Hi! I just got some sewn-in extensions into my hair because I’ve been wanting them for a while. Does anyone have any tips on how to care for them while using a helmet? I already cover them in a cap when I sleep so they don’t tangle, and my stylist gave me all the brushes and products I need to keep them healthy and clean. I’m only worried because my helmet is already on the snug-side, and I don’t have a looser liner to put in. I could buy one, but it’s a Samshield and the liners are so expensive! I tried my helmet on and it fits but there’s slight pinching and I’m scared that my helmet is going to damage the extensions where it’s sewn in. Anyways, thanks for reading this far. Just let me know if there’s any suggestions you have if you have/have had extensions.
Edit- I think some people are confused why I think a liner is expensive when I just got hair extensions, which makes sense. I want to clarify, a family member is my hair stylist so in turn I get free services. Could I spend $60 on a liner? Yes. Do I want to? Not really, but I will if it doesn’t work out with my current liner. Just wanted to clarify that, thanks for the suggestions.
It looks like the Samshield liners cost in the neighborhood of $60, which seems like a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of sewn in hair extensions, especially if you intend to keep having them. If swapping out for the smaller liner will solve the problem, that seems like the obvious answer. Anything else, for example adding some kind of protective cover to your hair, is only going to make the helmet fit even tighter.
Helmet messes up my natural hair, I’m sure it’s not great for extensions.
You could buy a whole new helmet in a larger size. You can get budget helmets around $100.
Many of the beauty practices sold to women make physical activity difficult.
I do wear a buff under my helmet, it dies keep my hair cleaner and less tangled
That’s basically what swapping the liner on the existing helmet achieves. Some brands have the same outer shell for more than one size, the only difference being the thickness of the liner.
Many professional riders wear helmets just fine with extensions. Dani comes to mind, the professional showjumper: https://www.instagram.com/danistarwyn/?hl=en
Samshield helmet liners are like $70 max
The Samshield Shadowmatt is $550
Sew in hair extensions are typically between $400 and $800, plus an installation fee of $200 per row. Maintenance is required every six weeks, which can cost around $150 per row.
I am really missing something here … either get a new liner (cheap) or buy a new helmet (budget helmets without MIPS are about $100 or so, which I don’t recommend, but since you’re already in Samshield, less of a factor as they don’t make MIPS helmets).
Trauma Void makes excellently priced (in the $200-$300 range) MIPS helmets with dials at the back to get those in between sizes (https://backontrackusa.com/collections/riding-helmets). They have 3 models that fit all types of round vs oval heads.
Protecting your brain is way more important than saving $70 - but maybe I am sensitive as I’ve been riding 20+ years and fell off 2 weeks ago (not even jumping, in WARM UP) on my head and shoulder and even with my MIPS helmet had a ER worthy concussion and level 3 separated AC
You should have factored in the cost of a new helmet or new liner when deciding to get extensions. Those are your only options.
If your helmet is pinching, it doesn’t fit.
There are plenty of helmets with an adjustable dial available for under $100.
I would use a satin liner between the helmet and your hair, as well.
I considered it and was told I’d need to keep a blow dryer at the barn in the summer to dry the tracks off because sweaty helmet head would cause them to mold/mildew.I was out at that point but it may be workable procedure for you
