As someone who battles the elements in a cold climate and boasts a head of truly gigantic curly hair, I know the struggle is real. For years, I believed beanies were simply not meant for me. Every attempt ended in a frustrating "mushroom head" look, squished curls, or an uncomfortable fit that made me want to rip the hat off moments after putting it on. I longed to embrace that effortlessly cool, cozy beanie style, especially when the temperatures dropped, but my voluminous hair always seemed to get in the way. I desperately wanted to wear beanies, maybe leaving my bangs out and positioning the hat just right on the top of my head, but it felt like an impossible dream. This guide shares my personal journey and the game-changing discoveries I made to finally conquer the beanie dilemma with my big hair.
For the longest time, beanies and I had a love-hate relationship. I loved the idea of them – the warmth, the casual vibe, the way they instantly elevate an outfit. But every time I tried one on, it was a disaster. My natural curls, which I adore, would get flattened or create an awkward bulge around my head. I'd end up looking less like a fashion icon and more like I was hiding something under my hat. The fear of ruining my hair was constant, and the discomfort of a too-tight beanie was unbearable. I tried pulling them low, pulling them high, tilting them – nothing seemed to work. It felt like my hair was just too big, too full, too... much for any standard beanie.
I remember countless mornings, staring at my reflection, trying to make a beanie work. The typical women's beanies, while often stylish, simply didn't have enough room. My hair would either be completely squished, creating a weird helmet-like effect, or it would explode out from under the sides, looking completely dishevelled. I was convinced that beanies were only for people with sleek, straight, or thinner hair. This constant battle left me feeling frustrated and often opting for less warm, less stylish alternatives just to avoid the beanie struggle.
My journey to beanie enlightenment wasn't instant; it was a series of trials, errors, and some truly eye-opening discoveries. These insights completely changed how I approach headwear with my voluminous hair.
Initially, I thought my big hair was the problem. I felt like it made beanies look awkward. But then, I started noticing images of people with equally voluminous hair rocking beanies beautifully. It wasn't about hiding the volume; it was about embracing it. I realized that the fullness of my hair could actually complement the beanie, creating a stylish, balanced silhouette rather than an unbalanced "poof." It was a complete shift in perspective – my hair wasn't a hindrance; it was an asset!
This was an absolute game-changer. One day, out of sheer desperation, I decided to try on a men's beanie. And wow! The difference was immediate. Men's beanies are simply bigger. They offer so much more room, which is perfect for accommodating my thick, curly hair without squishing it flat. With my generous head size and abundant curls, men's styles provided the space and comfort I had been craving. They often have a more relaxed, slouchy fit that allows the hair to breathe and maintain its natural shape, rather than being pressed down. I found that I could easily wear my hair down, even with its full volume, and still achieve a comfortable and stylish look. This discovery alone opened up a whole new world of beanie possibilities for me.
While men's beanies were a revelation, I also learned that sometimes, a different approach is needed. I found that if my hair isn't super clean, putting it into a low pony or braids before putting on a beanie works wonders. It helps to contain the volume and create a smoother line under the hat, preventing any awkward bumps. On days when I'm aiming for a slightly different vibe, or if my hair is particularly wild, I sometimes opt for a beret instead. Berets offer a different kind of coverage and often sit higher on the head, allowing even more of my curls to frame my face. However, for sheer warmth and casual style, the beanie remains my go-to, especially when my hair is neatly braided or in a sleek low ponytail.
I noticed that a plain, unadorned beanie sometimes looked a bit off with my hair poofing out from the sides. It felt unbalanced. Then, I tried a beanie with a pompom, and it made all the difference! I generally believe that the bigger the pompom, the better, as it beautifully counterbalances the side volume of my hair. The pompom adds a playful, eye-catching element on top, drawing the eye upwards and creating a more harmonious overall look. It adds a touch of whimsy and makes the whole outfit feel more intentional and stylish, rather than just functional.
For those days when even the most accommodating beanie feels like too much, or when I want my hair to truly run wild, I discovered earmuffs. Specifically, the behind-the-head kind. These are fantastic because they keep my ears warm without touching my hair at all. My curls can just go everywhere, completely unconstrained, while I still stay cozy. It's a brilliant alternative for when you want warmth without any hair-squishing commitment.
Through all my experimenting, I stumbled upon a beanie that perfectly combines all the elements I look for: comfort, style, and enough room for my voluminous hair. It's the New Autumn Women's Rivet Beanie Hat Casual 95% Cotton Slouchy Hats with Applique Outdoor Street Punk Style Skullies Beanies. This beanie has become an absolute staple in my wardrobe, especially in the navy color.