Finding a lid that fits your beautiful, thick, hair can be tricky. This review of the best bike helmet for afro hair will highlight some of the top options on the market.
No matter how hard you search the internet, you’re not likely going to find a bike helmet with the tagline, “designed for Afro hair.”
This can be frustrating, especially when you take your safety seriously. How do you come up with a suitable pick for those thick, lush, hair of yours?
Here’s the good news. Your search for the best bike helmet for afro hair ends here!
I’ve narrowed down suitable and good-quality hardhats for people with afro hairstyles, so keep reading to find the best bike helmet for afro hair.
Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?
Buying Guide for the Best Bike Helmets for Afro Hair
Okay, nearly all the helmets are tagged “best” in their respective categories. So, how do you know which option is truly the best one for you?
This buying guide section provides pointers to help you figure out the right pick to protect your head without messing up your hair.
Fit
It might seem like a no-brainer to go for a big helmet since you are in the market for something with enough room for your big hair.
However, you don’t want to simply go for a model that’s too big.
Why is that?
A lid that’s too big will fall forward or backward when you are cycling. And that’s exactly the kind of thing you don’t ever want happening when you are on the move.
Here’s how to know if a helmet is too big for you.
It will feel loose even after you’ve fully tightened the straps.
On the other hand, you shouldn’t be forcing a bike helmet onto your head. If you have to squeeze your head into the lid, it is clearly too small and not suitable for your hair volume.
If the protective headgear is too small, it can lead to headaches, reduced peripheral vision, and even shortness of breath.
Here’s the bottom line.
Helmets that are too big or too small are both the wrong fit.
You want to steer clear of helmets with a poor fit, regardless of their attractive design or impressive build quality.
Using a helmet with the wrong fit will compromise your performance and safety.
More: Best Bike Helmet For Large Head
Comfort Level
Covering your head when cycling can cause heat, especially if you have a full hairstyle like an afro.
For this reason, you’ll want to factor in the comfort level that the lid provides.
Choose helmets that offer adequate ventilation.
This is especially important if you will be doing a lot of cycling during the warmer months or in hot weather conditions.
You don’t want your head to overheat during long or vigorous rides. That means you want to choose a helmet with plenty of large openings or air channels.
Also, keep an eye out for models with strategic padding.
Pads are not only meant to cradle your head. They also wick away sweat and many of them are made from sweat-absorbing materials.
It’s even better if you can find models with removable and washable pads. This way, you can keep them clean and fresh.
Here’s one more thing to consider in terms of comfort level: straps.
For the most comfortable cycling experience, choose helmets with soft chinstraps. Make sure the side of the strap that comes in contact with your skin has a low profile.
You don’t want to struggle with chinstraps while on the move. Unfortunately, picking a lid with a rough strap surface will mean experiencing chaffing or pinched skin.
Protective Features
Look beyond how your hair will fit in a bike hardhat when shopping for the best helmet for afro hair.
You want to also consider the protective features available with the option you are eyeing.
While it may sound redundant to look for “protective features” in a product that’s specifically designed for “protection,” you’ll be surprised at how many people ignore this.
Indeed, all helmets are made to protect users in case of crashes.
But here’s the deal.
You’re not just looking at the mold construction. Instead, consider other additional protective features like micro-structures inside the shell or fused layers.
The reason for this is simple: in case you get into a crash, these features will absorb the impact, so you will feel little to no effect of the blow to your head.
In addition to this, micro-structures reduce the overall weight of the headgear.
Many modern helmets now come with the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology.
This offers maximum protection, and you should consider opting for one of them.
Of course, they may be slightly pricier but the MIPS feature offers better protection against rotational impacts.
One more thing!
If you plan to ride in low light conditions, such as nighttime or early hours of the morning, I strongly suggest you go for helmets with excellent reflectivity.
More: Best Bike Helmet For Round Head
Build Quality
No doubt, the market is saturated with lots of attractive bike helmets for just about any style of riding you can think of.
However, don’t be carried away with all the eye-catching designs. Ensure that you are choosing a model with excellent construction.
Most good-quality options have an outer shell, inner liner, and straps.
The type of materials for the inner liner will vary depending on the brand. These usually include nylon, metal mesh, expanded polystyrene (EPS), and more.
Regardless of the model you choose, it is important to make sure it doesn’t cause skin irritations. If you have any skin allergies, you will want to keep that factor in mind when considering the materials used in constructing the helmet.
Also, you want to make sure the helmet meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard for impact protection.
Be sure the helmet’s documentation clearly says it is CPSC compliant.
Additional Features
If you ride a lot during the daytime, a visor will be a good feature to look out for in a helmet.
But not just any visor will do. Opt for the removable types.
It might seem a bit awkward wearing a helmet with a visor when the weather outside doesn’t call for shading your eyes and face, right?
Some bike helmet models also have magnetic goggles that help you cut through the glare. Consider getting these if you want extra protection for your eyes.
Essentially, all the features of a bike helmet come down to personal preference.
They are usually not deal-breakers for many cyclists since you can always find a way around lids that lack these additional features.
But one thing you shouldn’t compromise on is the helmet’s appearance.
It doesn’t matter if you are buying a high-end or budget option; always go for a lid that complements your stylish fashion sense.
More: Best Bike Helmet For Ponytails And Long Hair
FAQ
Can you wear a helmet with an afro?
Here’s a straightforward answer: yes, you can and should wear a helmet with an afro hairstyle.
However, avoid models that are too tight for your voluminous hair.
Consider choosing bike helmets with ample room for the afro hair, so you can feel comfortable while cycling.
How do you wear a helmet with afro hair?
Helmet hair is a real thing, and it is especially frustrating for people with full hair or afro-textured hair.
Besides flattening or completely ruining your stylish hairdo, helmets can snag your curls. In addition to finding a black girl bike helmet, you need to know how to use it to protect your hair.
Here are a few useful tips to help you use a helmet with your afro hair:
- Wrap your hair in a bonnet or scarf. Make sure to tie the headgear around your hair, and not just around your ears. Let the scarf cover the entire hair so it can keep the lid from ruining your hairstyle.
- Depending on the length of your hair, you can pull it all the way back into a ponytail.
- Pull up your hair to the top of your head and stuff it into the helmet. Make sure it fits snugly by adjusting the fit dial and the straps.
How do I protect my hair while riding a bike?
You can protect your hairstyle while riding a bike by wearing a silk scarf, bandana, or cycling cap.
Any of these will prevent the lid from rubbing against your hair and disheveling it.
The exact headgear you use will depend on the length of your afro hair.
In any case, you want to make sure to cover your entire hair. Not covering the entire hair will defeat the purpose of the headgear, to begin with.
If you have particularly long locks, it is a good idea to tie up your hair, pin it up, or pull it back to avoid tangles that can happen during bike rides.
Also, tying your hair will reduce the chances of messing up your hairdo when you put on and remove the lid.
Another way to protect your hair while cycling is to braid it or make it into a ponytail. This way, strands of hair won’t get into your eyes or rub against your face when you are on the move.
More: How Do I Protect My Curly Hair When Cycling?
Do you wear a cycling cap under helmet?
Wearing a cycling cap under a helmet is not only the right thing to do, it is crucial if you have thick, full hair.
The reason for this is simple: cycling caps will keep your curls from getting caught in the buckle.
Besides, a cycling cap will protect your eyes from sweat. This is particularly important if you sweat a lot or enjoy cycling in light rain.
Notice the bill or peak at the front of the cycling cap? It serves to protect your eyes from bright headlights and provides shade against the sunlight.
So, if you opt for one of the best bike helmets for afro hair that doesn’t have a visor, a cycling cap can effectively replace the visor.
You can wear the cap with the bill flipped up or down. There are no hard-and-fast rules here. Just do whatever works for you.
Afro hairstyles for wearing a helmet
Having afro-textured hair shouldn’t stop you from wearing a helmet. However, you can make things a lot easier and more efficient if you adopt certain hairstyles.
Of course, no one should tell you how you should or shouldn’t style your hair. But if you plan to ride every day, it will be in your best interest to consider altering your hairdo to suit the use of helmets.
With that out of the way, here are a few afro hairstyles that work great with a bike helmet.
- Braids: Depending on the length of your hair, you can braid it into a half-up crown, classic Dutch, or milkmaid braids. Whatever your preference, braids are easy to do, and will keep your curls from getting all tangled up when you go cycling.
- Low bun: Afro hair, particularly when you blow dry it, becomes voluminous. Wearing a helmet on it can be tricky because it will just sit awkwardly on your hair.
To prevent this, consider styling your hair into a low bun. This will reduce the volume at least temporarily. With a low bun hairstyle, even a somewhat small or medium-sized helmet will fit snuggly around your head.
More: Best Bike Helmet For Seniors On the Market
Conclusion
Picking the best bike helmets for afro hair shouldn’t be a problem after reading this review.
I would go for the Giro Synthe MIPS Adult Helmet – it’s my personal favorite. But I’m certain you will come to a good choice.
Regardless of your pick, be sure to choose something that’s not just attractive but also functional.
Remember that the primary goal is to protect your noggin. Thankfully, all of the lids on this list can keep you safe on your bike while simultaneously maintaining your stylish look.