While hats are cute and functional for most people, they aren’t always beneficial for those with natural hair. Many of the materials in these headpieces may work against your curls. According to Michelle O’Connor, Matrix Artistic Director, bulky knits and fabrics like wool, often used in winter hats, can cause dryness and brittleness in curly hair. Plus, nothing is worse than putting on your favourite dad hat only to be met with a flat ‘fro full of creases.
The good news is there’s a new wave of hats on the market made especially with curly hair in mind, and many of them were created by Black women themselves. Ahead, we rounded up our favourite curl-friendly hats to keep your hair safe and stylish this season.
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Natural Hair Backless Cap
Hat hair happens when your hair is smushed by a cap without room for your curls to breathe. This eliminates this concern with its backless design, which allows you to loop through your loose coils or a ponytail. It’s also satin-lined and has a scrunchie-like back strap that won’t tug on strands, which ultimately causes breakage.
Amazon , $, available at Amazon
Tress Chocolate Faux Suede Cap
At first glance, you see a hat that’ll look good with all the chunky cream-coloured sweaters you ordered online. Correct — but if you look a little closer, you’ll find a hat that is fashionable and functional for curly hair. The backstrap of each Tress cap is replaced with three elastic bands so you can put your hair in a ponytail even if you forget a hair tie at home. The inside is covered with satin, which minimises frizz when you take your hat off.
Tress For Us Tress Chocolate Faux Suede Cap, $, available at Tress For Us
Grace Eleyae Dark Gray Foldover Warm Slap
Torn on which new curl-friendly hat to purchase? Just know that Oprah vouches for this one from Grace Eleyae. The brand is notorious for its line of “Slaps,” a.k.a. satin-lined caps, and recently added a weather-friendly collection. We love this knitted option, which features the brand’s signature satin interior but will still keep your head warm. It also has hidden adjustable drawstrings so you can tighten your hat as needed.
Grace Eleyae Dark Grey Foldover Warm Slap, $, available at Grace Eleyae
Curl Code Bidi Bidi Pom Pom Ponytail Knitted Hat
Most knitted beanies aren’t designed to accommodate a puff or pineapple, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your style for your warmth. This Curl Code piece allows you the best of both worlds: It’s designed with an opening at the top of the hat for your ponytail to be left out. The inside is also satin-lined, so if you’re trying to preserve a sleek bun or curly puff, this hat is your best bet.
Curl Code Bidi Bidi Pom Pom Satin Lined Ponytail Knitted Hat, $, available at Curl Code
Layd The Bucket Hat
This classic denim bucket hat from Layd is a great accessory investment. Not only is it on par with fashion trends, but it has a pure silk lining that won’t frizz up your fresh wash-n-go or blowout. The interior is also removable, so you have options if you don’t want — or need — to wear it with each use.
Layd Layd The Bucket Hat, $, available at Layd
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