A sauna hat is a soft hat, usually felted wool, that you wear in the hot room. Heat rises, so the air at head height on the top bench is the hottest in the sauna. The hat keeps that air off your head and hair, which is why it has been part of Finnish sauna culture for generations. It looks a little odd the first time; after a few sessions most people would not go without it.
This guide explains why people wear one, how wool and cotton hats differ, how to care for them, and which two hats we sell.
Why wear a sauna hat?
- Your head sits in the hottest air. On the top bench, your head is close to the ceiling, where the temperature is highest. A hat puts a layer between that air and your scalp.
- Your hair stays in better shape. Hot, dry air and steam are hard on hair. Covering it is the simplest fix.
- You can sit higher. Many people find they are comfortable on a higher bench with a hat than without one.
- It is a ritual. In Finland the hat is as much a part of the sauna as the bucket and ladle.
A hat is about comfort, not health. If heat makes you feel unwell, leave the sauna, and ask your doctor before you start if you have a medical condition.
Wool vs cotton sauna hats
| Felted wool | Cotton blend | |
|---|---|---|
| How it handles heat | Thick and insulating; the classic Finnish choice | Lighter and thinner; feels softer |
| Shape | Holds a bell or cap shape; can be rolled up | Soft, takes the shape of the head |
| Washing | Rinse and air-dry; avoid hot machine washes | Machine washable on a gentle cycle |
| Also good for | Long sessions on the top bench | Sauna and hot tub |
If you sit high and stay long, choose wool. If you want something easy to wash that also works in a hot tub, choose cotton.
The two sauna hats we sell
Wool sauna hat, white: $47
Our wool sauna hat is felted from one piece of 100% sheep wool, with no sewn seams, and handmade in Poland. It is one size; roll the brim up to make it smaller.
Rento sauna hat: $27
The Rento sauna hat comes from the Finnish brand Rento and is made from 70% recycled cotton and 30% recycled polyester. It measures 14 in wide and 12.6 in high, suits women and men, and also keeps your head warm in a hot tub.
How to care for a sauna hat
- Dry it after every session. Hang it outside the hot room so it dries completely.
- Wool: rinse by hand in lukewarm water, press the water out and let it air-dry in shape. Hot washes and tumble dryers shrink felt.
- Rento cotton: wash before first use and separately, on a gentle cycle at 104°F (40°C). Expect about 5% shrinkage and stretch it to shape while wet. Iron on medium heat; do not tumble dry or dry clean.
FAQ: sauna hats
Do you wet a sauna hat before using it?
Some people dampen a wool hat before the first round; others wear it dry. Try both and keep what feels better to you.
Can you wear a regular wool beanie?
A knitted beanie is thinner and often contains synthetic fibers. Sauna hats are felted, thicker and made for the heat.
Do you need a sauna hat in an infrared sauna?
Infrared cabins run cooler, usually 120 to 150°F, so a hat matters less. In a traditional sauna at 150 to 195°F it makes a clear difference. See how hot a sauna should be.
What else goes in a sauna starter kit?
A bucket and ladle, a thermometer and a sand timer. Our Starter package ($98) covers the basics, and you will find everything else in our sauna accessories.
Ready for the hot room
Both hats ship free in the lower 48. Still planning the sauna itself? Read what makes a traditional sauna or browse our outdoor saunas.