You may think you look like Tom Cruise from Mission Impossible when you take your helmet off after the bike ride, but that’s far from reality. If you are commuting to work and back riding on a bike, you know your hair faces the brunt of sweat, pollution, dust and being trapped inside the helmet. The result? Frizz, dryness, breakage, and, of course, the dreaded helmet hair. “A majority of bikers who tend to wear helmets and headgear face problems such as sweating, itching, and dandruff due to heat and moisture. Prolonged use of these things may invite problems such as hair fall, fungal infections, and skin irritation on the scalp,” says Dr Shareefa Chause, Dermatologist, Dr Shareefa Skin care clinic. Here’s a breakdown of the most common hair problems bikers face, and how to tackle them.
1. Helmet Hair
Flat, lifeless hair with awkward bends or dents caused by pressure and friction from wearing a helmet for long durations.
The Fix:
• Choose the right helmet lining: Opt for helmets with moisture-wicking and breathable liners. Or Dr Pravin Banodkar, Dermatologist, and Co-Founder & Lead Dermatologist of Skin Beyond Borders suggests, “A light cotton bandana or a cloth can be put under the helmet if you have to wear a helmet for more than three to four hours. It helps in absorbing the sweat and also gives a good cushioning to the scalp area.”
• Pre-ride styling: Use a lightweight styling cream or leave-in conditioner rather than heavy gels or waxes, which can cause build-up and make helmet hair worse.
• Post-ride refresh: Carry a travel-sized dry shampoo or volumizing spray to quickly revive your hair after removing your helmet.
2. Sweat and Scalp Issues
Extended helmet wear traps heat and sweat, leading to an itchy, greasy scalp, dandruff, or even fungal infections in extreme cases. “It can result in increased amount of fungus or bacteria in the scalp that in turn can give rise to many issues like boils on the scalp because of the infection of the hair and can also lead to acne on the forehead over a period of time,” says Dr Banodkar.
The Fix:
• Cleanse regularly: Wash your hair 3–4 times a week with a mild, sulphate-free shampoo to remove sweat and dirt without stripping natural oils. “Use certain anti-dandruff shampoos or very mild cleansers like Cetaphil cleansers that can help in reducing the irritation on the scalp as well as the face,” suggests Dr Banodkar.
• Helmet hygiene: Wash your helmet liner every few weeks. "Make sure the helmet is clean, well-ventilated, and it shouldn’t be tight at all," says Dr Chause.
3. Hair Breakage and Split Ends
Helmet friction and environmental exposure (sun, wind, pollution) can weaken hair strands, leading to split ends and breakage. “Long term compression also tends to break the cuticle of the hair which are the protective layers of the hair and can cause a frictional damage to the hair resulting in breakage of hair over a period of time,” adds Dr Banodkar.
The Fix:
• Use Conditioner: Always follow shampoo with a nourishing conditioner. For added protection, use a leave-in conditioner or hair serum before putting on your helmet.
• Protective hairstyles: If you have medium to long hair, tie it in a low ponytail, braid, or bun to minimize tangling and breakage. Avoid tight styles that put stress on the roots.
• Regular trims: Even if you’re growing your hair out, trimming every 6–8 weeks keeps split ends at bay.
4. Sun and Pollution Damage
Even under a helmet, prolonged exposure to UV rays and air pollution can dry out and damage hair.
The Fix:
• Use UV protection: Just like your skin, your hair benefits from sun protection. Look for hair products with built-in UV filters.
• Cover up smartly: If your helmet has vents, your hair may still be exposed. A breathable, moisture-wicking skull cap or bandana can offer an extra layer of protection.
• Hydration is key: Deep condition your hair once a week with a hydrating hair mask to replenish lost moisture.
