Some women pass on working out because of their hair
“I think that’s a myth,” Danielle Andrews said when asked what she thought of women who pass on working out because of their hairstyle.
“I used to be a kick-boxing instructor and I would see many women wearing their hair in all sort of styles. I figured if you were serious about getting in shape, then hair would be the last thing on your mind,” Andrews said.
With a short cropped head of curls, Andrews, who works out five times a week, has a low-maintenance routine to keep her hair in check after enduring intense workouts. But other women with longer tresses find it difficult to manage their curls during sweat-drenching workouts.
“I hate to say it, but [my hair] is one of the main reasons I don’t work out,” says Sheryl Gifford. “I know that sounds horrible, but I don’t have the time to work out and then spend hours doing my hair every other day; that won’t work for me.”
Gifford, whose 3c curls fall a few inches past her shoulders, has the same problem as many other women. Whether relaxed, transitioning or natural, some women avoid the gym like the plague for fear that one drop of sweat will ruin the ‘do that they’ve tried hard to create.
And while cornrows are sometimes labeled as the best option for protecting your hair while you work out, that hairstyle is very limiting when trying to switch up your styles throughout the week.
If you have grown out of your TWA (teeny, weeny afro”> stage, try to go for a puff or high ponytail when working out. These two hairstyles will protect your curls from sashaying about on your neck and forehead, which may be sweaty. For extra protection, wear a bandanna or scarf around your edges to ensure you’ll still have a smooth look after your workout.
“When my hair was longer, I used to wear flat twists while working out during the week and take them out at the beginning of the weekend for a curly afro look,” Andrews said. “That’s another great way to protect your hair from the sweat.”
If you’re a person who is scared of sweat altogether, try to do workouts that will keep sweating to a minimum. Yoga and pilates are great workouts that focus on flexibility, strength and posture and are less likely to frizz your hair.
Weight training is also a good alternative to cardio exercises. It’s a great way to gain muscle, which also burns fat.
