We all know that regular exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re hitting the gym, sweating it out in hot yoga, or trying to beat that running PB, your hair is always along for the ride. And your strands may be stressed about it…
Sweat, over-washing, sun exposure and tight ponytails can all leave hair looking greasy, dull or damaged. Not exactly the post-workout glow you’re looking for!
Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice your hair health to reach your fitness goals. Keep reading to discover the best ways to protect the condition of your strands before, during and after your workout.
When working out, sweating is inevitable. And it’s not confined to your body, your scalp sweats too! Sweat itself doesn’t damage hair but leaving sweat to sit in your hair for too long after a workout can.
Sweat can dry out your locks, leaving behind a residue that can clog hair follicles and create an environment for bacteria to thrive. This can affect your scalp’s microbiome — the delicate balance of healthy bacteria on your scalp—which may cause itching, discomfort or dandruff.
Plus, if you have coloured hair, the high salt content within sweat may also cause your colour to become dull more quickly.
Our tips below will protect your hair from sweat, along with everything else your workout throws at it.
You don’t need to wait until after your workout to begin your haircare regime. Before getting your sweat on, take some simple steps to prepare and protect your hair pre-workout.
Add a layer of protection between your hair and any sweat, oil or debris by applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before working out. This is especially important if you have a curly or textured hair type, helping to prevent frizz and dryness.
Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver for a quick refresh, especially if you work out every day. Absorbing excess sweat and oil, dry shampoo lets you go a little longer between washes. Just don’t leave it too long—remember what we said earlier about sweat and your scalp’s microbiome! Spritzing some dry shampoo onto your roots before exercising is a clever trick to absorb any excess sweat and oils, keeping your hair looking fresh throughout your workout.
When choosing a gym-ready hairstyle, pay close attention to how much strain you put on your hair. Pick styles which keep pesky strands off your face but with minimal tightness and resistance. Think loose braids and low buns rather than sky-high ponies or slick-back looks.
Top Tip: When securing your hair, always use a snag-free hair tie such as a silk scrunchie. Not only will this reduce friction and breakage, but post-workout styling will be made easier without creases and kinks in the hair!
Just like you’d apply SPF to your skin, it’s also important for your hair. The sun’s UV rays can cause breakage, colour fade and dryness. If you’re exercising outdoors, use a UV-protection spray or a simple cap to protect your hair and scalp from harmful rays.
Even during the most intense workouts, there are plenty of ways to protect your hair mid-exercise.
Touching your hair while you exercise can transfer sweat and dirt into your strands as well as increasing the scalp’s oil production, leading to hair which looks and feels greasy. As we mentioned earlier, it’s important that your chosen hairstyle is one which keeps hair out of your face and requires no mid-workout adjustments.
More than just an '80s fashion trend, sweat bands are a great way to keep your hair out of your face while exercising. Not only do they prevent the hair around your face from absorbing sweat, you’ll also be left with fresher feeling hair post-workout. Plus, if you ask us, they’re still a coveted look!
Now that you’ve finished working out, it’s time to focus on refreshing your hair, removing and dirt and restoring shine and vibrancy.
To prevent your hair from absorbing sweat from your body, leave your hair in its workout style until you’re 100% cool.
In a rush? Use the cool setting on your hairdryer to speed up the process, focusing on your hairline and scalp
Once you’ve cooled down fully, gently brush through your hair with a wide-tooth comb or de-tangling brush. This removes any tangles that formed during your workout, without snagging your hair.
Brushing your hair post-workout is also a great way to evenly distribute moisture and prevent any clogged hair follicles.
If you work out regularly, you might find your hair feels uncomfortably oily and in need of washing more often. There’s no right or wrong to how often you should wash your hair. If you’re over-washing, your scalp will let you know through increased dryness, frizz and irritation.
Whether you’re lathering up daily or weekly, using a mild shampoo and conditioner can prevent your hair from being stripped of any natural oils while removing any excess sweat or dirt.
Top Tip: If you can’t wash your hair immediately post-workout, even just rinsing with lukewarm water will help to remove any sweat or dirt and stop it from sitting on your scalp!
Have you ever experienced hair growth after committing to an exercise routine? This isn’t just happy hair as a result of endorphins! The positive effects of regular exercise can indeed help to grow your hair. This is mostly due to blood flow. Exercise increases blood circulation throughout the body, including your scalp, helping to deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. Exercise also helps to combat stress, which can be a cause of hair loss. You’re likely sleeping better if you’re exercising too, which all positively contributes to healthy hair growth.
Don’t let the effects of exercise on your hair hold you back from smashing your goals. By incorporating our tips into your haircare routine, you can still embrace an active lifestyle while maintaining strong strands.