Regular exercise is a healthy practice since it enables you to control your weight, strengthen your body, and improve your immune system. The downside though, comes with having to clean yourself and get rid of that sweaty feeling after your workout. While sweat is a natural reaction produced by your body, an excess of sweat in the scalp can lead to clogged follicles. It’s why there’s also a need to protect our hair during any outdoor activities or while exercising under the sun, because the sweat accumulated in your scalp makes your hair more prone to hair loss and thinning.
Sweat is inevitable when it comes to working out, but for those caught in a dilemma between exercising and avoiding sweaty hair, you can prevent damage to your hair with the right steps. With the proper post workout treatment, you can maintain your fitness while giving your hair the care it deserves.
Dry your hair
A post workout haircare routine is essential to keep your hair looking its best everyday. After exercising, dry your hair immediately. You can use a microfiber towel to absorb the grease and sweat from your hair, then use a blow dryer set to maximum cool. A dryer helps make hair that’s been flattened by sweat look better, so you can try carrying a mini dryer when you go to the gym to make it easier for you to blast away the sweat from your roots. After drying, you can smooth your hair out with a brush. By using a natural bristle brush, you can comb your sweaty hair right after a workout to spread the oils and prevent it from clogging your roots and scalp. This may not always apply to those with oilier hair, but it’s still a good method to hydrate your locks.
Don’t overwash your hair
It feels good to freshen up with a bath or a shower after a workout, but it’s advised to take some caution when it comes to washing your hair. If you wash your hair with shampoo too often, it can lead to dryness and can damage your hair by stripping its natural oils. You don’t have to wash your hair everyday, and for those doing some particularly intense workout sessions, it’s recommended to limit washing your hair with shampoo two to three times a week. Dry shampoo is a popular choice to reduce the amount of grease and sweat in your hair, but it’s better to apply it before a workout when your hair’s still dry. Applying dry shampoo to damp, sweaty hair can make it clump up and make it feel unnaturally thick. If you feel like your hair could use a good rinse everyday, then you can wash it regularly, but by avoiding shampoo and only using water. This method is much easier for those with low maintenance hair. It’s also possible to wash your hair only with the use of conditioner, which is referred to as co-washing.
Cleansing with clarifying shampoo
Though you can use dry shampoo to refresh your hair, if you’re a passionate fitness enthusiast, it’s possible all that accumulation of sweat in your hair from all those workouts can leave you feeling sticky and unpleasant. For a good, thorough cleanse, you can use clarifying shampoo as part of your hair routine. Clarifying shampoo can get rid of all that unwanted buildup in your hair, but because it’s such a deep cleansing shampoo it can have damaging effects to your hair if used too much. It’s meant to only be used one or twice a week, or up to two times a month. It may also be risky to use clarifying shampoo for those with color-treated hair, so unless the label specifies that it’s safe to be used for colored hair, then it’s best to find another suitable shampoo. Other than clarifying shampoo, some also recommend the use of leave-in conditioners after a bath, as it helps give moisture to dry, frizzy, or curly hair. Some people also dab it on their hair before workouts to act as a barrier between the scalp and sweat.
Styling your hair
You can reduce the amount of sweat that gets into your hair by choosing the appropriate hairstyle. Most experts recommend styling your hair into a braid or a bun, and ponytails (particularly high ponytails) for a sporty look. Top knots are also helpful to keep your hair away from your sweaty back or shoulders. If you have bangs, make sure to also pin them out of your face. It’s important to go for hairstyles that won’t stick to your sweaty skin as you exercise, so secure them with accessories like headbands, hair ties, or hair wraps. Sweatbands, in particular, are extremely useful for absorbing sweat and keeping your hair out from your neck. Meanwhile, hair wraps such as scarves can come in handy for those with curly hair, and having a detangler can make it easier to style those curly locks before a workout.
With the proper post workout care, you don’t have to give up exercising for the sake of your hair. Because of the time and preparation that’s involved, it can be a struggle to balance your workout routine along with your hair care, but giving your hair some attention will ensure a good hair day everyday. By taking the necessary steps, you can maintain a healthy body and healthy hair.
