There are a number of common reasons you might be avoiding working out due to how it will affect your hair. Show
Damage to your hairstyleIf you straighten your hair frequently or use chemical straightening products, sweat might put you off working out. Getting your hair wet, including through sweat, can affect your hairstyle and make working out feel like a chore. Not having time to style your hairIf sweat wreaks havoc on your hair and makes it frizzy or ruins a style you need to wear to work, not having the time to style it can often be a big deterrent to exercising. If you have textured or curly hair, your considerations when it comes to haircare and exercise might be more complex. A 2013 survey from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in the US found 40% of Black women avoid exercise due to hair-related issues. Washing your hair more oftenWashing your hair often can be an inconvenience, but frequent hair-washing can also contribute to dryness. If you work out every day you may be tempted to wash your hair daily. Excessive washing however can cause damage — an unwanted side effect of otherwise beneficial frequent workouts. Before or mid-workout: Dos and dont'sInevitably, no matter what hair type you have, sweat is going to impact your hair health and style. But there are a number of ways you can protect your hair while also enjoying a good, sweaty workout. Use dry shampoo — but always before your workoutMany women use dry shampoo after exercise to mitigate greasiness and sweat. However, if your workout was particularly sweaty, dry shampoo can actually make matters worse — by sticking to the damp pieces of hair and making it cakey. That’s why it’s best to apply dry shampoo to your roots before your workout when it’s dry — this is a preventative measure that can help reduce the amount of sweat, while also preventing your hair from appearing greasy after your workout. Spray it with treatmentFor women with curly or textured hair, spraying your hair and scalp before your workout with hair oils such as argan oil can help reduce post-workout frizz and reduce dryness. Use a towel, hair wrap or silk head scarf while working outA hair wrap or workout headband can help minimise sweat build-up in your scalp and absorb sweat as you exercise. They also have the added benefit of keeping your hair out of your face as you work out. Otherwise, keep a sweat towel handy to dry your face and hair. Hair wraps are particularly helpful for curly or textured hair — they help keep your hairstyle in shape and reduce frizziness. Just be sure not to wrap or tie it too tightly on your head. Wear your hair in different waysAnother way to protect your hair is to mix up your hairstyle each time you work out. Try styling your hair with plaits or braids, a high or low pony, or using a headband, hair wrap or cap to keep hair out of your face. This can help protect your hair from damage from getting wet and being worn in the same spot every day, and styles like braids can give your scalp more access to oxygen. Experiment and find what works best for you! For women with textured or curly hair, wearing a protective hairstyle such as box braids or cornrows can help protect your hair, and even a gruelling workout won’t damage your hairstyle. You can also try wearing your hair in a pineapple ponytail style — which will keep your hair out of your face and won’t ruin your curl pattern. Use the right hair tiesSometimes, sweat is not the culprit when it comes to hair damage. If you’re working out and want to tie your hair back, be sure to use a hair tie that doesn’t have a metal fastening — these can cause snags and breakage. Opt for a snag-free elastic like a scrunchie, a spiral hair coil, or choose a hair tie that doesn’t have metal. Schedule your workout around your hairIf taking the time to style your hair is important to you, another effective (but sometimes a little tricky) way to protect your hair is to schedule your workouts around your hair. This might mean scheduling your workouts for the evening (rather than in the morning before work) or leaving plenty of time after your workout to style your hair before your day begins. Use a UVA/UVB protecting treatment if exercising outsideDid you know the sun has an impact on hair health, too? While the focus with sun protection is often on the skin, it’s important to remember your hair also needs protection too. Post-workout: Dos and don'tsThere are a couple of things you should and shouldn’t do after working out that will help protect your hair health and style in the long run. Do brush your hair after a workoutBrushing your hair after working out (while it's still sweaty) can help to prevent the sweat from remaining clogged at your roots and scalp. This can distribute the oils more evenly from roots to ends and allow your scalp to breathe. Don’t wash your hair every timeWhile washing the sweat out of your hair is not a bad idea, if you’re working out every day it’s best to avoid washing your hair daily. Try brushing your hair out after and applying dry shampoo before your workout. If your scalp is super sweaty, you can try doing a quick rinse of just your roots. If you do wash your hair after a workout, make sure to dry it completely before tying it up — tying up wet hair can also cause breakages. Don’t use the gym shampooWhen washing your hair after the gym, make sure you use a good quality shampoo instead of the shampoo provided by your gym. The quality of the shampoo and conditioner you use has an impact on your hair health — so try to ensure you’re using the same one each time. Haircare and your overall healthIt’s important to do what is going to be most comfortable for you when you work out. If a high pony is an absolute must for you, then go for it — but be sure to brush your hair out after, and ensure you always use snag-free elastics. Looking after your health and your hair is also not just about what you do while you're training. Ensuring you eat a balanced diet, look after your mental health and make time for rest are all equally important to being healthy, and looking after your hair and skin. * Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Sweat assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Is it OK to not wash your hair after sweating?Many beauty experts say that it's okay to skip your hair washing after a workout. Rinsing with water may be enough. In addition to saving time, skipping your post-workout hair washing every once in a while can actually be beneficial for your scalp health.
Should I wash my hair every day if I sweat?“While it isn't recommended to wash your hair every day after a workout to avoid frizz and dryness, it is important to maintain hygiene as unwashed hair can be a source of bacteria and fungi,” says Dr Deshmukh. She also suggests using a separate towel or tissues to dab the sweat off your scalp.
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