Four Care Tips for Covered Hair

Covering your hair with headscarves and hats makes for an easy hair care routine. It saves you so much time in the morning--no straightening, curling, or otherwise primping your locks. With minimal weekly maintenance, you can fully capture the benefits that headwear offers your hair: enhancing shine and protecting from the elements.

1. Basic Taming

Edit your brushes and combs. It's better to have just a few you actually use than a pile of neglected tools consuming precious bathroom space. I recommend taming your hair with a wide-tooth comb made of wood or horn, or a soft boar-bristle brush. Not only are they gentle on your hair, but they're especially helpful for detangling wet, fragile hair.

2. Prevent static and Strays

Rubbing your hair and scarf with a dryer sheet is a quick fix for preventing static. A light spritz of anti-static spray on your brush and scarf works great too, especially when wearing polyester satin scarves in the winter. Spritz the small stray hairs around your ears and neckline with water or a light-hold hairspray, then smooth into place with a small round or teasing brush. It's best to reign in strays before putting on your headwear.

3. Prevent Limp, Flat Hair

While covering your hair will likely flatten the roots, there are some tricks to revive lost volume. When you get out of the shower, gently wring out your hair. Blow dry upside-down while easing the roots away from your scalp, and sleep with your slightly-damp hair totally loose or in french braids to create more volume. A bit of dry shampoo can also help lift and refresh your roots after a full day of hair covering.

Avoid unwanted build-up by using a simple shampoo. Steer clear of anything with heavy fragrance or eucalyptus, which can irritate the scalp. Go easy on the conditioner--apply it only on the ends, unless your hair is very dry and brittle. If there is hard water in your region, prevent build-up by using a vinegar wash once a week: add one capful of white vinegar to two cups of water, then store in a convenient place.

4. Hair Cuts for Full-Time Headcovering

If headwear is part of your daily look, you may want to consider a budget haircut arrangement. (Go scarf and hat shopping with the money you save!) I've found the best hair length for headcovering is one or two inches below the shoulders. It's not too long that you can't easily secure it underneath a close-fitting hat, but it's long enough that you can tie the Twist Bun and other fun headscarf techniques that need the support of a ponytail or bun. You will find your best length based on your hair and headwear preferences. If you do little else, at least keep your hair fresh by regularly trimming to prevent dry, split ends. Enjoy!

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