Nobody sets out to be a couch potato; this path is often paved with good intentions. You may want all the benefits of a workout, the calorie burning, and muscle-toning goodness, but your hair gets in the way.
For many women, the risk of a bad hair day is a legitimate reason to skip the gym. Understandably, if you have your hair out, just had a blowout or blow-dried your hair to a single follicle, going for a swim or hitting the gym for a workout is the last thing on your mind.
However, there are sure ways to ensure that your hair looks good before, during, and after your exercise session. With these tips, you don’t have to choose between your body and your hair.
Pre-Workout.
1. Go Easy on the Products.
It can be tempting to use a lot of products to keep your hair under control before you hit the gym. Just know that these products can mix with your sweat and weigh down your scalp, leading to buildup and greasy hair.
2. If You Are Going for a Swim.
Use a leave-in conditioner on your hair, then rinse it with fresh water first.
A leave-in conditioner will leave less room for chlorine to seep into your hair.
Add a coat of a protectant, like coconut oil, to further minimize the effects of chlorine water on your strands. A protectant will moisturize your hair, which is a win for you.
3. Dry Shampoo Your Roots.
Applying dry shampoo directly to your roots before a sweat session will help absorb perspiration and oil, boosting your hair’s volume.
If you find that dry shampoo makes your hair a little ashy and gritty, try shaking the bottle well for 30 seconds before applying to mix the components thoroughly.
Avoid spraying dry shampoo directly on your scalp. Always aim for the first inch of your root instead. Then run your hands, or a wide-tooth comb, from root to tip to blend it seamlessly with your natural hair oils.
4. Wear A Protective Hairstyle.
Frankly speaking, gym girls prefer protective hairstyles. From French braids, flat twists, braids, Bantu knots, and Abuja lines, protective styles go a long way and ensure you will not sacrifice your looks for fitness. Protective hairstyles keep hair in place and are easy to style once you are done at the gym.
5. If You Have a Blowout:
If you have a blowout, there are two ways you can handle it: one, structure your workouts so you have lower-impact activities, such as Pilates and yoga, when the blowout is fresh, and build up intensity as you get closer to blowout day.
For those who go hard at the gym all week, this second option is for you. Wear a high ponytail style, the higher the better and secure it with a cloth-based hair band. This is sure to keep your blowout cute even after a vigorous exercise session.
After your workout, let your roots dry fully before letting your hair loose, lest it get puffy.
During The Workout.
Wear A Headband.
Whatever style you choose, wearing a headband will help keep your head from getting sweaty. It’s one of the best ways to soak up perspiration before it messes with your edges. This is especially true during high-cardio workouts.
Don’t Touch Your Hair.
It’s quite common during a workout to keep repositioning your hairstyle or trying to sweep sweat away. However, repeatedly touching it actually spreads sweat further through your hair.
Post workout.
1. Hydrate Your Hair.
You may not want to wash your hair after workouts, and that’s okay. However, your hair will be thirsty from sweat and needs a dose of hydrating spritz. This will work well with a leave-in conditioner to alleviate any parchedness.
2. Cold Air Blast.
You may not have time to wait for your hair to dry after exercising. Your blow-dryer’s cold setting could help you there. That cold air also acts as an anti-frizz tool, helping prevent static.
3. After A Swim.
You’ve been a fish, going rap after rap, having taken care of your hair as stated earlier in the pre-workout, so how do you take care of your hair after?
Immediately use a normalizing shampoo to remove any chlorine or buildup from dipping escapes. To restore your hair’s nutrients and moisture, use a deep-conditioning masque.
Lastly, comb out your hair with a wide-tooth comb to detangle it without breakage or stressing it. ♥
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
