Hair Care: How To Maintain Your Hair Style While Working Out

Photo Credit: Essence.com

Women of color should not allow hair to prevent them from living a healthy lifestyle. There are many ways black women can preserve hairstyles and workout.

1. ALL HAIR TYPES. Before going to the gym, wrap the hair and tie it down. Hair can also be tied in a bun or in braids, as well as twists. Post­ workout, wait until the hair is completely dry and unwrap and style. Women also need the right hair care products for her hair type, patience and effort.

2. BRAIDS​. A woman who exercises three or more times per week should consider this option. Braids are very convenient for women with active lifestyles. Braids last six weeks to three months, depending on the style. She can simply put her hair up and/or tie her braids down when exercising. Once she’s completed the workout, the female can quickly style as needed and go about her day. Women should refer to their hair stylist on how to maintain braids.

3. NATURAL HAIR. Wrap the hair and tie it down with a cotton scarf pre­-workout. Cotton scarves absorb sweat better than silk scarves. Wait until the hair is completely dry and style.

4. CURLY HAIR. Twist the hair either individually or in cornrows before exercising. Afterwards, wait for twists to dry and style. Put the hair in a smooth ponytail in order to keep the hair tame. Then style after exercising. Once curly hair is styled, leave it alone to prevent frizzing. Style the hair while it’s damp or wet and refrain from touching it until dry.

5. FRIZZY HAIR. Apply a hair product that is specifically for frizz control. Put the hair in a smooth ponytail or wrap it and tie the hair with a cotton scarf in order to absorb sweat.

6. RELAXED HAIR. ​Based on my research, chemically straightened hair is not a good option for women who workout consistently. Women report hair damage as a result of having to style the hair so frequently. Not to mention, having to frequent the hair salon more than normal in order to keep the roots straight. Having to frequent the hair salon becomes costly.

7. HAIR WEAVE. ​This can be a good option if there is a commitment to maintain the hair. The woman’s hair is braided to the scalp and the hair weave is sewn to the braid. Because her hair is braided down, it remains healthy. Hair weave can be washed and styled as frequently as needed.

How do you style your hair while working out?