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Original poster

How do you wear your hair when driving?

43 replies

Aisforapplecrumble · 04/10/2024 16:38

We've just bought a car and haven't had one for many year. I'm trying to remember how I used to wear my hair while driving, because now I can't seem to find a hairstyle that works with the headrest/roof.

E.g. I almost always wear it as a messy bun (when not at work or going somewhere nice), but I can't then rest my head on the headrest, and the headrest keeps pushing my head forwards uncomfortably because of my bun. So then I tried it as a top bun, but this then touches to roof and annoys me as I can't freely turn my head (small car and lots of hair!).

I don't want to wear it out, as it restricts my vision and I like having the window open at lot.

So what do you do if you have long hair while driving? French Plait??

OP posts:
BetsyBrandt · 04/10/2024 16:39

I have never given this a second’s thought. Until now…

LittleMsSunny · 04/10/2024 16:41

I can only wear down in the car but I either have sunglasses or a headband to keep it out my eyes. I have the same problem as a passenger, how did you wear it as a passenger?

TheFlis · 04/10/2024 16:42

I never rest my head on the headrest if I am driving.

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Beauty
Gumbo · 04/10/2024 16:42

I've been driving since I was 15 and it's never occurred to me to think about my hair!

I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to be resting you head on the headrest while you're driving though, which may solve your problem?

DappledThings · 04/10/2024 16:42

Just down I think. Definitely not with it in a bun or similar as I don't like feeling it being pushed away from the headrest.

I never have the window open though. Anything over about 15mph and the buffetting effect hurts my ears so much. That's why God gave us aircon.

RaiseYourSkinnyFists · 04/10/2024 16:43

I always wear a cap because I'm short so I want the sun out of my eyes. So my hair is either down or with plaits.

I have a (very old!) convertible as well so that's another reason I prefer to have a hat. Hair whipping everywhere can create some interesting hairstyles when I get to my destination.

Newtrix · 04/10/2024 16:44

Driven for 20 years and genuinely not once considered this! I guess you're only option is to wear it down?

CMOTDibbler · 04/10/2024 16:45

The only thing I don't do with my hair is have it in a claw clip on the back of my head when driving as it annoys me and pushes my head too far forward. But beak clips/buns/pony tails/french pleats all work fine.

Iheartmysmart · 04/10/2024 16:46

I have short hair and a convertible. I generally look like something out of Fraggle Rock when I get out my car. Never really given it much thought.

StormingNorman · 04/10/2024 16:47

Move the bun higher.

LangYang · 04/10/2024 16:48

Been driving for 32 years with long hair and genuinely not given it a second’s thought.

ConiferBat · 04/10/2024 16:48

I... I don't know.

This is not a conscious part of my life. My head doesn't really sit on the headrest?

Do you have giant, gorgeous hair OP? If so, congrats & I am jealous.

FoxtrotOscarKindaDay · 04/10/2024 16:49

Adjust your headrest, it's not meant to push your head forward (unless you have Rapunzel length hair making your bun huge)

My hair is mid way down my back, usually up in a claw clip (or down) while driving, never had an issue with the headrest or vision.

Original poster
Aisforapplecrumble · 04/10/2024 16:50

StormingNorman · 04/10/2024 16:47

Move the bun higher.

It's right on the North Pole! But perhaps a slightly lower angle would put it comfortably between the headrest and roof...

OP posts:
outforawalkbiatch · 04/10/2024 16:51

My hair doesn't rest on the headrest so.. I think it's meant to be level with your ears? Never in a claw clip as dangerous if in an accident

Wishboneswishes · 04/10/2024 16:51

Agree with pp about the claw clip. I always have to take it out, if I’m wearing one when I’m driving. Very irritating! Low bun also a bit annoying. I usually keep hair down for a longer journey because of this.

Original poster
Aisforapplecrumble · 04/10/2024 16:53

ConiferBat · 04/10/2024 16:48

I... I don't know.

This is not a conscious part of my life. My head doesn't really sit on the headrest?

Do you have giant, gorgeous hair OP? If so, congrats & I am jealous.

Made me laugh! No, just thick and bit unruly.

My head doesn't always touch the headrest, especially when driving in busy cities and I'm constantly moving my head, but for longer drives I find my posture is much better if I sit up and rest my head on the headrest.

OP posts:
NewName24 · 04/10/2024 16:55

Like pps, I've been driving over 40 years, and had very long hair for some of that time, and different lengths over the decades, but this has never, ever been an issue.
Apart from anything else, why would you be resting your head on the headrest if you were driving ? Confused

Original poster
Aisforapplecrumble · 04/10/2024 16:57

LittleMsSunny · 04/10/2024 16:41

I can only wear down in the car but I either have sunglasses or a headband to keep it out my eyes. I have the same problem as a passenger, how did you wear it as a passenger?

I normally chill/sleep if I'm the passenger, even just 10mins 😁(gotta get it when you can)
So down or top bun, but with the seat reclined so it doesn't touch the roof.

OP posts:
Original poster
Aisforapplecrumble · 04/10/2024 17:02

NewName24 · 04/10/2024 16:55

Like pps, I've been driving over 40 years, and had very long hair for some of that time, and different lengths over the decades, but this has never, ever been an issue.
Apart from anything else, why would you be resting your head on the headrest if you were driving ? Confused

I think one of the differences between my car now and 15 years ago, is that the headrests in most cars now are very prominent, whereas previously they were more in-line with the back of the seat and so to use them while driving would have been dangerous because your head would be too far back.

But current ones seem to stick out from the back of the seat a lot

OP posts:
DoublePeonies · 04/10/2024 17:04

However I want it for the day!
However, if ive got more than a couple of hours in the car - driver or passenger - id almost certainly go for a clip and low ponytail (which is probably my default 75% of the time anyway)

Doggymummar · 04/10/2024 17:06

I got extensions in February and this is now something I have to think about. I wear it down and put up when I get to my destination

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 04/10/2024 17:06

Modern ish headrests generally do shove your head forwards ridiculously. I had a 2010 car that didn't do it, then a 2016 of the same make that does it.

Something to do with safety/whiplash/ new regs - but I think it's been based on everyone having 'tech neck' or something so it's all too far forward and you can't actually rest your shoulders on the seat back without your chin being shoved to your chest.

DaveWatts · 04/10/2024 17:07

I always start off with it in a bun and then have to take it down because it bashes the headrest! I can wear it right on top as an alternative though as I'm quite short. Sometimes I put it right on the nape of the neck which also seems to work.

CaptainMyCaptain · 04/10/2024 17:07

BetsyBrandt · 04/10/2024 16:39

I have never given this a second’s thought. Until now…

Me neither.

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