I've Just Come Back From Skiing—7 Effortless Hairstyles to Take You From the Slopes to Après

I've just returned from my first skiing trip, and aside from working out what base layers to pack and plotting spots for après drinks, one of the first questions I had ahead of my holiday in the Alps was what ski hairstyles to wear. Styling the best 2026 hair trends with a helmet isn't the easiest (hello, hat hair), and while I wanted something practical for flying down the slopes, I still wanted to look chic—and not too dishevelled—come après. So, my hunt for the best hairstyles and hair accessories to wear whilst skiing began, and I went down an Instagram and TikTok rabbit hole to find out what hairstyles I should try.

Thankfully, there are plenty of chic ski hairstyles and hair accessories that are both effortless, helmet-compatible and seriously easy to take you through a long day of skiing to the first sip of your Aperol spritz.

Scroll ahead for the tried-and-tested ski hairstyles you'll want to save for your next ski trip, as well as some expert tips from hairstylist and co-founder of Lockonego salon, Jonny Lockonego. Even if you're bypassing the skiing part entirely and are just heading to the slopes for the vibes alone, there are so many chic après hairstyles you'll want to try here too.

7 Best Ski Hairstyles to Try This Winter

1. Plaits

If you have long hair, you'll want it well out of the way during skiing to avoid tangles, especially if it's particularly windy or snowy. However, a bun hairstyle or ponytail is too bulky when wearing a helmet, so plaits and French plaits are great choices to keep your hair neatly out of your face. They're also easy to tuck into a neck buff or your ski jacket if needed.

And Lockonego agreed, "Plaits are incredibly versatile," he told me, "They keep your hair neat and tidy on the slopes, sit comfortably under a helmet, and still look good when you stop for lunch. My top tip is to create two side plaits, starting from the root and keeping them close to the head. This gives a flatter finish, making them more comfortable beneath a helmet without needing to pull the hair too tightly."

It's no wonder it's a signature ski hairstyle for many snowboarders and skiers with long hair.

Shop the Look:

2. Jersey Headband

A black jersey headband became my absolute go-to during skiing. It's a great way to keep shorter pieces of hair out of the way without feeling bulky underneath your helmet. Some days I secured my hair into a low ponytail and swept it back with a jersey headband for skiing, before letting it down once I got to après. You can opt for a jersey headband or look for thicker thermal headbands that will add an extra layer of warmth during the cold too. Plus, this is a great way to keep your hair out of your way if you have a short hairstyle, such as a bob haircut that isn't quite long enough to tie back.

"It helps keep the hair smooth and away from the face and can help minimise the ridge you sometimes get at the front from wearing a helmet," says Lockonego. "A moisture-wicking fabric also helps manage perspiration around the hairline. Choose a thin, comfortable style that doesn’t interfere with the fit of your helmet."

Shop the Look:

3. Faux Fur Headband

If you want a little extra glam for après-ski, then pack a faux fur headband, which will not only keep your head and ears toasty, but also look chic after a day on the slopes. "The great thing about a headband is that it can work for all hair types," Lockonego told me. It also looks great in pictures if you want to channel a cosy, wintery vibe.

Shop the Look:

4. Face-Framing Tendrils

If you're wearing your hair up and out of the way, the easiest way to add a little something to your ski hairstyle is to leave a few face-framing tendrils loose on either side of your head to tie your ski look together. To prevent them from looking flat, mist through Hair by Sam Mcknight Cool Girl Texture Mist (£29) and keep a good dry shampoo on standby to keep roots lifted and free from grease—Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PHD) Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo (£27) is my favourite.

Lockonego does offer a word of warning if you do opt for this look, though: "Although face-framing tendrils give a lovely soft, relaxed finish, an up-do can feel uncomfortable under a helmet and loose pieces can blow across your face and interfere with your vision. They’re also unlikely to look their best by the end of the day." His best advice: "I would keep the hair secure on the slopes, then release a few tendrils afterwards for an effortless après-ski look."

Shop the Look:

5. Low Ponytail or Bun

On those clear, blue days, I opted for a low ponytail which sits just outside the helmet. "A high ponytail can feel uncomfortable under a helmet," says Lockonego, "So I would recommend a low ponytail. Position it at the nape, below the back edge of your helmet and secure it with a snag-free hair tie."

I also found this look is ideal for tucking into a neck buff or the inside of your ski jacket to keep it out of the way. Plus, if you have mid-length hair, this is another ideal way to keep your lengths out of your way. Be sure to take plenty of thick hair elastics to keep your ponytail in place all day long. But maybe avoid this one if it's snowing heavily to prevent your hair from getting wet and frozen.

Shop the Look:

6. Knitted Balaclava

On really chilly days, you'll want to pack a sports balaclava to keep the chill away and shield your face against high winds and snow. However, knitted balaclavas are having a huge moment right now and look chic worn on and off the slopes while keeping you warm and toasty. "A silk bonnet or cap beneath your balaclava can also help keep your hair in good condition by reducing friction, tangling and frizz," says Lockonego. "Just make sure the extra layer doesn’t affect your helmet’s fit."

Shop the Look:

7. Earmuffs

Perhaps the easiest way to elevate your post-ski hairstyle is with a pair of fluffy earmuffs. "Earmuffs are versatile, so you can style your hair to suit your personal look," says Lockonego. "Low plaits or a low ponytail give a neat, sporty finish, while wearing the hair loose creates a softer look for après-ski. My advice is to go with your own style, while keeping the hair secure and away from your face when skiing."

Shop the Look:

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.