Expert advice on how to protect your hair during a workout
Physical activities are set to kick into high gear as the weather starts to heat up in South Africa.
And whether it is a yoga class, a running programme, sports or going to the gym, it is essential to be conscious about your health and hygiene, which applies to your hair, too.
Experts at international hair extensions retailer, Roxy Hair explained that if the correct precautions aren’t taken, exercising can make your hair more susceptible to breakage, giving it a dry and brittle appearance.
“Sweat can also cause your hair to become greasy, making you more vulnerable to breakouts,” they said.
“Because of this, it’s essential to be conscious of your hair’s health while exercising over the summer.”
Here is their guide on how to protect your hair during workouts.
Put your hair in a ponytail
“There’s a reason why ponytails were so popular during this year's Olympic Ceremony,” they said. “They’re quick and easy, but still effortlessly stylish.”
They believe that tying your hair back before exercising not only does it keep your hair out of your face during workouts, but it also prevents the risk of breakage and reduces the appearance of frizz.
“Styling your hair away from your face means that it’s less likely to come into contact with sweat, therefore preventing the appearance of greasy hair while protecting your skin.”
They added that keeping your hair out of the way during workouts also prevents it from becoming tangled, leaving you with healthy-looking hair.
But they warned against tying your hair too tightly as this can make it more susceptible to breakage and damage.
“Tight ponytails can be incredibly damaging to your scalp’s health due to the significant stress they place on your hair particles.”
“The popular hairstyle has also been linked to thinning and hair loss and can also cause painful headaches when worn for an extended period.”
To reduce the risk of discomfort, they suggested tying your hair in a loose ponytail before exercising.
Use silk or satin hair ties
When styling your hair before a workout, the experts said that it’s important to be conscious of the products you’re using and that while elastic hair ties are an easy and affordable option, they often cause your hair more harm than good.
“Due to the high amount of friction they place on your hair particles, elastic hair bands tend to increase the risk of frizz.
“They can also result in damaged-looking and tangled hair, especially when applied too tightly.”
The experts recommended using silk or satin hair ties, which are much gentler for your hair and reduce the risk of damage.
“They also allow your hair to maintain its natural moisture, keeping it looking healthy and hydrated throughout your workout session.”
They also believe that scrunchies are another fantastic product to use during a workout as they keep your hair in place without being too tight.
Try out some plait hairstyles
During an exercise session, it is essential to keep hair away from the face, not only for practical reasons, but also for your hair’s health.
“Allowing hair to come into contact with sweat increases the appearance of frizz, especially during the summer when exercising in humid conditions,” the experts said.
They advised putting your hair in a plait, which is a practical and versatile hairstyle for exercise, especially if you have long hair.
“They are hugely beneficial for keeping hair out of your face, which is hugely beneficial for your skin, as this prevents excess oils and breakouts,” they said.
“They are also beneficial for your scalp’s health, giving your hair a chance to breathe without being styled too tightly.”
Wear a headband
A headband is a practical and stylish accessory for any workout.
“Headbands are hugely effective for keeping sweat away from your face, which is significantly beneficial for both your skin and hair, reducing the build-up of excess oils,” the experts said.
They added that wearing a headband will also reduce the need to wash your hair after every workout, allowing it to maintain its natural moisture levels to prevent the appearance of dried-out hair.
Because of this, they are an essential accessory to wear when working out in the warmer weather.
Don’t shy away from accessorising
Bows and ribbons have become some of the trendiest accessories this year and they can even be worn during a workout.
“Adding accessories to your hair can be a fun way to brighten up a workout as well as being a stylish method to keep your hair away from the face,” the experts said.