25 Practical and Cute Skiing Hairstyles That Prevent Helmet Hair

Finding the perfect hairstyle for a day on the slopes can be challenging.

You need something comfortable under your helmet that won’t cause pressure points or headaches, yet still looks cute for those après-ski photos.

The right ski hairstyle should stay put through high-speed runs while preventing the dreaded “helmet hair” once you’re ready to relax in the lodge.

From practical braids to stylish low buns, these 25 hairstyles will keep you comfortable on the mountain while ensuring you look great the moment you remove your helmet.

1: Low Braided Pigtails

Create two low braids positioned behind your ears rather than at the sides.

This placement prevents uncomfortable pressure points when wearing your helmet.

Secure each braid with small, flat elastics that won’t create bumps.

The low position allows your helmet to fit properly while keeping hair contained and neat.

After removing your helmet, loosen the braids slightly for effortless waves that look intentionally styled rather than flattened.

2: French Braid Headband with Low Ponytail

French braid a 2-inch section of hair along your hairline from ear to ear, creating a secure headband effect.

Gather the remaining hair into a low ponytail at the nape.

This style keeps hair off your face while distributing it evenly under your helmet. The braid acts as a sweatband for your forehead during intense runs.

When you’re ready for après-ski, remove the ponytail elastic and enjoy natural waves with a braided accent that looks deliberately styled.

3: Double Dutch Braids

Create two Dutch braids (inside-out French braids) starting at your hairline and working back toward the nape.

This flat style contours to your head shape perfectly under a helmet.

Secure the ends with small elastics and tuck them under if they’re long enough.

The inverted nature of Dutch braids creates a secure style that stays put during active skiing.

This protective style prevents tangles and wind damage while looking intentionally sporty when your helmet comes off.

4: Low Infinity Bun

Create a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then twist it into a figure-eight shape.

Secure with bobby pins placed flat against your head to avoid pressure points.

The low placement ensures your helmet fits correctly without pushing against your bun.

This style keeps long hair contained and prevents it from whipping in the wind.

Simply touch up the bun after removing your helmet for an elegant look that transitions perfectly to post-skiing activities.

5: Half-Up French Braid

French braid the top section of your hair from forehead to crown, then secure with a small elastic. Leave the remaining hair loose or gather into a low ponytail.

This style keeps hair off your face while skiing without creating a bulky shape that might interfere with helmet fit.

The braid prevents your bangs from getting sweaty.

After skiing, release the lower portion of hair (if in a ponytail) for a half-up style that looks intentionally created rather than helmet-flattened.

6: Flexi Rod Curls with Low Ponytail

Create loose curls using flexi rods the night before, then gather into a low ponytail for skiing. The curls compress under your helmet without creating bulk.

Position the ponytail at the nape of your neck, using a soft elastic that won’t cause pressure. This style maintains volume at the roots despite helmet compression.

After skiing, release the ponytail for beautiful, bouncy curls that look freshly styled—the opposite of flat helmet hair.

7: Side Braid with Tuck

Create a single French or Dutch braid starting at your temple and working diagonally back toward the opposite nape.

Tuck the end under and secure with pins.

This asymmetrical style distributes hair evenly without creating bumps that might interfere with helmet fit.

The tucked end prevents uncomfortable knots at the back.

The diagonal placement creates an interesting pattern that looks deliberately styled when you remove your helmet for lunch or après-ski.

8: Low Twisted Bun with Headband

Twist your hair into a low bun at the base of your neck, securing with bobby pins placed flat against your head. Add a thin, stay-put athletic headband.

The headband keeps wisps off your face while skiing, and the low bun position allows your helmet to fit properly.

This combination prevents both flyway’s and helmet interference.

Simply adjust the bun slightly after removing your helmet for a polished look that transitions well to lodge activities.

9: Bubble Braid Ponytail

Create a low ponytail, then add small elastics every 1-2 inches down its length. Gently pull each section outward to create “bubbles” between the elastics.

This fun style keeps hair contained in a helmet-friendly low position. The elastics prevent tangling during active skiing while creating an interesting texture.

The bubble effect remains intact after helmet removal, giving you a playful, styled look that appears intentional rather than flattened.

10: Crown Braid with Low Gathering

Create a single braid along your hairline from ear to ear, then gather all hair (including the braid end) into a low ponytail or bun at the nape.

This combination keeps hair off your face while skiing without creating bulk at the crown that might affect helmet fit.

The style distributes hair evenly beneath your helmet.

After skiing, you can keep the style as is or release the lower section for a half-up look with an elegant braided crown.

11: Twisted Side Ponytail

Divide your hair into two sections and twist them away from your face. Combine the twisted sections into a low side ponytail positioned just behind one ear.

The twisted sections keep hair secure and flat against your head for comfortable helmet wear.

The side placement distributes hair asymmetrically to prevent bulk.

This style holds its twisted texture even after helmet removal, creating a deliberately styled look perfect for transitioning to après-ski.

12: Two-Strand Rope Braid Pigtails

Create two low ponytails, then twist each into a rope braid by dividing into two strands and twisting them around each other. Secure with small elastics.

The rope twist creates a flat, compact style that fits comfortably under your helmet.

The pigtail placement prevents a single bulky gathering at the back.

This style maintains its twisted texture after helmet removal, giving you a unique braided look that appears intentionally created rather than helmet-flattened.

13: Sleek Low Ponytail with Wrapped Base

Create a smooth, low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Take a small strand from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic for a polished finish.

Apply a small amount of smoothing serum before styling to prevent flyway’s.

The sleek nature of this style fits perfectly under your helmet without creating bumps.

This simple yet elegant style looks intentionally sleek after helmet removal—perfect for transitioning to an upscale mountain restaurant.

14: Mini Accent Braids with Low Bun

Create two thin braids at your temples, then gather all hair (including the braids) into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Secure with bobby pins.

The small braids add interest without creating bulk that might interfere with helmet fit.

The low bun position keeps hair neatly contained during active skiing.

After removing your helmet, the accent braids maintain their texture, creating a deliberately styled look even if the bun gets slightly compressed.

15: Four-Strand Braid Ponytail

Create a low ponytail, then divide it into four equal sections and weave into a four-strand braid. This technique creates a flatter, more compact braid.

The unique braid texture remains intact under your helmet while keeping hair securely contained. The low placement ensures comfortable helmet fit.

The intricate braid pattern looks impressive when you remove your helmet, giving the appearance of having just styled your hair rather than hiding it under gear.

16: Twisted Headband with Side Braid

Take a 1-inch section of hair from each temple and twist back, connecting at the center back.

Secure with a small clear elastic, then create a side braid with remaining hair.

This style keeps hair off your face while skiing without creating bumps that might interfere with helmet fit.

The side braid distributes hair asymmetrically to prevent bulk.

Both the twisted headband and side braid maintain their texture after helmet removal, creating a deliberately styled appearance for après-ski photos.

17: Low Space Buns

Create two low buns positioned at the base of your neck rather than at the sides of your head. Secure with bobby pins placed flat against your head.

The low placement allows your helmet to fit properly without pressing against bulky buns.

This style keeps hair contained and prevents tangles during active skiing.

These playful buns maintain their shape after helmet removal with just a quick fluff, creating a fun look perfect for casual mountain activities.

18: Lattice Braid Ponytail

Create a lattice pattern by weaving two French braids that cross over each other several times before combining into a low ponytail at the nape.

The flat, woven pattern contours to your head shape perfectly under a helmet while keeping hair secure during high-speed runs.

The pattern prevents pressure points.

This intricate style makes it look like you just left the salon rather than the slopes when you remove your helmet for lunch or après-ski.

19: Single Dutch Braid

Create one Dutch braid starting at your hairline and working straight back to the nape of your neck. Secure with a small, flat elastic that won’t create a bump.

The inverted nature of the Dutch braid creates a secure style that stays put under your helmet.

The single braid prevents uncomfortable knots when leaning back on chairlifts.

This classic style maintains its texture after helmet removal and can be slightly loosened for added volume during post-skiing activities.

20: Twisted Low Ponytail

Divide your hair into two sections, twist each section away from your face, then combine into a low ponytail.

Secure with a covered elastic that won’t catch on helmet padding.

The twisted texture creates a secure style that prevents tangles during active skiing.

The low ponytail position ensures comfortable helmet fit without interference.

After removing your helmet, this style maintains its twisted texture at the roots, creating a deliberately styled appearance rather than flat helmet hair.

21: Fishtail Braid Wrapped Bun

Create a low ponytail, braid it using the fishtail technique, then wrap the braid around its base to form a bun.

Secure with bobby pins placed flat against your head.

The fishtail texture creates interest while the low bun position prevents interference with helmet fit.

This style keeps hair securely contained during active skiing.

The intricate fishtail pattern remains visible after helmet removal, creating an elegant look that transitions perfectly to evening activities.

22: Twisted Side Bun

Create a low side part, then twist all hair toward the nape and form a low bun positioned slightly to one side.

Secure with flat bobby pins to prevent pressure points.

The asymmetrical placement distributes hair evenly without creating a bulky spot that might affect helmet comfort.

The low position ensures proper helmet fit.

This elegant style requires minimal adjustment after helmet removal, making it perfect for transitioning quickly to lunch or après-ski gatherings.

23: Triple Braid Low Bun

Divide your hair into three sections and create a braid with each.

Gather the three braids together at the nape and twist into a low bun. Secure with bobby pins.

The multiple braids create a flat, compact style that fits comfortably under your helmet. The low bun position prevents interference with proper helmet fit.

This intricate style makes it look like you spent hours at the salon rather than on the slopes when you remove your helmet for post-skiing activities.

24: Flat Twisted Updo

Create multiple flat twists starting at your hairline and working toward the nape. Tuck ends under and secure with bobby pins placed flat against your head.

The flat twists contour to your head shape perfectly, preventing pressure points or bumps that might affect helmet comfort.

This style keeps hair securely contained.

This protective style maintains its texture completely after helmet removal, making it look like you just styled your hair rather than compressed it under gear.

25: Low Braided Crown

Create a Dutch or French braid on each side of your head, starting at the temples and working down.

Cross the braids at the nape and pin up to form a crown effect.

The low placement of this crown prevents interference with helmet fit while keeping hair securely contained during active skiing.

The style distributes hair evenly.

With minimal adjustment after helmet removal, this elegant style creates a deliberately polished look perfect for transitioning to evening mountain events.

Conclusion

With these helmet-friendly hairstyles, you’ll stay comfortable on the slopes while avoiding dreaded helmet hair.

Choose a style that works with your hair length and texture, and enjoy both the skiing and the après-ski with confidence!