Why Every Sauna Lover in the UK Needs a Sauna Hat
This photograph was taken at Watersedge - who have a beautiful sauna, lake and yoga/pilates studios in the Worcestershire Countryside
Why Every Sauna Lover in the UK Needs a Sauna Hat: Benefits, Styles, and Tips
What does a sauna hat do?
In this blog post I share with you why I wear a sauna hat and the surprising purpose behind it!
For sauna lovers across the UK unwinding in a sauna is a wonderful, mindful practice.
However there’s one accessory which is often overlooked and which I know from personal experience can make a huge difference in the sauna —a sauna hat. This simple, unassuming, sauna hat not only offers comfort but also offers many benefits.
“A sauna hat, why?” You might ask. “What does a sauna hat do?”
From regulating your body temperature, to protecting your hair and head from the heat, to adding a touch of style to your sauna sessions, a sauna hat is more than just a hat.
Whether you’ve been taking saunas for a long time, or just dipping your toe in the sauna steam, understanding why a sauna hat can make such a difference in taking your sauna sessions from something hot and potentially a little uncomfortable, into something you look forward to with glee could really help you to get the most out of them.
Let me explain more
If you’re still thinking “A sauna hat, why?” Let me explain in a nutshell what does a sauna hat do.
I first came across the sauna hat when I joined the team of growing sauna lovers in the UK and took a sauna on a beach in Anglesey, North Wales. You can take a look at Sawna Bach HERE. There I was offered a sauna hat to wear, which I did with some amusement as I looked somewhat like an imp in it.
At first I wondered what the actual sauna hat purpose was. Surely it was just a quirky accessory? Was it really going to make any difference and if so how?
Having not taken saunas much previously, I didn’t realise the benefits that the sauna hat offered, until I took a second sauna on a different beach in Wales, where I didn’t wear a sauna hat.
I couldn’t quite put my finger on it but I knew that I didn’t enjoy the experience quite so much. Only afterwards did I realise that it was because I wasn’t wearing a sauna hat. Who knew?!
If I’d previously been answering myself the question: “sauna hats, why would I?” I now had the answer!
(When I then went on to become the founder of a brand which sells on Amazon.com I knew that I had found my product. But THAT is a whole different story - although you can take a look at our sauna hats HERE.)
So why does this much under-rated accessory deserve a place in your bag of sauna essentials?
How a sauna hat can benefit Sauna Lovers
A Sauna Hat: What does a sauna hat do?
Thermal Regulation
The numer of sauna lovers in the UK has grown hugely over the last few years. Beautiful beach saunas are to be found from the north of Scotland to the Channel Islands. Huddled up against the elements on a winter’s night, or watching the sun set on a frosty day, there’s no easier way to feel as though you’ve stepped off the world for a while. Go with friends and it’s even better!
In a sauna, temperatures can soar dramatically, especially in Finnish-style saunas where the heat can reach up to 100°C. While the body generally adapts well to these high temperatures, the head and hair can become overly heated, leading to discomfort.
A sauna hat acts as a barrier, helping to regulate the temperature of your head and prevent overheating. This allows you to stay in the sauna for longer, meaning that you can capitalise on all of the physical and psychological benefits that a sauna has to offer.
Hair Protection
For many women, their hair is their crowning glory. It’s something they spend a lot of money and and spend a lot of time thinking about. The sauna hat serves a dual purpose in that it also protects your hair from the intense heat, which can cause dryness and damage over time. Hair, especially when wet, is susceptible to the high temperatures in a sauna.
By wearing a sauna hat, you shield your hair from direct exposure to the heat, maintaining its moisture and preventing brittleness. This protection is particularly beneficial for individuals with long or chemically treated hair (or with hair extensions), ensuring that your hair remain healthy even with frequent sauna use.
With so many of us taking saunas more regularly than we once perhaps were, wearing a sauna hat is a really important part of your routine. And if you’re anything like me, you will absolutely notice it if you don’t wear a sauna hat when you’re in the sauna.
Popular Materials Used in Sauna Hats
Sauna hats are made from a variety of materials, each offering unique benefits and characteristics.
Wool
Although it seems counter-intuitive for a hot environment, wool is one of the most popular materials for sauna hats. Known for its excellent insulation properties and natural breathability, wool sauna hats are highly effective at regulating temperature and providing comfort in high-heat environments.
They are also naturally moisture-wicking, helping to keep your head dry and comfortable during your sauna sessions. Additionally, wool is a sustainable and biodegradable material, making it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious individuals.
Felt
Felt is another widely used material for sauna hats, offering a unique combination of softness, durability, and insulation. Felt is made by compressing wool fibres, resulting in a dense and sturdy fabric that provides excellent heat protection.
Felt sauna hats are lightweight and comfortable, with a smooth texture that feels gentle against the skin. They are also known for their versatility in design, allowing for a wide range of shapes, colo(u)rs, and patterns. Felt hats are a popular choice for those who value both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Synthetic Materials
Synthetic materials such as polyester and neoprene are also commonly used in modern sauna hats. These materials are designed to offer breathability, quick-drying capabilities and resistance to wear and tear. Polyester hats are particularly popular for their durability and ease of maintenance. Neoprene is known for its excellent thermal insulation and flexibility, providing a snug and comfortable fit.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Sauna Experience with the Right Sauna Hat
Incorporating a sauna hat into your sauna-wear can significantly enhance your sauna experience, providing both practical and health benefits along with a touch of personal style.
From regulating your temperature and protecting your hair, to adding an element of individuality a sauna hat is a much underrated, but valuable, accessory for any sauna goer.
If you're heading into a sauna anytime soon, consider trying a sauna hat for yourself. Its purpose goes beyond style—it’s about enhancing comfort, protecting your hair, and keeping your head cool while your body sweats it out.
I love that saunas in the UK have gained such popularity in recent years. They offer the chance for people to run small businesses, in a location they love, whilst offering a service which promotes a healthy lifestyle, connection and community and all for a reasonable price.
Tempted to head to the sauna?
If you’re tempted to head to the sauna but aren’t quite sure of the etiquette, what you might need, what to expect, or the benefits, you can get access to my handy Sauna Secrets Guide below.
And if after having read this post you’ve decided that a sauna hat is the missing piece in your sauna routine, why not get one that’s both practical and stylish? My bright and cheery sauna hat is available on Amazon (unless it’s sold out - sorry!) and is designed for those who love to combine function with something cheeky and bright. It features a trendy bucket hat design, meaning you’ll not only be protecting your head but also looking effortlessly cool while doing so.
As a bonus, it comes with a handy storage bag—perfect for keeping your jewellery, toiletries, or even your sauna hat safe between sessions.
And if you have any questions, please just drop me a message via my website (bethgoodrham.com) or via Instagram at bethgoodrham
If you started reading this post asking yourself the question: “A sauna hat, why? What does a sauna hat do?” hopefully I have answered that question for you!
Much love,
Beth x
