More recently, working out has emerged as an activity that more people are integrating into their lifestyles. In such a fast paced, work driven society we are influenced by people who know and love us, books, experts, and ads on television that say in so many words that if you want to stay young and healthy, you must workout. It is well known that exercising helps us maintain a youthful glow and provides that boost of stamina throughout the day and even better range of motion. But it is rarely mentioned what happens to our sweaty hair and scalp or what to do with it after we work out. Many women struggle with this, particularly women of color because of the coarse and thicker hair textures. Some feel forced to choose between working out and slaying with bomb hair. It’s about that time we start telling the truth about what happens to our hair after working out. Pull up a seat.
The Honest Truth
Typically women of color who work out often experience dryness, frizziness, and sweaty hair that lacks luster; the number one complaint is loss of style retention. A good cardio workout causes our body to overheat and sweat, causing the style to flop. The biggest challenge seems to be combating what to do with your natural hair or weave once your scalp is itchy and sweaty. With thicker textures washing every day is NOT the answer because that method will only strip your hair of its natural moisture over time.
Let’s Get Realistic About Our Hair
I’m sure at this point you’re looking for tips on how to keep your hair dry and sweat free during a workout but that’s just not realistic if you’re pushing yourself to the max. There are wicking headbands such as Gymwrap to reduce moisture and allow heat to escape from the scalp but for many of us that’s not reality.
Chances are, you will more than likely need to make some sort of sacrifice regarding your hair if you’re constantly doing high intensity workouts that make you sweat profusely. Some options include wigs, choosing simpler styles during your weekly workout regimes, or shorter styles that are a bit easier to maintain. Wigs would allow you to be able to manipulate a style more, like washing and blow drying it frequently without damaging your natural hair. Opting for simpler styles like an updo, flat twists, french braids, or two strand twists are great protective styles (for the naturalistas – just a hint two strand twists worn throughout the week make for a beautiful twist out on the weekends). Now, short hair may be the option a lot of women are apprehensive to try, so many of us pride ourselves on hair length but when you’re a gym rat it can really get in the way. Short hair takes a lot of confidence to rock but once you have that down, the maintenance in comparison to longer hair is surely more convenient. These options definitely make for a more seamless fitness experience.
I know these suggestions would cause for having to adapt if they aren’t already a part of your haircare regimen. It may even seem daunting, but if you are truly dedicated to making fitness a lifestyle I advise you to truly think about the difference between your appearance today and what type of lifestyle you want for yourself in the long term.