, first comb out the hair and then slide the helmet on top of the head. Wearing a helmet is crucial for safety while riding, cycling, skateboarding, or any other activity that requires head protection.
In this article, I will discuss how to select a helmet, adjust it to fit appropriately over your hair, and give some tips to keep your afro looking great even after wearing a helmet. So, let’s dive in.
Is Helmet Good Or Bad For Your Afro Hair?
A helmet is essential for safety but may be challenging for Afro hair due to its size and shape. The helmet’s pressure and friction could damage the hair’s natural texture and lead to breakage. However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear one.
Protective measures like wearing a silk or satin cap underneath, keeping the hair moisturized, and avoiding too-tight helmets can help reduce potential damage.
Thus, helmets aren’t inherently bad for Afro hair, but precautions should be taken to protect this hair type when wearing one.
How To Wear A Helmet With An Afro? A Step-By-Step Guide
Wearing a helmet with an afro can be challenging because of the bulk and texture of the hair. However, it’s absolutely necessary to ensure safety when doing activities that require helmet use, such as biking, motorcycling, or certain sports.
Here are some suggestions on how to wear a helmet with an afro:
Choosing The Right Helmet
Helmets come in various sizes. Measure your head circumference over your afro and choose a helmet that fits correctly. The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead, and you should be able to fit no more than one to two fingers between the chin strap and your chin.
Protect Your Hair (Wear A Satin Or Silk Cap)
One way to protect your hair and make wearing a helmet more comfortable is to wear a silk or satin cap under the helmet. This will help flatten your afro slightly (without causing damage) and allow the helmet to fit more securely. It also helps reduce friction and maintain the moisture in your hair.
Compress Your Hair
One method to make wearing a helmet easier with an afro is to compress the hair. You can use a wrap or bandana to help press down your hair without causing damage. However, be sure not to wrap it too tight as it may cause discomfort or damage your hair or scalp.
Try Braids or Twist-outs
Before engaging in activities that require a helmet, you can braid or twist your hair the night before. This can help reduce the volume of your hair temporarily, allowing you to wear the helmet more easily.
Style Your Hair Appropriately
Consider altering your hairstyle to accommodate the helmet. Braiding your hair, or other protective styles, can reduce the volume and still look good when you remove the helmet. But avoid any style that may cause lumps or discomfort under the helmet.
(Wearing glasses with a motorcycle helmet is a trendy style. But can you wear glasses with a motorcycle helmet? Yes, you can. To know more read that the article.
Adjust As Needed
Once you’ve put the helmet on, you may need to adjust it to ensure it fits correctly and comfortably. Some helmets come with adjustable features that can assist in accommodating larger hairstyles. Look for a helmet with an adjustable rear fit system, which can be expanded to fit over your afro.
Look for Specialized Helmets
Some companies produce helmets designed for people with large hairstyles or voluminous hair. These helmets often have adjustable interior sizing or offer larger sizes than the standard range.
Aftercare For Afro Hair Post-Helmet
Post-helmet Afro hair care should counteract dryness and frizz. Rehydrate with natural products like shea butter or coconut oil. Gently detangle using a wide-tooth comb or fingers. Use clean helmets and consider silk liners to minimize friction. Avoid prolonged helmet use to let the hair breathe.
Remember, the most important thing is that the helmet fits correctly on your head and offers the necessary protection. The helmet should feel snug but not tight and shouldn’t rock back and forth or side to side on your head. (We have a detailed article on How Tight Should a Motorcycle Helmet Be? You must read that article for more know)
If you’re having any difficulties finding a helmet that fits over your afro, consider altering your hairstyle to a lower-volume style while riding or participating in helmet-necessary activities.
Also, keep in mind that repeated pressure and friction can cause breakage and damage to your hair, so be mindful of how your hair feels and looks, and adjust your hair care routine as needed.
Additional Tips For Maintaining Your Afro While Wearing A Helmet
Keeping an afro healthy while regularly wearing a helmet can be tricky due to friction and compression. Here are a few strategies:
- Moisturize Often: Natural hair can be dry, and a helmet may exacerbate this. Regularly moisturize with appropriate hair oils, leave-in conditioners, or creams.
- Wear a Liner or Scarf: Use a silk or satin scarf or cap under your helmet to reduce friction and hair breakage. ( You can also read What Do You Wear Under Your Motorcycle Helmet?)
- Detangle Your Hair: To minimize damage, ensure your hair is properly detangled before and after helmet use.
- Use Protective Styles: Braids, twists, or low buns can reduce hair volume and helmet friction, protecting your hair from damage.
- Clean Your Helmet: Regularly clean your helmet to avoid sweat and product build-up, which can irritate your scalp and dirty your hair. (Cleaning a helmet is not a hard task. You can easily clean your helmet by reading my other detailed article on how to clean a motorcycle helmet.
- Condition Your Hair: Deep condition your hair frequently to restore moisture and strength, reducing potential helmet damage.
- Trim Regularly: Keep your hair healthy and free of split ends with regular trims, which can help counteract any breakage from helmet use.
Types Of Helmets That Work Best With Afros
Not all helmets are created equal, exceptionally when accommodating afros. Here are some types of helmets that work well with this hair type:
- Skate-style helmets: These are roomier and have a rounder shape, making them suitable for larger hairstyles.
- Multi-sport helmets: These are more oval and have removable padding that can be adjusted to accommodate different hairstyles.
- Half-shell helmets: The half-shell helmet offers less coverage than traditional helmets but is more accommodating to afros.
Additional Considerations When Choosing a Helmet for Afro Hair
When selecting a helmet for afro hair, it’s important to prioritize both style and safety. Think of the following key facts to make an informed decision:
Size And Fit
Choose a helmet that fits snugly for optimal head protection. Strike a balance between comfort and tightness when trying it on.
Material
The helmet’s material matters. Carbon fiber, polycarbonate, and fiberglass are all safe options, but certain materials may offer better comfort or suit your budget.
Ventilation
To prevent discomfort caused by trapped hair, opt for a well-ventilated helmet. Look for designs with adequate air vents that facilitate airflow and keep you cool during rides.
Shape
Consider the helmet’s shape, as it plays a crucial role in comfort. Helmets tailored for round or intermediate oval head shapes are often more comfortable for those with afro hair.
Head Liner
Helmets with removable liners are ideal for afro hair, as they are easier to clean and maintain. If choosing a helmet with a fixed headliner, ensure it’s made of moisture-wicking material to keep your head cool and sweat-free.
Secure Strap
Lastly, verify that the helmet has a reliable strap system to keep it securely in place. The chin strap should be snug but not overly tight, allowing for comfortable breathing.
Helmets For Afro Hair
Explore the best helmet options for afro hair and learn valuable tips in the informative video. Ensure comfort, style, and safety for your afro hair while riding. Watch now.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
How Can I Wear A Helmet Without Messing Up My Afro?
Can I Wear A Full-Face Helmet With An Afro?
If you want to know the difference between modular motorcycle helmets and full-face helmets, click- Modular vs full face helmets.
Does Wearing A Helmet Damage Your Afro?
How Do I Prevent My Afro From Becoming Flat?
Final Thoughts
Wearing a helmet is crucial, not only for your safety but also mandatory in many regions. Nevertheless, people with afros may struggle to find the perfect helmet that accommodates their hair. As discussed in this blog post, there are several ways on how to wear a helmet with an afro while ensuring comfort, safety, and style.
Always choose a helmet that is the right fit, lightweight, well-ventilated, and has ample space for your hair.
You can use a bandana or skullcap to secure your hair before wearing the helmet. Don’t forget to read the user manual and maintenance guidelines to ensure your helmet remains in great condition.
A helmet has the potential to save your life, so you mustn’t overlook its importance just because of your hair type. There are helmets in the market suitable for afro-wearers, and with these tips, you can ride safely and in style.
Hey there, welcome to my blog!
I’m Rouean Christopher, born on May 3, 1987, in Chicago, Illinois. I live at 456 Oak Street, Anytown, USA. You can reach me at (555) 987-6543 or email me at rouean.christopher@example.com.
I started my journey in helmets after graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. At university, I studied materials science, which got me interested in helmet tech.
After college, I went to MIT for my Master’s, focusing on better materials for protective gear. That led me to work with top companies and research new helmet designs.
With over ten years in helmets, I’ve helped make safety standards better. I’ve worked on new designs and tested helmets to make sure they protect people well.
Outside of work, I love hiking and taking photos of nature. Join me here for tips and updates on helmets. Let’s make sure everyone stays safe out there!
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