If you love listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks with headphones, you might have experienced the annoying problem of headphone hair. Headphone hair is the dent or flattening of your hair caused by the pressure of the headphone band on your scalp. It can ruin your hairstyle and make you look messy or unprofessional. How To Prevent Headphone Hair?
But don’t worry; you don’t have to give up your headphones or compromise your appearance. Here are some simple and effective ways to prevent headphone hair and keep your headphones from ruining your hair from looking fabulous. In this blog post, we will share 10 tips on avoiding headphone hair and enjoying headphones without hassle.
Table of Contents
What is Headphone Hair & When Does It Happen?
Headphone hair is the dent or flattening of your hair caused by the pressure of the headphone band on your scalp. It can happen when you wear headphones for a long time, especially if they are tight or heavy. The headband compresses your hair and scalp, leaving a visible mark on your hair.
Headphone hair can affect anyone who wears headphones, regardless of hair type, length, or style. However, some factors can make it more noticeable or severe, such as:
- Having fine or thin hair that is more prone to flattening
- Having curly or wavy hair that can lose its shape or bounce
- Having oily or greasy hair that can stick together
- Having a lot of hair products on your hair can weigh it down
- Wearing headphones with a thick or rigid headband can create more pressure
- Wearing headphones for several hours without taking them off or adjusting them
Headphone hair can be annoying and embarrassing, especially if you have to attend a meeting, a date, or an event right after using your headphones. It can also damage your hair in the long run by weakening the cuticles and causing breakage or hair loss.
That’s why it’s essential to learn how to prevent headphone hair and keep it healthy and beautiful.
Ways to Prevent Headphone Hair
There are several ways to prevent headphone hair, depending on the type of headphones you use, the length and texture of your hair, and your preference. Here are some of the most common and effective methods to fix headphone hair:
Choose the right headphones:
The first step to prevent headphone hair is to choose comfortable, lightweight headphones that don’t exert too much pressure on your scalp and hair. Some headphones have adjustable bands that let you loosen or tighten them according to your needs. Others have cushioned or padded ear cups that reduce friction and denting on your hair. You can also opt for wireless or earbud headphones that don’t have a band at all.
Adjust your headphones properly:
The second step to prevent headphone hair is to adjust your headphones properly before wearing them. You can do this by placing the band slightly above or below your hairline or shifting it to the left or right. This way, you can avoid creating a visible dent on your head. You can also wear your headphones at an angle so they don’t cover your entire ear.
Style your hair before and after wearing headphones:
The third step to prevent headphone hair is to style your hair before and after wearing headphones. You can apply some product, such as hair gel, mousse, or spray, to your hair before putting on your headphones. It will help keep your hair in place and prevent it from getting flattened. After removing your headphones, you can use a comb, brush, or fingers to fluff up your hair. It will help restore the volume and shape of your hair.
Use some products and accessories:
The fourth step to prevent headphone hair is to use styling products and accessories that protect your hair from damage and denting. You can wear a hat, scarf, bandana, or headband over your headphones. It will create a barrier between your hair and the headphone band and add style to your look. You can also use some dry shampoo, hairspray, or volumizing powder to refresh and lift your hair after wearing headphones.
Choose Lightweight Headphones
One of the best ways to prevent headphone hair is to choose lightweight headphones that don’t put too much pressure on your scalp and hair. Heavy or tight headphones can cause your hair to get flattened or dented by the band or the ear cups, creating an unflattering look that can ruin your style. On the other hand, lightweight headphones can reduce the impact on your hair and allow it to breathe and move more freely.
Many lightweight headphones, such as wireless, earbud, or bone-conduction, are available. These headphones don’t have a band that goes over your head, so they don’t interfere with your hair. They also have smaller or softer ear cups that fit snugly in or around your ears without causing any friction or denting on your hair.
Some examples of lightweight headphones that you can try are:
Apple AirPods:
These wireless earbuds connect to your device via Bluetooth and offer high-quality sound and noise cancellation. They are very comfortable and easy to use, and they come with a charging case that extends their battery life.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds:
These are wireless earbuds that offer excellent noise cancellation and sound quality. They have a sleek and ergonomic design that fits securely in your ears, and they have touch controls that let you adjust the volume, play/pause/skip tracks, and activate voice assistants.
AfterShokz Aeropex:
These bone-conduction headphones deliver sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open to hear the ambient sounds. They are very lightweight and durable, with a wraparound band behind your head, avoiding contact with your hair.

Avoid Wearing Headphones For Too Long
Another way to prevent headphone hair is to avoid wearing headphones for too long. Wearing headphones for extended periods can cause your hair to get compressed and lose its natural shape and volume. It can also cause your scalp to sweat and produce more oil, making your hair look greasy and limp. Moreover, wearing headphones for too long can also damage your hearing and cause headaches or ear fatigue.
To avoid these problems, you should limit how much time you use headphones daily. You can take frequent breaks and remove your headphones every hour. You can alternate between headphones and speakers depending on the situation and the environment. For example, you can use headphones when you need to focus or block out noise and speakers to relax or share music with others.
Some tips to help you avoid wearing headphones for too long are:
- Set a timer or an alarm to remind you to remove your headphones every hour or after a specific time.
- Use an app or a website that tracks how long you use headphones and alerts you when you exceed a limit.
- Keep your headphones in a place that is not easily accessible, such as in a drawer or a bag, so you don’t use them impulsively or unnecessarily.
- Listen to music or podcasts at a low or moderate volume so that you don’t strain your ears or damage your hearing.
Change your hairstyle so it’s less susceptible to headphone hair
One of the most effective ways to prevent headphone hair is to change your hairstyle so it’s less susceptible to getting flattened or dented by your headphones. Some hairstyles are more prone to headphone hair than others, such as long, straight, or fine hair. These hairstyles quickly lose shape and volume when pressed by the headphone band or ear cups. On the other hand, some hairstyles are more resistant to headphone hair, such as short, curly, or textured hair. These hairstyles retain their shape and volume better and bounce back quickly after wearing headphones.
There are many ways to change your hairstyle so it’s less susceptible to headphone hair. You can do this by cutting, curling, braiding, or styling your hair differently. Here are some examples of hairstyles that can help you prevent headphone hair:
Cut your hair short:
Short hair is less likely than long hair to get affected by headphones, as it has less surface area and weight to get compressed. You can choose a pixie cut, a bob cut, or a buzz cut, depending on your preference and face shape.
Curl your hair:
Curly hair is more resilient to headphone hair, as longer hair has more texture and elasticity to spring back after wearing headphones. You can curl your hair naturally or artificially using a curling iron, rollers, or perm.
Braid your hair:
Braided hair is more immune to headphone hair, as it has more structure and stability to withstand the pressure of headphones. You can braid your hair in different ways, such as a French braid, a fishtail braid, or a crown braid.
Style your hair differently:
You can also style your hair differently to avoid headphone hair by adding some layers, bangs, or accessories. You can also change the parting of your hair from the middle to the side or vice versa.
Adjust the headband so it doesn’t touch the top of your head
Another way to prevent headphone hair is to adjust the headband so it doesn’t touch the top of your head. The headband is part of the headphones that go over your head and connects the two ear cups. It is usually made of metal, plastic, or leather and can exert some pressure on your scalp and hair. If the headband touches the top of your head, it can create a visible dent or crease on your hair, especially if you have long, straight, or fine hair.
To avoid this problem, you can adjust the headband so it doesn’t touch the top of your head. You can do this by:
Loosening the headband:
Most headphones have adjustable headbands that let you loosen or tighten them according to your head size and shape. You can loosen the headband slightly so it sits lower on your forehead or higher on your crown, leaving some space between the headband and the top of your head.
Shifting the headband:
You can also shift the headband slightly to the left or right so it doesn’t align with your hairline or parting. This way, you can avoid creating a dent in the centre of your neck or head. Also, try wearing the headband at an angle so it doesn’t cover your entire ear.
Covering the headband:
You can also cover the headband with some fabric or material that can cushion and protect your hair from the pressure of the headband. For example, you can wrap a scarf, a bandana, or a hat around the headband, creating a barrier between your hair and the neckband headphones.
How to Get Rid of Headphone Hair
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might still end up with headphone hair after wearing headphones for a while. But don’t worry; there are some ways to get rid of headphone hair and restore your hair’s natural shape and volume. Here are some of the most common and effective methods:
Wet your hair:
One of the easiest ways to get rid of headphone hair is to wet your hair slightly and let it air dry or blow a hair dryer through it. You can do this by spraying some water or a leave-in conditioner on your hair or by dampening your hands and running them through it. It will help rehydrate and reshape your hair and remove any dents or creases caused by the headphones.
Comb or brush your hair:
Another simple way to get rid of headphone hair is to comb or brush your hair gently and thoroughly. You can use a wide-tooth comb, paddle brush, or fingers, starting from the roots and working your way to the ends. It will help detangle and fluff up your hair and restore its volume and texture.
Use some products:
You can also use some products to get rid of headphone hair and refresh and revitalize your hair. You can use some dry shampoo, hairspray, or volumizing powder on your roots and scalp and massage them. It will help absorb any excess oil or sweat from wet hair, add lift and body to your hair, and make it look cleaner and fresh.
Change your hairstyle:
You can also change your hairstyle to remove headphone hair and create a new look. You can do this by adding some layers, bangs, or accessories to your hair or by changing the parting of your hair. You can also try different hairstyles that can hide or disguise any dents or creases on your hair, such hat hair such as a ponytail, a bun, a braid, or a twist.

Use In-Ear Headphones at a Time
One of the best ways to prevent headphone hair is to use in-ear headphones at a time. In-ear headphones are headphoneshttps://bestcomputerproduct.com/top-10-in-ear-headphones-for-a-comfortable-and-secure-fit/ that fit inside your ear canal and don’t have a band that goes over your head. They are also known as earbuds, earphones, or earpieces. In-ear headphones are ideal for preventing headphone hair, as they don’t touch your hair at all and don’t cause any pressure or friction on your scalp and hair.
There are many benefits of using in-ear headphones at a time, such as:
- They are lightweight and portable; you can easily carry them in your pocket or bag.
- They are discreet and inconspicuous; you can wear them without attracting attention.
- They are comfortable and secure; you can wear them without discomfort or fatigue.
- They offer good sound quality and noise isolation, and you can enjoy your music or podcasts without being disturbed by ambient sounds.
Some examples of in-ear headphones that you can try are:

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro:
These are wireless in-ear headphones that offer excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. They have a sleek and ergonomic design that fits snugly in your ears and touch controls that let you adjust the volume, play/pause/skip tracks, and activate voice assistants.

Sony WF-1000XM4:
These are wireless in-ear headphones that offer superb sound quality and noise cancellation. They have a compact and elegant design that securely fits your ears and touch controls that let you adjust the volume, play/pause/skip tracks, and activate voice assistants.

Jabra Elite 85t:
These are wireless in-ear headphones that offer excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. They have a durable and comfortable design that fits well in your ears and button controls that let you adjust the volume, play/pause/skip tracks, and activate voice assistants.
Choose the right type of headphones
Choosing the right headphones that suit your needs and preferences is one of the most critical steps to preventing headphone hair. Many types of headphones are available in the market, such as over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, wireless, wired, noise-cancelling, etc. Each type of headphone has advantages and disadvantages; some types are more likely to cause headphone hair than others.
To choose the right type of headphones, you should consider the following factors:
Comfort:
It is choosing comfortable headphones that fit well on your ears and head. Avoid heavy, tight, or bulky headphones, which can cause discomfort and pressure on your scalp and hair. Look for headphones with soft and cushioned ear pads or ear tips that reduce friction and denting on your hair.
Sound quality:
Choose headphones that offer good sound quality and suit your taste and genre of music. Look for headphones with clear and balanced sound, good bass, treble, and mid-range. It would help if you also considered headphones with noise-cancelling or noise-isolating features, as they can block out external noise and enhance your listening experience.
Portability:
It would help if you chose portable headphones that are easy to carry around. It will help if you are looking for headphones with foldable or detachable hinges or a carrying case or pouch. It would help if you also considered wireless or earbud headphones, as they need a cord that can get tangled or damaged.
Style:
It would help if you chose headphones that match your style and personality. It will help if you want headphones with sleek and stylish designs and different colour options and features. It would help if you also considered headphones with a minimalist or discreet look, as they don’t draw too much attention to your head or hair.
Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss?
If you are worried about losing your hair due to headphones, you might wonder if there is any truth to this concern. The answer is yes, but only in some cases and with some factors involved. Wearing headphones can cause hair loss if they are too tight, too hot, or worn for too long. This type of hair loss is called traction alopecia, and it occurs when the headphones pull or press on your hair follicles, making them weak and prone to falling out.
However, you can still keep your headphones. Traction alopecia is usually reversible and preventable if you take precautions and care for your hair. Here are some tips to avoid hair loss from headphones:
Choose the right type of headphones:
As mentioned earlier, some headphones are more likely to cause hair loss than others. It would help to avoid headphones with a tight or heavy headband that goes over your head, such as over-ear or on-ear headphones. Instead, opt for headphones with no headband or light and adjustable, such as in-ear or wireless headphones.
Adjust your headphones properly:
You should also ensure that the adjustable headband of your headphones fits nicely on your ears and head without being too loose or tight. You should loosen the headband slightly so it does not touch the top of your head or create a dent in your hair. It would help to shift the headband to the left or right so it does not align with your hairline or parting.
Take breaks and remove your headphones:
You should also limit the amount of time you wear your headphones each day and take frequent breaks to remove them and let your scalp and hair breathe. You should only wear your headphones for an hour and remove them every 15 minutes. You should also avoid wearing headphones when you sleep, which can cause more pressure and friction on your hair.
Care for your hair and scalp:
It would help if you also cared for your hair and scalp by washing them regularly, moisturizing them, and avoiding harsh chemicals or treatments. It would help to gently massage your scalp to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth. You should also use products that protect and nourish your hair, such as oils, serums, or sprays.
FAQ
Can you prevent headset hair?
Yes, you can prevent headset hair by choosing the right type of headphones, adjusting them properly, styling your hair before and after wearing them, using some products and accessories, and avoiding wearing them for too long.
How do you get rid of headset hair?
You can get rid of headset hair by wetting your hair slightly and letting it air dry or blow dry it, combing or brushing your hair gently and thoroughly, using some products such as dry shampoo, hairspray, or volumizing powder, or changing your hairstyle by adding some layers, bangs, or accessories.
Is headphone hair permanent?
No, headphone hair is not permanent. It is usually reversible and preventable if you take precautions and care for your hair. However, in some rare cases, wearing headphones too tight or too often can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss that occurs when the headphones pull on hair strands or press on your hair follicles, making them weak and prone to falling out.
How do you prevent gamer dents?
Gamer dents are similar to headphone-dented hair, caused by wearing gaming headsets for long periods. You can prevent gamer dents by following the same tips as for headphone hair, such as choosing the right gaming headset, adjusting it properly, styling your hair before and after wearing it, using some products and accessories, and avoiding wearing it for too long.
Conclusion
Headphone hair is a common problem many people face when using headphones for long periods. It can affect your appearance and confidence, and in some cases, it can also damage your hair and scalp. However, you don’t have to sacrifice your headphones or your hair. You can prevent headphone hair by following some simple tips and tricks, such as:
- Choosing the right type of comfortable, lightweight headphones that don’t exert too much pressure on your hair and scalp.
- Adjust your headphones properly before and after wearing them so they don’t touch the top of your head or create a dent in your hair.
- Styling your hair before and after wearing headphones by applying some product, combing it, or changing it.
- Using some products and accessories that can protect your hair from damage and denting, such as hats, scarves, bandanas, or headbands.
- Avoiding wearing headphones for too long and taking frequent breaks to remove them and let your hair breathe.
Following these steps, you can enjoy your headphones without compromising your hairdo. If it happens, you can also get rid of headphone hair by wetting it, combing it, using some products, or changing your hairstyle. Headphone hair is not a permanent or severe condition; it can be easily prevented and fixed.
This blog post has helped you learn how to prevent headphone hair and keep your hair in shape. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this post, please share it with your friends and family who might benefit from it. Thank you for reading!
Reference
Headphones – Wikipedia: This article provides a general overview of headphones, their history, types, features, and applications. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headphones.
Traction alopecia – Wikipedia: This article explains the condition of traction alopecia, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traction_alopecia.
Noise-cancelling headphones – Wikipedia: This article describes the technology and function of noise-cancelling headphones, their advantages and disadvantages, and their variations and uses. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise-cancelling_headphones.