Easy Tips for Working Out with Natural Hair: Keep Your Curls in Check While Staying Fit
Hands up if your hair has ever stopped you from hitting the gym? 🙋🏽♀️ If you’ve been putting off that workout because you’re worried about what it will do to your hair, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing—working out is not only great for your body, it’s also great for your hair! Increased blood flow from exercise can actually help stimulate hair growth. But, of course, if we don't care for our hair properly, the sweat and friction from workouts can lead to dryness and breakage.
No worries though! We’ve got some easy tips you can follow to protect your natural hair while you work on that fitness. Ready to sweat without the stress? Let’s dive in! 💪🏽
1. Shampoo Your Hair Regularly
Sweat can build up and mix with product residue, which can dry out your hair and make it more prone to breakage. While we typically recommend shampooing every 7-10 days, if you're working out regularly and sweating a lot, you might want to adjust this. Just don’t fall into the trap of washing your hair every day—frequent washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and damaged.
Instead, focus on shampooing your hair based on how much you sweat. If you’re working out intensely, it may be necessary to wash a little more often, but always ensure that you’re deep conditioning to restore moisture.
2. Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Moisture is your hair’s best friend—especially when you're working out! When your hair is well-moisturized, it's more resilient to breakage and less likely to become dry after a sweat session. Use the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO method (Liquid, Cream, Oil) to seal in moisture before and after your workouts.
Try applying a leave-in conditioner as your liquid, followed by a nourishing oil, and then a rich cream or styling product. Not only will this help keep your curls hydrated, but it will also make them easier to manage as you style.
3. Find Your Go-To Gym Hairstyle
Let’s face it—working out means movement, and that often means your hair is in for some action too. So, what’s the best way to keep your curls in check while you’re breaking a sweat? Protective styles are key! Think braids, twists, or even a high bun. These styles help keep your hair off your clothes and reduce friction, preventing tangles and damage.
Also, if you want to preserve your edges and reduce frizz, try wrapping your edges with a satin scarf or headband during your workout. Satin helps minimize friction and helps you keep your style in place.
Finding a hairstyle that works for you may take some trial and error, but once you figure out what works best for your curls, you'll feel confident working out without worrying about your hair.
4. Pack Hair Care Essentials in Your Gym Bag
We know you’ve got your water bottle and gym towel packed, but don’t forget to add some travel-sized natural hair products to your gym bag. Having your moisturizing spray, leave-in conditioner, and oils handy will make it easy to refresh your hair after a workout.
This ensures that whether you need to detangle or hydrate, you’ve got the right products to care for your curls before, during, and after your workout.
Conclusion: Sweat Doesn’t Have to Mean Stress
Exercising and taking care of your natural hair doesn’t have to be a struggle. By washing your hair regularly, keeping it moisturized, finding your go-to gym style, and packing the right products, you’ll be able to work out with confidence, knowing your hair is protected and thriving.
So, the next time you’re about to skip the gym because of your curls, just grab your products, tie your hair up, and let those endorphins—and your hair—shine!
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What’s your go-to hairstyle for working out with natural hair? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! 👇🏾