Helmets and Long hair

[oniasuka]

I've been growing my hair out for quite some time. I haven't had it trimmed more than an inch or so for the past 7 years, so it's close to my waist. However, I want to get into serious touring if my health permits. That being said, on the short rides I've been doing (8 miles or so) this summer have always ended up with the same hair: Warm, moist pony tail that's starting to knot up right near the band. The best solution I've found to long hair and tangling while riding is putting it back in a low ponytail, but I'm tempted to just chop my hair to my ears if this continues. I'm tired of pulling knots out from my hair just because I want to ride a bit.

Any suggestions?

[luvmyguys]

Have you thought of braiding it?

Mine's not as long, but I've been using a Buff and depending on the day, I might wear it such that it covers my hair completely. That tends to keep it from getting too tangled.

[OakLeaf]

When my hair was hip length I kept it in a single braid when I rode. In those days I was riding upward of 200 miles a week. The only problem it gave me was the weird tan line from riding in a bra top.

My reasons for cutting it short had nothing to do with sports. But I do love it short.

[oniasuka]

Every time I've put it in a braid it's caused problems. It is certainly less of a problem than before, but the knotting still happens because my hair likes to inch out and then knot.

I have super thin hair, though.

The buff sounds like a good idea, though.

[marni]

my 78 year old riding buddy miss Janet has waist length hair. She wears it in a center braid which she pulls through the back of her helmet and then clips in a double loop up near where it comes out of the helmet with a french (spring type) clip. She has to release the clip and pull her helmet off the braid if she takes her helmet off, but since we are both distance riders that usually only happens at the end of the ride.

[shootingstar]

my 78 year old riding buddy miss Janet has waist length hair

And being in Texan heat that's impressive. But then maybe long hair is all she's known for last few decades.

Hope onia, you get used to cycling with the hair..and go longer distances without worrying about your hair.