It’s been a while since I did a whole post all about hair… back in 2016 after reading an article about natural hair I was compelled to write this post where I shared my opinion and busted a few myths about looking after my hair.
When I learnt to swim around the same time, it became evident that one of my biggest issues was learning how to look after my hair and also how to style my hair in a way that made taking part in certain activities easier.
And one of those activities is cycling. It was after sharing a post on Instagram about natural hair styles for cycling, I realised I was not alone…
Helmets For Afro Hair
I remember when my hair was relaxed, I lived with the constant fear of not looking after my hair well enough, and it “breaking”. This did happen once, when I decided to transition to natural hair I figured I might as well enjoy it so got my hair dip dye (bleached the ends) and eventually, yes my hair did break.
Afro hair has a tendency to be dry and brittle… you need to keep your hair moisturised at all times. When it comes to putting a helmet on your head, hairstyles such as these featured in the post serve to protect your hair from the elements and from the helmet itself.
Tip: always wear a cycling cap to protect your hair from getting caught in the helmet, especially the velcro bits!
This means there is no specific helmet made for natural or afro hair, nor any afro helmet cover that I could find. As for anyone else, it comes down to the type of cycling and whether it’s a good fit for you.
I’ve found that because my hair is very thick I usually end up wearing a large sized helmet to account for my hair. Here are a few of the helmets I have worn and loved over the past few years:
Shop My Limited Edition Caps:
Other Recommended Helmets:
- Kask Rapido Helmet ($)
- Kask Protone Road Helmet ($$$$)
- Giro Synthe II Helmet (MIPS) ($$$$)
Afro Hair Styles For Wearing A Helmet
Seeing as I am not an expert in styling hair I figured I would get some inspiration from somewhere or someone who knows more than me… that turned out to be Simply Gorgeous Hair, an Afro hair salon located in North West London. They, specifically, my stylist Emmah, were the creative brains behind the styles I’m about to share with you…
Style #1. Low Bun For Natural Hair
This was the first style that Emmah did on my hair. I went with my hair pre-washed so all she had to do was blow dry it using a comb attachment (which are a few quid on Amazon) to make it a little straighter and more manageable.
It also made my hair a little less “volumeous” (I think I just made this word up… I did. My mum confirmed it should be “voluminous”) …which gives makes my helmet sit a bit better on my head rather than just on my hair.
Emmah then created two cornrows at the front of my hair with a middle parting which fed into the low bun. The bun it itself was a little more intricate than a regular bun but the important thing was that it sat low enough to allow my helmet to sit properly too.
Style #2. Speed Plaits For Natural Hair
Without a doubt, this was my favourite of the two styles. It also is the one that probably takes a bit more skill but it actually doesn’t take too long to complete.
Emmah started out by parting my hair in the middle then separating enough hair from the centre to make two S shaped cornrows. The remaining hair on each side was braided into a french plait using added hair extensions to give the length…
I figured I might as well go all out… the longer the plaits the faster I would be?! Emma then adorned the french plaits with some gold thread and added a gold hair cuff to each plait.
I managed to keep this style for around a week by wrapping my hair when I went to bed. I kept my hair and scalp moisturised throughout the week with various oil based products.
Ride With Me?
If you happen to live in East London or Essex, then you have to come ride with me. As a Liv Ambassador and Breeze Champion / Ride Leader, I’m always putting together a calendar of rides which are free to attend.
I welcome all levels of cyclists and am happy to answer any questions you have about cycling either in person or just drop me a note on my social channels (linked below) or in the comments here on the blog…
…who’s down for a hair braiding workshop?!
Elle
![Wild: “do you like it?”
Me: “pat yourself on the back, girl!”
…’cos I’m loving the lip balm from Wild. I’ve got two now… ‘cos it’s a one for every bag kinda situation 🤪
Who remembers the days where we used vaseline as lip balm?! And then you had to ween yourself odd of it 😅 with the driest lips ever till you were free lol
What I’m using 😋:
🌅 Ombre case
💄 Passionfruit Swirl
[aff] …get 20% off all products at WILD with the code 𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 too💥
🏷️: #natural #lowtox #skincareroutine #personalcare #keepitsimpElle sensitive deodorant, lip care, #vegan #refillable #skincare #sustainable #wild #wildrefill](https://www.keepitsimpelle.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
Love the practical tips on maintaining natural hair while cycling! The helmet-friendly styles are a game-changer. And those Speed Plaits are not just functional but also fabulous! Thanks for sharing your expertise and making cycling with natural hair hassle-free
Thanks for the feedback and for stopping by. There is plenty more that can be done to support POC in the world of cycling; hope I am here to see many strides forwards! But will always share what I learn or come across!
My sons hair is huge and beautiful and he likes to wear it out. The helmet situation is not working. Tried a low pony tail but it pushed the back of the helmet up. Is there a quick way to make his hair ok for the helmet but where he can let it out when he’s done? Appreciate your post and advise.
When I don’t prep my hair in advance, I just use a little water on it, and also finger comb esp from the roots to lengthen the hair so it isn’t as packed by the roots and less likely to push the helmet back up. I also will put the bottom half in a pot first, then make a pony out of the the top and bottom half together. Hope that makes sense?
Thank you for the post! I’m looking for natural styles to wear under a skate helmet, and this was really helpful. I keep debating whether I can add some marley hair so my braids look as nice as yours – I’m gonna try it! And thank you for cap brand recommendations!
aaaaaah yes, I started roller-skating again in the last couple of years and have used the same hairstyle ideas and my cycling caps too! And highly recommend adding in some length… makes you ride/skate faster ????
Thank you, thank you! I received a new bike for Christmas but it has been impossible to find a helmet or find any tips about what you can put under your helmet to protect your hair!
This is such an awesome article Elle! Wish I had come across it years ago before I learnt the hard way and got so much hair caught in the helmet velcro. I use a buff rather than cycling cap as I find it more stretchy and accommodating. I struggle to find caps that fit. Do you have any recommendations for caps for big hair/heads?
Hey Vera, I feel your pain! When a cycling cap is too small it gives me a headache lol. Personally, I have a collection of the summer caps from Chapeau! The original ones were super stretchy, the newer ones are still pretty stretchy but not quite as much. Still, they’re a good option and reasonably priced – I picked up a few on sale at Velovixen and Chapeau! often have multi buy deals on. In colder weather I just add a headband / earwarmers – I have a fab one from Liv. Hope that helps!
Thank you! I have been surprised my friend’s daughter (my 10 year old namesake) needed a new helmet but realise she needs a bigger one to accommodate her hair. I feel reassured that it’s not going to be dangerous to get a bigger one now and feel reassured that her long locks will be safe under a cap! Nikki, and wee Nikki, Paisley.
Awww hey Nikki! Thanks so much for stopping by and for dropping a comment. I think it’s super important to get a helmet that fits on our heads and accommodates our hair in order to provide us with full protection! And say hello to wee Nikki for me too ;P happy riding ladies! <3
They both look amazing and really suit you! I just plait my hair when on the bike – in face I live in plaits and messy top knots most of the time! We must go for a ride Elle, come and let me show you the trails in Stanmer and the beautiful South Downs!
Thanks Tess! …and you know I’m on my way for that ride soon 😉