March 26th is Wear a Hat Day—a perfect excuse to dust off your favorite headwear and pair it with a fabulous hairstyle! Whether you’re rocking a wide-brimmed sunhat, a chic beret, or a sporty baseball cap, the right ‘do can elevate your look from cute to show-stopping. Hats and hair go hand in hand, and today, I’m sharing six trendy hairstyles that not only complement your hat but also keep you looking effortlessly stylish. From low messy buns to textured pixie crops, I’ve got you covered with step-by-step guides and pro tips. Grab your hat, your hairbrush, and let’s dive in!
1. Low Messy Bun: The Effortless Classic
Nothing says “I woke up like this” quite like a low messy bun. This hairstyle is a dream for hat lovers because it sits neatly at the nape of your neck, leaving plenty of room for a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap to shine. It’s perfect for those days when you want to look put-together without trying too hard.
How to Achieve It
Start with clean, dry hair—any length past the shoulders works beautifully. Brush it back with a wide-tooth comb to detangle, but don’t stress about perfection; the charm is in the messiness. Gather your hair into a low ponytail just above your neckline and secure it with a thin elastic band. Twist the ponytail into a small, loose bun, then pin it in place with 4-6 bobby pins, crisscrossing them for hold. Gently tug out a few strands around the bun and near your ears to amp up that undone vibe. Finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray (L’Oréal Elnett is a fave) to keep it intact without stiffness. Pop on your hat, and you’re golden!
Why It Works
The low profile keeps your hat sitting comfortably, while the messy texture adds a casual, approachable feel. Pair it with a floppy hat for a boho look or a cap for street-style cool.
2. Soft Beach Waves: Breezy and Beautiful
If you’re craving that just-off-the-shore look, soft beach waves are your go-to. These tousled curls peek out from under a straw hat or fedora, giving you that carefree, summery energy—perfect for Wear a Hat Day festivities.
How to Achieve It
Begin with slightly damp hair (towel-dried or spritzed with water). Spray a sea salt spray—like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray—from mid-lengths to ends, scrunching as you go to build texture. Blow-dry on low heat with a diffuser, scrunching sections upward to coax out waves. For straighter hair or a dry start, use a 1-inch curling wand. Wrap 1-2 inch sections around the barrel for 5-8 seconds, alternating curl directions for a natural finish. Let them cool, then run your fingers through to soften into waves. Mist with texturizing spray for extra grit and hold.
Why It Works
The loose, flowing waves frame your face and spill out from under your hat, balancing its structure with softness. It’s a match made in heaven for warm-weather hats!
3. Sleek Low Ponytail: Polished Perfection
For a more refined vibe, the sleek low ponytail is a winner. It’s sophisticated yet simple, making it ideal under structured hats like berets or newsboy caps. Think minimalist chic with maximum impact.
How to Achieve It
Start with dry, straight hair—blow-dry with a round brush if needed for smoothness. Part it down the middle or slightly off-center with a fine-tooth comb. Brush all your hair back tightly to the nape of your neck and secure with a strong elastic band, about 1-2 inches above the hairline. Smooth flyaways with a pea-sized dab of lightweight gel or serum (Moroccanoil Treatment works wonders), running it over the top and sides. Wrap a thin section of hair around the elastic, pinning the end underneath for a polished touch.
Why It Works
The clean lines of this ponytail let your hat take center stage, while the glossy finish adds a touch of elegance. It’s versatile enough for day-to-night wear.
4. Half-Up Top Knot: Playful and Bold
The half-up top knot is all about fun and flair. A mini bun on top paired with loose hair below is perfect for flat caps or bucket hats, adding height and personality to your look.
How to Achieve It
With dry hair, section off the top half from ear to ear across the crown—use your fingers or a comb. Gather this into a high ponytail at the top of your head and secure with a tiny elastic. Twist it into a tight mini bun, pinning with 2-3 bobby pins. Tease the bun slightly for volume if you like. Leave the bottom half down—keep it straight with a flat iron or add curls with a curling iron for texture. Pull out a few face-framing strands to soften it up.
Why It Works
The top knot adds a quirky twist, peeking out or balancing under your hat, while the loose hair keeps it grounded. It’s youthful and effortlessly cool.
5. Side Braid: Romantic and Relaxed
A side braid is the ultimate romantic hairstyle, draping over one shoulder and pairing gorgeously with a tilted cloche or sunhat. It’s simple yet striking—ideal for a standout Wear a Hat Day moment.
How to Achieve It
Brush dry hair to remove knots, then create a deep side part with a comb, angling from forehead to crown. Sweep all your hair over the opposite shoulder. Divide it into three sections and start a loose three-strand braid: right over middle, left over new middle, and repeat. Secure with a clear elastic. Gently tug sections outward from bottom to top for a fuller, relaxed braid. Pull out a few strands near the part for a boho touch.
Why It Works
The braid’s asymmetry complements a tilted hat, adding softness and movement. It’s low-maintenance but looks like you put in effort—win-win!
6. Textured Pixie Crop: Edgy and Modern
Short hair lovers, this one’s for you! A textured pixie crop brings bold, tousled vibes under a baker boy hat or trilby, perfect for those who love an edgy twist.
How to Achieve It
Start with clean, dry hair (bob or pixie length). Blow-dry with a small round brush, lifting at the roots for volume. Warm a pea-sized amount of texturizing paste (Oribe Rough Luxury is ace) in your palms and work it through, twisting small sections with your fingertips for definition. Scrunch wavy hair with a diffuser, or add subtle bends to straight hair with a flat iron. Lift the crown with your fingers for height, letting the sides fall naturally.
Why It Works
The piece-y texture contrasts with a structured hat, adding attitude and depth. It’s low-fuss and high-impact—perfect for standing out.
Final Thoughts: Rock Your Hat and Hair Combo
Wear a Hat Day is all about celebrating style and creativity, and these hairstyles make it easy to do just that. Whether you’re channeling boho vibes with beach waves or keeping it sleek with a low ponytail, there’s a look here for every hat in your collection. My personal favorite? The half-up top knot—it’s playful and pairs so well with my trusty bucket hat. Which one are you dying to try? Grab your tools, pick your hat, and let’s make March 26th a hair-and-hat extravaganza. Share your looks in the comments—I’d love to see how you rock it!
Joan Seifert es una educadora experimentada con más de 10 años de experiencia en enseñanza/educación. Con una profunda pasión por capacitar a los estudiantes de todas las edades y orígenes, ha dedicado su carrera a crear entornos de aprendizaje innovadores que fomenten el crecimiento personal, el pensamiento crítico y el éxito académico.
Ha sido reconocida por innumerables publicaciones o contribuciones a blogs educativos. También es una oradora, consultora y mentora solicitada que ha ayudado a innumerables educadores, estudiantes y organizaciones a alcanzar sus objetivos.
Ella cree que el aprendizaje debe ser una búsqueda de por vida, y está comprometida a inspirar a otros a abrazar el poder de la educación para transformar vidas y comunidades.