Hat Hair!

We’ve all been there—in front the bathroom mirror, furiously brushing and fluffing before anyone notices: hat hair.

Fear no more! Stylist Shelly Aguirre of Maxine Salon in the Windy City of Chicago (a place where the women know a thing or two about hats) lets us in on all the secrets of preventing—and fixing—your next case of hat hair, whether you’re wearing a snow, rain, cowboy, baseball or party hat!

To start, you’ll need a quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. She’s a fan of Kerastase Elixir Ultime Sublime Cleansing Oil-Enriched Shampoo and Beautifying Oil-Enriched Masque, good for all hair types. “The good thing is in the winter-time people aren’t shampooing every single day,” Aguirre explains. “So, they’re using the masque every other day, which is perfect because in the winter months everyone is so dry in texture, that I want them to use something a little bit heavier, and it helps with static electricity which is a huge problem this time of year.”

Next, the mane pro advises to be sure your hair is completely dry before putting that hat on and heading out the door. “It’s going to mark the hair obviously, even if the hair is a little bit damp,” she says.

For styling, Aguirre loves the magic wand that is Shu Uemura’s Volume Maker. “It’s like a mascara tube and literally, it’s almost like a fairy dust-type, powder consistency that comes out and you put it right at your scalp,” explains the hair maven. “So not only does it help with the volume of their hair, but it’s going to help with any static electricity.” She recommends using it before leaving the house, then again to help re-coif once you get to work/school/party/wherever. Can’t take it with you? Aguirre says the heat from your fingers will reactive the product to help you restyle upon arrival at your location.

Another tip or two: avoid taking hot showers, just keep it warm. Too much heat zaps moisture from both your skin and your hair. Try a baggier, looser hat to avoid the hat crease.

And if all else fails, make the hat a part of the day’s (or night’s) ensemble!