What is a Hypoallergenic Bike Helmet? Why Do You Need One?

Have you ever wondered why you get allergies after wearing bike helmets? Many people around the world are allergic to fabric that is used inside bike helmets as inner linings. The symptoms include redness on the face and neck, accompanied with mild itching. The problem becomes much more significant during summers when the sweat gets mixed with dust from the road and the gunk covers your skin leading to irritation.

The good news is that hypoallergenic helmets have a special feature in them that prevents this very thing from happening! Let’s understand more about hypoallergenic bike helmets and why you need one even if you are not allergic to fabric.

Understanding allergic reactions

In very simple terms, allergies are reactions that your body makes in order to prevent external threats from entering the body. Sometimes, the immune system overreacts and creates conditions which are not entirely necessary. This is known as an allergy. Many people are allergic to different substances. For example, some people are allergic to latex, others are allergic to polyester and yet many others are allergic to fur either synthetic or animal based. In most cases, you are not going to observe any symptoms if your ride is a short one from home to office. However, if you are going to ride long distances the problem becomes much more observable. The usual symptoms are redness on the face and neck along with itching in some cases. Many people also complain of itching on their scalp.

Allergies caused by unhygienic helmets

In addition to the materials that are used in bike helmets, many people suffer from allergies because of the unhygienic condition of their helmets. Mold, dander and fungi can collect inside the lining of the helmet over time. In hot and humid conditions such as in India, microorganisms grow in large colonies inside the helmet, and that is bound to create skin problems in the long run. Hence, it is important to maintain good hygiene in your helmet as well.

PRO TIP: Have not checked out our article on maintaining bike helmet hygiene? It's time you do it now!

What does hypoallergenic material mean?

Hypoallergenic, in very simple terms, means a material that does not create any irritation on allergic conditions on the skin. Generally speaking, any natural fibre such as cotton, silk, linen, hemp or any other plant based fibre do not cause allergic conditions on their own, and are known as hypoallergenic materials. If your helmet inner lining is made using synthetic fibres, then chances of getting an allergic reaction becomes high. With liners made of natural fibres such as cotton, the risk goes down significantly.

How to identify hypoallergenic bike helmets?

The best bike helmets in India that use Hypoallergenic materials for the inner lining clearly mention that on their products. When you are in the market looking for a bike helmet for your riding needs, make sure that you look for a tag that clearly mentions the word ‘hypoallergenic’ in the description.

Are hypoallergenic helmets worth the money?

Let's begin by busting the myth that hypoallergenic helmets are more expensive than normal helmets. The best bike helmets in India already come with hypoallergenic inner linings, and the cost difference is not significant at all. In fact people pay more for design and decal options over this important feature. Secondly, hypoallergenic helmets are very useful when it comes to getting a stress-free riding experience especially in hot and humid conditions.

Now that you know what a Hypoallergenic bike helmet is, be sure to make this upgrade when you are in the market for a new bike helmet.