Important Hair Care Tips and Routine After Exercising
Regular exercise is a great way tostay fitand feel energetic, but sweating after working out can cause unpleasant odors and messy hair. Many of you probably want to shower and use shampoo right after exercise.
In this section of skincare and haircareon SelMagzwe intend to introduce you to some strategies and tricks that will help you establish a post-exercise hair care routine to eliminate bad odor and excess sweat from your hair.Hair Care RoutineKnow Your Hair Type
Everyone should understand their hair type to know how to take care of it and find the best hair care methods. This way, they can create a good hair routine tailored to their hair type.
Don’t Wash Your Hair Daily
Different hair types have different washing needs. Wash your hair only when it becomes dirty, and it doesn’t have to be done daily. If you have dry hair, wash it every three days.
If you have oily hair, wash it every other day. For normal hair, wash it every two to three days. Overwashing can strip away the natural oils, leaving your hair dry and damaged.
Skip the Shampoo
If you have exercised and are sweating, you can rinse your hair with water daily without using shampoo. Water alone is sufficient to remove sweat.
Use pH-Balanced Shampoo
If you wash your hair often, use pH-balanced shampoos. These types cleanse the hair and scalp without harsh chemicals.
Don’t Use Too Much Shampoo
If you think that using more shampoo or scrubbing your hair makes it cleaner, you’re mistaken. This can lead to damage, so use shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. The amount of shampoo needed depends on your hair’s length and thickness; typically, a dime-sized amount is sufficient for medium hair.
Use Deep Cleansing Shampoo Biweekly
If you have oily scalp and want to replace your regular shampoo with a stronger clarifying one, it’s best to do this every two weeks and wash your hair less frequently after exercising.
This type of shampoo removes all the oil, dirt, and sweat that have accumulated on the scalp, preventing excessive oiliness and keeping your hair healthy for a longer period.
Avoid Washing Hair with Hot Water
Hot water can strip natural oils out of your hair, so wash your hair with
lukewarm waterto maintain shine and preventhair loss.Avoid PonytailsThe way you tie your hair during exercise plays a significant role in how much sweat and dirt it accumulates. Tight plastic bands can put stress on your scalp and hair, causing breakage and a bad look.
To avoid this, tie your hair with a non-elastic or satin scrunchie, which absorbs sweat and is gentle on your hair, preventing breakage.
Don’t Leave Your Hair Loose
If you leave your hair loose while exercising, all the oils and products used for styling can transfer and clog your pores, leading to breakouts. Therefore, tie your hair back before working out and use pins or headbands to keep bangs in place.
Change Your Hairstyle
Rather than always tying your hair in a ponytail or bun, alternate your hairstyle occasionally during workouts and between washes. For example, try an up or down ponytail, or different styles that prevent sweat from collecting in one area, keeping your hair in better condition.
Keep Tissues Handy
Our scalp sweats more than our body, so always keep tissues nearby to wipe your face, body, and scalp during workouts, absorbing excess sweat and preventing your hair from becoming overly oily.Let Your Hair BreatheAfter bathing, if possible, let your hair air dry. If you use a hairdryer, use a low or cool setting, as heat can damage hair follicles. Use heat-protectant products before blow-drying.
Massage Your Scalp
Massaging your scalp can increase blood circulation and help detoxify the scalp. While shampooing, massage the scalp to promote flow in this area. Additionally, for hair and scalp care, weekly massages with
olive oil,
almond oil,
orcoconut oilfor half an hour, then wash with herbal shampoo. Using natural masks like aloe vera, avocado, or
eggis also beneficial for hair.Use Dry ShampooAfter following all the steps above, you might need a stronger option for days with intense training; luckily, dry shampoo is a suitable choice. After exercising, spray it on your scalp when your hair is completely dry and massage through your hair for a quick refresh.Don’t Brush Wet HairWet hair is weaker, more fragile, and vulnerable, so gently press your hair with a towel to remove excess water—avoid dragging the towel over your hair. Additionally, do not brush damp hair; use a wide-toothed comb, starting from the ends and working your way up.Be Gentle While BrushingFor healthy, shiny, and tangle-free hair, brush your hair morning and night for about a minute, but be gentle while doing so.Keep Your Hairbrush Clean
A dirty hairbrush is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, so clean your brush at least once a month with a solution of
baking soda
and lukewarm water.
Healthy Hair
Understanding Your Hair Type
Shampoo
pH-Balanced Shampoo
Hot WaterWarm ShowerMassage
