Exercising or skipping the gym is a decision that often leaves people with textured hair choosing the second option.
Image Source: @so_manti
There is no question about the wonders of a workout routine for a person’s physical and mental health. However, the hair damage that results from completing an intense workout makes it harder to maintain a consistent exercise regime. For those with curly and oily strands, sweating is the culprit behind avoiding the gym.
Sweat is essential for the body, helping keep it cool as large amounts of energy are exerted. While sweating is beneficial, its impact on the hair is more of a hassle many people would rather not deal with. Sweat happens when sweat glands release moisture from different areas of the body, including the scalp.
The scalp is where hair follicles are located. Excessive sweat on the scalp can irritate and clog hair follicles. A board-certified facial plastic and hair surgeon told The Zoe Report that harbored bacteria and fungus from clogged hair follicles cause scalp inflammation, which could potentially affect hair growth.
Image Source: @so_manti
Dry hair is also a symptom of excessive sweating due to the high salt content. People with dyed hair are more prone to breakage. When hair strands frequently switch from wet to dry, it causes extra dehydration and brittleness. Dry hair can also be a symptom of a dry scalp. When the scalp isn’t producing enough oil to moisturize the layer of skin, itching, flaking, and other irritations can be the outcome.
On top of poor hair and scalp health, the urge to increase the number of wash days is time-consuming with natural hair. It’s natural for a person to feel as if their hair is unclean after working out, but over-shampooing can be just as damaging. Although shampoo cleans the hair, too much can strip essential oils produced from the scalp that keep it moisturized.
For many, the choice becomes clear when the pros and cons of working out with natural hair are considered. But there are ways to revive curls and coils after a workout that help limit potential hair damage.
Image Source: @henryknightny
NaturallyCurly spoke with New York Latina Fitness Coach Samantha Ortiz-Young about how she maintains her curls as someone who works out four to five times a week.
As a person who works out frequently, what changes do you notice with your curls after exercise?
Frizziness and loss of definition from the crown of my head to the back of my neck are changes I notice. I like to put my hair back in a ponytail that’s not too tight and sometimes add a headband to help with the sweat…Afterward, I remove my headband and hair tie and let my hair air dry before manipulating it in any way.
What hair products do you use to refresh your natural hair after sweating and being exposed to other elements?
I use the Sunday II Sunday Root Refresher and add some Rizos Curls Defining Mousse. Lastly, I love to add OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel.
Regarding your wash day routine, is there a specific regimen or method you follow to revive your hair?
I wash my hair once a week and use Cantu’s Shampoo and Conditioner with Shea Butter from their avocado line. If I’m not using that, I use the OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel. I also deep condition with the Cantu Deep Treatment Masque with Shea Butter.
When working out, my go-to hairstyle is a ponytail because I don’t like my hair completely down. As a curly girl, once you put your hair in a bun – that’s it, game over. I also will do a single braid to keep the definition of my curls.
What advice would you give those who want to go to the gym but skip it because they don’t want to mess up their hair?
Image Source: @so_manti
Health is wealth. The curly girls can bring their curls back to life and preserve them. The steps I gave can give curly girls an idea of how to refresh their hair and keep them voluminous and defined. When I work out, I usually do strength and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which is very intense. I sweat a lot and can have my hair last at least 5-6 days. I hope that incentivizes them to love their curls, have their hair look like they just had a wash day, and still prioritize themselves.
Need hair inspo for your workouts? Check out these ten curly hair routines.
- Essations Tea Tree Solutions Dry & Itchy Scalp Shampoo
- Aunt Jackie’s Frizz Rebel – Coconut & Sweet Almond
- CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave In Conditioner
OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
