Helmet Tips for Complex Hairstyles

Gear Guides > Helmet Tips for Complex Hairstyles

Helmets are to bikes as seatbelts are to cars. Both are essential safety devices that can help protect us from severe bodily damage when operating our vehicles. When you ride a bicycle, you are operating a really fun, adventure vehicle that does not come without risk. The helmet is made to reduce those risks. Just as using seatbelts in a vehicle may be required by law in many places, helmets for cycling may also be required. Further, helmets are typically mandated for professional racing and other cycling events. Regardless of whether they are required or not, wearing a helmet when cycling is always highly encouraged to reduce the risk of head injury. Even better, a helmet can be a really fun accessory to express your own style when you ride.

For your helmet to look good, it should feel good. It is important to take time in choosing a stylish helmet that will also fit really well. For some cyclists, finding the right helmet to comfortably wear can be difficult. This is especially true for riders with complex hairstyles. Bike helmets are commonly manufactured to fit a simplified head shape, and it can become frustrating for someone with thick or complex shaped hair to find the right fit. Liv Cycling Helmets are worn by a wide diversity of riders like our global ambassador, Alexa Everson, who has experienced curly hair, thick hair, and locs. She has found comfort in Liv helmets by being mindful of these three factors -if a rider’s hair is in a complex style with braids, locs, hairpieces, an afro, or other features, it would help to understand:

How a Bike Helmet Should Fit
How to Adjust the Fit of a Bike Helmet
Why You Might Need More Than One Helmet

Right way to measure

Do not measure with hair over face

Do not measure over bun or ponytail that will not fit in helmet

How a Bike Helmet Should Fit

When choosing a helmet, there is really only one measurement needed to determine your size: the circumference of your head. This would be the length it takes a measuring tape to wrap around your head at 2-3 centimeters (cm) above your eyebrows and along the occipital bone forming the back of the skull. That measurement can range from as low as 17 cm for infants and up to 52-64 cm for adults. It can also change depending on your hairstyle and the thickness it adds to your head.

The best practice is to take the measurement for your most common hairstyle and how you plan to typically style it when you ride. Ideally, that style would keep hair out of your face for optimal visibility. That head circumference compared to the Size Chart of the helmet you are interested in will determine whether you will fit into the size range of a Small versus a Medium or larger helmet. If your precise measurement is on the “fence” between two sizes, it is recommended to size down to guarantee a snug fit. A loose helmet is not a safe helmet.

Using the 2-finger rule

Using the “v” rule

Using the 1-finger rule

Once you have the right size helmet, ensure it fits properly for optimal safety. Starting with the helmet unbuckled, rest it leveled on your head, and then buckle the chin strap. Then, follow this “2-V-1” Rule to achieve proper fit:

“2” is for the two fingers that should fit between the top of your eyebrow and the front edge of the helmet against your forehead.

“V” is for the shape the side straps should make around each ear. The bottom of the “V” should rest just beneath your earlobe with both sides of the “V” resting flat against your head.

“1” is for the 1 finger you should be able to fit between your neck and the chin strap when it is securely buckled.

A properly fit helmet is a safe helmet. A bike helmet should be worn according to the manufacturer’s standard because that is how the helmet was tested and approved for wear. Different helmet types exist for different types of cycling (road/urban, off-road/mountain biking, etc.) but, generally, these standards apply to all bike helmets. Once you understand how a bike helmet should fit properly, you can make adjustments to make sure the fit is safe and also works for your hairstyle.

Photos by Eric Arce

How to Adjust the Fit of a Bike Helmet

To drive a vehicle, a person will make adjustments to the seat, the steering wheel and the mirrors. Not every driver has the same height or reach and not every cyclist does either. The first thing a cyclist does with their new bike is usually make adjustments to the saddle and handlebars to fit their body’s dimensions. The very same should happen when you get a bike helmet and again when you are changing hairstyles–just as you might move a car seat back farther when wearing shoes with a thicker sole or high heel. In order to adjust the fit of a bike helmet, a rider can use at least 3 mechanisms which are found on most standard bike helmets.

Retention System:

This feature is also known as the Head Circumference Adjuster or “basket” inside the shell of the helmet. It has an adjustable dial in the rear of the helmet that rests around the nape of the neck. The dial allows you to adjust the tightness of the helmet around your head and secure it to stay leveled. It is always the first adjustment you should make every time you put on your helmet. Make sure it is open and loose when you put it on and tighten with the dial to secure it for your ride. When tightened properly, you should be able to move your head around without the helmet falling off–even with the chin strap unbuckled. It shouldn’t be too tight, of course. The helmet should not leave a mark on your forehead. This is a great feature for complex and changing hairstyles as it allows you a range for sizing within one helmet and allows the bike helmet to secure to different textures and shapes.

Side Straps:

The straps that join around the ears in the “V” shape can also be adjusted to fit your ears since the size and shape of ears can vary greatly. There is usually a ‘slider’ where the straps cross that can be unlocked so you can move it farther up or down to make sure your ear fits comfortably within the “V”. You should avoid adjusting this while hair is over your ear because hair can shift when riding and cause the straps to become loose. It can be helpful to use a headband or other type of head wrap to keep hair out of your face and ears, but be sure to adjust your helmet to accommodate a thicker head with the added material.

Chin Strap:

As the side straps meet under your chin, they are adjustable once more at the buckle. You can loosen and tighten the strap here to achieve the ideal spacing of one finger between the strap and your neck. The strap should be tight enough that the helmet does not shift around but also loose enough for you to comfortably talk, eat, and drink.

Most bike shops will allow you to try on a helmet and make adjustments to make sure you like the fit before purchasing. Make sure to ask their permission to try on, ask them about what sizes they offer, and whether you can order the size(s) you need. Ideally, your hair will be in the most common style you expect to wear. You may find it helpful to have someone assist you in making these adjustments while wearing the helmet as taking the helmet on/off to make minor adjustments can be cumbersome. Whenever you significantly change your hairstyle, you should consider checking the fit of your helmet again before riding. If you find it impossible to make adjustments to your helmet that can accommodate a new hairstyle, you may need to consider another solution.

Using adjuster on side strap

Using chin strap buckle

Why You Might Need More Than One Helmet

Some hairstyles can add significant thickness and therefore make your head circumference larger. Some riders may occasionally have protective hairstyles like braids, locs, and wigs, that can be difficult to fit inside the helmet they would normally wear. A change in your hair should not prevent you from riding your bike. If your helmet can’t fit your new hair after you have tried to adjust the fit like outlined above, you should consider getting a second helmet at a larger size. It is a great opportunity to try a new helmet color or style and it is a great way to guarantee your safety no matter which hairstyle you want to rock.

Wearing ‘smaller’ helmet for hairstyle

Wearing ‘larger’ helmet to accommodate headscarf in cold weather

Another reason to have multiple helmets of different sizes is to accommodate headwear. You may want to wear a brimmed cap for sun protection or an insulating beanie to stay warm and dry in cooler conditions. You may also want to wear a protective head scarf or covering to keep your hair healthy. In any case, similar to getting a thicker hair style, wearing headwear on top of your hair will add thickness to your head and possibly require a larger helmet size.

When you go to try on helmets at your local shop, try bringing the headwear you want to use to make sure it will fit appropriately. It doesn’t hurt to have more than one helmet. You will be prepared to take on any ride while still being able to express your style authentically without discomfort. Plus, you would have a helmet for a friend, if it fits of course!

Woman wearing a helmet and cycling cap in the snow

Alexa wearing a brimmed winter cap under ‘larger’ helmet for cold weather

A helmet should not make you cringe or feel hideous. You owe it to yourself to find a helmet that makes you feel safe so that you can fully experience the joy of cycling without the stress of risking injury, and you can look good while doing it! Helmets can be cute, colorful, elegant, sleek, and you can customize them with your own decorations. Stickers, paint, wraps, streamers or even Alexa’s choice of googly eyes!