{tuesday tip} tame those bangs!

While I am still in shock about the loss of my camera I have found myself inspired to branch out and diversify my posts.

Allow me to introduce the first of many tuesday-tips! This week’s topic – tame those bangs!

This topic branches off of a comment left by the inspiredcyclist which read;

“I would very much appreciate it if you have some tips for keeping your bangs nice while and after riding…I have shoulder length hair and bangs. My hair looks awful after riding with a cap or helmet. TIA!!!”

Now I’m a fairly new member of the bang gang and I’ll admit this is a tricky situation. Here are a few suggestions to keep that fringe from flying while riding your bike at any speed.

1. Tuck them neatly under a vintage silk scarf.

This is my go-to solution and I almost always have one tucked into my purse.It is a quick , chic , and cheap solution.I tend carry bright colored one’s since they help increase my visibility to passing cars. I highly suggest sticking with silk as it helps to regulate your body heat and will keep you a little less sweaty then cotton or polyester.

You can find great vintage scarves at just about any thrift shop for under $5. If thrift stores aren’t you’re thing there are plenty on etsy and ebay. If spending money isn’t your thing then you can easily make one from an old skirt , shirt , or bed sheets! The edges can be rolled and pressed with an iron – no need to sew!

2. Put a lid on it

This is a great option if the hat is also part of your “off the bike” outfit. Truth be told this option may leave slightly more sweaty then a scarf but you’ll look so super cute and ladylike it will totally be worth it.

The darling ladies of Cycle Chic Sundays [pictured above] demonstrate a few different styles of hats that go well with the bike.

There are two things I keep in mind when selection a hat for a bike ride

1. The Fit

- A snug fit is best if you are planning on keeping the cap on once you get off the bike. It’s nice because you don’t have to worry about it flying off in transit – but you are almost guaranteed hat-hair.

-A loose fit will do well in warmer weather and if the hats only purpose it to keep those tresses tamed while in transit. Be aware that wind is not a friend of the relaxed fitting hat – so a ribbon or scarf tied under the chic is recommended.

2. The Fabrication – You have to consider the weather  you are riding in because that will in turn determine the sweat factor.

-In warm and sunny conditions a straw or paper fiber hat is best. These hats tend to be a bit more relaxed fitting so securing them with a scarf or ribbon is a good idea.

-In moderate climate a cotton or cotton blend cap is a great choice. This will also open your options up to a world of print , pattern , and style. You can find a wide array of these lightweight caps just about anywhere.

{click images to visit the etsy store for these lovely lovely hats}

-In cooler and cold conditions [and also in damp/rain] I opt for a wool cap. This can come in the shape of the traditional cycling cap , a felted beret , or a snazzy fedora. Wool is a great regulator of body heat and helps keep moisture at bay. There are loads of great hand made options online. I have linked to a few great vendors here , here , and  here .

3. Pin em back!

If weather , outfit , or planning doesn’t permit you can always fall back on the tried and true bobby pin.

This is also a good option when wearing a helmet. I tend to sweep my bangs to the right and pin as close to the ends as possible [to avoid making a noticeable dent] About 5-10 minutes out from my arrival I will un-pin my bangs and shake them out. I am a bit of a plain Jane when it comes to bobby pins – but there are LOADS of cute and snazzy vintage one’s on etsy.

I hope this post was helpful! If you have another suggestion or tip on how to tame your bangs let me know. If none of these solutions sounds good to you then just screw it! let those babies fly in the wind. Who said bangs have to be prim and perfect anyway?!

xo

p.s. i feel i should say that the term ‘Tuesday tip’ most likely originated on some other blog located somewhere in the interwebs. I tried to google search it but the results were vague and couldn’t find a ‘source’. If any readers know of an exisiting TM or © – let me know so I can credit the proper creator. thx