Don’t Be Intimidated By The Sweat! Tips To Help You Get A Good Workout

I love working out and I love to sweat. Now that the weather is changing to the cooler seasons, I am even more motivated because it’s not so hot and humid for my workout regimen. The one thing that I have to make certain is adjusting my hair schedule to suit my work out schedule. I mean, I don’t want to create a flat iron* style the day before my water aerobics class. Am I alone in this?

Exercise is very important for the body and hair. However, black women have always had the stigma that we tend to be more for our hair over our health. Maintaining your hair without looking a mess should not be more important than going for a brisk walk, or even doing a little yoga.

Let’s beat the statistic of not maintaining good health (which could be because of our hair) and get back in the gym or create workout regimens at home. Here are some tips that will help you not to be intimidated by the sweat, save your hairstyle, and to help you get a good workout in:

Planning for the workout

1. Make a schedule/plan that you will follow based on your goals

Before you start any work out, have a specific goal in mind (lose weight, tone muscle, flexibility, etc.). This is very important so you can know what style to have for your hair before, during, and after your workout. This will also help you schedule your hair and work out schedules to go hand-in-hand with each other.

For instance, it is easier to wear a straight style on the week you are focusing on muscle gain and or flexibility, because even though things can get pretty hectic, for the most part you are focused on muscle groups and not bouncing around and working up a sweat.

2. Plan to work out in a cool area

No matter what or how you plan for your workout, aim to work out in a cool environment. This will help reduce the sweat in your hair and scalp ultimately saving the style you have. Working out in a heated environment can dry your hair out and there will be more product buildup on your scalp from the extra sweat you secrete. You can also work out earlier in the day before the sun rises and enjoy the cool breeze or alternatively run during the cool breeze at night.

Styling options for the workout

1. Plan your hair style around your workout schedule

 If you just got a fresh silk wrap or a relaxer yesterday, I don’t think it’s best to do the most extreme of workouts today. Do workouts that help you to build up to the more extreme exercises: yoga – pilates – spinning – aerobics – treadmill – elliptical – running the track.

Try a high bun or a low ponytail if you have relaxed or have flat ironed your natural hair. If you want your hair locked down completely, do Flat Twists, Cornrows, or even Bantu Knots. In other words, you shouldn’t try to go to the gym to look cute anyways, keep your hair out of the way and focus!

2. Protect your hair and scalp with a cap or band

Sweat and working out go hand in hand. However, the more you sweat, the puffier your edges and scalp will get. Sweat bands will keep your hair and scalp as dry as possible. Try sweat bands from Amazon or a regular store. You can also try Save Your Do Gym Wraps by Actress Nicole Ari Parker to minimize the sweat that comes on your scalp as well.

If you do water aerobics or you just love to swim to get a good body workout, use a swim cap to protect your hair. Now, the swim cap won’t keep your hair fully dry, but it will keep your hair protected and will limit some of the chlorine water from getting to your hair. If you do not want the material of the sweat band or swim cap to touch your tresses, wrap your hair with a silk wrap or bonnet first then add your workout gear to protect your hair from sweat.

3. No tight hair bands, ponytail holders, or hair pins.

When you work out, you want your hair to be out of the way, but you don’t want your hair to suffer from the use of extra tight hair accessories. Do not wear anything that adds tension to your hairline. Also, do not wear anything that pulls or tugs on your hair. The purpose of a hair band is to put your hair up and out of the way, not to keep messing with it while you workout because your workout hairstyle is too tight.

After the workout

1. Allow your hair to dry after the workout.

I know you are thinking, “Ewww…sweat drying in my hair? That’s gross!” Letting your hair dry before taking your band off or trying to fix it before stepping out of the gym will minimize frizziness and puffiness of your hair, particularly your roots.

This will help when you eventually want to to wash and deep condition your hair because your hair will be easier to manage. But if you are in a rush, just use the cool setting on your hair dryer* to help dry your hair.

2. Wash your hair according to your own regimen

 There is no special way to wash your hair after a work out. Just continue to use what works for you. If you must have that clean feeling, use your mild shampoo to wash away the sweat and buildup. However, make sure you use your leave-in moisturizer to put moisture back into your hair and a little oil to seal it all in.

If you tend to workout at least four times a week and you want to wash your hair daily, try co-washing. It is less harsh than using shampoo and it will get the sweat off your scalp as well, to avoid buildup. If you just don’t have the time to wash your hair, try a dry shampoo. It is simple, fast, and you can avoid washing your hair everyday. You can also use dry shampoo if you detect a strong odor coming from your hair.

3. If you are definitely on the go, massage oil onto your scalp before you leave the gym

If you have to go to work after your workout or you have to pick the baby up from daycare without washing your hair first, use an anti-bacterial oil. Using oils* like peppermint* or tea tree* essential oils* (mixed with carrier oils*) will break down the build up of sweat on your scalp. Make sure to use immediately after working out, then air day. Once you have time to wash your hair, you will notice that the sweat and build up have dissolved by the anti-bacterial or anti-fungal oil of your choice.

Well there you have it, a few awesome tips to follow for you to get your sweat on without worrying about your hair. Don’t let your hair get in the way of your goals for your health and well-being. So grab your bottle of water and a towel and get in the gym!