Many women are faced with the constant conundrum: should I exercise or keep my hair flawless? As an affected person, I have had to make this decision on many occasions. Most of the time, I choose to exercise because there are many positives that come from being active, including good heart health, better mood, and weight control.
Research from May 2016, published in JAMA Dermatology, focused on the reasons why women have lower rates of physical activity than other groups, and found that 18 percent of women exercised less than they did. would like because of concerns about preserving their hairstyles.
For many women (and men), hair care is no small matter. Not surprisingly, increased physical activity is sometimes met with doubts, as the cost-benefit analysis of physical activity and perspiration is considered versus caring for and maintaining a hairstyle.
However, our hair does not have to be an obstacle. Here are the best tips to maintain a great hair while exercising.
How does sweat affect hair?
First, it is important to understand that hair textures tend to be different, so there may be types that are more susceptible to damage. Therefore, taking care of your hair, in general, is important if you want to prevent damage and keep your hair looking healthy and strong.
Sweat is a big culprit when it comes to black people's hair. When we exercise, the salt in our perspiration can dry out our hair. Our roots swell regardless of the texture, which can give our hair a fluffier look. That build up of sweat can also cause a bad odor over time.
Although sweating during workouts is unavoidable, there are ways you can help prevent damage to your hair and maintain your style.
How to keep your hair healthy while you exercise?
Perfect a protective hairstyle
If your curls or kinks are showing up, you'll want to preserve the pattern of those but also keep the hair out of your face while you exercise. Subject sections back with forks or use the fingertips to gently bring them together with a rubber hair silk or satin. It is best to avoid using rubber bands , because if used aggressively, they can pull at the roots and lead to hair breakage.
You can also opt for two large buns or braids for intense workouts, which you can detangle once your hair is dry.
There are even experts who make bows and wear them under a headscarf. Either horse braids or Senegalese twists are done . It is true that we all love these hairstyles, but depending on your training you have to avoid heavy options, because when bending and twisting, your hair can break from the heat and tension of the hairstyle.
Those with straightened hair have a variety of options, such as buns, ponytails, and braids and twists. The same goes for fabrics. Regardless of style, each should be tied in place, preferably with silk. Silk is the softest material and can hold hair in place without friction.
Limit shampooing
Too much hair washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, so you should limit the number of days a week that you actually wash it. Textured hair is already dry on its own, so washing your hair every day only contributes to dryness.
Instead, those who exercise regularly need to tackle sweaty strands on a case-by-case basis. How often you should wash your hair depends on the level of oils produced by sweat, which varies from person to person.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to no more than two shampoo washes per week , keeping in mind that a full rinse after a sweaty workout will keep your mane until another shampoo day.
A wash can be your deep clean, in which you spend a lot of time getting rid of any build-up you may have from the products or just sweat. For that deep clean, you will need a clarifying shampoo. Next, you'll want to continue with a moisturizing or pH balancing shampoo, because using a clarifying shampoo can raise the pH of your hair and even strip it of its natural oils.
To replenish your hair, you will want to return it to its natural level and continue with your routine. The second wash during the week can be your wash or a quick rinse. FYI, co-washing is when you use a product like shampoo and conditioner, so you clean and condition your hair at the same time.
If you have curly and wavy hair , it is not essential that you always wash your hair after exercising, only if you feel you need it.
An exception is if your training includes swimming. Hair is fragile when wet. Using a hair mask or conditioner with natural oils before swimming will help create a barrier between hair and chlorine.
After you've done your lengths in the pool, you'll want to wash and condition. We recommend using a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to dry your hair, pat it gently, and squeeze it, without rubbing it hard, to help preserve the curl pattern and minimize breakage.
Dry shampoos are an option if used once between actual shampoo and co-wash is fine too, but I prefer those with straight hair stick to a weekly wash and deep conditioning.
Nourish your hair with the right products
Whether you've finished washing your hair or need a stimulating post-workout product, what you put in your hair is crucial. Of course, finding what works best for your style and texture is a process.
For me, leave-in conditioners are the foundation of an excellent styling and maintenance end result. They provide moisture to the hair, which is essential for healthy hair among people of color.
For regular athletes, when it comes to refreshing your curls, it is best to have an oil, such as coconut oil , that can be absorbed into the hair fiber due to its high concentration of lipids and minerals that work to protect and maintain the hydrated hair.
You can also use rose, castor, avocado, grapeseed, jojoba, or argan oils. The oils are essential for strong and healthy hair. However, keep in mind how much oil you use and how often; you want to avoid greasy and matted hair.
