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 2025 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 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. Or, if you're bypassing the skiing part entirely and just are heading to the slopes for the vibes alone, there are so many chic après hairstyles you'll want to try here too.

The Best Ski Hairstyles

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 are too bulky when wearing a helmet, so plaits and French plaits are great choices to keep your hair neatly out of your face, yet polished enough for stopping for lunch. They're also easy to tuck into a neck buff or your ski jacket if needed. It's no wonder it's a signature ski hairstyle for many snowboarders and skiers with long hair.

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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.

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3. Faux Fur Headband

If you're wanting 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 looks chic after a day on the slopes. It also looks great in pictures if you want to channel a cosy, wintery vibe.

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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 (£27) 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 (£38) is my favourite.

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5. Low Ponytail or Bun

On those clear, blue days I opted for a low ponytail which sits just outside the helmet. It's 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 turning wet and frozen.

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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.

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7. Ear Muffs

Perhaps the easiest way to elevate your post-ski hairstyle is with a pair of fluffy ear muffs. They look great worn with your hair down, in plaits, a ponytail or low bun. So versatile.

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