Best Bike Helmet For Ponytails And Long Hair

Not all bike helmets are suitable for female cyclists with long hair. The best bike helmet for ponytails comes with special features to accommodate the hairstyle. Check out some of the best models in this ponytails bike helmet review.

Let’s cut to the chase!

No cyclist wants to throw away their money on a helmet that doesn’t suit their purpose. And trust me when I say, I’ve been, there done that!

After testing several helmet models and a few not-so-good experiences, I’ve included only the best ponytail-compatible helmets in this review to help you skip the guesswork.

Whether you’re looking for the best bike helmet for ponytails for yourself or someone else, this review has got you covered.

Don’t worry about price tags. You’ll find something suitable, regardless of your budget.

Let’s get this underway.

Review of the Best Bike Helmet for Ponytails and Long Hair

1. Kask Protone Helmet – Premium Pick

Kask Protone Helmet

The low-profile, skull-hugging design makes Kask Protone feels like it’s specially crafted to fit your head, even if you wear a ponytail.

Regardless of whether you ride on bumpy roads and no matter your riding position, this lid will fit snugly on your head.

And just because it holds your head tightly doesn’t mean your hair will get all sweaty. Instead, Protone’s large openings allow you to stay cool even when riding on hot days.

Want to adjust the straps on the move? Easy-peasy! Kask’s proprietary Octo Fit adjustment system lets you make all the adjustments you want without stopping your bike.

Another reason to choose this helmet is the lightweight design. Protone is incredibly light. You’re not likely to notice the lid on your head.

Plus, it looks cool! So, it’s not going to take away from your style or hairdo.

If you’re like most women with long hair, you probably already know that it can be uncomfortable and even distracting to have hair rubbing against your neck and back when cycling.

This is especially annoying on hot days!

Worse still, a single strand of hair in your face can be very discomforting while cycling.

Protone removes all this peskiness and lets you concentrate on enjoying your time on your bike. That’s besides offering maximum protection against crashes.

Here’s the thing, though.

Protone will set you back a few hundred dollars. But trust me; this premium helmet is worth every single cent.

If you can afford it, I highly recommend the Kask Protone.

Pros

• Elegant, aerodynamic design
• Extra swing adjustment
• Fits snugly and comfortably
• Super-lightweight and highly ventilated

Cons

• And expensive option

2. BELL Stratus MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Value

BELL Stratus MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet

It doesn’t matter whether you wear your hair long or not, Bell’s Stratus is simply a fantastic option.

With this helmet, you get a lightweight lid that’s comfortable to use for extended periods.

But don’t let its lightness fool you!

This helmet is as sturdy as they come. That’s all thanks to the fusion in-mold construction process that bonds the foam liner to the outer shell.

Here’s what that means for you. It is light enough to be unnoticeable yet it is by no means flimsy. 

That’s not all.

Even if you end up in a crash, the helmet is designed with MIPS slip-plane technology to reduce impact from all directions.

Getting a dialed-in fit is pretty easy. That’s because Stratus comes with a highly adjustable Float Fit system to make the helmet fit snugly around your head instead of sitting awkwardly on your head.

Annoying chaffing or rubbing from straps? Not with Syntax. The straps lay flat on your face during use, even in windy conditions. Plus, it is well-ventilated and breathable, so you’ll stay cool on warm days.

Speaking of cycling on warm days, you don’t have to worry about sweat dripping down the helmet and possibly getting into your eyes, even if you tend to sweat a lot.

Why is that?

The secret lies in combining the Overbrow Ventilation and Sweat Guide features. Bell’s clever built-in intake ports pull moisture away from the brow pad and your eyebrow or sunglasses.

Pros

• Bunch of colors to choose from
• Straps lay flat on the face
• Pulls sweat away from the forehead
• Offers adequate ventilation

Cons

• No replacement pads included

3. Giro Syntax MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Budget Pick

Giro Syntax MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet

Good-quality in-mold helmets are typically expensive, but not the Syntax. Go for this model if you want a moderately priced helmet that works well for long hair.

While it doesn’t come with the usual cut-throat price tag of high-end models, it does offer many of the features of pricier helmets.

So, expect extra safety from the MIPS technology.

By the way, MIPS is not merely tacked onto the helmet after the fact. Instead, it is integral to the Syntax.

No doubt, it is not a featherweight helmet. But you’ll hardly notice this lid on your head so you can focus on the road.

Okay, why is Syntax a great choice for long hair?

It’s all about the design of the ratcheting dial.

In addition to letting you quickly adjust the helmet in three different positions, the ratcheting dial offers a tad more coverage at the rear. This allows you to pull your ponytail through and tighten it nice and snugly.

It’s hard not to recommend Syntax considering what it offers at this price point.

Pros

• Comfortable, lightweight, and functional
• Offers adequate ventilation
• Easily adjustable ratcheting dial
• MIPS redirects energy impact in case of a crash

Cons

• Vents don’t seem to accommodate sunglasses

4. Nutcase Street Helmet

Nutcase Street Helmet

Not every woman wants to look like Annemiek van Vleuten or any other pro cyclist. Sometimes, you just want a simple, skate-style helmet for your regular commute.

That’s where the super cute Nutcase Street Helmet shines.

It is an excellent pick for the everyday rider who wants something simple yet functional. First off, the helmet comes in a wide selection of colors and adorable designs.

With 28 different options to choose from, finding a design that fits your style and personality shouldn’t be difficult.

But Nutcase isn’t just about attractive colors.

Riding without sunglasses? No problem. The visor will protect your eyes from sunrays.

And just in case the visor looks is too old-school for your liking or you have no need for it, you can take remove it. It’s totally up to you.

There’s no traditional buckle to struggle with here; only a magnetic buckle that’s easy-peasy to operate. Simply hold both ends close together and the buckle will automatically click into place. Slide the ends apart and it unbuckles.

The best part? There’s no chance the buckle will pinch your neck skin!

The adjustable rear fit dial combined with Velcro pads means the helmet will fit just about any head shape and size. It also means you can comfortably wear a ponytail with the bike helmet.

Compared to some of the previous models, Nutcase’s option isn’t super breathable. Thankfully, it comes with 11 vent holes so your hair isn’t going to get incredibly sweaty like you may have experienced with other skate-style helmets.

And did I mention it is insanely affordable?

You can get this option for under a hundred bucks, depending on the model you choose. So, if cost is a major concern, you might want to go with Nutcase’s offering.

Pros

• Wide range of colors to choose from
• Highly reflective shell lets other road users easily see you
• Comes with a removable visor for increased comfort
• Low price point

Cons

• Not very breathable

5. Thousand Heritage Adult Bike Helmet

Thousand Heritage Adult Bike Helmet

The Heritage helmet from Thousand should be on your radar if a stylish, vintage design appeals to you.

Besides donning a simple but beautiful design, this helmet works well for people with larger heads. If that’s you, this might be your best pick.

Here’s why I included this option on my ponytails bike helmet review.

You can easily tighten or loosen it to get a perfect fit. That’s not a feature that’s common with most ratcheting cages. But Thousand equipped the Heritage with a rear fit dial so you can make the helmet fit snugly, even if you wear a ponytail.

But that’s not all.

There’s really no need to worry about this helmet getting stolen, and that’s one of my favorite things about Heritage.

The logo panel on the helmet conceals a secret pop-lock feature. Simply pop the panel open and fit a lock through to secure it while you’re away from your bike.

Don’t like the Terra Cotta color pictured here?

No worries.

There’re plenty of color options, so you’re sure to find something that matches your taste.

There’s one downside, though. There are only a few openings on the helmet, so it can get hot if you use it on a warm day.

Other than that, I highly recommend this option if you want a stylish, affordable, and ponytail-compatible helmet.

Pros

• Rear dial offers good fit
• Stylish, vintage design
• Pop-lock feature to secure the helmet to your bike
• Available in many colors

Cons

• Limited ventilation

Best Bike Helmet for Ponytails and Long Hair Buying Guide

Just before you hit the “buy now” button, here are a few considerations that’ll help you choose a helmet that works best for you.

More: Best Bike Helmet For Seniors On the Market

Size

First, you want to choose a helmet that perfectly fits your head.

The operative word here is “perfectly.”

You don’t want to buy a helmet that’s too large because it’ll just keep wiggling during use. Or worse still, it might fall off at the most ill-opportune moment.

Too tight, and it will have to endure your helmet each time it goes on your head! That means you’ll be too uncomfortable to focus solely on the road, and that’s not something you want to be doing while cycling.

For ideal results, measure the circumference of your head before scouting for helmets. A perfectly fitting helmet shouldn’t be able to move more than an inch in all directions once you have it on.

Remember, there is no room for guesswork here.

More: What Is The Best Bike Helmet For Bald Head?

Comfort

Factor in the weight of the helmet.

The best bike helmet for ponytails and long hair should be so light you hardly notice it’s on your head.

A lightweight helmet won’t put a lot of strain on your neck and shoulders. Of course, a heavy option will do the exact opposite.

Also, keep an eye out for models with enough openings. These will offer adequate ventilation and help you stay cool when riding in warm weather.

Hairstyle

A helmet might check all the boxes above but still won’t work for you if it doesn’t have features that allow you to wear a ponytail or long hair.

Don’t get it twisted: safety is crucial and should be top on your list of priorities (even though it comes last on this ponytails bike helmet review).

That being said, you shouldn’t give up your preferred hairstyle when there’s really no need to. Simply choose a ponytail compatible helmet and you won’t have to sacrifice personal style on the altar of safety.

Look for helmets with a wider opening between the fit dial and the bottom shell. This will allow you to easily fit your ponytail through the gaps. If the helmet sits on your ponytail, then it’s not the right pick.

More: Best Bike Helmet For Round Head

Safety

Lastly, go for helmet models rated safe for cycling. Be on the lookout for some sort of certification by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

You’ll be taking unnecessary risks if you choose a helmet that’s not compliant with safety standards.

It’s best to look elsewhere if the manufacturer doesn’t specify.

More: The Best Commuter Bike Helmet

FAQ

Can You Wear a Ponytail with a Bike Helmet?

Yes, you can!

The best way to wear a ponytail with your bike helmet is to buy one equipped with features designed to accommodate ponytails.

And by “features,” I’m not just referring to plenty of holes or openings. Usually, these are mostly there to provide ventilation, and not for passing your long hair through them.

Instead, choose helmets with wider openings at the rear. That way, the helmet will fit your head nicely when you put your ponytail between the fitting strap and the shell’s bottom.

Alternatively, you can go for a model with a well-curved rear designed to support long hair or ponytail (even if it doesn’t have an opening at the back).

How Do You Wear a Cycling Helmet with Long Hair?

There are several hairstyles that allow you to wear a cycling helmet with long hair. Ponytails, perfect braids, low buns, double braids are some of the functional and stylish hairdos you might want to consider.

The most important thing is to find a hairstyle that’s both good-looking and functional when wearing a helmet.

Alternatively, you can use accessories such as headbands, headscarf, and bandana to hold your long hair in place. Just make sure the helmet can still fit securely with the added accessory.

Can’t find a style that appeals to you?

No problem.

Simply use a skullcap or head sock to keep your long hair intact when you wear a bike helmet. A skullcap might not look cool but letting your hair down while cycling can make things worse!

How Do You Wear a Ponytail with a Bike Helmet?

Here’s how to wear a ponytail with a bike helmet:

Start by styling your long hair into a ponytail. Next, pull the ponytail between the fitting strip and the bottom of the shell. Lastly, adjust the straps until you get the perfect fit.

What should you do if your helmet model doesn’t have a fitting strip?

Simply thread your ponytail through one of the rear vents. But make sure it fits nicely without causing the helmet to pitch too high.

Your helmet must rest properly on your head. The last thing you want is to affect the effectiveness of your helmet’s safety features.

Check: How to Wear A Bike Helmet With A Ponytail

Does Hair Affect Helmet Size?

Technically, yes. If you have long hair or very thick hair, your helmet size will be different from someone with very short hair (even if you both have the same head measurement).

If you have lots of hair, the best way to get the correct size helmet is to pull your hair back into a low ponytail before you measure the circumference of your head.

Get the ponytail is as close to your neck’s base as possible when taking the measurement. Alternatively, use a hairnet and elastic band to hold your hair down before measuring.

More: Best Bike Helmet For Small Head

Conclusion

That does it for this ponytails bike helmet review. Whether you have a ponytail, long hair, or like to pull your hair into a nice-looking bun, you’ll find a suitable helmet for cycling on this list.

Heck, you might even choose two or more options, especially if you change your hairstyle often.

Whatever you do, remember to put safety first before any other consideration when choosing the best bike helmet for ponytails and long hair.