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The first week of 2018 is over and I’m sure you’ve been hitting the gym like clockwork to work on that New Year’s resolution of healthier eating and exercise…or something like that. I'm definitely guilty of hot starts and cold finishes, so just remember to pace yourself and take your time. Focus more on a healthy lifestyle change instead of that diet or gym routine because you may fall off, and that’s okay. I totally understand how adapting to a new fitness routine can have its challenges but I’m here to tell you that your hair doesn’t have to be one of them. Don’t avoid being your best self just because you’re afraid your ‘do won’t hold up. Here are five tips to keep your hair looking right while you work on the rest.
Work it out; but watch yourself (see exactly what you’re working with).
You’re definitely going to sweat. The question is how much and how will your hair be affected. Well, there’s no need to go all Jillian Michaels right away. Do yourself a favor and start out with a less intense routine like fast-paced walking on the treadmill or circuit training with lower weights. Your body will thank you for the initial warm up to the more intense stuff down the road and you will understand your sweat levels and how to adjust your hair regimen routine accordingly.
Make it rain, (bottled water, that is).
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Take that bottled water with you. Take extra, if you need it. And absolutely drink it to replenish your fluids. You want to consume about four to six ounces for every 15-20 minutes of workout. Water is essential to your body for boosting your joint and body tissue health, regulating your core temperature, and carrying nutrients (and removing toxins) throughout your body. It’s just as important for your hair as dehydration has a direct (and negative) impact on the growth of your hair. Experiencing dry, brittle strands after working out? Getting dandruff? Hair suddenly dull? Make sure you’re drinking enough water.
Conditioner is critical when you’re getting physical.
Before you get in a workout, depending on how you are rocking your hair, you may want to treat your hair to a good leave-in conditioner to give it an extra boost of moisture. This should not be considered as a substitute for drinking water. Please drink water. Hydrating your hair from the inside and outside is the look. I recommend distributing my Protective Styles Bamboo and Coconut Milk Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner from root to end to keep your moisture levels protected even as you perspire. To save your edges, you especially want to apply a leave-in conditioner and tie down (but not too tightly) with a satin scarf.
Come clean with ease.
You don’t necessarily need to shampoo more to keep your hair clean while working out if you don’t sweat heavily. Also, curly hair actually tends to respond better to humidity than straight hair. Depending on your hair type and texture, you can refresh your hair and scalp between actual shampoos by using a dry cleanse like my Moisture Clenz or my Bamboo, Avocado and Peppermint Dry Gel Shampoo. When you do shampoo, use a sulfate-free formula like my Protective Styles Moisturizing Mint Shampoo so that you won’t strip away your natural oils.
Save your styles for before or after the gym. (Don’t worry about looking fly during Zumba).
I know how tempting it is to want to look your absolute best all the time. And I also understand that gyms can be very social places with lots of eye candy and potential for making a connection. But you’re there to work out and the process can get pretty ugly because it's not meant to be a "pretty" experience. It’s okay to not wear makeup and to not do a twist out specifically to catch the eye of that favorite personal trainer of yours. You’re going to sweat the makeup off anyway and you really don’t need to additionally stress your hair by over manipulating it. It’s okay and better to wrap your hair up and protect your look.
For any questions you may have on maintaining your hair while working out, please don’t hesitate to email me at asktaliah@naturalhair.org.
