Forty percent of Black women have at one time avoided exercise for fear it would mess up their hair, researchers at the Wake Forest School of Medicine report. One reason may be pricey treatments: Sixty-two percent said they regularly had their hair done in a style to make it more manageable but it didn’t always translate to going to the gym. Women also expressed concerns about sweating out their hairstyle; the time to wash, dry, and style their hair; and scalp itching.
There is no greater feeling than the energy you get after a workout, but there’s nothing worse than your hairdo being wrecked to shame afterward. Don’t be that gal who picks vanity over health, because TRUST – in the long run you won’t look good!
If you struggle with your hairstyle after a workout, take a look at some of these tips. You might find one that works for you!
Go For A Wrap
If you have medium or short hair, try wrapping a silk scarf around your hair during your workout session. Try to leave the crown of your head exposed and tie the knot closer to the nape of your neck.
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This leaves room for your head to breathe while preserving your hairstyle without flattening it.
RELATED: “I Sweat Through My Scalp”: Exercise & Black Hair Care
A Ponytail Never Hurt Anybody!
If you are that “long hair don’t care” chick, pull those beautiful tresses up into a fashionable high pony. The idea is to get the hair off the back of your neck and out of the way.
For added style and protection, try an elastic headband. This will absorb any moisture from your sweat-worthy workout!
Braids
Try taking it back to your youth and put that hair into one or two French braids or even a braided pony.
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Then, take a scarf and wrap it around your head. This not only keeps your hair protected and out of the way, but you will have a cute braid out that you can wear the next day!
Rod/Roller Sets
These are great options for a girl focused on her fitness! The idea behind this is that not only is it a cute style, but it assists in camouflaging the good workout you had the day before. This look promotes the big and fabulous hair that sweating and working out creates. This is especially a great style for that natural-haired lady.
**EXTRA TIP**
Use dry shampoo. Spray it directly onto roots before your workout to absorb sweat and oils, Galasso says. If you find that dry shampoo makes your hair appear ashy or powdery, or causes your locks to feel heavy or gritty, you’re likely not using it correctly. Here’s how to use it correctly:
– Turn the canister upside down and shake well for about 30 seconds. This allows the powder components that have sunk to the bottom of the can to mix with the aerosol components so that when you press the nozzle, the product will distribute in a steady, even stream without spitting or clumping.
– Hold up thin sections of hair perpendicular to the ceiling and position the canister six to 10 inches away from your hair. Spray only the first inch of your roots while moving your arm back and forth horizontally across the section to distribute on the section equally. Avoid spraying directly on the scalp in a static spot.
– Brush over the dry shampoo from roots to ends to create a seamless fusion between your hair’s natural oils and the product.
