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Ever asked yourself why wear a sauna hat? Step into a traditional sauna in Finland, Estonia, or across the Baltics, and you’ll see seasoned sauna users pulling on these distinctive wool or linen hats.
For many new sauna users, spotting these can spark curiosity – and a few questions. At Finnmark, we’re specialists in authentic sauna experiences, and we know these traditional accessories are far more than just a quirky part of sauna culture. From protecting your scalp and hair against intense heat to helping you feel comfortable during longer sauna sessions, the purpose of a sauna hat is both practical and rooted in centuries-old tradition. And once you’ve experienced the difference, you may never sauna without one again.
Ready to experience the comfort for yourself? Browse our sauna hat collection and find the perfect fit for your routine.
Sauna hats are a long-standing tradition in countries like Finland and Estonia, where they're commonly used to enhance the sauna experience.
What Is a Sauna Hat?
So, what is a sauna hat? Put simply, it’s a traditional head covering — and while it might look like a quirky part of sauna culture, the sauna hat's purpose is entirely practical. Protecting your head from the intense heat allows you to fully enjoy the "löyly" (the soothing steam created when water meets the hot stones) without discomfort.
Most traditional sauna hats are made from wool felt, chosen for its ability to perform in intense sauna heat. This natural material is antibacterial, resistant to dirt and odours, and offers excellent thermal insulation to protect your head. Felted designs are often made from alpaca or sheep wool, prized for their warmth, durability, and comfort during repeated sauna use.
Linen is another material traditionally used for sauna hats, valued for its breathability, skin-friendliness, and eco-conscious qualities. It absorbs moisture efficiently and becomes softer over time, making it a comfortable choice for regular sauna users. Whether you choose wool for maximum insulation or a linen sauna hat for a lighter feel, the material is key to the sauna hats ability to regulate temperature and protect the scalp.
Sauna hats are most often made from natural materials like linen and wool, valued for their comfort, breathability, and durability.
What Does a Sauna Hat Do? The Key Benefits
Regulating Temperature and Reducing Sweat
One of the least obvious sauna hat benefits is that it can actually help you sweat less from your head. Many people assume wearing a hat in the heat would make you hotter — but in the sauna, the opposite is true. Because heat rises, the air near the top bench can be significantly hotter than lower down. A sauna hat adds a layer of thermal insulation that slows the transfer of this intense heat to your scalp, keeping your head cooler and your overall body temperature more stable.
With less overheating, your body doesn’t need to work as hard to regulate heat, which means you produce less sweat from your head. This small change can make you far more comfortable, while helping to protect your skin and hair from excess moisture loss.
Protection from Heat and Hair Damage
In the intense heat of a sauna, warm air rises quickly, and the highest sauna temperatures are felt near the ceiling – exactly where your head sits. A sauna hat acts as thermal insulation, shielding your scalp, hair, and skin from direct heat. This not only prevents discomfort but also helps reduce the risk of hair damage, overheating, or dizziness, allowing you to enjoy the health benefits of longer, more comfortable sauna sessions.
For those with colour-treated hair, a wool sauna hat offers extra protection, helping to preserve colour vibrancy and reduce dryness. While sauna hats won’t stop natural hair loss, some sauna users believe that limiting heat exposure to the scalp can help reduce heat-related hair thinning. Felted wool designs may also help minimise split ends by preventing extreme moisture loss from the hair.
Sauna hats aren't just for the heat. They also keep your head warm while cooling down outdoors or during a refreshing cold plunge.
Warmth and Comfort in All Conditions
A sauna hat’s purpose extends far beyond the hot room. Versatile in use, a wool sauna hat can also be worn outside between heat rounds — whether you’re cooling off in a cold plunge or relaxing in an outdoor hot tub during a crisp winter day. They’re especially useful in winter, helping to retain warmth and protect your head from icy winds when transitioning between hot and cold.
Many users value them for their moisture resistance, warmth, and durability, making them a must-have sauna accessory. It’s a simple item, but one that can transform your wellness ritual into an even more comfortable, and enjoyable practice.
How to Wear a Sauna Hat
Understanding how to wear it properly is just as important as knowing why to wear a sauna hat in the first place.
Soak your sauna hat in cool water before wearing it. Gently wring out any excess moisture, then place the hat on your head so it lightly covers the top of your ears – this helps shield both your scalp and ears from direct heat. The added moisture creates a refreshing contrast against the rising sauna temperatures, helping you feel more balanced during longer sessions.
To make the most of your sauna hat, follow these simple tips:
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Always ensure a snug but comfortable fit so it stays in place.
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Allow the hat to air dry after use to maintain freshness.
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Hand wash with a mild detergent suitable for wool or linen to protect the fibres.
When worn and cared for correctly, you’ll reap all of the sauna hat benefits – enjoying consistent comfort, protection, and thermal insulation every time you step into the heat.
General care instructions for your sauna hat
- Air out or hand wash with a mild detergent suitable for wool products
- You can rinse the hat with lukewarm water
- Do not machine wash
- If you want to clean your woollen hat like a sauna pro, toss it around in fresh snow
With proper care, your sauna hat will serve you well and bring enjoyment through countless sauna sessions.
Finnmark Sauna Hats
At Finnmark, we offer one of the UK’s widest selections of authentic sauna hats — from classic 100% wool felt designs to breathable linen options perfect for a lighter feel. Whether you’re looking for a traditional neutral tone, a vibrant pop of colour, or a playful novelty style, there’s a hat to suit every sauna enthusiast.
Our range includes plain and embroidered styles, as well as unique character hats that bring fun to the sauna without sacrificing comfort or practicality. Each design offers the same core sauna hat benefits – protecting your head from intense heat, preserving hair health, and helping you enjoy longer, more comfortable sessions.
Explore More Sauna Accessories
Alongside our wide range of sauna hats, Finnmark offers everything you need to complete your sauna routine. From practical essentials like sauna buckets and ladles, and sauna headrests to thermometers and hygrometers that help you monitor your sauna environment, we stock only high-quality, authentic products.
For enhancing the atmosphere, our sauna scents and oils and diffusers and fountains allow you to personalise your ritual. You can also explore our range of whisks, massage and skincare products, and sand timers for a truly traditional touch.
Comfort, authenticity, and quality – everything your sauna deserves, all from one trusted source.
Sauna Hat Purpose & Benefits: FAQs
Can children use sauna hats?
Yes – children can wear sauna hats, and doing so can be especially beneficial since they are often more sensitive to extreme temperatures. A well-fitted hat provides comfort and protection, helping them enjoy the sauna safely.
Is a sauna hat useful in a steam room or hot tub?
Sauna hats are designed to be used in traditional saunas (such as Finnish saunas or Russian banyas), where the temperatures are high and a wool or linen hat helps protect your scalp and hair from overheating. In steam rooms, however, the air is cooler but extremely humid, so a wool sauna hat isn’t practical—some people instead use a light cotton or linen wrap if they want protection. In outdoor hot tubs or cold-weather bathing, a traditional sauna hat can help keep you warm.
Are there different sauna hat purposes for wool vs. linen?
Absolutely. Wool sauna hats offer maximum thermal insulation, making them ideal for high sauna temperatures and outdoor winter use. Linen sauna hats are lighter and more breathable, perfect for those who prefer a cooler feel or live in milder climates.
How do I care for my sauna hat?
Air it out after each use and hand-wash it with a mild detergent suitable for wool or linen. Avoid machine washing to protect the fibres. With the right care, a quality sauna hat can last for years, delivering consistent comfort and practical benefits.
Why wear a sauna hat during winter sauna bathing?
In winter, moving between the hot sauna and freezing outdoor air can be a shock to the body. A sauna hat helps you transition more comfortably, retaining warmth in your head and ears while still regulating your temperature in the heat.
Does a sauna hat help with post-sauna cooling?
It can. Wearing your sauna hat outside between heat rounds can help maintain body warmth while your temperature gradually lowers, making the cooling phase more pleasant and less abrupt.
Sauna hats come in many shapes, colours and materials. Image by Rento.
Talk to the Sauna Specialists
At Finnmark, we live and breathe authentic sauna culture – from traditional Finnish design to the smallest details. Whether you’re wondering why to wear a sauna hat, need advice on choosing the right materials, or want to create your own sauna at home, we’re here to help.
We offer free consultations to answer your questions, guide you through our product range, and help you make the most of your sauna experience. Whatever you need, our team is just an email or phone call away.
Contact us today and let us help you enjoy the health benefits, comfort, and tradition of sauna at its best.
