What Is a Sauna Hat? (Definition & Origins)
A sauna hat, also called a banya hat or sauna cap, is a traditional accessory made from natural materials like wool, alpaca, felt, or sheepskin. Its main purpose is to protect your head and keep it cool in the extreme heat of a sauna.
Sauna Hat Benefits
Saunas often reach temperatures over 90°Celsius (195° F). As hot air rises, the most intense heat is experienced at head level when you're on the top bench. For some people, the high head temperatures can lead to quickly feeling overheated with symptoms such as dizziness or nausea.
Most people get the best sauna results by staying in the heat for at least 15 minutes. A sauna hat helps make this possible by reducing discomfort and extending the time you can enjoy the heat. Hats also help protect hair (especially dyed or otherwise treated) from getting too dry and brittle from overexposure to heat and block the tips of your ears from the sharp sting of the steam.
How Does a Sauna Hat Work?
The hat simply acts as a insulating barrier between the hot air and your head. This helps keep your head at a more consistent temperature in the fluctuating waves of heat and prevents the steam from directly touching your skin and hair.
How To Use a Sauna Hat
To use a sauna hat, simply place it on your head before entering the sauna. Sauna hats can be used either wet or dry. (Although some will argue that dry is the only way to go.) A dry hat will simply insulate and protect from the direct heat. A hat soaked in water will passively cool your head while also directly protecting. The water in a wetted hat will eventually heat up, so you will need to reintroduce cold water periodically for best results. Experiment with both approaches to find what you enjoy most.
Tip: Experiment with both wet and dry use to see which feels best. A dry hat insulates against heat, while a soaked hat provides cooling relief.
How To Clean a Sauna Hat
Caring for your sauna hat is easy. Most people simply rinse the hat after use and then hang to dry. Real wool sauna hats are naturally antibacterial, so they only need to be lightly rinsed and then hung to dry. If you feel it's needed, hats made of synthetic materials such as polyester felt can be hand washed in lukewarm water or machine washed on the gentle/wool cycle.
To Wash A Sauna Hat:
- Use detergent or soap suitable for wool
- Wash with lukewarm water
- Rinse with lukewarm water
- Squeeze gently (do not wring)
- Reshape while damp
- Hang to dry (avoid the dryer)
Origin and History of Sauna Hats
Who invented the sauna hat? While it’s difficult to find information on who “invented” the sauna hat, the roots of sauna hat usage trace back to Central Europe. The habit of wearing something on your head in the sauna or banya was especially popular in Germany and Russia. It’s said that the original sauna hats were made of wet straw, and that the Russians were sometimes known to wear hats made of fur, linen, or whatever else was handy.
Finland never really adopted sauna hat usage into their culture and it's rare to find anyone wearing a hat in a “traditional Finnish sauna”. Still, Germans and Russians continue to wear sauna hats with pride, and interest in the accessory for the sauna enthusiasts in North America has been steadily growing as more and more people are welcoming new variety in the way that they experience the sauna.
Do I Need A Sauna Hat?
Although not necessary, many people love sauna hats for the extra enjoyment they provide by alleviating minor discomforts. If you have a hard time staying in the heat for more than a few minutes, or find the stinging sensation on your ears too uncomfortable, a sauna hat might be just what you need. If you feel that your head gets overheated too quickly, you will likely find immense benefit from a hat soaked in cold water.
Types of Sauna Hats
Sauna hats come in a variety of shapes, colors, and materials. While you only need a basic hat to gain the health benefits, you can express yourself and have some fun by wearing one of the more creatively designed hats. You can find hats that are designed to look like practical gray or white hats, or more intricate hats that imitate Viking helmets with horns, or king and queen crowns. Because of these unique styles, sauna hats can make a perfect gift for the sauna enthusiast in your life.
Material Comparison: Wool vs Felt vs Linen vs Synthetic
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|
Wool |
Best insulation, antibacterial, durable | Can be pricier | Regular use, high heat |
| Felt | Affordable, lightweight | Less insulating, can wear down | Occasional use |
| Linen | Breathable, natural | Less common, limited insulation | Lower heat saunas |
| Synthetic | Cheap, easy to clean | Nat as effective, less traditional | Beginners testing the concept |
Sauna Hat Alternative
You can test the concept for yourself by wrapping a small towel around your head. This will have roughly the same effect, although it may take a little more effort to set up.
Here is a video that describes how to make a towel head wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sauna Hats
What’s the point of a sauna hat?
A sauna hat protects your head, hair, and ears from the hottest air in the sauna. It helps prevent dizziness or nausea, keeps hair from drying out, and makes it easier to stay comfortable for longer sessions.
Why do Finnish people wear sauna hats?
Actually, sauna hats are not common in Finland. Their use is more rooted in German and Russian sauna traditions, where hats were worn to make high heat more tolerable. In North America, their popularity is now growing among sauna enthusiasts.
Is it better to wear a sauna hat wet or dry?
Both methods work. A dry hat insulates against direct heat, while soaking it in cold water helps actively cool your head. If you use a wet hat, refresh it with cold water periodically as it warms up.
Do I need a sauna hat for an infrared sauna?
A sauna hat isn’t strictly necessary for infrared saunas, but it can still add comfort. If you find your head overheats quickly or your ears sting, wearing one may help you enjoy longer sessions.
How long should you wear a sauna hat?
Most people wear a sauna hat for the entire sauna session, typically 10–20 minutes. If you’re using a wet hat, you may need to refresh it with cold water if it gets too warm.
What is the best material for a sauna hat?
Natural wool is the most popular material because it insulates well, resists odor, and is naturally antibacterial. Felted wool, alpaca, or sheepskin are also common choices.
Can I use a towel instead of a sauna hat?
Yes. Wrapping a towel around your head offers similar protection, though it can be less convenient to keep in place. A dedicated sauna hat is easier to use and usually more effective.
Recap
- Sauna hats are designed to keep your head, skin, and hair protected from the high heat of the sauna.
- Sauna or banya hat benefits are especially noteworthy for those that find it difficult to stay in the heat for long periods of time.
- Sauna hats come in many fun shapes and colors. They are usually made of natural wool, polyester felt, or sheepskin.
- Sauna hats can be used dry or wet and can be maintained by simply rinsing and hanging to dry.
Take the opportunity to experiment with a sauna hat. You may find it's exactly what you needed to enjoy the sauna even more!
Where to Buy Sauna Hats
We offer a curated selection of sauna hats in our store.
References
- Sauna Temperatures: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-a-sauna#how-to
- Sauna hat history: https://worldofsauna.com/the-best-sauna-hat/