Everyone’s natural hair journey is different, and so is everyone’s fitness journey, but we know it can be difficult to have a good relationship with them both when one can have such an impact on the other.
Hair anxiety is real, and we don’t want that to be the reason you quit the gym, but we know that right now, for some of you, it is. According to one study, 45% of black women admitted to avoiding the gym because they didn’t want their hair getting ruined [1].
But it’s not all doom and gloom, there are ways you can care for your natural hair while exercising through protective hairstyles and curly hair products.
Everyone’s curls are different and that’s what makes them beautiful, and protective hairstyles for the gym are a must if you have curly hair. With the right pre and post-workout hair routine, you can remove buildup, keep the frizz at bay, and your coils moisturized and refreshed.
We figured you might want to know what effect sweat has on your curls too, so we’ll get into that in this article, along with the following:
Is Sweat Good For Your Hair?
How Sweat Can Affect Curly Hair
6 Protective Gym Hairstyles For Curly Hair
Gymshark Diffuse Headband
Post-Workout Hair Care Tips
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Gymshark Diffuse Sweatband
We likely all use some variation of a headband at home as they're super convenient for pushing our hair back so we can wash our face or sleep easily, but is it gym-friendly? Introducing, our Diffuse Sweatband; a multi-wear, sweat-wicking headband with the durability to support you and your coils through your training. Thick yet breathable, and designed to stay put and keep you focused so you can work out freely with one less distraction. Created with the natural hair community in mind, this is the perfect solution for protecting your curls in the gym.
Please note: numbers for this product are limited and currently the Diffuse Headband will only be available to buy from the London Regent St. store.
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Is Sweat Good For Your Hair?
The short answer is, no.
Sweat is usually high on the list of worries when it comes to damaging your hair, and for good reason too. Sweat can lead to dehydration, tangled locks, and breakage down the line if your curls aren’t prep’d correctly.
How Sweat Can Affect Curly Hair
Sweat dripping down your face during a tough workout? Usually, the sign you’ve been putting in the work, but it can come with some irritation, and have you ever thought about the effect of sweat on your hair?
Sweat can clog your hair follicles
Your hair follicles on your scalp are surrounded by sweat glands, and when you exercise, these hair follicles can become clogged by the excess sweat. Using hair oils can cause your scalp to be oily, which creates excess sebum which can clog your hair follicles further.
Sweat can cause irritation
All this clogging and blocking of the hair follicles can lead to a lot of itching and irritation. Clogged hair follicles can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to bacterial infections like folliculitis - red pimples, itching, and rashes on the scalp.
Sweat can cause hair dryness
Imagine diving into the ocean, and the saltwater dries in your hair before you have the chance to wash it out. Crispy, salty (no it’s not your favorite savory snack), it’s the condition of your hair. The high concentration of salt in your sweat can have the same effect on your hair. A sweaty head top can leave your hair dry, dehydrated, and brittle, which can have a costly effect on your curly hair breakage.
Gym Hair Products For Curly Hair
Your curly locks can have a life of their own, but keeping them tame is easy with the right hair products. So before you comfy up in front of a mirror to make a start on your protective gym hairstyle, it’s time to prep your hair with products that focus on hydrating and moisturizing, oh, and maybe an accessory or two.
1. Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Spray
If your hair is styled in braids, a root refresher is a quick and easy way to add some moisture back to your scalp after you've worked out. This product helps to deodorize your scalp after you've exercised, refresh the curls, and push back that wash day. Think of it like a dry shampoo, it's a quick fix, especially useful if you've got a busy day after the gym.
2. Sunday II Sunday Co-Wash Conditioner
Co-wash is what you'll do when you want to refresh your hair between wash days, which is perfect for you curly hair gym goers who prefer not to wash their hair too often. It's a non-foaming formula that detangles, cleanses and conditions all in one go for nourished and moisturized curls. It helps remove buildup without having to go the whole nine yards, shampoo and all.
3. Sunday II Sunday Leave-In Conditioner
A leave-in conditioner for natural hair is an incredible product to use both pre and post-workout. It's a no-rinse solution for nourished curls, and it protects your hair from workout damage like frizz and split ends. The Sunday II Sunday Leave-In Conditioner is a cream designed to resist frizz, lock in moisture, define curls, and enhance shine, without weighing your hair down.
This should be applied on damp hair. Apply it after you've washed your hair, or refresh your hair with a water spray and apply.
4. Bread Hair Clarifying Shampoo
After a sweaty session at the gym, it's time for a hair detox. Grab this clear wash-clarrying shampoo for a clean slate. Gently foaming and deeply restorative, it clarifies without breakage and has the scent of a relaxing spa day. It's cruelty-free, color-safe, and free from silicones so you can begin your wash day on a good note, and remove dirt and sweat buildup from the gym, without drying out your hair.
5. Bread Hair Scalp Exfoliator
Exfoliators are a great tool for curly hair to help dislodge debris or excess dirt caught at the root of your coils. They help hair stimulate growth by boosting circulation, so if you're worried about hair breakage from all those gym up-dos, you can remedy your fears with this handy little scalp stimulator.
6 Protective Gym Hairstyles For Curly Hair
Curly hair comes in a range of types and textures, so try these hairstyles out to see what works for you! A lot of us have been through a time in our curly hair journey where turning to the straighteners just seems like the easiest option. But if you want to embrace your curls, in and out of the gym, it’s important you find healthy and protective hairstyles for the gym that avoid heat, especially if you’re in your transitioning period.
Headband
Let’s be candid, it’s not every day you want to comb, style, or slick back your hair for the gym. This is where the trusty headband steps in to become your new gym bestie. Headbands are brilliant for wearing to work out in as they soak up any excess moisture on your head, stopping it from running down your locks.
Braids
Braids can be a fun and easy hairstyle for protecting your curls and minimizing frizz from sweat during a workout, and if you’ve got the patience and handy work, you can braid your hair yourself. The style is perfect for the gym if you want a style that stays in place as you work out, looks good, and will last a long time. The beauty of braids is that they also give your scalp some breathing space, which can help minimize sweat during your weekly run club or cycling workout.
Space Buns
Think 90s, the Spice Girls, if there’s one gym hairstyle that screams nostalgia, it’s this one. Space buns are a fun and easy hairstyle to do for the gym, especially if you have thick hair. You can get creative with the parting, making zig-zag patterns, or perfectly straight. Either wrap your hair around to make two tight buns or leave it loose for some added texture to your galactic hairstyle.
High-Slicked Back Bun
If you’re a matching set and slicked-back bun type of girl, then the ballerina-style bun will probably be the curly hairstyle you choose to work out in. It’s an easy style that requires little time, but a lot of gel. Work the gel into your hair and run a bristle brush through your hair to create the perfect slick back, leaving some baby hairs free at the front if you want to style them too. With your hair tied up and off your neck, there’s less chance of your hair getting sweaty and needing washing again.
Pineapple
A pineapple bun is a go-to gym hairstyle for curly hair babes, as it means you can scrape your hair off your face to minimize distractions while working out, but still have your coils looking cute and bouncing in a high pineapple shaped pony-tail. Coat your hair with a moisturizing cream or leave-in conditioner to keep your curls defined and moisturized through your workout.
Plaits
This is a fail-safe hairstyle that doesn’t require too much commitment and is especially good when you’re nearing wash day. You can fashion your curls into two plaits relatively quickly compared to how long getting cornrows might take, so it might be the go-to hairstyle for those of you on a tight schedule. Plait your hair in two plaits on either side of your head, for a simple hairstyle that will stay put in the gym. If you feel like being fancy, take a trip to the Eurocontinent and get handy creating two French plaits.
Post-Workout Hair Care Tips For Curly Hair
It starts with the prep, and it ends with the post-workout hair care routine. Your curly hair is complex, and it requires a lot of love and tenderness to thrive.
After your workout, you want to be caring for your coils and focusing on cleansing and moisturizing.
How Often Should I Wash My Curly Hair If I Work Out?
Curly hair doesn’t need to be washed that often, most natural hair that you already know. But when you’re working out a lot, you don’t want the sweat sitting on your scalp for too long.
Everyone’s hair is different, and washing your hair weekly, or bi-weekly might be your normal routine. But say you’re upping the cardio, or upping the intensity of your workouts and sweating a lot more, you might want to increase those wash days to 2-3 times a week.
How To Treat Your Hair Post-Workout
Soak up any excess moisture
using a microfibre towel. Pat your head to soak up sweat left on your scalp and focus on drying your roots. Remember to dap and not rub!
Refresh your curls with a reactivating curl spray to revive the curls that may have gotten dampened down during your workout.
Co-Wash Your Hair In Between Washes
It’s kind of inevitable if you’re pushing yourself physically to not end up with sweat dripping down your face, and this can leave your hair feeling pretty gross, maybe even a little itchy (and smelly).
But if you’re concerned about stripping away those natural oils from over-washing with shampoo, this is where co-washing comes in.
Co-washing is the key to keeping your curls hydrated and clean whilst staying active.
This means washing your hair with only conditioner, which can be especially effective if you work out a lot and find your hair feeling a little dirty or dry after working out. You can skip the shampoo in between washes, and co-wash instead to keep your curls bouncing back every time.
Use A Clarifying Shampoo To Prevent Buildup
When your curls are looking a bit lackluster, frizzing more than usual, or feeling weighted down and lacking in volume, it might be a sign you need to do a clarifying wash. You should use a clarifying shampoo for curly hair to deep cleanse your hair to remove any buildup of products and dirt. Afterward, you’ll find your curls are bouncier, healthier, and hydrated. Clarifying your hair also helps clean the scalp, which can help prevent any irritation and clogging from sweat.
Now you have the tips and tools for caring for your hair when you work out, the gym should feel less daunting. Play around with different hairstyles and products to see what works for you, it's all about what makes you feel confident and comfortable. It may be a work in progress but with these protective hairstyles and tips to care for your natural hair, you can keep your curls intact and refreshed whether it's a heavy lifting day, sweaty HIIT session, or Pilates workout. Say goodbye to skipping the gym, and hello to healthy curls.
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