A ponytail is a preferred hairstyle that you can adopt while riding a bike. Riders with long hair make ponytails to keep the hair off the sweaty necks and out of their way. Wearing a regular helmet with a ponytail can be challenging since most brands target the needs of male riders while manufacturing all types of biking gear.
It can be a little hard to find a helmet that plays well with long hair and ponytails. Some unisex helmets work well with ponytails. However, for ultimate comfort and safety, you need to buy a helmet that is designed to the needs of long-haired riders.
To help you get out of this situation, I’ve tested and reviewed the five best bike helmets for ponytails. After trying out various options available in the market, I’ve selected those helmets which are offering specialized comfort and style for women without sacrificing safety.
Contents
Best Bike Helmets For Ponytails Overview
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Overall
 |
Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Highly Recommended | Highly Recommended
 |
Giro Vasona MIPS Women’s Helmet |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Editor’s Choice | Editor’s Choice
 |
BELL Thalia Women’s Bike Helmet |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Most Lightweight | Most Lightweight
 |
MONATA Bike Helmet |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Most Comfortable | Most Comfortable
 |
ABUS Bike-Helmets Urban-I 3.0 |
|
Check On Amazon |
5 Best Bike Helmets For Ponytails Review
1. Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet with Ponytail Holes
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Item Dimensions: 6.25 x 8.25 x 15 inches
Schwinn Thrasher Lightweight bike helmet is the best option for women I’ve ever used. After crashing my head twice on the test rides I wasn’t sure what is the most dependable helmet I can wear with my long hair.
One of my gym buddies recommended this helmet for all-around use and urban commute. It is more than what I expected. The helmet is big enough to accommodate my head with a ponytail, braid, or bun. I loved the adjuster dial at the rear that helps you get the fit that you need.
The helmet is one size fits all and therefore it has been equipped with the most functional adjustment dial. It weighs only 0.83 lbs and is super lightweight. With a secure fit and the ability to accommodate ponytails, this helmet gives the ultimate comfort while riding on all terrain types. A snug fit for your head ensures the rider’s safety even in the worst crashes. Its full-range padding with an adjustable profile further enhances your comfort. You can adjust the padding to get a hugging fit.
The helmet also comes with a removable visor. It keeps the sun off your eyes and helps you fight the wind. However, if you don’t prefer a helmet with a visor, you can detach it easily. Breathability is another factor that you need to consider while buying a bike helmet. This helmet comes with more than 20 vents. I adjusted its strap to the most comfortable fit and the helmet allowed plenty of air to circulate keeping my head cool and hydrated.
The helmet was pretty cheap so I was concerned about the build quality. Almost a year to the date I bought it, and the padding and straps feel like they were on the first day. Padding is also rugged and offers reliable performance in the long run. However, the padding inside the helmet is not glued very well and you may need to fix it again. Also, the outer shell feels cheap and flimsy. The helmet is available in a wide range of colors making it easier to choose the one that complements your biking gear.
What We Like?
- Highly affordable
- Adjustable dialer for a snug fit
- Lightweight and breathable
- Accommodates a wide range of head sizes
What We Don’t Like?
- Build quality issues
Why I Suggested Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet
Schwinn Thrasher is one of the most comfortable bike helmets that I ever had with a ponytail. Its shock-absorbing ability is more than impressive and with a snug fit it ensures the rider’s safety even in the worst collisions. With all these features it stands among the best bike helmets for ponytails.
2. Giro Vasona MIPS Bike Helmet for Women’s
Specifications:
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Item Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 8 inches
Schwinn Thrasher is a good all-rounder but it may not fulfill the needs of badass riders. So the second option I’ve added to the list is the Giro Vasona MIPS bike helmet. This helmet has been part of my biking safety crew for more than 18 months.
The helmet is super comfortable with ponytails, feels like nothing on the head, and saved my life twice in the bad collisions. I love getting thrilled out of speed. So, I purchased a multi-directional impact protection system to be on the safe side if something bad happens.
A few months ago I had a collision with a car that turned the wrong way onto the street. The collision was strong enough to stuff my body into the ground. The helmet was screwed but thankfully my head didn’t. After witnessing the helmet’s ability to save injuries I can attest this helmet is the safest option. The helmet is made for women and therefore it goes really well with long hair. Whether it’s a ponytail, a bun, or a braid, it helps you get a snug fit without being keyed up.
Multi-directional impact protection features make it equally suitable for everyday riding and racing applications. Its impact performance is tested in Lab and the helmet compiles the APSC cycling safety standards. The helmet features a one-size-fits-all and a Roc Loc MIPS fit design. It offers a snug fit right out of the box. For an individualized and customized fit, this helmet comes with a handy dial. You can adjust the tension for a snug fit by pulling the dialer up and down.
The helmet comes with 16 vents to ensure the airflow for an untiring experience. Also, it has moisture-wicking liners that keep your head dry for a safe and untiring experience. The helmet is superb in terms of quality and performance and there is nothing much to talk about its cons. It fits well on small head sizes. But it feels a little tight if you have a big head, especially a big forehead. Also, this helmet is pretty expensive.
What We Like?
- Multi-Directional Impact protection
- Dedicated snap for ponytails
- Premium grade build quality
- Moisture wicking liner
- Individualized fit with a handy dial
What We Don’t Like?
- A little tight for big heads
- Cost you an arm and leg
Why I Suggested Giro Vasona MIPS Women’s Recreational Helmet
If you are not on a budget, the GIRO VASONA MIPS helmet is one of the best bike helmets for ponytails that you can buy. It is a stylish bike helmet that accommodates the bun and ponytails without being uncomfortable.
3. BELL Thalia Women’s Bike Helmet for Long Hairs
Specifications:
- Material: Other
Next on the list is Bell Thalia’s bike helmet. It is one of the best-selling women’s bike helmets and features a ponytail-compatible design. The helmet is designed with the needs of long-haired riders in mind and comes with a dedicated snap to accommodate the ponytail.
The helmet has a fully adjustable profile and easily accommodates the head in diameters between 54-58 cm. It is spacious enough to accommodate the high ponytail and buns without causing uneasiness.
Getting a perfect fit on the helmet can be hard if the adjustability mechanism is not ergonomic. Bell Thellia helmet comes with the TrueFit system making it perfect for all adult sizes right out of the box. If you want to make further adjustments for a snug fit, it has a one-step fixing system. It weighs only 0.7 lbs and feels like nothing on the head.
To keep you cool and hydrated in the tough summer rides, it comes with 16 vents. The channeled airflow ensures that your head breathes well even in the toughest conditions. Like all other Bell helmets, it also ensures the riders’ safety in dangerous accidents. It is in compliance with US APSC safety standards making it a safe investment.
The helmet design goes really well with the ponytail and I didn’t face any issues with a wide range of hairstyles. However, the chin strap is way too short. It is useless right out of the box and you need to replace it. Also, the helmet has limited adjustment and it doesn’t fit well if you have a smaller head.
What We Like?
- Competitive price
- True fit design
- Plays really well with the ponytails
- APSC safety standard compliances
- A wide range of colors
What We Don’t Like?
- Short chin strap
- Too big for a small head
Why I Suggested BELL Thalia Women’s Bike Helmet
Bell Helmets are known for their ability to serve the purpose for which they are built and this women’s bike helmet is also no exception. I loved the helmet’s ability to accommodate a high ponytail and large buns. With a class-leading build quality and breathability, it stands among the best bike helmets for ponytails.
4. MONATA Bike Helmet for Women
Specifications:
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Item Dimensions: 11.42 x 9.45 x 6.69 inches
Monata Bike helmet is another dependable option that you can consider. It is a lightweight helmet that combines style, comfort, and safety. The helmet offers a personalized fit and comes with an easy-to-use dial. All that you need to get a perfect fit is to twist the dial.
In addition to effortless tension adjustment, this helmet offers a dedicated ponytail hole at the rear. It is a great option for riders with long hair.
The helmet is made for the needs of demanding applications and offers class-leading impact resistance. It boasts EPS construction. EPS is a shock-absorbing material that is used to make racing safety gear. The impact resistance is impressive making it equally suitable for mountain biking and urban commute.
Additionally, it comes with an LED light safety system. LED lights are highly functional and work in multiple modes like flashing and blinking. This feature ensures your safety when you ride in low light conditions. The helmet comes with a detachable visor to help you fight the sunlight. Also, it comes with multiple air vents and a moisture-wicking liner making it super breathable.
The inner padding of the helmet is also adjustable allowing you to get a snug fit and maximum comfort. Unfortunately, the build quality of the helmet did not come up to my expectations. The quality of the chain straps is poor and they keep getting loose. You need to replace them after a few uses. Also, battery performance for LED lights is not reliable and it has a short runtime.
What We Like?
- Twist-knob adjustability
- Adjustable padding
- Highly breathable
- EPS impact-resistant padding
What We Don’t Like?
- Subpar build quality
Why I Suggested MONATA Bike Helmet
Montana Bike helmet features a ponytail-compatible design allowing you to wear it comfortably with a braid or ponytail. The helmet offers impressive impact resistance without limiting breathability and stands among the best bike helmets for ponytails.
5. ABUS Bike-Helmets Urban-I 3.0
Specifications:
- Material: Mix
- Item Dimensions: 13.43 x 10.07 x 7.31 inches
ABUS Urban-I 3.0 is the final option on the list of best bike helmets for ponytails. This helmet is the best option if you don’t care about the budget. It is among the most expensive bike helmets that you can buy today.
The helmet is ponytail compatible and comes with a dedicated cut-out at the rear. It ensures the rider’s comfort and safety even during the most challenging conditions.
It is available in a wide range of sizes from small to extra large, making it easier to find a size that is perfectly in line with your needs. In addition to that, it comes with a highly functional tensioning adjustment system. A full ring adjustment system helps you adjust the tension for a perfect fit. With all the snug fit and a dedicated ponytail cut out, this is the safest and most comfortable bike helmet that you can buy today.
The helmet complies with all the cycling safety standards in the USA. The core of the helmet is constructed with premium-grade EPS material. Its In-mold connection with the outer shell further enhances its shock absorption properties. For durability and comfort, it comes with 12 air inlets and 5 air outlets. It is available in a wide range of colors and designs and looks pretty stylish in the recreational environment.
It is one of the most dependable bike helmets and I didn’t notice any major quality or performance flaws apart from some minor issues. Firstly, It uses a magnetic chain strap that is a little goofy to work with. Plus, the helmet has 3 years of expiration dates for safety features.
What We Like?
- EPS construction
- Full ring adjustment for a snug fit
- Rugged build quality
- Dedicated ponytails cutout
What We Don’t Like?
- Cumbersome chin strap
- EPS core expires in 3-years
Why I Recommended ABUS Bike-Helmets Urban-I 3.0
ABUS Urban-I 3.0 comes with all those features that you might look for in the best bike helmets for ponytails. This helmet is one of the coziest, safest, and most durable helmets that a long hair rider can buy in 2022.
How To Choose The Right Bike Helmet For Ponytails?
The core purpose of the helmet is to protect the cyclist’s head in accidents. However comfort and fit are equally important. Here is a brief explanation of all the features and essentials that you must consider while buying a new bike helmet that you want to wear with ponytails.
Ponytail Compatibility
Of course, the first thing that you need to consider is the helmet’s compatibility with ponytail hairstyles. Advanced Women’s bike helmets come with dedicated ponytail or braid snaps. Best bike helmets with ponytails are spacious enough to handle ponytails, buns, and braids without being strained and locked up.
Size And Fit
The helmet’s impact performance and ability to resist damage largely depend upon how comfortably and securely it fits the head. You need to buy a helmet that offers a snug fit for your head. Wearing a large helmet can be taxing if you are in a collision.
You need to read the size guide carefully while buying a new helmet. Bike helmets come in a one-size-fits-all design making them suitable for an age group or different head profiles. You need to look for the option of a personalized fit so that you can adjust tension as per your head size and hairstyle requirements.
Weight
Cycling is a taxing physical activity and heavy items and gear will only make it more difficult. You need to look for lightweight helmets to ensure comfort on the go. You need to refer to the product label to see its weight and other specs. A bike helmet should be less than one pound.
Price
Safety is one of the biggest concerns when you ride a bike. Therefore it is not recommended to rely on cheap products as they compromise functionality. Also, it’s not a good idea to spend hundreds of dollars on a single piece of safety gear. You can buy a premium-grade bike helmet for between $50-80. However, many reliable brands manufacture budget-friendly helmets for under $30.
FAQs about Women’s Ponytail Bike Helmets
Can you wear any bike helmet with a ponytail?
You cannot wear all bike helmets with ponytails. Instead, you need to wear a helmet that is designed to accommodate the ponytails. Most of the bike helmets designed for women are ponytail compatible and you can wear them with a ponytail.
How do I wear a ponytail helmet correctly?
Ponytail-compatible helmets come with dedicated cut-outs at the rear of the helmet for ponytails. You need to make a ponytail in a way that perfectly aligns with the cut-out when you wear the helmet. Ponytails should not be too high or too low for the helmet ponytail hole.
Why women should use ponytail-compatible helmets?
Riders with long hair find it challenging to tuck their hair while riding. Ponytail is one of the easiest and most stylish hairstyles for long hair. A ponytail helmet comes with dedicated holes to help you fix your ponytail for maximum safety and comfort while riding a bike.
Wrapping Up Helmets with Ponytail Hole Review
I’m hopeful that this review will help you buy the best bike helmets for ponytails. If you are new to bike riding, I recommend you buy a helmet with EPS foam cores as they absorb the shocks more efficiently. All the options on the list are tested for quality and performance but here are my two favorites:
- Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet for handy dial adjustment, affordable price, and lightweight construction.
- ABUS Bike-Helmets Urban-I 3.0 for EPS core, full ring adjustment, and ponytail cut out.
For maximum safety and impact resistance, you need to buy a helmet that fits you perfectly. You need to read the size guides carefully so that you can buy an option that fits you without being uncomfortable.
Hi, I’m Alexandra Betty, co-founder of OutdoorGearsHub.com! I am a cycling enthusiast and currently living in Waltham, Massachusetts. I love just about everything about the cycling industry, which is why I created this site! Combining my passion with my work has always been extremely important to me. Feel free to reach out, leave comments, or recommend improvements to the site and its content so we can help you improve your cycling experience!
I am on a mission to enable everyone to spend more time on a bike and outdoors. So whether it’s on the road, gravel, mountain, e-biking, or just cruising around – Outdoor Gears Hub is the place to come for trusted advice.