Sauna hat: what the felt hat is good for in the sauna
You see it more and more often in saunas these days: the felt sauna hat. Some find it funny, others no longer want to enter the cabin without one. It comes from the Finnish and Russian sauna traditions, where it has long been common. In this article we explain what a sauna hat is, why many people wear one, what to look for when buying and caring for it, and what alternative there is for your head and hair.
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What is a sauna hat?
A sauna hat is a cap or hat, usually made of wool felt. Felt is created when wool fibres are compacted with water, heat and friction into a firm yet airy material. It is not woven but felted. The material can absorb moisture and still keeps its shape.
In Finland the sauna hat is part of sauna culture; in Russia a felt cap traditionally belongs to the banya. Today it comes in many shapes and colours, often with embroidery or funny motifs. For many people it is also a popular souvenir from their holidays.
Where the tradition comes from
Sweat baths have existed in Northern and Eastern Europe for centuries. In Finland the sauna is part of everyday life for many families; in Russia the banya is an established place for socialising. In both cultures, wool was the obvious material: sheep's wool was available, could be made into felt without a loom and is hard-wearing. A felt head covering was therefore a practical solution that was handed down through generations. In the Russian banya, birch twigs – the venik – are traditionally often used, and many people wear a felt cap for this too. You can read more about this bathing culture in our article on banya rituals.
In Germany the felt cap was rather rare for a long time. With growing interest in Aufguss events and Nordic sauna traditions, it has become much more common in recent years.
Why do many people wear a sauna hat?
In a sauna cabin it is considerably hotter at the top than at the bottom. When sitting or lying, your head is often in the hottest zone. Many sauna-goers wear a sauna hat because their head and hair feel more comfortable in the heat. Frequently mentioned reasons are:
- A more pleasant feeling on the head: The felt sits between the hot air and the scalp. How strongly you notice this varies from person to person.
- Protection for the hair: Many people do not want to expose their hair directly to the dry heat.
- Sitting longer: Some say they can sit more comfortably on the top bench with a hat.
- Tradition and fun: For many it simply belongs – like your own sauna towel.
We deliberately make no scientific claims about effects here. The best way to find out whether a sauna hat is pleasant for you is to try it. If you have health questions about using the sauna, talk to your doctor.
Shapes and materials
| Type | Typical | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Wool felt bell hat | Round shape with a small brim, classic in Finland | Sits low enough, covers the ears |
| Pointed felt cap | Classic shape from the Russian banya | Thick felt, well-finished seams |
| Novelty hat | With embroidery, horns or slogans | Appliqués made of heat-resistant material |
| Linen or cotton hat | Lighter, thinner | Less insulating than felt |
When buying, it is worth checking the size. Many models are offered in one size, some by head circumference. If in doubt, measure your head circumference with a tape measure at forehead height. A hat that is too tight is uncomfortable in the heat; one that is too loose slips with every movement.
How to wear a sauna hat properly
- Check first: Whether head coverings are allowed in the cabin is up to each sauna. If in doubt, just ask.
- Dry or dampened: Some people briefly dampen the hat with cold water before a round and wring it out gently, others wear it dry. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Only put it on in the cabin: Outside and in the shower it stays off.
- Take it off after the round: Hang the hat up to air while you cool down and rest.
- Do not use it to fan during an Aufguss: The hat is not a fan – the sauna master takes care of the waving.
Tips for your first try
If you go into the cabin with a felt cap for the first time, start on the middle bench and pay attention to how it feels. Some people need a few rounds to get used to the feeling on their head. To begin with, choose a simple model without large appliqués that fits well and does not itch. And pack a small towel for your hair for the breaks anyway, because after showering a felt hat is no help with drying.
Caring for your sauna hat
A sauna hat absorbs sweat with every round. To keep it fresh, it needs a little care. The exact instructions come from the manufacturer, but the following basic rules usually apply to wool felt:
- Air it after every sauna visit: Hang it up at home and let it dry completely; do not leave it lying in your bag.
- Wash by hand: Lukewarm water and a mild wool detergent, press through briefly, do not rub or wring.
- Dry in shape: Pull the hat over a bottle or another round object and let it air-dry, not on the radiator.
- Not in the machine: If treated incorrectly, wool can felt further and shrink.
Sauna hat or towel turban?
If you do not have a sauna hat or are looking for something for wet hair during breaks, a small towel is often the answer. The two complement each other rather than replace each other:
| Felt sauna hat | Mini hammam towel turban | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Wool felt | 100 % cotton |
| In the cabin | Made for it | Follow the house rules |
| After showering | Not for drying | Absorbs water from the hair |
| Washing | Usually by hand, depending on the manufacturer | At 30 °C in the machine |
| Other uses | Only in the sauna | Also as a hand, face or sports towel |
The mini hammam towel as a hair towel
We do not sell sauna hats ourselves. For your hair during breaks, the mini hammam towel Diamant is practical: approx. 90 × 45 cm, about 120 g, 100 % OEKO-TEX certified cotton, handmade on the Aegean coast of Turkey. According to its description, it can also be used as a hair or face towel. It comes in beige, blue, yellow, grey and mint. It is washed at 30 °C, and air-drying is recommended.
For the rest of your sauna bag, the classics remain: an Ocean hammam towel (180 × 100 cm) for the bench and drying off, an Ocean StayOn hammam towel for the lounger and a light bathrobe like the Trimita Barok. You will find more models in our hammam towel collection.
Related reading: Sauna with long hair: hairstyles, protection and care · Top or bottom? Which sauna bench is right for you · Sauna terms explained: the glossary from infusion to venik
Conclusion
The sauna hat is a traditional accessory from Finland and Russia that many people find pleasant. It is optional, should fit well and needs some air after every visit and an occasional hand wash. For your hair during breaks and after showering, a small hammam towel is a light, washable addition.
Frequently asked questions
Is a sauna hat compulsory?
No. It is an optional accessory. Whether head coverings are allowed in the cabin is up to each sauna.
Does the sauna hat have to be wet?
Some people dampen it beforehand, others wear it dry. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I wash a sauna hat in the washing machine?
Usually not if it is wool felt. A hand wash with lukewarm water and wool detergent is customary. The manufacturer's instructions are what count.
Can I borrow a sauna hat?
For hygiene reasons it makes more sense to have your own, as it absorbs sweat.
What is the alternative to a sauna hat?
During breaks, a small towel worn as a turban, for example a mini hammam towel. In the cabin itself it does not necessarily replace the hat – follow the house rules.
Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.