We all know the struggle. You finally drag yourself to the gym (an achievement in itself), only to have to rush to shower, wash your hair and get back to work as quickly as possible. It’s a painful time-sucking process. Here’s how to avoid washing hair after a workout.
How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type, texture and personal preference — it’s okay to skip washing your hair after a workout. Thin, fine hair typically requires more frequent washing than thick, coarse hair. Shampoo chemicals do strip the hair, so it’s actually good to avoid washing your hair every day if possible. (This probably goes without saying, but that doesn’t apply to showering after your workout.
Prep for your workout to avoid issues after
WEAR A SWEATBAND
Before you get images in your head of an old man power walking through the neighborhood with two-pound weights and a white terry cloth headband pulled low over his eyes, hear us out. The sweat band has made a comeback. Several companies including Lululemon or Athleta have designed cute, functional headbands that you can wear from a workout to brunch. This absorbs the sweat and keeps it from soaking into your hairline.
THINK BEYOND THE PONY
There are several other options besides the ponytail that can carry you through a sweaty workout class. Do a loose, low or high bun. Braid your hair before class — they’ll not only stay put during your workout, but after you can keep the braided look or take it down for some soft waves (don’t forget the texturizing spray!)
HAIR TIES THAT DON’T CRIMP
Try a hair tie that doesn’t crease your hair. It will make it easier to style it after your workout.
After the workout Session
DRY THE MOISTURE!
Did you know 99% of sweat is water!!! You heard me right, most sweat is water and the purpose of it is to cool the body and keep it from overheating. There is no reason you must wash your hairline entire head or hairline after each workout. When you finish your workout, take your headband off and let your hair down asap! What you do not want is the hair that is now damp to dry with the hair tie and headband on. Once you let it down, take a blow dryer on cool or low heat and dry the damp hair. It is key to use cool air or you will just make yourself sweat more! You can use a brush to pull the hair back into the shape you like, or just dry off the baby hairs.
DRY SHAMPOO
The holy grail of sweaty hair. The old school way used baby powder to soak up sweat and oil. Luckily the beauty industry has stepped up and developed some great, lighter dry shampoos that actually work. A few favorites include Unite and Living Proof. Spritz it on your sweaty hair, shake it through with your fingers and you’re good to go.
FLAT IRON
If you have the time, flat iron around the face and neck area to take out any hair that curled up.
We assume since our body is sweating that our hair is dirty, this just isn't true, working out does not produce oils in the hair. It produces sweat on the hairline that drips down. Your hair is just fine! So do yourself a favor, stick to your 3 or 5 day shampoo and let your hair be.
