Here is the thing nobody tells you about beanies. They are not the problem. Flat, staticky hair underneath them is, and that part is fixable.
The trick is picking beanie hairstyles that look intentional with the beanie on and bounce right back when it comes off. These seven beanie hairstyles do exactly that.
In this guide:
- Loose Waves, the Classic Beanie Hairstyle
- Low Bun Beanie Hairstyles That Hide Under Your Hat
- A Loose Side Braid That Keeps Its Shape
- The Fishtail Braid Worth Showing Off
- Face-Framing Pieces Done Right
- Beanie Hairstyles for Curly Hair That Survive Winter
- The 30-Second Beanie-Off Refresh
Loose Waves, the Classic Beanie Hairstyle
Loose waves are the beanie’s best friend because they already have texture. A beanie flattens whatever it sits on, but waves spring back where straight hair stays limp.
Work a little texture spray through dry hair before the beanie goes on. Dry matters here, because damp hair sets into the beanie’s shape and stays there.
When the beanie comes off, flip your head upside down, give your roots a good shake, and the waves wake right back up. If you are starting from a lighter color, these waves look especially pretty on winter blonde hair.
Low Bun Beanie Hairstyles That Hide Under Your Hat
High buns and beanies are enemies. A low bun at the nape of your neck sits below where the beanie grips, so nothing gets squished out of shape.
Twist your hair into a loose, messy bun and pin it. It takes about two minutes and it peeks out from under a slouchy beanie in a way that looks completely intentional.
Pull a few strands loose around your face and neck. It softens the whole look and hides the line where the beanie pressed against your hair.
A Loose Side Braid That Keeps Its Shape
Braids are basically hat-proof. The weave holds its shape under pressure, so what goes in looking good comes out looking good too.
A side braid drapes over your shoulder and stays visible, which means your hair is part of the outfit instead of hidden by the hat. This is one of the easiest wins in the whole beanie game.
Keep the braid loose rather than tight. It looks softer, and it will not leave a hard crease when you undo it later. For more braid ideas that work in cold weather, browse quick braids.
The Fishtail Braid Worth Showing Off
If you can fishtail, this is your moment. The detail is intricate enough to read as a real hairstyle even with a beanie covering half your head.
Drape it over one shoulder so it catches the light. The contrast between chunky knit and fine braid texture looks great in photos.
A fishtail also survives the whole day. It is one of the few styles that looks the same at the end of the afternoon as it did in the morning.
Face-Framing Pieces Done Right
This is less a hairstyle and more the difference between cute and flat. Pull the beanie slightly back off your forehead and let two soft pieces fall forward along your cheeks.
Those pieces frame your face the way bangs would, and they are the first thing anyone sees. Everything else can hide under the beanie and nobody cares.
If the pieces go staticky, smooth a tiny drop of serum over them. A used dryer sheet pressed over your hair works in a pinch too. For a more polished twist on pinned-back styles, see the french twist.
Beanie Hairstyles for Curly Hair That Survive Winter
Curly hair and beanies actually get along well. Curls have built-in volume, so they do not flatten the way straight hair does.
The move is a stretched style or a loose pineapple under a slouchy beanie. The extra room in a slouchy knit gives your curls space instead of crushing them down.
Pick a looser knit or a silk-lined beanie when you can. Less friction means less frizz when the beanie comes off, which is half the battle. More curl-specific cold weather ideas are in curly hair.
The 30-Second Beanie-Off Refresh
So the beanie came off and your hair went flat anyway. This takes half a minute.
Flip your part to the opposite side from where it sat under the beanie. It is the oldest trick in the book and it works because the roots lift at a fresh angle.
Hit your roots with a little dry shampoo, shake everything out, and go. Nobody will ever know the beanie was there. Shorter lengths bounce back fastest, which is one more reason to love a bob haircut in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which beanie hairstyles work best?
For beanie hairstyles, loose waves, low buns, and braids win every time. They hold their shape under pressure and bounce back fast, which is the whole game with beanie hairstyles.
How do I stop static when I wear a beanie?
Keep your hair moisturized before the beanie goes on, and pick smoother fabrics like cotton or silk-lined knits. A drop of serum on the lengths after you take the beanie off kills whatever is left. Marie Claire’s guide to taming static hair has more pro tricks worth stealing.
Why does my hair go flat under a beanie?
Pressure and friction. The beanie presses your roots down while the knit roughs up the surface. Starting with dry hair, a loose-fitting beanie, and some texture at the roots prevents most of it.
Can I wear a beanie with short hair?
Absolutely. Pixie cuts, bobs, and short curls look great under a beanie because there is less hair to flatten. Push the beanie slightly back and tousle the ends that peek out.
