Exercise indisputably does wonders for our bodies and brains. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for our curls and waves. Contrary to what most would like to believe, all women sweat when our heart rate is elevated, so it’s necessary to shower following just about any cardio-infused work out.
I love a good Zumba class and kickboxing has also become a new favorite. In fact, once a week, I attend an amazing cardio kickbox class — a little Zumba, live music and boot-camp style moves — it’s great! It’s also hands down the sweatiest workout I have ever done, EVER, but I love the way I feel afterwards. My hair however…not so great. Here’s my curly cardio routine.
Curly Cardio
Clean Curls
When I get home I co-wash and give it a good, but gentle, scrub, combing through with my fingers. I find that co washing keeps it clean and detangled. I usually allow my curls to air dry after applying my favorite leave-in and gel.
Treat yourself
On weeks where my work outs are a bit more frequent or intense (or both!”>, I treat my curls to a leave in masque which I usually make from an avocado and olive oil. I allow my curls to absorb the mixture for 20-30 minutes then I rinse and clean my curls and style as normal.
Accessorize
With cardio infused classes, you move a lot and you move quickly too. The last thing you need to distract you is curls bouncing into your face as you go! Time for the accessories.
I love cotton headbands that are thick — the ones from Goody are perfect. I have a set of black ones (about 1 1/2” wide”> as well as three or four colors to mix and match into. I also have thick cotton headbands (1/4-1/2” each”> which I sometimes layer over thicker headbands and can also use to tie my hair up into a ponytail at the end of the class.
Wrap it up
Lastly, I like to wrap a thick cotton headscarf wrap around my curls when I work out. When I’m done, I unwrap my hair, tie it up (if needed”> and use the scarf around my neck to keep my body temperature from getting too hot or too cold when I leave the studio.
