Things will happen like this:
I haven’t done anything, but why does my head hurt when I wear a hat?
You might be surprised to learn that something as seemingly innocuous as wearing a hat can cause various headaches. I know I was when I first started experiencing them.
But after doing some research, I learned that several different types of headaches could be caused by hats: as far as I know, the list contains:
- compression headaches/tension headaches
- hatband headaches or ponytail headaches
- sinus pain
- allergic reactions
A way too much, right? Luckily, I also discovered a few tips and tricks for preventing headaches caused by hats – and I’m sharing them all with you today.
So if you’re someone who regularly wears hats, or even if you just wear them occasionally and struggle with headaches, it’s important to be aware of the different types of headaches they can cause and how to avoid them.
Keep reading on for more information about the different types of headaches and tips for preventing them from happening.
5 Different Types of Headaches Caused by Hats & Reasons
After my research, I found out that there are five different types of headaches caused by hats; check which one of them is your case:
1. Tension/Compression Headaches: Your Hat Give Too Much Tightness to Your Head
When you wear a very small-sized or tight hat, it can give your head too much tightness and compresses your head.
This feels like someone is squeezing your head or like there’s a lot of pressure on it. The compression will accumulate as long as you wear the hat and can even lead to a throbbing sensation.
So even if your hat is not too tight when you first put it on, it can become tighter as the day goes on, giving you a tension headache.
To prevent this type of headache, ensure your hat is the right size for your head and make sure it’s not too tight.
If you can, try to find a hat with an adjustable strap so you can loosen or tighten it as needed.
2. Headband Headache/Ponytail Headache: You Are Put Your Hat Way too Back
Have you ever experienced pain when you tie your hair too high in a ponytail? (Girls, I know you feel me on this one).
The same concept goes for hats. It gives you headaches if you like putting your hat way back on.
This type of headache is more common in women because, let’s face it, we often have our hats pulled back on our heads to keep our hair out of our faces.
Besides, from a fashion level, some hats look better when worn back on the head (and tend to be blown away easily). However, if you want to avoid this type of headache, try not to pull your hat back too far on your head.
Or you can try to choose a lightweight hat that doesn’t put too much pressure on your head.
3. Sinus Pains: Your Hat Absorbs Sweat or Gets Wet To be the Yarn of Migraines
How does it feel when a cold breeze goes through your scalp, and you just sweat a lot? It makes you feel that your head is about to explode, right?
Well, hats can also cause sinus pain similarly: if your hat absorbs sweat or gets wet, the cold temperature can hurt your head.
This happens easily when you live through a rainy season or your hat is made of materials that can absorb a bunch of moisture, like wool or cotton.
Ensure to keep your hair dry when going outside, and if you start to sweat, take your hat off and let your head breathe for a few minutes.
If you can, try to find a hat made of materials that don’t absorb moisture as much, like polyester or nylon. These materials will help keep the sweat away from your head and prevent sinus pain caused by hats.
4. Allergic Reactions: You Are Allergic To The Fabric of Your Hat
Like many other clothes, hats can also cause allergic reactions. This is because you may be allergic to the fabric of your hat or the materials it’s made of.
For example, if you’re allergic to wool, then wearing a wool hat will obviously irritate your skin and cause an allergic reaction. (This also causes an itchy feeling; you can check this post to find a solution!)
To prevent this, you need to know what materials you’re allergic to and avoid them. If you’re unsure, try to do a patch test by wearing the hat for a short period and see if you have any reactions.
If you do, then it’s best to avoid that material and find a hat made of different materials. Or you can choose wool hats with hat liners that will block the wool from touching your scalp directly.
Tips for Preventing These Headaches from Happening When Wearing Hats
Though pains from wearing hats can come from different causes, there are some general tips you can follow to prevent them:
– Wear Your Hat Less Frequently:
If you often get headaches from wearing hats, try to wear them less frequently. This way, you can rest your head and give it a break from the pressure of hats.
– Wear Your Hat Properly:
Make sure your hat is not too tight and is the right size for your head. You can also adjust the straps if your hat has them.
Besides, ensure you put your hat in the proper position: not too far back and not too low on your forehead.
– Wear a Hat Made of Skin-Friendly Fabric:
Choose a hat made of materials that won’t irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. If you want to keep your old hat, try to use a hat liner instead.
– Wear Waterproof/Use an Umbrella through Rainfall Climates:
If you live in a place with a lot of rainfall, try to find a waterproof hat or use an umbrella when going outside. Since hats can absorb moisture, this will help prevent sinus pain caused by the cold temperature.
How to Relieve a Headache Caused By Wearing a Hat
If you are experiencing a headache caused by wearing a hat, you can do a few things to relieve the pain.
– First, try loosening the hat or remove it completely and let your head breathe. Massaging your temples or neck can help ease the tension and pain if that doesn’t work.
– You can also take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin to help relieve the pain. If the headache persists, it’s best to consult a doctor.
– Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. This will help thin the mucus in your sinuses and ease the pressure on your head.
– Finally, try to avoid wearing hats if you know they trigger headaches for you. If it’s necessary, choose a loose-fitting hat with materials that won’t absorb sweat or moisture.
Well, That’s the End
Surprisingly, something as simple as wearing a hat can cause headaches. Besides solving the current headache issue, knowing different types of headaches can also prevent you from having a different one.
For example, I have a beret, and I used to love putting it back for a better looking. Though I haven’t had a headache for a while, I know that it’s not the right way to wear it.
Now that you know the reasons behind it, hopefully, you can avoid them in the future.
Do you have any other tips for preventing headaches caused by hats? Maybe you can contact us and share with us!
