Exercising with Natural Hair

If you have natural, curly, or kinky hair, chances are you have a frustrated relationship with exercise. You either avoid if at all cost or dread it but do it anyway in hope that your hair won’t mess up too quickly. Well, you are not alone According to a 2014 study, 45% of African American women avoid exercise because of their hair, but you do not have to do that.

Here are some tips to help you keep your hair looking good during and after a workout.

Put your hair up.

Try putting your hair into a bun, ponytail, or pineapple to keep your curls off your face and neck, this will help to reduce contact with sweat and help you to sweat less overall. You can also try a low-manipulation protective style (such as two strand twists, cornrows, or braids using your natural hair) you can leave it in for the work out or for the week until you’re ready to wash your hair.

Don’t be afraid of sweat!

With the right exercise and washing routine to keep your hair both clean and moisturized, you don’t need to hold yourself back from a good workout. Go ahead and give your workout all you got!

Work out in cooler environments.

In the cold, your body is hotter than the surrounding environment and can easily get rid of the heat produced in the muscles during exercise. If you live in a warm climate, work out early in the morning or in the evenings when it’s cooler. You can also use a fan to keep you cool while you work out inside, or wear light-weight clothes that don’t trap heat.

Don’t tie your headband or scarf too tight.

I love satin because it protects your hair from breakage, but not so much when I am working out because it can increase, and trap sweat and do not let your scalp breath! With that said try using a satin-lined headband instead of a scarf that covers the entire head. If you prefer a scarf, try not to wear it too tight. Try not to touch your hair or take it out of your scarf or headband until your hair is dry. If you do so it may cause your hair to become frizzy. You may have to use a fan or blow dryer on cool settings to help speed up the drying process.

Refresh and clean your scalp and hair.

Try a co-wash if you feel your hair is dirty or sweaty in-between workouts. Using a moisturizer or leave-in conditioner every day can help to prevent dryness and breakage. Once you get your workout routine in place, experiment with how often you will need to shampoo and co-wash to find a balance that makes your hair feel happy.

Don’t shampoo after every workout.

Sweat dries out hair and shampoo will remove natural oils from your hair and dry it out even more. When using shampoo opt for a sulfate free shampoo like that will clean your hair without stripping the moisture from it.

Make a schedule and stick to it.

A schedule will help you coordinate your hair and workout routine. If you plan, you won’t have to make a choice between caring for your health and your hair.

Drink water and eat well.

Healthy foods and sufficient water will make your workouts more effective.

Deep condition every two weeks.

A deep conditioning routine is essential to replenish your hair with moisture and protect it from damage and sweat.

Don’t sacrifice your health for your hair.

You’ll feel better as you get used to a routine that makes you look and feel your best.