bike hair

I've been riding my bike a lot lately, and let me tell you, my hair is not happy about it. I have a hard enough time doing my hair under normal circumstances, so the addition of a bike helmet makes things pretty much impossible. I'm sure all you bike riders out there feel me (because you always wear your helmet, right???).

I usually just end up putting my hair in a ponytail when I'm riding my bike, but Refinery29's round-up of helmet-friendly hairstyles has inspired me to get a little fancier. I think I might try the Twist this week, but I don't think even the world's best tutorial could help me do the Modern Princess Leia without assistance. I don't really understand how anyone can french braid the back of their own hair, but maybe I just need to practice more? And maybe grow an extra set of arms?

One thing I have found to help combat helmet hair is dry shampoo.  I cannot sing the praises of dry shampoo enough, I think I may be developing an addition. Its the only way I can get away with not washing my hair every day, whether or not I'm biking. Not only does it absorb oil on my second-day (and even third and fourth day) hair, it gives my fine hair more volume and body. I like to use a little after a bike ride to absorb any sweat and help fluff up my hair so it doesn't look plastered to my head.

I've been on a quest to find the best dry shampoo and I think I may have finally found it:

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo is amazing. I'm hardly the first to sing it's praises (Allure gave it a Best of Beauty Award), but I was initially hesitant to try it because of its relatively high price tag. After going through many bottles of cheaper brands that were sticky, too strongly scented, and ran out after only a few uses, I finally gave it a try. I only wish I had bought it sooner! It's unique application system is non-aerosol, but still easy to apply. Plus, you only have to use a little at a time, so the bottle will last long enough to easily get your money's worth. And most importantly- it works! After a few sprays of this magic powder, no one has to know I slept through my alarm this morning and was just huffing and puffing up the hill on my bike. Take that helmet hair!

[top photo via Little Miss Fashion Blog, second photo from Refinery29, Klorane photo from drugstore.com]