4 Ways To Style Hair Under Hats and Other Winter Accessories

This feature was originally published in the ESSENCE February 2017 Issue.

We’ve all been there: You work tirelessly to get your do just right only to have a bulky beanie steal the spotlight. Hairstylist Giselle Modeste crafted four looks that make your accents just that: accessories. 

1 of 7 TAKAHIRO OGAWAHAIR, GISELLE MODESTE/EPIPHANY ARTIST GROUP, INC.MAKEUP, DANIELLE LEWIS MAKEUP ASSISTANT, LB CHARLES MANICURE, JACKIE SAULSBERY/DIOR VERNIS/FACTORY DOWNTOWN MARKET EDITOR, AVON DORSEY

To ensure that your look stays intact once you're indoors, pick a style that works with your accessories.

2 of 7 PHOTO TAKAHIRO OGAWAHAIR, GISELLE MODESTE/EPIPHANY ARTIST GROUP, INC.MAKEUP, DANIELLE LEWIS MAKEUP ASSISTANT, LB CHARLES MANICURE, JACKIE SAULSBERY/DIOR VERNIS/FACTORY DOWNTOWN MARKET EDITOR, AVON DORSEY

Curly girls undoubtedly have it the hardest when it comes to winter gear. If you're not ready to forgo a fierce fro for a hat, try a turban. This one ($60, cultgaia.com) is wide enough to keep your ears warm without compromising the big, carefree curls up top, and it's lined with wire that can be shaped around any do. Pop the turban on around a pineapple or faux hawk and it'll pull double duty to keep edges smooth and preserve your style.

3 of 7 TAKAHIRO OGAWAHAIR, GISELLE MODESTE/EPIPHANY ARTIST GROUP, INC.MAKEUP, DANIELLE LEWIS MAKEUP ASSISTANT, LB CHARLES MANICURE, JACKIE SAULSBERY/DIOR VERNIS/FACTORY DOWNTOWN MARKET EDITOR, AVON DORSEY

If "big hair, don't care" is your lock philosophy, then furry earmuffs are your best friend. To avoid a crease or crinkle in your curls, style tresses with a part that lies right where the band on your muffs ($95, ugg.com) rest. For this half-up, half-down creation, Modeste actually used the band to push the hair forward into a cascade of curls. She then pinned them in place.

4 of 7 TAKAHIRO OGAWAHAIR, GISELLE MODESTE/EPIPHANY ARTIST GROUP, INC.MAKEUP, DANIELLE LEWIS MAKEUP ASSISTANT, LB CHARLES MANICURE, JACKIE SAULSBERY/DIOR VERNIS/FACTORY DOWNTOWN MARKET EDITOR, AVON DORSEY

Something slicked back or twisted under can also easily translate into a cute wave or polished pony. 

5 of 7 PHOTO TAKAHIRO OGAWAHAIR, GISELLE MODESTE/EPIPHANY ARTIST GROUP, INC.MAKEUP, DANIELLE LEWIS MAKEUP ASSISTANT, LB CHARLESMANICURE, JACKIE SAULSBERY/DIOR VERNIS/FACTORY DOWNTOWN MARKET EDITOR, AVON DORSEY

Top off your no-fuss look with a boater hat ($29, morninglavender.com) that leaves room for your hair to breath underneath. And it goes with just about any outfit! 

6 of 7 TAKAHIRO OGAWAHAIR, GISELLE MODESTE/EPIPHANY ARTIST GROUP, INC.MAKEUP, DANIELLE LEWIS MAKEUP ASSISTANT, LB CHARLES MANICURE, JACKIE SAULSBERY/DIOR VERNIS/FACTORY DOWNTOWN MARKET EDITOR, AVON DORSEY

You can even add a colorful bandanna underneath to reduce strand breakage.

7 of 7 TAKAHIRO OGAWAHAIR, GISELLE MODESTE/EPIPHANY ARTIST GROUP, INC.MAKEUP, DANIELLE LEWIS MAKEUP ASSISTANT, LB CHARLES MANICURE, JACKIE SAULSBERY/DIOR VERNIS/FACTORY DOWNTOWN MARKET EDITOR, AVON DORSEY

A chunky knit skully ($19, asos.com) and pigtails make for the perfect pairing, since loose or low styles are pretty much the only ones that will work with this type of hat. Modeste parted the hair, then slicked the two sections to the nape of the neck and secured each pony right below the ear. After adding ties to the ends of each pigtail, she lightly pulled the midsections apart for a bubble effect that mimics the pom-pom up top.