It must be easy to look good on a motorcycle, right?
Well, that’s what Hollywood tells us.
Biker chicks in movies pull off their helmets, shake their hair in slow motion, and look around for a photographer from Vogue.
That always makes me laugh like a damn hyena.
Because in the real world, looking good on a motorbike takes a little more work.
Actually, a lot more work…

To look good on a motorcycle, it helps if you have a strategy. Start by tackling the helmet hair and motorcycle makeup challenges. Then you can move on to choosing safety gear that offers protection AND style. Finish by adding some color and personality to your look, and you’re ready to ride in style.  

Going out on a motorbike is not like going to the mall.
Not even close.
Motorcycles offer a unique set of style challenges.

On a motorcycle, there are some dark fashion forces at work.
You have to know how to deal with them if you want to look stylish on a motorcycle.

So what’s the problem, exactly?

For many motorcycle riders, skin care is an afterthought.
When you’re roaring down the road, I bet you’re not thinking about moisturizer.
But while you’re having another wild adventure, your skin is, too.
Hours of exposure to sun, rain and wind will have a direct effect on your face.
And don’t forget, on a motorcycle you smile a lot – actually, for most of the day.
Without a good skincare routine, those little laugh lines will stick around much longer than the ride.
So you have a choice: 10,000 miles from now, do you want to look like a woman – or a leathery-skinned rhino sunning herself in a mud pool?

Skin care for motorcycle riders is essential. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to prepare your skin before the ride, protect it from the sun and wind during the ride, and then help it recover afterwards. This way, you’ll rack up the miles on the motorcycle – but not on your face.

So let’s keep things simple here.
I’m not suggesting a 25-step regimen.
You don’t have to buy 45 expensive Must-Have miracle creams.
Work with what you have.

You simply need a quick routine that safeguards your face before, during and after a motorcycle ride.

Here’s how to do it in 4 easy steps.

Have you SEEN some of the biker nail designs out there?
Some of them are downright terrifying!
You might see:

• 6 inch talons on fire with purple and orange flames
• long, blood-red claws with pointed tips like dripping vampire teeth, and
• slightly wonky, hand-drawn skulls that could be a Halloween prank.

Honestly, who designs these?
Someone on day release from a nail bar in Hell?

Biker nails can show a little attitude, but still be feminine. Your nails don’t need to look like you’re getting ready for the Zombie Apocalypse. A hint of glitter adds interest to heavy black polish. Some flashes of color and pretty decals can make a manicure stand out like a beautiful customized motorcycle.

Biker nail designs don’t have to make you look part demon.
Believe it or not, they can actually be pretty.

I think the secret is to avoid the clichés.

Skulls, flames, blood … that’s fine for teenage boys.
But for grown women?

I don’t think so.
There’s a better way.

How do you wear makeup with a motorcycle helmet?
The YouTube beauty queens say you need 55 products – and about 2 hours – to get ready for a motorcycle ride.
Are they kidding?
Who has time for that? Not me!
And probably not you, either, right?

Motorcycle helmet makeup should be light, fast and simple. When you do it right, it takes no more than 5 minutes. Starting with non-greasy moisturizer and sunscreen, you move on to 30 seconds of eyeliner, a coat of mascara, light foundation and a swipe of moisturizing lipstick. Done. So easy! Pull on your leather jacket, and you’re ready to ride. 

Google “motorcycle helmet makeup,” and you get 2 kinds of results.

First, you’ll see that the topic appears on motorcycle forums.
Women ask for advice on how to wear makeup on a bike.

Guess who answers them?
Usually men.

They say things like:

You don’t need it, darlin’ – just go natural!

Hmm. That’s sweet.
But not really that helpful.
And also not even slightly realistic.
Clearly, these men have not seen me first thing in the morning.

So what other kind of help is out there?

Motorcycle helmet hair is hilarious – if it’s not happening to you.
But at the end of a motorcycle ride, helmet hair is suddenly not so funny.
Your hair’s either become a big tangled mess that passing birds try to nest in.
Or it’s flatter than roadkill … and just about as pretty.
So what can you do?

You can’t avoid motorcycle helmet hair – but you can fix it. Clean hair and very little product are a good start. Long hair needs to be wrapped up, and safely tucked away from the wind. Flat hair can be brought back to life with some simple tricks like dry shampoo, and leave-in conditioner. And if all else fails … break out a hat!

The best way to deal with motorcycle hair issues is to have a plan.
With a little preparation and insider tricks, you can make sure that when you take off your helmet, people will smile, rather than back away in terror.

I’ve been riding on the back of motorcycles for 27 years.
And in that time, believe me, I’ve learned a few tricks the hard way.

Here’s how I deal with a whole range of motorcycle hair challenges – from wrangling long hair, to taming wild outlaw bangs, and even the trials of road trip hair.

There’s a fix here for every situation.
Let’s make a start.