“Manage Curls During Workouts – Quick Tips!”

Managing curly hair during workouts can be a challenge, but with the right tips and techniques, it’s entirely possible to both protect and embrace your natural curly hair. As a curly haired athlete, I’ve learned through years of personal experience and researched strategies that maintaining curls in the gym involves embracing your natural self, finding what works and adapting as needed.

Whether it’s securing your hair with a hood during rainy outdoor runs or avoiding damage from head sweat under a cap, each tip I’ve discovered and shared has come from a place of trial and error, informed by an educated process.

Daily habits like washing less frequently and avoiding re-straightening can prevent your hair from getting burned or becoming crisp and damaged. Caring for your twisty treasure involves a learning curve where you learn what doesn’t work just as much as what does.

This approach has not only doubled my hair’s volume but also enhanced my curl pattern, helping me continue to grow my hair to hip length. Different techniques will be necessary for each person, but remember, adapting your routine is a key part of the learning experience that leads to thriving natural hair.

How to Deal Working Out With Naturally Curly Hair? The Answer

 Working out with curly hair can be challenging due to frizz and flatness from sweat and movement. Properly preparing your hair with moisturizing sprays or leave-in conditioners can help maintain curls during and after workouts. Opt for lightweight, alcohol-free products to protect your hair’s natural oils. Choose sweat-proof hairstyles like the pineapple updo or high ponytail to minimize damage and use soft hair ties to avoid tension. Additionally, switch up your hairstyles to prevent breakage and consider using a satin or silk headband to retain moisture. Avoid brushing your curls, touching your hair excessively during workouts, and use protective sunblock for your hair. 

Need a Special Routine for Exercising with Curly Hair?

When you work out, the last thing you want is for sweat and grime to ruin your curly hair. Unlike other types of hair, curly hair is more prone to breakage, drying out, and frizz. Many naturally curly-haired people often avoid working out because they fear the damage it could do.

However, it’s important to stay active for both mental health and physical health, and you shouldn’t have to stop sacrificing the gym for your hair. Instead, learn how to protect your curly hair during workouts. Washing your hair every day is generally not recommended as it could lead to more intense damage.

Instead, adjusting your washing routine to only after sweaty workouts and using techniques to minimize hair damage can be beneficial. By addressing these concerns, you can work without having to shower and wash your hair again immediately, preventing it from becoming knotted or caught with dirt.

Develop a routine that involves less frequent washings, but effective moisture management to ensure your curls are protected and resolved from any workout-induced stresses.

Impact of Sweat and Heat on Natural Curls

During intense workouts, the body generates heat and sweats, leading to various challenges for those with natural hair. Sweat, more than just harmless water, is a saline solution that can be quite damaging if overproduced. It emerges from sweat glands located in the skin near hair follicles on the scalp, causing excess sweating which can irritate and clog these follicles. 

Follicle Clogs: A Workout Concern

Excess sweat and sebum on the scalp can clog surrounding hair follicles, particularly in oily scalps that are prone to clogging; this can irritate the skin and worsen follicle clogs.

Irritation: Managing Scalp Health

Sweat and microorganisms can cause hair follicles to become clogged, creating hot baths for bacteria and fungi that lead to excess irritation or folliculitis. This condition results in small, red pimples that may itch or burn, trapping microorganisms and worsening scalp health.

Dryness: Protecting Your Natural Hair

Just like the ocean saps moisture from the hair, sweat with its high salt content can draw out essential hydration, leaving hair dehydrated and brittle. This can increase the risk of breakage and damage to natural hair, making it crucial to replenish moisture regularly.

Open Up Pores: Managing Heat and Moisture

Workouts often generate body heat, causing sweat and making hair cuticles open up, which allows moisture to escape; the end result is often increased unwanted frizz. This heat can further cause drying and damage to your hair, making it vital to manage hydration and protect your curls effectively.

Tips For Working Out With Naturally Curly Hair

Working out with curly or wavy natural hair can often be frustrating due to sweat, heat, and movement making curls look frizzy, flat, and unmanageable. However, with proper pre-workout preparation and the right products, you can maintain the best look of your curls both during and after your workout.

This portion of article provides tips and techniques to care for your hair effectively, ensuring your curls remain controlled and beautiful, no matter how intense your workout gets.

Pre-Workout Hair Preparation

Before you start your workout, it’s essential to prepare your hair for the stress it will undergo. Use these hair care tips to help get started and ensure your curls remain manageable and protected throughout your exercise routine.

Curl Moisturization Strategies

For individuals with curly or natural hair, managing moisture during workouts is a significant concern. Excessive drying can lead to damage, making it essential to prevent this before even exercising. An effective method is to lightly wet your hair with water or use a moisturizing spray to keep your curls hydrated.

Additionally, applying a leave-in conditioner or a curl-defining product can help seal in the moisture and provide extra hold, keeping your curls intact during your workout. When choosing pre-workout products, it’s crucial to be mindful of the product’s consistency; opt for lightweight, water-based products that define without weighing down the hair.

Avoid products containing alcohol or sulfates, as these ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing further damage.

Sweat-Proof Curly Hairstyles

For those with curly or natural hair, finding sweat-proof hairstyles that prevent your hair from becoming damp, frizzy, or tangled during a workout is crucial. Styles like the pineapple updo and high ponytail are excellent options to keep curls away from the face and neck, reducing the risk of disrupting your curl pattern and preventing breakage.

Alternatively, try low buns, pony tails, or one or two braids for a more relaxed style that still keeps hair contained and allows curls to move freely. Use soft, gentle hair ties to secure the hair without causing tension on the scalp.

Change Up Your Curly Hairstyle

Wearing the same hairstyle every time you work out can cause tension and breakage in your curls. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to switch your hairstyle from time to time. This can help reduce damage to your hair and make it fun to experiment with different looks.

Try wearing your hair in a loose bun one day, a pineapple updo the next, and a braid on another day. You can also experiment with different parts, like a middle part or a side part, to switch up your style.

Use a Satin or Silk Headband During Exercise

Headbands are a popular accessory for exercising with curly hair because they help keep hair out of your face and prevent sweat from dripping onto your curls. However, cotton headbands should be avoided as they absorb moisture and leave your curls frizzy and dry.

Opt for a satin or silk headband or scarf instead, as these materials are gentle and retain moisture in your hair during a work out. They also reduce breakage by providing a smooth surface that is less likely to cause tension on the scalp and risk of hair loss.

When selecting, choose a headband that is wide enough to cover your hairline and keep your curls in place.

Avoid Touching Your Hair

A general tip for taking care of curly hair when working out is to avoid touching it too much. It’s tempting to play with your hair or twirl it when you’re bored, but this can create frizz and dryness. When your hairstyle loosens during exercise, it’s better to let it be rather than constantly redoing it.

Manipulating natural hair can cause it to break and unwind curls. Instead, focus on hairstyles that don’t fall out easily, allowing your hair to stay intact and healthy.

Avoid Brushing Your Curly Hair

When working out with curly hair, an important tip is to avoid brushing your curls. Brushing can disrupt their natural shape and cause frizz, so it’s best to use your fingers to gently detangle.

This method helps maintain the integrity of your curls and prevents them from becoming damaged during your workout. If you’re struggling to style your curls, try a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush designed for curly hair.

Post-Workout Care for Your Curls

Taking care of your hair after your workout is just as important as prepping it before you exercise. Use these hair care tips to help manage your curls after your workout.

Co-Washing

Washing your hair every day can be damaging to your curls, but you still need to remove sweat and dirt. Co-washing with a cleansing conditioner is a handy method that helps clean your hair without stripping natural oils. It’s ideal for use on alternate days or after you’ve already shampooed.

Focus on massaging the conditioner into your scalp and roots to remove grime. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your curls hydrated.

Avoid Product Build-Up

Product build-up happens when products keep sitting on your hair as you add more layers. This can affect your hair’s ability to grow and hold its curl pattern. Build-up blocks essential nutrients and moisture from getting into your hair, clogging pores and causing poor results.

If you’re working out frequently and doing a refresh routine daily, be careful with the products you’re using. Avoid adding too many layers throughout the week to keep your hair healthy. It is good to use a clarifying shampoo once in week to avoid product accumulation

Use Scalp Oil

Caring for your scalp is as critical as taking care of your curls, especially post-workout. Scalp oil can soothe and nourish your scalp, countering the effects of sweat and friction that may cause scalp irritation and inflammation.

To reduce irritation and promote healthy hair growth, apply a few drops of a light, non-greasy oil such as jojoba or grapeseed oil. This scalp routine not only restores moisture but can also prevent dandruff and hair loss over time. For best results, gently massage the oil into your scalp after your workout

Stay Moisturized

Moisture is the key to keeping curly hair happy and healthy. Understanding your hair’s porosity—how well it absorbs and maintains moisture—is crucial. Different types of hair get moisture in different ways, so it’s essential to learn the best approach for your hair.

I recommend looking into hair porosity, studying how your curls receive and hold moisture, and choosing products that enhance shine and curl definition. Encourage yourself to read more about how to maintain proper hydration throughout your fitness regime.

Give Steaming Bath to Your Curls

Steaming your hair is an excellent way to nourish your curls after a workout. The heat and humidity from the steam help open up your hair cuticles, allowing moisture to penetrate deeply. For a DIY steam treatment, apply a deep conditioner or hair mask, then wrap a damp towel warmed in the microwave around your head.

Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to create a steam effect that helps your hair absorb the product. After, remove the towel and rinse your hair with cold water to seal in the benefits.

Avoid Towel Drying

After washing your curly hair, it’s important to avoid using a traditional towel for drying. Rubbing your hair with a towel can create friction and cause damage to your curls. Instead, choose an old t-shirt or a microfiber towel, which are gentler materials that gently absorb excess water from your strands without causing frizz or breakage.

For an alternative drying method, consider using a diffuser attachment to dry your curls evenly, keeping their shape intact with a low heat setting to prevent overheating.

Use Curl Refreshing Spray

After a workout, if your curls feel lifeless and flat due to sweat and humidity, a curl refreshing spray offers a quick and easy solution to revive them. You can make your own by mixing water with a few drops of essential oils, or purchase a pre-made spray specifically designed for curly hair.

To use, simply lightly mist your hair and scrunch the curls to help reactivate their volume and definition, leaving them feeling fresh and clean. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much product can weigh down your curls and cause build-up.

Deep Conditioning

Creating a consistent deep conditioning routine that works best for your hair and workout schedule is crucial. It’s not just about co-washing; sometimes, especially if you work out a lot, your hair may become over-hydrated or remain limp and squishy.

In such cases, opt for a protein-rich mask to fix the over-hydration problem and bring back the curl’s hold. Remember, deep conditioning shouldn’t be done every day but also not just every few months when it pops into your mind—stick to a planned schedule to see the best results.

Trim the Dead Ends

A curly hair influencer introduced me to the search and destroy method, and I was hooked. With curly hair, you don’t need an evenly cut like with straight hair. Just cutting off the dead ends you find can make a big difference.

If you often straighten your hair, you might face uneven hair, but for curly hair, it’s easy to search for the bad parts and cut them off. Trimming your hair the right way can help your hair grow faster and look better.

Keep You and Your Curls Healthy

Even after 10 years of building a curly hair routine around a rigorous workout schedule, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. The best thing is to learn what works for your curls, take notes, and treat them right by avoiding over-washing, keeping them moisturized, and switching up hairstyles to prevent breakage. Share your best tips for working out with curly hair below this article!

FAQs

How to maintain curly hair while working out?

When you’re working out, keeping your curls in place can be a challenge. Using a headband is a simple way to keep your hair out of your face and protect it from frizz. I’ve found that many naturals like to do a mid week co-wash to refresh their hair and scalp. A co-wash is a conditioner-based cleanser that can effectively replace shampoo and help keep your curls fresh and bouncy.

Does sweat damage curly hair?

Sweat can damage your hair due to its salt content. If sweat sits in your curls for too long, it can cause dryness in your strands and scalp.

Can I wash my curly hair everyday if I workout?

People with naturally curly or textured hair often find they can go for longer periods between washing since their hair tends to be less oily. This can be especially helpful when you’re working out frequently, as daily washing isn’t necessary and can keep your curls healthy and vibrant.

How do you get perfect curls with curly hair?

Avoid harsh cleansing formulas and focus on the ends and lengths of your hair for extra nourishment. Pat your hair dry, don’t attack it. Start styling hair wet and use mousse for definition. Always add heat protection to your hair and use a hair diffuser for drying. Finally, let your curls sleep and then curl cool, dry hair for the perfect look.