Helmet kept on or taken off?

[Running Mommy]

helmet stays on... That way they also know why I'm clad in lycra with all my bits hanging out...

[Biciclista]

You get used to people looking at you. And the more they see you, the more used of people wearing bike helmets THEY're going to be, and then they will also move closer to wearing helmets themselves or suggesting helmets for their children.
If I am going to be somewhere for a while (like a restaurant) I take it off; but if i just run into a shop, I'll leave my helmet on.

[ny biker]

I leave the helmet on. The only time it comes off during a mid-ride stop is if I'm really really hot and I need to pour water on my head.

FWIW, I have a friend who always wears a bandana under her helmet. I'm pretty sure she does it to keep her hair from going wild. Maybe that would help with curly hair.

[Jo-n-NY]

I wear a buff under my helmet. It keeps the hair in tack and keeps the helmet from getting sweaty in warm temps.

~ JoAnn

[Becky]

I usually take it off, but then again, my hair is only two inches long! Maybe carry a bandana or a Buff with you, just in case?

[indysteel]

If I'm just making a quick stop at a gas station or convenience store, I leave the helmet on. If I'm actually stopping long enough to eat a meal, then I'll take it off, but I don't do that very often. In any event, I made a pact with myself not to care what I look like after or during from wearing a helmet. Headbands, bandanas, and pony tail holders, however, can work wonders.

I'd add that I've ridden in some pretty rural places and you'd be suprised how little any one I've encountered has cared.

[lph]

I used to think people wearing helmets indoors looked like lost aliens, now I don't think of it at all and just walk around looking like a doofus. To eat a meal I'd take it off, though, but I'm usually wearing half a buff underneath anyway to pick up sweat. I'm not sure I look any better for it

[Andrea]

Cycling cap!

[RoadRaven]

helmet stays on... That way they also know why I'm clad in lycra with all my bits hanging out...

A1!!!
Thats me!

[DDH]

Mine comes off immeidiately being as I am usualy stopping because I am so hot that I need to cool off a minute anyway. I also have a very thick head of hair and my heads sweats and gets very hot, so I need the break.

I'm like some of the other girls, I'm all sweaty and red and look terrible anyway, so taking the helmet off isn't going to make that much of a difference.
I'm one of those girls that sweats profusely, so there is no help for me. LOL

I'm big, I'm in lycra, with bike shoes and a helmet in hand. I figure if they don't like what they see, they can turn the other way. In fact, I am less self conscience when I am riding, than I am any other time.

I guess my mind is on my heat stroke more than what I look like. LOL

[ny biker]

I'm big, I'm in lycra, with bike shoes and a helmet in hand. I figure if they don't like what they see, they can turn the other way. In fact, I am less self conscience when I am riding, than I am any other time.

This reminds me of a ride I did a couple of summers ago. The start/end was a shopping center where there is an Italian deli that makes really good sandwiches and always has a very long line of customers waiting for their food. After the ride was over, I went in and took a number and waited for my turn. It was a really hot, humid day and I'd just ridden over 40 miles. I was still in my bike clothes and was all sweaty and had bad helmet hair. I got a lot of strange looks from the other people waiting in line. There was a bike shop a couple of doors down, so you'd think people would be used to seeing folks decked out in bike shorts, etc. So I guess I must have looked really bad. I actually thought it was pretty hilarious.

p.s. the sandwich was excellent - totally worth the wait.