How to Protect + Preserve Your Hair During Workouts

Dose of Prose

Throughout my life I’ve constantly received compliments on my hair. People specifically comment on how long and healthy my hair is. I’m not saying this to brag, but to further validate the information that I’m about to give you in this blog post. I’m not a hair care expert by any means…but it’s safe to say that all this positive feedback I’ve received over the years, has to mean that I’m doing something right, haha. Anyway, as the title suggest, today I’m going to give you tips and tricks on how to maintain your straight hairstyles (ie. blowouts, silk press, etc.) for up to a month (yes, a month!) while you workout. This post is catered to my fellow #natural and curly haired women out there, but honestly, if you are active in the gym as well as the salon, this post is for you.

Disclaimer: I know that the topic of hair, especially within my community (the black community) can be a sensitive, touchy subject. I want to make it clear that I am in no way, shape or form trying to tell you how you should or should not wear your hair. What I discuss in this post is my opinion and a routine that works for me. My intention is to provide valuable inspiration that hopefully will resonate with you. I’m giving you the tools – how you choose to use those tools is completely up to your discretion.

Your hair = your business. Do what works best for you!

For you visual learners, here’s a video demo/summary of my gym hair routine. 👇🏾

A Gym Hair Routine That Works

BEFORE: your night routine matters

Over time I’ve realized that how you take care of your hair at night, truly does impact how long your hair is going to last throughout the day. Before I go to sleep, I split my hair in two sections and put those two sections into braids or twisted buns at night. The buns/braids help my straight hair to blend better with my sweaty/reverted hair without using any heat! I’ve also noticed that this technique enables my hair to naturally hold a curl or crimp texture longer, without the time and hassle of wearing hair curlers.

DURING: timing is everything

You may not be able to control how much you sweat during your workout, but you can control how you wear your hair to ensure it resists the sweat you emit. First things first, it is imperative to take advantage of cotton headbands/sweatbands. Cotton is breathable, absorbent material that will help to protect your edges/baby hairs when you sweat, which is typically the first part of your hair to revert back to its natural state. Additionally, instead of putting your hair up in a ponytail when you workout, opt for a high bun. Basically, you want to keep your hair off your body and out of your face until all of your sweat is completely dry. This means you should avoid taking off your cotton headband and unravelling your high bun immediately after you workout. Wait until the sweat on your body and face dries before you remove or take anything down. I typically go grocery shopping after I workout and then I’ll go home and shower. After I shower is when I take off my sweatband and hair tie. Trust me, timing your perspiration is key when it comes to preserving your straight hairstyles.

AFTER: less is more

In between workouts and going to the salon, dry shampoo is going to be your best friend. My go-to has been the dry shampoo by TRESemmé. I like dry shampoo because it helps to rid my hair of product buildup and excess oil, which leaves my scalp feeling refreshed and my hair smelling great.

I try to avoid using too much heat on my hair in general, but if I must use heat before my next hair appointment, instead of a flat iron, I’ll use a brush and blow dryer to touch up my hair. This dynamic duo is quick, uses minimal heat and honestly, gives the illusion that you went to the salon for a blowout, at absolutely no cost to you. Less is more, my friends. Why spend time and money when you can get the same (if not better) result for free? When it comes to your hairstyles, work smarter, not harder.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I hope this post gave you some helpful hair tips and techniques. Ultimately, when it comes to maintaining straight hairstyles, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, it’s easier to take gradual steps that will protect and prevent you from sweating your hair out, than it is to sweat your hair out and try to fix it afterwards, which often leads to more damage and money spent in the long run. Leave a comment and let me know your gym hair routine! I’d love to hear it. I’ll catch you in my next post.

-Kaamilah