Hair and mask problems?

[wolfgirl]

:bonk:
Hello- I'm sure this is pretty common, but I don't see any posts on it. Does anyone else have problems with their hair interfering with or getting tangled in their mask staps, or difficulty adjusting a mask on your head when you have a pony tail? I'm still in my Open Water class, and when I bought my gear, a woman at the shop advised me to get this fabric thing (don't know what it's called) that you slide over your mask strap to prevent it from getting caught in your hair (the fabric is smooth and slides easily). My first problem is that it's almost TOO slippery and I feel like my mask might slip off with this thing. Also, I have long hair and put it in a ponytail when I'm in the water. But since you are supposed to have your mask around your neck when it's not on your face, it's very hard for me to slip it back UP OVER my pony tail and arrange it on my face when I need to put it back on. I usually have to take it all the way off my head and put it on again by sliding it down from the top of my head to get it on properly (you're probably not supposed to do this because you could lose the mask, right?)

Do any women out there have a good way to maneuver so they're not constantly fighting with their hair and mask?

Thanks!

wolfgirl

 

[gozumutti]

have you tried braiding your hair and sticking it down the back of your wet suit? It worked for me.

 

[wolfgirl]

gozumutti- that's a good suggestion- one I hadn't thought of. Unfortunately, my hair is layered and is only a couple inches past my shoulders. Most of it would slip out of the braid... But thanks for the suggestion- I'm sure other women with longer hair can use that!

wolfgirl

 

[gozumutti]

try a french braid! it works for short hair too!

 

[ScubaBaby]

I have long, thick, curly hair that is layer to different lengths.

I know what you mean about not being able to use correct methods under both PADI and BSAC. Unfortunately by placing it round the neck makes it akward when trying to replace it, so I as well have to remove it completely!

I havent figured out another way. I have tried a plait but when i go to put the mask back over my face the plait gets caught in the strap.

I have tried a bun but the bun gets in the way of the strap when the mask is on.

Also, with a bun when trying to replace the mask strap is difficult.

I have tried the ponytail and hair gets caught round the strap when replacing it.

I have tried wearing my hair down, but when diving my hair gets in my face and can get caught much easily in the seal on my mask.

ITS A NIGHTMARE!

My advice, if you have hair that can be cut short and look good still - do it!!!!

 

[DivingGal]

I think the 'fabric'thing you mentioned is what I use. Is it sort of a very thin neoprene? There are two types on the market: one that replaces the silone strap, the other slips over the original strap. I have the first type on both of my masks. I love it. No hair pain, and when using a hood makes life easy.

As for mask on and off, if you're talking about your pool sessions, I recommend you don't move your mask (unless for a skill). Why? I have found that if you get it on, the constant on and off seems to encourage the possibility of fogging.

 

[ScubaBaby]

DivingGal

I see where you going by saying not to take off your mask, but when ascending and on the surface it is recommended to remove the mask and leave it around the neck.

If you are returning to the bottom, then you need to replace the mask which is where the problems occur.

Thinking ahead a little here, when doing my dive master training, i will have to show the way PADI say to do things, but how can i when my hair gets tangled - that doesnt look particularly professional !

 

[Maggie]

I've tried all the above suggestions and in the end have decided just to leave my hair loose. That way its easy to remove and replace my mask. I use a neoprene mask strap and it is excellent.

 

[ladycute1]

I usually put my hair in a pony tail and then braid it. This seems to work pretty well for me... I do prefer the neoprene strap cover to the plain rubber / silicone strap -- the regular strap tends to get notted in my hair, the neoprene cover prevents this.

I find that putting my mask around my neck usually causes fogging, so I try to avoid that.

Another thought, you might try putting your hair in a high pony tail so that you can keep the strap UNDER the pony tail...

I have also sometimes used a barette to pin my hair to the back of my head... making a flat bundle...

I have seen other women who use a pony tail and then put an extra elastic around the ponytail every inch or so of length.

Overall, my advice is just to keep trying different things until you find the most comfortable for you.

 

[Ladydiver]

Hello there Ladies,

I had a really hard time with the hair thing when I was first getting certified. I have curly hair to my waist and it can cause quite a problem if it is not properly restrained.

The best solution I have found is this cool little cap thing, sort of like a shower cap but it is made from the same time of material as a polartec or dive skin. It's stretchy so you could tuck all of your hair up into it if your hair is short enough or you could do what I do and pull it back into a low ponytail and then put the cap on over top. It has an adjustable velcro strap that secures under the chin and is actually really comfortable.

This allows me to keep my massive mound of hair out of my face and prevents it from getting tangled in the mask strap and the soft fabric of the cap makes replacing my mask very easy. The lightweight material is also very comfortable and not restrictive like a regular neoprene hood can be. You can also use it in conjunction with a regular hood, it make getting the hood on and off much easier.

Cheers,