Can You Wear Any Hat in The Sauna?

Intro

Ever wondered if you can wear any hat in the sauna? It sounds simple, but the wrong choice can leave you dizzy and overheated. Don’t worry, this guide breaks it down for you. You’ll learn why sauna hats matter, what materials work best, and how to protect your head and hair while enjoying your sauna time.

 

Key takeaways

 – Choose a Sauna Hat Over Regular Hats: Regular hats trap heat—opt for wool or felt sauna hats for protection.

 – Protect Your Hair: Sauna hats shield your hair from drying out or becoming damaged.

 – Prevent Dizziness: Insulating your head helps regulate body temperature and reduces lightheadedness.

 – Match the Hat to the Heat: Use cotton or linen for low heat, wool or alpaca for higher temps.

 – Use a Wet Hat or Towel for Extra Cooling: A damp sauna hat or towel keeps your scalp cool and comfortable.

 

What is a Sauna Hat?

A sauna hat is a thick, heat-resistant hat typically made from wool or felt, designed to protect the head from extreme temperatures during sauna sessions. The sauna hat works by insulating the scalp, preventing overheating and allowing users to stay in the sauna longer and more comfortably. Originally used in traditional Russian and Finnish saunas, the sauna hat is now also appreciated for preserving hair moisture and preventing dizziness during prolonged heat exposure.

 

Can You Wear a Regular Hat in the Sauna?

You can wear a hat in the sauna,but not just any hat will do. Regular hats like caps or beanies can trap heat and make you feel dizzy or uncomfortable. Instead, go for a sauna hat made from natural wool or felt. It protects your head and hair, keeps your body temperature balanced, and helps you stay in longer. Plus, it makes your sauna session more relaxing, safe, and even stylish.

 

What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Sauna Hat?

Protects Your Hair from Heat Damage

A sauna hat protects your hair by blocking extreme heat, so your strands don’t dry out, turn brittle, or lose their shine. It keeps the temperature around your head more balanced, which helps your hair stay healthy. For example, a 2011 study in Annals of Dermatology found that hair exposed to high heat, like 95°C from a dryer, became rough, dry, and lighter in color after just 10 sessions. This shows that intense heat can damage hair, and since saunas also reach high temperatures, wearing a sauna hat can really help protect your hair.

 

Prevents Overheating and Lightheadedness

Wearing a sauna hat helps regulate your body temperature during high-heat sessions by insulating your head and slowing down heat absorption. Since your head is one of the most heat-sensitive areas, covering it prevents the sudden rise in body temperature that can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. In fact, overheating is a common issue in very hot saunas. According to Frontiers in Public Health (2024), a study found that 20-minute sauna sessions at 120°C significantly increased heart rate and forehead temperature, and even caused confusion and vomiting in some women. This shows how intense heat can overwhelm the body,and why a sauna hat can make a real difference.

 

Regulates Head Temperature for Longer Sauna Sessions

In a sauna, your head heats up faster than the rest of your body because hot air rises—and your head is up high, right where it’s hottest. The brain is also very sensitive to heat and doesn’t cool down as easily. That’s why you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. A sauna hat helps by acting like a heat shield. It slows down the heat reaching your scalp, keeping your head cooler and letting you enjoy your sauna session longer and more comfortably.

 

What is the Best Material for a Sauna Hat?

The best material for a sauna hat depends on how hot your sauna session is. For low heat (110°F–130°F), linen or cotton hats work best because they are lightweight, breathable, and help wick away moisture. Cotton, made from natural cellulose, is widely used in clothing because it’s soft, comfortable, and hypoallergenic, making it a safe and healthy choice for your skin.

For medium heat (130°F–150°F), wool felt hats are a good option. They insulate your head and protect you from heat while staying comfortable. In high heat (150°F–175°F), thicker wool or alpaca wool hats provide stronger protection. Alpaca wool is especially good for extreme heat because it’s breathable, odor-resistant, and gentle on the skin.

 

Can You Wear a Wet Hat in the Sauna?

Wearing a wet sauna hat is a smart way to protect your head from overheating. Since heat rises, your head heats up the fastest, which can make you dizzy or tired. Wetting the hat with cool, clean water helps create a refreshing barrier that cools your scalp and keeps you comfortable. Just soak it evenly, squeeze out extra water, and wear it right before entering the sauna for the best effect.

 

Can You Wear a Towel as a Hat in the Sauna?

Yes, you can wear a towel as a hat in the sauna, and it’s actually a smart idea,especially if you don’t have a sauna hat. A lightly damp cotton or linen towel helps protect your head from overheating, keeps your hair from drying out, and adds comfort by shielding your scalp from the hot air. Just wrap it like a turban or drape it over your head, making sure it covers your crown.