“Healthy Hair on the Run: Care Tips for Runners”

Running regularly exposes your hair to various environmental stressors like the dry winter wind and the scorching summer sun. Add to this the sweaty scalps that need daily washings, and you’ve got a recipe for frizz. Or perhaps you know the greasy ponytail and ball-cap-of-shame combo all too well? Whatever your mane issue may be, as runners, hair care should be a priority to prevent frazzled locks.

As a runner, you may notice that sweat is an inevitable part of your workout routine. Unfortunately, sweat can have negative effects on your hair, causing dryness, breakage, frizz, and tangles. It’s important to take proper care of your hair to keep it healthy and beautiful.

Hair Care Tips for Runners! The Answer

 Avoid daily hair washing as it strips essential oils, leading to dryness and damage. Instead, shampoo every other day and use dry shampoo in between. Deep condition weekly to maintain hydration. Opt for braids over tight ponytails to reduce breakage and choose hair ties that suit your hair type. Protect your head with hats or wraps to guard against the elements. Avoid styling products before runs to prevent oily residue and skin irritation. Consider co-washing to preserve oils, especially for dry or curly hair. Manage tangles with regular conditioning and avoid frequent brushing. 

How Sweat Affects Your Hair?

Sweat can harm hair. The salt in sweat makes my hair dry and brittle, leading to breakage. The chemicals in sweat, along with its different pH levels, disrupt the natural balance of oils on the scalp. This results in dryness, itching, and sometimes even dandruff.

Some of the Best Hair Care Practices You Must Include in Your Hair Care Routine

Avoid Washing Your Hair Every Day

Many runners think that washing hair daily is essential. However,it could damage hair by stripping away the natural oils that keep it healthy. Daily shampooing removes scalp oils, leading to dry, itchy, and even damaged hair. I found that shampooing every two days is enough to maintain a healthy and balanced scalp.

As an active runner, finding alternatives to daily washing became crucial. I discovered that using dry shampoo keeps my Twisty Treasure and scalp clean without stripping oils. Just make sure you use it correctly for the best results.

Deep Condition Your Hair and Scalp

As a runner, taking care of your body, mind, and hair is essential. After a yoga flow, I love a relaxing soak followed by shampoo and a deep conditioner. Wrapping my hair in a towel lets the formula work its magic while I unwind. This routine leaves me feeling renewed. It’s necessary to deep condition at least once a week to keep your hair silk, soft, and hydrated, and to prevent it from drying out due to external aggressors and sweat.

Find a Ponytail Alternative

While ponytails are a go-to hairstyle for running, they can cause stress on your hair if worn too tight. Opt for braids like a French braid to prevent breakage and snagging. These styles don’t pull your hair up too high or tight, reducing damage. A high ponytail with a band can lead to breakage where the hair is pulled.

For styling shorter hairs, accessorize with a visor, headband, or running caps to keep hair in place. You can also use bobby pins to secure the hair and avoid damage from wearing it in the same spot with a tight elastic band.

Choose the Most Appropriate Hair Tie for Your Hair

Finding the perfect band takes time, patience, and a bit of trial and error. For thin hair, silk hair ties with a silk covering are great to protect fragile hair from breaks and bends. They can keep your hair pulled back or pulled up without too much pulling force, and they release easily by just sliding down.

For thick hair, it’s best to use thick elastic bands. These bands can hold your hair in place and are easy to remove, preventing damage.

Cover Your Head

Covering your head can be as important as protecting the rest of your body from the elements. As ultrarunner Mirna Valerio suggests, wearing a Buff, beanie, or baseball cap can help. In winter, these accessories provide warmth and protect against wind and rain, while in summer, a cap offers SPF protection for your hair and scalp. 

For those with chemically relaxed black hair who limit shampooing to once a week, a sweat-wicking gym wrap during treadmill sessions helps by absorbing salty, dehydrating perspiration, keeping your hair fresh and scalp itch-free.

Avoid Products During or Before Running

Before a run, skip mousse, gel, or hair wax. These products can mix with sweat and make your hair too oily. As you sweat, the solutions can drip down your face and may cause allergic reactions to your skin.

Co-Washing

Consider ditching shampoo and cleansing with conditioner using a detergent-free method. This approach preserves natural oils and pigment in color-treated hair. Co-washing works well for dry hair, curly hair, and Black women’s hair (whether chemically relaxed or natural). However, it may weigh down fine hair or oily hair. Use a lightweight conditioner or a dedicated co-washing product.

Dealing with Tangles

To manage tangles, use a weekly, nourishing leave-in conditioner or hair mask. Wash your hair less frequently to retain natural oils and improve slide. Brushing before a run, bath, or shower helps, as does using a good conditioner. Opt for styles that keep your hair tied and locked down. Regularly cutting your hair can also help. Look for products with ingredients like keratin or silk proteins to strengthen and minimize breakage.

Final Thoughts

Sweat can have negative effects on your hair, but with proper care, you can minimize damage and keep your locks healthy and beautiful. Follow post-run hair care tips and develop healthy hair habits to maintain strong, shiny hair while running.

FAQs

How do runners take care of their hair?

Runners can switch hairdos like bun, braids, or a low ponytail to avoid sweaty skin and follicle stress. Switching styles helps reduce breakage and minimize the risk of hair loss. Opt for a hybrid style for added variety and protection.

How do you protect your hair when running?

Before running, put your hair in a tight ponytail, braid, or bun. Loose hair can get tangled and brittle. Use elastics and bobby pins without metal parts to avoid damage. When running in direct sunlight, use products with UV protection designed for hair.

How to keep your hair fresh when running?

Take a few steps to keep your hair fresh and manageable during your workout. Tie your hair back, use dry shampoo, and avoid working out with wet hair. Choose a workout-friendly hairstyle and protect your hair from the sun. Use sweat-wicking headbands to keep sweat away.

How often should runners wash their hair?

Runners usually wash their hair once or twice a week. This is common, even if they are exercising daily. Some prefer to wash their hair every other day.