For women working in industrial or construction jobs, finding hairstyles that are comfortable, safe and compliant with PPE requirements can be a challenge. Hard hats, in particular, can be difficult to wear comfortably with long, thick or elaborate hairstyles. However, with some planning and strategic styling, it is possible to achieve feminine and professional looks that also accommodate hard hat use. Below, we will look at some of the top hairstyles for ladies that promote safety and comfort under hard hats.
Low Ponytails and Braids
Hard hats are an important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect the head from falling objects and debris. However, it can be hard to know what hairstyles work well with this type of PPE.
Simple low ponytails are one of the easiest hat-friendly options for ladies with medium to long hair. Pulling the hair back in a ponytail low at the nape of the neck keeps the majority of the hair contained under the hard hat. Using gentle hair ties and scrunchies instead of tight elastics can help reduce pinching or pressure points underneath the hat. For some added interest, try a braided low ponytail. French, Dutch, fishtail and other braided styles contain the hair neatly while adding texture and dimension. Stay away from high or voluminous ponytails that interfere with hard hat fit.
Low Buns
Securing hair in a low bun at the nape of the neck is another go-to choice for hard hat compliance and comfort. The bun should be positioned low enough on the head that the hard hat sits just above it, not resting directly on top of the bun itself. Using bobby pins, hair clips and bands to neatly contain any loose strands will help keep the bun secure and in place while working. For added safety, hair sticks and sharp decorative pins should be avoided to prevent potential puncture hazards.
Protective Headscarves and Bandanas
For containing very long or curly hair, headscarves and bandanas can provide full hard hat coverage with a feminine touch. Tying a scarf or bandana over the hair serves the dual purpose of neatly containing the hair and providing a layer of comfortable padding beneath the hard hat. Seek out soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk or microfiber to reduce sweating in hot environments. The key is to ensure the scarf or headwrap fits smoothly over the head without bulk that would impact the fit of the hard hat.
Short Hairstyles
For ladies with short hair, pixie cuts, bobs, and other short styles are inherently hard hat friendly. With less hair length and volume, short cuts carry little to no risk of interfering with proper hard hat fit. This makes them an effortless option for hard hat compliance. Hair at the nape of the neck may need to be trimmed or contained to prevent the hard hat from riding up. But in general, short, work-friendly hairstyles are a foolproof option for safety and comfort. Short hair also requires less maintenance and styling time, making it an efficient choice for busy workdays.
With a bit of creativity, women can achieve professional hairstyles suited to the unique demands of construction and industrial work sites. Prioritising safety, comfort and PPE compliance ensures working women feel empowered in their choice of hairstyle.
