A man and a lady removing their hats and staring in dismay at their flat hair!

Hat Hair, Don’t Care! Your Ultimate Guide to Flaunting a Hat Without the Flat Head

We’ve all been there: you step out looking stylish in your favourite hat, only to take it off later and find your hair looking like it’s given up on life. Flat, lifeless, static-prone – the dreaded hat hair. But we’re here to let you in on a secret: it doesn’t have to be this way.

At The Extraordinary Hat Company, we believe you should be able to wear hats and have fabulous hair. So whether you're a seasoned hat-lover or someone who avoids them for fear of flattening your locks, read on for our expert tips to help you wear your crown with confidence – and great hair to match.

Pre-Hat Prep: The Foundation for Fabulousness

The key to beating hat hair starts before the hat even goes on. Setting your style with the right products gives your hair the best chance of staying voluminous and fresh throughout the day.

Here are a few pre-hat heroes:

Volumising mousse – Ideal for fine or flat hair, mousse adds body and texture that resists the dreaded squish.

Texturising spray – Great for giving hair some grip and lift, especially for layered or wavy styles.

Dry shampoo – Not just for second-day hair! A light spritz at the roots can create instant volume and absorb moisture that leads to hair flattening.

✨ Top Tip: Apply products while your hair is still slightly damp and blow-dry with your head upside down for maximum root lift.

 

Hat Selection: Fit Matters (and So Does Fabric!)

Not all hats are created equal – and choosing the right fit and fabric can make a big difference to your hairstyle.

Too tight, and your hat will press your hair down at the roots, creating a helmet-like effect.

Too loose, and you risk slippage and a less polished look.

Style Matters Too:

Beanies are known for squashing hair, but choosing a slouchy style with a looser crown can help.

Wide-brimmed hats (a customer favourite!) give your scalp some breathing room and don’t press directly on the crown.

Berets or hats worn off-centre or slightly back can help preserve volume at the front.

Fabric facts:

Look for breathable materials like wool blends, cotton or straw to minimise sweat and static, especially in warm or active settings.

The Hat-Wearing Sweet Spot: Placement is Key

The position of your hat can make or break your hairstyle. Wearing a hat pulled too far down compresses your roots, while a well-placed tilt can preserve your look – and even enhance it.

Try this:

Wear your hat slightly back on your head to keep volume at the front.

Tilt to the side for an effortlessly cool look that also prevents full-on flattening.

Lift your roots before putting the hat on by teasing lightly or using a root-lifting spray.

 

The Post-Hat Rescue: Reviving Your Hair on the Go

Hat comes off. Now what?

Don’t panic – a little know-how goes a long way in refreshing your style.

Flip your head upside down and shake your roots out with your fingers.

A little dry shampoo works wonders to restore lift and absorb any moisture.

Travel-size brush or wide-tooth comb = your secret weapon.

Tame static with a light mist of hair spray on your hands and smooth gently over the surface.

✨ Pro tip: A travel-size silk scarf can double as a stylish liner under your hat and reduce friction for smoother hair!

The Extraordinary Hat Company’s Hat Hair Heroes

We’ve designed and curated our hats with both style and practicality in mind. Here are a few of our top picks for hair-friendly hat-wearing:

👒 The Willow Wide-Brim Fedora – Breathable felt and an adjustable band keep it comfortable without flattening.

🧢 The Freya Baker Boy – Sits naturally off the crown and looks fab with curls or a side fringe.

🎩 The Hugo Wool Trilby – Structured but breathable – the gentleman’s secret to good hair and great style.

Don’t just take our word for it – check out our lovely customers rocking their hats and great hair on our Instagram!

Conclusion: Say Goodbye to Hat Hair – For Good

Hat hair doesn’t have to be part of the package. With the right prep, placement and a few clever tricks, you can enjoy every stylish moment under your hat – and reveal a great hair day when it comes off.

🎩 Find your next hair-friendly hat at The Extraordinary Hat Company and style confidently all day long.

👉 Shop our latest collection now

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About the Author

From headteacher to acclaimed milliner, Pat Brown brings a lifelong passion for art and design to The Extraordinary Hat Company in Fakenham, Norfolk. With a focus on sustainability, Pat incorporates vintage and rescued materials into unique, affordable British designs. Join Pat on her blog as she shares her inspirations, techniques, and love for hats.