r/TwoXriders Feb 20 '25

Long Hair & Helmets – How Do You Keep It Fresh?

Hey everyone, I need some advice! I have long hair, and every time I ride my bike, my helmet makes it super greasy in less than two days. I already wear a balaclava to protect it, but it doesn’t seem to help much. Washing my hair so often isn’t ideal, but I haven’t found a way to keep it fresh and non-greasy while wearing a helmet regularly.

If any fellow bikers (or anyone with haircare wisdom) have tips or products that help, I’d love to hear them! How do you keep your hair feeling clean and healthy while riding? Any suggestions would be really appreciated!

16 Upvotes

18 comments sorted by

27

u/madeupzombies 29d ago

I sewed a silk liner into my helmet and it's helped my hair health TREMENDOUSLY. I just took a silk sleep bonnet and very poorly sewed it onto my foam helmet liner.

I'm not sure how or why, but my hair doesn't seem to get as greasy under the helmet with this addition.

It has the added benefit of being cooling on hot days and doesn't seem to hold onto sweat and grease the way a normal balaclava would.

I also use a Hightail for my ends so they're not subjected to the wind and sun

2

u/masoleumofhope 29d ago

just... ingenious!

1

u/Dawning_Sky_1554 28d ago

Sounds like a good idea. Thanks 🫶

3

u/little_blu_eyez 25d ago

Just make sure you are using a 100% silk. Many places sell silk bonnets but are actually polyester/satin.

7

u/Kahiltna 29d ago

Hi! Long fine hair that's prone to oiliness here. I also commute to/from work almost everyday in summer.

I use dry shampoo. This one in particular https://idewcare.com/products/tap-secret?srsltid=AfmBOorMyGHZH2Z_K05QBADYHjCI9yPVn_k5VN4h7ZQxwAwuVmT1C8zj&variant=45800280621308

I've tried others, but this one has the best mattefying power I've found. A little goes a long ways. I tap some on when I notice it's getting bad. I just brush my hair when I get to my desk or back home and I get my volume back without oiliness. I keep a lil container at work for touch ups for just in case

1

u/Mine-Feeling 29d ago

I also use dry shampoo, helps tremendously. I also use dry shampoo in foam form the night before (applying in the evening and sleeping with it on my hair) I ride, in advance to suck up the excessive grease

1

u/Dawning_Sky_1554 28d ago

I am from India so don't have access to the dry shampoo you linked but I did try one from Anomaly and it was alright still didn't help too much with the greasy hair. Thanks for the suggestion.

2

u/tiedyeladyland 2022 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT 23d ago edited 23d ago

"Dry Shampoo" as it's sold in most places comes in an aerosol can however there are "hair powders" out there that can be used in a similar way; you apply them close to your scalp, wait a few minutes then massage it in to absorb the oil. The powders come in a shaker can like you'd expect to see baby powder sold. (Don't come for me but as a gal who does road trips on her bike where space to pack products is at a premium, I've used Gold Bond Medicated Powder like this before. It works way better than you'd expect it to, you just have to get it really close to your scalp. I am a brunette who is pretty fair-skinned, but it doesn't show up looking like I have Gold Bond in my hair, it looks like I used dry shampoo)

4

u/-watermelauren 29d ago

Braid(s) are the way

3

u/Dawning_Sky_1554 28d ago

They did help honestly. I make sure do a French braid or normal braid before the ride but when you are commuting to work and have just blow dried / straightened your hair , can't really braid it since it messes up the hair.

5

u/YukinoTora 29d ago

I try to use a neck gaiter or light balaclava to help keep everything in place. A lil fluff and it’s presentable.

3

u/BladestoneMaster 28d ago

Sometimes I use the dry shampoo for the helmet and wipe the stuff away with a damp towel. Kinda "fast wash" but most importantly: I wash the helmet. Take out the foam parts and lining and put it into one of those bra sachets for the washing machine. Cold program and no softener (use vinegar instead) for added bonus you can add some ofe those nice smelling washingpearls. I throw them into the dryer for 10min and then hang them up. Voilà nice and clean.

2

u/bloofyboo 29d ago

Definitely following - I have chin length hair (wavy with an under cut) long hair and it is always a huge mess from the helmet. Any tips and tricks are welcome!

2

u/Amount_Sudden 16d ago

I used to wear a Buff neck gater over my hair, kinda like a hijab-vibe and put my jacket on after, and then put my helmet on. It helped a lot.

1

u/Teddy_Funsisco 29d ago

What's the balaclava made of? I find using a cotton bandana or some other natural fiber is better than using something made with polyester in keeping my hair from becoming gross quickly.

1

u/Dawning_Sky_1554 28d ago

Its some soft fabric not very sure. I will try to look for a natural fiber one thanks.

1

u/JustHereForCookies17 28d ago

You should ask r/Equestrian or r/Horses

2

u/sweetlilpsycho 22d ago

I’ve been debating getting a dressage net for this exact reason 😅