6 Sauna Hat Benefits You Should Know About

You’ll agree when I say that saunas can make you feel lightheaded, leave a scalp burn, or turn your hair dry and brittle. 

In fact, from cuticle damage to shedding and hairline loss, there are plenty of reasons why saunas can be bad for your hair and scalp. 

But what if I told you that a simple accessory can prevent it all?

I am talking about sauna hats, something that’s rooted deep into Finnish sauna culture.

You see, sauna hats are more than just a quirky tradition, as this woolen fabric protects your head, increases comfort, and improves your sauna experience.

Read on, as I’ve detailed some of the most awesome sauna hat benefits will make you wonder why you ever went in without one. 

What is a sauna hat? 

For a lot of sauna bathers, Finnish sauna hats are a completely new thing. So, before I discuss the benefits of sauna hat, it is essential you understand what it is. 

At its very basic, a sauna hat is a traditional accessory designed to make your sauna experience better. And it does so by protecting your head from intense heat and preventing hair damage, among others. 

These hats are made from heat-insulating materials like wool or felt which helps regulate your body temperature and keeps your head cooler, letting you have longer sauna sessions. This makes them especially handy if you’re at the borderline of sauna age limit and need more precautions for a safe heat therapy. 

Simply put, it’s a practical and stylish addition that will take your sauna bathing routine a notch up. 

Sauna hat benefits you should know about

1. Protects your head from excessive heat

Sauna sessions are meant to be a relaxing experience. But let’s admit it: Sauna heat can be overwhelming at times, more so if you're sitting near the ceiling. 

After all, the top of the sauna gets the hottest. And with your head positioned closest to it, it’s at risk of absorbing too much heat. 

This is where a sauna hat becomes an essential tool. 

For instance, when I wear a banya sauna hat, I immediately feel the difference in my comfort level. That’s because the hat helps shield my head from the intense temperature and keeps my scalp cooler. 

In fact, a sauna hat even prevents heat-induced dizziness and nausea, allowing you to focus on relaxation, breathing, and the therapeutic elements of the sauna, rather than feeling uncomfortable.  

2. Regulates your body temperature

Although your body works hard to maintain a stable internal temperature in the sauna, the high heat makes it challenging. 

Why? 

Well, when you’re sitting in an environment where the air is hot and the heat is concentrated at your head, it becomes difficult to regulate internal temperature. 

And this is where a sauna hat acts as a buffer and prevents your body from experiencing rapid temperature fluctuations. 

This is one of the reasons why people wear hats in sauna, as they help them maintain a consistent and comfortable body temperature.

3. Prevents hair damage

As much as I love spending time in the sauna, I’ve learned the hard way that prolonged exposure to intense heat can wreak havoc on my hair. 

You see, regular sessions without head protection in an Amerec dry sauna can dry out your scalp and strip the natural oils from your strands. And this will leave your hair brittle and vulnerable to breakage. 

Moreover, for those of you with color-treated hair, the high heat can even cause fading and dullness.

Nevertheless, one of the sauna hat benefits is that it creates a protective barrier, keeps moisture locked in, and shields the strands from drying out. This lets you confidently step into the sauna knowing that your hair is safe from direct heat exposure. 

4. Makes sauna more comfortable

Sauna sessions can be a little intimidating, more so if you’re new to it or sensitive to heat. That’s because the hot and dry air can start to feel stifling and overwhelming in no time. 
But when you wear a hat in sauna, it adds an extra layer of comfort. 

How?

You see, the sauna hats wool essentially creates a small microclimate around your head, making the surrounding heat feel less intense and more tolerable. As such, you’re able to relax more deeply and focus on the therapeutic benefits like stress relief. 

Personally speaking, I am able to meditate or close my eyes and simply let go of all the tension, knowing the heat isn’t going to overwhelm me.

5. Longer sauna session duration

As a general rule of thumb, the longer you spend in the sauna the greater are its benefits.
However, the heat makes it really difficult to stay in for extended periods, especially if you’re not acclimated to it. 

Now, Finnish sauna hats can help extend your time in the sauna by preventing overheating and keeping your head cooler. 

In fact, with the hat in place, you’ll stay calm and comfortable and reap the full spectrum of sauna benefits. 

6. Brings a touch of personal style

Saunas are more than just a personal wellness retreat, and with the likes of a sauna captain hat, you can also express your individual style. 

When I first started using a sauna hat, I was surprised at how many unique designs and materials are available. 

You see, whether you’re into traditional wool felt, luxurious cashmere, or something quirky and fun, there’s a sauna hat for you. 

For instance, from classic Russian sauna hats to a modern banya or red sauna hat to DIY Korean sauna hats, there are options to bring your own style element. 

4 Tips to make the most out of sauna hat benefits

Wearing a sauna hat is more than just a fashion statement, it’s a tool for comfort and protection. And to that end you’d want to maximize its benefits. 

Here’s how you can do so: 

1. Cover your head properly 

Make sure the hat fully covers your head, including your ears, as they can be especially sensitive to heat. This helps protect your scalp and keep you comfortable throughout your session.

2. Wear It From the Start

Put your sauna hat on at the beginning of your session, before the heat becomes overwhelming. This allows your body to adjust gradually and the hat helps regulate your temperature right from the start.

3. Air It Out After Use

Once your sauna session is complete, remove the hat and allow it to air dry. This helps preserve its shape and ensures it stays in good condition for future use.

4. Maintain it well

To keep your hat in top shape, wash it gently by hand and let it dry naturally. I suggest you avoid machine washing to maintain the hat’s structure and functionality.

Frequently asked questions

Why do people wear hats in sauna?
People wear hats in the sauna mainly to protect their hair and scalp from extreme heat and prevent hair dryness or damage. 

Also, the sauna hats help maintain a comfortable body temperature by insulating heat and preventing overheating. 

Further, sauna hats elevate the overall sauna experience and ensure that the heat is evenly distributed without causing discomfort to your head or hair.

What materials are sauna hats typically made from?
Sauna hats are commonly crafted from wool, felt, alpaca wool, or linen. These materials are chosen for their insulating properties and ability to withstand high temperatures. 

Wool, in particular, is renowned for its temperature-regulating capabilities that keeps you cool in the heat and warm in the cold.

How do you care for your sauna hat?
For wool felt hats, I suggest you hand wash them using a mild detergent suitable for wool products and air dry them. Also, you should avoid machine washing to maintain the hat's shape and integrity. 

Synthetic materials, at the same time, might have different care instructions, so it’s good to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.

Can you use any hat in the sauna?
While it's possible to wear other hats, sauna hats are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and provide optimal protection. Regular hats might not offer the same benefits and could degrade quickly in the sauna environment.​

Is wearing a sauna hat necessary for everyone?
While it's not mandatory, wearing a sauna hat increases comfort and provides protective benefits, especially if you’re using the sauna for allergy or cold relief, among others. 

To sum up

As you can see, the sauna hat benefits are quite tempting to ignore, especially if you’re a regular sauna-goer and experience hair or scalp issues out of intense heat. 

In fact, bringing a sauna hat into your routine is a simple and effective way to have maximum benefits from your sauna sessions. That’s because his humble accessory ensures that each visit to the sauna is as comfortable and therapeutic as possible. 

Got more questions or want to install a sauna in your home? 
You can get in touch with us!

At Steam & Sauna Experts, we are seasoned sauna installation experts with decades of experience installing top-of-the-line saunas. Also, we’ve got sauna accessories from industry-leading manufacturers like Amerec, Mr Steam, and Delta. 

In short, we’ve got all your sauna requirements covered, that too on a budget.​