Living in Colorado, beanies are practically a survival tool during the winter. But as someone blessed (or cursed, depending on the day) with gigantic, curly hair, finding a beanie that fits comfortably and looks good has always been a challenge. For years, I struggled to find the perfect balance between warmth and style, often sacrificing one for the other. Let me share my journey and the tips I've picked up along the way!
For a long time, I felt like beanies just weren't made for my hair type. I'd either end up with a flattened, sad-looking 'do, or a bizarre poof of hair escaping from under the hat. I tried everything – tucking all my hair in, leaving it all out, even attempting complicated braids and buns that were supposed to magically disappear under the beanie. Nothing seemed to work. I often felt like I looked like Russell Brand in a beanie – and not in a good way!
I love the comfort of beanies, but with my big curly hair, I often opted for a beret instead. I would reserve beanies for days when my hair was already in braids or a low ponytail – basically, when it was already somewhat tamed. And on those "not-so-clean hair" days, I found that putting my hair in a high bun created an awkward bump under the beanie, making me look like I had a second head. It was a constant battle!
After years of trial and error, I've finally discovered a few strategies that allow me to wear beanies without sacrificing my hair's volume or my personal style.
This was a game-changer for me. I realized that men's beanies are often larger and more spacious than women's beanies. Because I have both curly hair and a rather large head, this extra room makes all the difference. The bigger size allows my hair to breathe and prevents that dreaded flattened look. It's a simple solution, but it works wonders.
I noticed that plain beanies can sometimes look a little strange with a puff of hair sticking out the sides. But a beanie with a pompom? That's a whole different story. I generally believe that the bigger the pompom, the better, as it visually balances out the side poof. It adds a touch of fun and whimsy while making your overall look more cohesive.
Sometimes, the best solution is to ditch the beanie altogether. I've found that earmuffs, especially the behind-the-head kind, are a great alternative for keeping my ears warm without messing up my hair. I can just let my hair flow freely without worrying about it being squashed or flattened.
How you style your hair before putting on a beanie can make a huge difference. Leaving my bangs out and wearing the hat near the top of my head has become my go-to strategy. This prevents my forehead from getting too sweaty and allows my bangs to frame my face nicely. I've also found that a loose, low braid can work well, creating a more streamlined silhouette under the beanie. Voluminous hair looks amazing in beanies, like view pricing details.
Recently, I stumbled upon something that has completely changed my winter hat game: the Korean Plush Balaclava Hat.
I was looking for something extra warm for a ski trip and decided to give it a try. This isn't just a hat; it's a scarf and ear protector all in one! The wool blended material is incredibly soft and warm, and the integrated design means no more struggling with separate accessories. I found that it fits comfortably over my voluminous hair without squishing it down too much. Plus, the creamy-white color is super stylish. I now have a few from Wholecustomdesign. It's truly a winter essential.
I've come to realize that having voluminous hair and wearing a beanie doesn't have to be a fashion faux pas. In fact, it can be a stylish statement. The contrast between the snug beanie and the voluminous hair can create a visually interesting and dynamic look. It's all about finding the right beanie and styling your hair in a way that complements it.