If you enjoy difficult workouts, you probably see perspiration as an indicator that you’ve done something good. As satisfying as that might seem during a fitness session, it creates a bit of a challenge if you work out most days. Specifically, hair maintenance becomes more challenging.
There’s no need to scale back your activity in the name of good hair—colorist Mark DeBolt and hairstylist Ryan Trygstad, proprietors of Mark Ryan Salon, are giving their best advice for individuals who train out on a daily basis.
Determine How Frequently You Should Wash Your Hair
You’ve undoubtedly heard that everyday hair washing is unnecessary for most individuals. (See: How Often Should You Really Wash Your Hair?) Even if you work out frequently, you should still follow the basic rule of thumb for hair cleaning based on your hair type.
That implies that if you have fine, straight hair, it will likely seem flat and greasy immediately after washing, therefore you may need to wash every other day or every three days to avoid oil buildup.
If you have curly or coily hair, your scalp is usually drier, and you should limit it to once or twice a week, according to Trygstad. “Really, it’s about reading your own hair,” he explains. While you should avoid washing more frequently, you may still shower after every workout. Trygstad recommends rinsing your hair and applying conditioner on days when you’re sweating but not washing your hair.
And if you simply cannot bear the notion of not bathing your hair every day, you may still care for its health through your other behaviors. According to DeBolt, the biggest disadvantage of washing too frequently is “the friction, strain, and tugging of the hair while it’s wet,” since wet hair stretches out and becomes more prone to breaking.
“If you overstretch your hair, it might stretch out and not return to its original shape,” he explains. “It’s fine to shampoo your hair every day, but you’ll need to do a lot of air drying or be extremely careful with hot equipment, whether that means turning the heat down or using thermal protectants.”
Choose the Best Hair Products
It pays to be picky when it comes to hair products. On wash days, avoid the impulse to use sulfate-containing shampoos, which are beneficial after swimming or in the presence of build-up but might be too stripping for frequent usage, according to Trygstad.
The allure of sulfate-containing shampoos is that they may leave your hair feeling squeaky clean – a wonderful sensation after a strenuous exercise. However, Trygstad claims that the identical prize may be obtained elsewhere.
If you want to “feel clean” without using sulfate shampoos, he recommends exfoliating scrubs or any “invigorating” product containing menthol or mint. He recommends doing the treatments once a week, or even more frequently if you have short hair because there is less risk of drying out the lengths.
You’re undoubtedly already familiar with the power of dry shampoo, and while the products might cause build-up when used regularly, Trygstad thinks they’re OK in moderation.
He is particularly fond of R+CO Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist. “If you shake the container, spray it on your roots, then blow dry them for 30 seconds, it looks like a fresh new blow-dry,” he explains. “It’s a magical product.”
Reconsider Your Gym Hairstyles
Sure, a grabbed ponytail looks good and gets your hair out of your face, but it has a price. “When a customer sits in my chair, I can virtually see hair tie breaking because it nearly looks like a ‘U’ shape and that’s precisely where the hair band lays,” explains DeBolt. “I can detect those who want their hair pinned back incredibly tight from a mile away.”
The move: Choose a loose braid or bun that will be less prone to break. According to DeBolt, a bun is also an excellent setting for a hair treatment. “Before going to the gym or taking that Pilates class, put a treatment in your hair — an overnight serum is extremely nice — and then wrap it up in a bun,” he recommends. The style keeps your hair warm and moist, allowing the treatment to fully permeate your strands.
Rather of a standard ponytail holder, Trygstad recommends tying off your style with something less likely to cause breakages, such as Goody Hair Spin Pins or Invisibobble Hair Ties. During exercise, a headband can help protect your hair from perspiration.
“I have a lot of customers who use microfiber hairbands and wear them directly on their hairline while they work out,” DeBolt explains. “It actually helps absorb some of the perspiration.” If that doesn’t work, scalp Botox is an option for folks looking for a way to prevent perspiration from developing in the first place.
That’s all there is to it. If your week is jam-packed with exercises, the appropriate wash regimen, products, and styles will keep your hair looking great.
