So how strong does that whack have to be? That's where it gets messy! Depending on how strong your sense of self preservation is, versus your being a tight wad, divided by your laziness and cross multiplied by concerned parents...
Really, it's up to you. You'll probably know. If you took a good hit in the head, a hit that would have otherwise left some of your blood outside of your body, then replace the helmet. If you spent a lot on it though, this can be hard to do, huh?
That's why I also recommend not getting super expensive helmets, unless you are skating aggressively, or down hills or on half pipes. If you are skating in a concrete skatepark... well, then you might want to get a good helmet, but you don't need the best. If you're skating street, then you can probably get a lower cost helmet and be absolutely fine!
Now I gotta add - I'm NOT saying get a crumby helmet! There ARE terrible skateboarding helmets out there - cheap ones that won't protect you from much more than your own hair would have. I'm saying get a GOOD helmet, but if you are a new or casual skater, you don't need to get the top of the line model. Just make sure you get a good brand though - the Best Skateboarding Helmets list should help you out with some suggestions.
And finally, please DO wear a helmet! I know they can mess up your hair, but I'd rather have you have helmet-hair and still skating, then have nice hair while you lay in a bed for the rest of your life, eating through a tube. Wear a helmet. Want more reasons to? Read what other readers said when asked, "How has a helmet saved you?"
More about: ???--