Page 1 of 1

"Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 12:20 pm
by cinnyis
Hi Everyone. I've been commuting since the start of the year and absolutely love it! I don't know why I didn't start years ago. The only issue I have is when I take my helmet off when I get to work, I always these big red marks on my forehead where the helmet was sitting. I'll wash my face with cold water, have a warm shower, get dressed and it's still there. Trying to put makeup on over the top doesn't make that much difference. Then it'll stay there for another 30-60mins.
I'll get even if I haven't ridden particularly hard, I get it in cold weather and the helmet doesn't feel particularly tight - it also happens with other helmets.

So I'm just wondering if anyone has the same problem and has any solutions, from memory it is worse is summer. Normally it wouldn't bother me, but it is really annoying when I have meetings first thing in the morning. I must look like I've just jumped off the bike and thrown on a suit :oops:

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 12:45 pm
by trailgumby
How long is the ride?

Have you measured the circumference of your head and matched that to the helmet size? Did you try a few and pick the one best matched to your head shape?

Is it a budget, mid-range or high-end helmet?

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 1:36 pm
by sogood
Bandana?

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 2:38 pm
by rkelsen
Helmet too small?

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 3:14 pm
by goneriding
+1 to the bandana. I wear one to keep the sweat out of my eyes. I've noticed that I don't get the helmet marks.

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 7:44 pm
by Mulger bill
It might be something in the pads irritating the skin. :?

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 7:50 pm
by ft_critical
Helmets are either round or oval. E.g., Giro and Bell are manufactured by the same company; Bell is for round heads, Giro for oval heads.

When you buy you can buy S, M , L in most helmets (well maybe that is not true but my current Specialized comes in three adult sizes and they all should do.) Anyway, my opinion on helmets and shoes is pay the extra money and buy them locally, not from Wiggle et. al., because then you can try them on and get the approriate advice/support.

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 1:48 am
by elStado
ft_critical wrote:not from Wiggle et. al., because then you can try them on and get the approriate advice/support.
Also because they are not certified in Australia, so if you have an accident and have head damage you may not be covered by insurance.

Slim chance of happening, but there's a risk.

I would suggest:

-Checking the helmet fit, how tight it is?
-Wearing a bandana/sweatband underneath (also good for keeping sweat out of eyes in summer).
-Looking at a different/better helmet. I was looking at some Limar helmets today while at the LBS and some of them had soft padding on the area around the forehead (and the rest of the helmet), machine washable too!

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 2:22 pm
by cinnyis
Thanks for all the replies everyone.
The helmet is probably a "mid-range" one ie not a cheapy, but came recommended by my LBS. I'm not sure if the size is an issue because I had the same issue when on holidays recently on the 3 occasions we hired bikes.

I think the bandanna is the way to go. I'm actually kicking myself I didn't think of it already. I'll have to get my hands on one and give it a try. Thanks again everyone :D

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 2:58 pm
by sogood
elStado wrote:Also because they are not certified in Australia, so if you have an accident and have head damage you may not be covered by insurance.
Never proven in real life. The only one who'll get you are the UCI certified commissaires when racing.

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:21 pm
by Baldy
I get the same marks, I even get a little logo :lol:

Cycling caps can fix it plus you get some euro cool cred!!

The other thing I use is a Buff headwear....headsock/tube/scarf thingo... I think it was the best 15 bucks I have spent, ive used it all winter to keep my ears and head warm when its chilly[I use a possum/merino beanie when its cold] but its thin enough to wear as sun protection as well.

cheers

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 7:38 pm
by elStado
sogood wrote:
elStado wrote:Also because they are not certified in Australia, so if you have an accident and have head damage you may not be covered by insurance.
Never proven in real life. The only one who'll get you are the UCI certified commissaires when racing.
That may be true, but who wants to find out the hard way?

Imagine if you are involved in a big prang, you crack your head and need extensive and expensive surgery. Then you find out that you won't be getting it paid for on insurance because it was found to be a non-certified helmet? No thanks.

Re: "Helmet Head" solutions?

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 7:43 pm
by CommuRider
cinnyis wrote:Trying to put makeup on over the top doesn't make that much difference. Then it'll stay there for another 30-60mins.
How about growing a fringe - if it suits you? So at least the red marks on the forehead won't show too much....