Sauna Hat: Is Its Effectiveness Fact or Fiction?
Sauna Hat: Is Its Effectiveness Fact or Fiction?
Recently sauna hats have sparked plenty of debate in the media. Newspapers such as the Times and The Daily Telegraph have written about them and let’s not forget the appearance of sauna hats on the singers of the Swedish entrants at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The Daily Telegraph recently called the sauna hat the "new smug lifestyle status symbol". But in reality, there’s nothing smug about a sauna hat. Wearing a sauna hat is no different than wearing SPF or a sunhat—it’s a smart, functional tool that helps you get the most from your wellness routine.
Sauna hats may look quirky at first glance, but make no mistake —they are one of the most functional accessories you can wear in a sauna. Once limited to traditional steam bath cultures in Russia and Eastern Europe, the sauna hat is now gaining popularity as a wellness essential in saunas across the world. And for VERY good reason.
But what exactly does a sauna hat do, how does it work and is it truly effective?
Let’s step into a heated debate and and explore the real story behind the sauna hat. Ready?!
What Is a Sauna Hat and What Is It For?
A sauna hat is typically made from felted wool or other insulating materials. Its primary function is simple: to protect your head from the intense heat of the sauna.
Just as you would wear a sun hat to protect your head in the summer, a sauna hat works by insulating your scalp and regulating the temperature around your head. This prevents your hair from becoming dry and brittle, protects sensitive skin, and helps your body acclimatise to the heat—especially in high-temperature or long sauna sessions.
How Does a Sauna Hat Work?
The air at the top of a sauna can be significantly hotter than the air near the floor. Your head, being the highest point, is particularly exposed to this intense heat. A sauna hat acts like a thermal barrier, helping to:
Keep your head cool and evenly heated
Prevent overheating and dizziness
Allow for longer, more enjoyable sauna sessions
Reduce hair damage and scalp sensitivity
In this way, the sauna hat is less about style and more about science—improving both comfort and health outcomes.
Are Sauna Hats Effective?
Absolutely. Many regular sauna users, particularly in Russia, Germany, and now in growing numbers across the UK and US, swear by sauna hats for enhancing the experience. Personally I wouldn’t be without mine! They allow me to stay longer in the heat without discomfort and they are especially useful for those sensitive to high temperatures or for people who are prone to headaches in saunas.
If you're still unsure, try a session both with and without a sauna hat—you'll likely notice the difference right away.
On a recent retreat weekend away, I asked people to put our Denham & Derby sauna hats to the test. They were a unanimous hit. People couldn’t quite believe their effectiveness and how much more comfortable they felt in the sauna when wearing one.
Cultural Origins of the Sauna Hat
Interestingly, the sauna hat is not traditionally part of Finnish sauna culture, where going au naturel (hat included) is the norm. Instead, sauna hats have their roots in Russian banya culture, where they've long been worn as a functional necessity in extremely hot steam rooms and in countries like Germany and Austria, sauna hats have also been adopted for practical use.
Sauna Hats in Pop Culture: Eurovision and Lifestyle Trends
In a twist that I wasn’t expecting, but which I applaud, sauna hats hit the international stage at the Eurovision Song Contest, where Sweden’s entry featured singers donning stylised sauna hats. Whether intentional or ironic, it sparked a wave of online curiosity and brought this niche accessory into the limelight. (I would like to add that if the Swedish entrants had been wearing the Denham & Derby sauna hat they would have likely won!)
A Wellness Trend That Makes Sense
The rise of the sauna hat fits neatly into a shift toward functional, wellness-focused accessories and across the US, Canada and the UK, especially in cities like London, communal sauna experiences are becoming more social, stylish, and inclusive.
Event spaces like Peckham Sauna Social are normalising sauna hats in hip wellness circles. But the appeal goes beyond trendiness: these hats help people stay longer, sweat smarter, and feel better.
Final Thoughts: Should You Wear a Sauna Hat?
The sauna hat might seem like a quirky trend or a cultural curiosity at first, but it's rooted in real functionality. Whether you're a seasoned sauna-goer or just starting to explore the benefits of heat therapy, a sauna hat can make a noticeable difference to your experience—offering comfort, protection, and even a little style along the way.
The sauna hat has earned its place in modern wellness routines across the world. From the Russian banya to community saunas in the UK, and even the glitzy stage of Eurovision, it’s clear that this humble accessory is here to stay—not as a smug status symbol, but as a practical, purposeful tool for deeper relaxation and wellbeing.
So next time you step into the steam, don’t hesitate to pop on a sauna hat. Your head—and your hair—will thank you.
Click below to find out what Sally had to say about the Denham & Derby sauna hat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sauna Hats
What is the purpose of a sauna hat?
A sauna hat protects your head from extreme heat. It helps regulate body temperature, prevents overheating, and keeps your hair and scalp from drying out.
Do I really need to wear a sauna hat in the sauna?
If you enjoy longer sauna sessions or are sensitive to heat, a sauna hat can significantly improve your comfort and health benefits.
What are sauna hats made of?
Most sauna hats are made from felted wool, which provides excellent insulation and heat protection.
Are sauna hats a fashion statement or a wellness tool?
While they’ve become trendy, sauna hats are primarily functional tools. Think of them like wearing a sunhat on a hot day—they’re smart, not smug.
Where to Buy the Perfect Sauna Hat
If you’re now convinced 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 HERE and is designed for those who love to combine function with flair. 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. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna enthusiast or just getting started, this hat is an excellent investment in both comfort and style.
Final Thoughts
I never expected to become a fan of sauna hats, but after experiencing the difference they make, I wouldn’t step into a sauna without one. If you’ve ever struggled with overheating, dizziness, or discomfort in a sauna, investing in the best sauna hat could be the game-changer you need. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.
So, if you’re planning your next sauna visit, grab yourself a sauna hat and enjoy the benefits. You’ll stay comfortable for longer, protect your head and ears, and maybe even spark a conversation with a fellow sauna enthusiast. Who knew something so simple could be such a game-changer?
If you’re interested in reading more about saunas or cold plunge, take a look at our articles HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE & HERE
Have a fab week!
Beth x