Every winter, image-conscious women (and some men) face an impossible choice: Obey the laws of common sense and don a hat before venturing into the cold or preserve the hairstyle they've spent so much time, effort and money to achieve.
But an expanding variety of headgear makes the possibility of developing "hat head" less likely, says Chaz Henline of Charles Scott Salons and Spas in Rocky River and Westlake. "[Hats] come in so many shapes and styles and materials that everyone should be able to find a suitable, warm one," he explains.
Henline and Mia Pesce Coleman, assistant artistic coordinator for John Robert's Spa in Mayfield Heights, review the season's hottest hats and the hairstyles they accommodate.
The beanie. Henline says those with short, flatter hair can wear this trendy accessory without consequence. "Allow your hair to be seen," he advises. "With a bang, you can sweep it across the forehead." It's also a perfect fit with long, straight locks, beachy waves, braids, low ponytails or buns, Coleman notes. When curling, style below the brim, she suggests. "Bring the fullness to the front."
The earmuffs. "Headwraps are more in fashion right now than earmuffs," Coleman observes. "But earmuffs are coming back into style." For those who like the look, it's another way to keep the ears warm and show off your coif. Henline recommends arranging locks over the band. "You won't mess [with] whatever height you like on the top that way," he says.
The snood. Think of it as an infinity scarf meant to be extended over the head instead of the more traditional hairnet style. Henline singles it out as a good option for those with volume who want more coverage. To improve the look, "bring some hair out from underneath the [edge]," he says.
The headwrap. Coleman loves this fashionable option, particularly for short styles that just don't bounce back, such as the pixie. The wrap sits on the forehead and extends over the ears to the nape of the neck, leaving almost everything else untouched. Some boast appliques and other ornamentation. "It looks almost like a part of your hairstyle," she says. It's so cute that "you could wear it at the office," Coleman adds.
