How To.... Look after your hair for the gym or running

Preparing your hair for the gym can be so much more fun than putting it up in a ponytail. 

Exercise is actually good for your hair so it makes sense to look after it before, during and after just like hydrating. I will also give you a few hairstyles to play with.

I'm a keen runner and done a few 10k's and doing my first half marathon in May. 

Below I will share some of the things I've learned to look after my hair and keeping it healthy whilst exercising.

1. Exercise promotes hair growth

As I said earlier exercise can be good for your hair. It helps stimulate hair growth and improves blood circulation, which gives the follicles a boost of oxygen. It also distributes natural sebum evenly across the scalp, leading to good hair growth.

Regular cardiovascular exercise releases stress. Stress is disastrous for your hair so by for example running it will lower cortisol level which promotes hair growth. 

So let's put your trainers on and go. 

2. Prepare your hair

It might seem silly to put products in your hair before getting all sweaty. 

But it's crucial for better hair post-gym. Use a dry shampoo on your roots before your workout, it prevents excess moisture from saturating your whole head with sweat.

3. The Ponytail

Most women I see in the gym or on a race day wear their hair in a ponytail. But avoid pulling your hair into a tight ponytail if you can help it. Opt for clips or snag free elastics that are easier on your hair. Having it too tight pulls your hair and damages your hair.

What are the options?

Haven’t you been on Pinterest lately? There're so many styles for your workout. I decided to try some on myself to show how easy it is. My favourite are normally plaits and there're so many variations you can do. 

Dutch plait

Double dutch plait with a bun

French plait fringe & Fishtail plait

A loose, high bun will give you tons of volume after a workout. If extra control is needed, braid your fringe back or to the side, to keep off your face. Tie the rest into a low bun and secure with a spin pin rather than an elastic. When you’re done, use a texturising spray, blast with a blow dryer and shake out for beautiful loose waves.”

Loose buns

Minnie mouse buns

4.Protect from the sun

If you're a keen runner you might remember to protect your skin against the sun, but what about your hair. The sun dries your hair out. Make sure you protect your scalp as it's so painful when it burns. 

5. Don't wash it after every workout

If you workout every day, there's no need to wash your hair every time. 

Washing your hair too often dries it out and strip away your natural oils away. Again a dry shampoo can be your saviour. It soaks up all the unwanted sweat and oil while absorbing all the impurities. If you have to rinse your hair with water in the shower, but avoid using shampoo and just put some conditioner on your ends. 

6. Hair refresher

After your workout spray, some hair refresher on your hair will neutralize the odor and refresh your hair. It hydrates smoothes and conditions.

It does not weigh the hair down and hair is scented and soft like just-washed. 

What are some of the things you do to look after your hair while you are in the gym or running?