How do you balance an active lifestyle with your hair care routine?
For Black women who love to stay active, maintaining your hair’s health and style can sometimes feel like a juggling act. The sweat, frequent washing, and friction from workouts can take a toll on your precious locks.
But fear not, because we’ve got six practical ways to help you keep your hair in tip-top shape while staying active.
1. Protective Styles Are Your Workout BFFs
Opt for protective styles like braids, twists, or buns when you’re hitting the gym or going for a run. These styles keep your hair tucked away and safe from excessive manipulation, reducing the risk of breakage.
2. Satin or Silk Headgear
Invest in satin or silk-lined caps, headbands, or scarves to protect your hair during workouts. These materials are gentle on your strands and help reduce friction, preventing frizz and breakage.
3. Pre-Workout Hair Prep
Before you start your workout, apply a light leave-in conditioner or hair oil to your ends and edges. This pre-workout step can help shield your hair from sweat and minimize moisture loss.
4. Co-Washing After Workouts
Consider co-washing (using a conditioner instead of shampoo) after particularly sweaty workouts. This helps remove sweat and build-up without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Be sure to use a sulfate-free conditioner.
5. Dry Shampoo for Quick Fixes
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for active women. It can refresh your hair, absorb excess oil, and add volume between washes. Just spray it on your roots, wait a few minutes, and comb or shake it out.
6. Protective Night Routine
Before bed, ensure your hair is well-protected. Use a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and minimize the risk of hair breakage while you sleep. You can also pineapple your hair (a loose, high ponytail on top of your head) to maintain your style.
Balancing an active lifestyle with maintaining fabulous hair doesn’t have to be a struggle.
With the right strategies and a bit of planning, you can enjoy both your workouts and healthy, beautiful hair. So, how do you plan to incorporate these tips into your active routine?
Brandelyn Green is the Founder of VoiceOfHair, a platform to help women of color find the best hair care products, regimens and hairstyles! Since starting VoiceOfHair in 2014 she has grown the social media platform to over 1MM+ on Instagram and Facebook. As a natural who is also a salon goer, she wanted to create a platform where people could find the best products, hairstylists, advice and trends.
