Log in
"Life isn't perfect but your hair can be."
We girls love to glam up and doll up and it's no secret that having the best hair is the finishing touch to your look. But that's not always the case in the fitness and hair department; when we do our routine run, we tie up our hair to a ponytail or sometimes even a braid just to prevent it from covering our face when we run. And after every run, we have this urge to wash off dirt and sweat all over our body and hair, and as you may have heard you shouldn’t wash your hair every day.
The problem most of us experience with our hair when we run is all those knots post-run, and those are definitely not a good look. (For tips to untangle even the toughest knots read this.) Aside from tangles, there is also sweat, dirt, and dryness, that's why it's important to know how to ultimately care for your hair the right way, especially for runners.
Here are some of the best hair care practices you can totally add to your routine:
Avoid washing your hair every day
Washing your hair every day can actually damage your hair by stripping it off of its natural oils. Daily shampooing removes scalp oils that are basically healthy for your hair and may result in dry, itchy, and damaged hair. Shampooing every two days is enough to keep your hair and scalp healthy and balanced.
If you're looking for alternatives to washing your hair, it's always great to opt for dry shampoo as it keeps your hair and scalp clean without actually stripping oils, just make sure you use it correctly.
Deep condition your hair and scalp
Unwinding and recovering are necessary for the body, mind, and hair as well. It's important to make sure to deep condition your hair at least once a week to keep hair silk, soft, and hydrated and prevent it from drying out due to external aggressors and sweat.
Choose hairstyles that will put less stress on your hair
While our go-to hairstyle during workouts is a ponytail, it's also best to opt for hairstyles that won't pull or stress your hair too much. Wearing braids puts less stress on hair while running as the hair isn't pulled up high or too tight. A French braid is also a great hairstyle option that can also prevent breakage and snagging. When you put your hair to a high ponytail it may cause breakage around the area where the band goes.
Styling your hair into a ponytail won't immediately damage your hair, but if you wear it in the same spot over and over again with a really tight elastic band, that is when damage possibility starts. For shorter hairs, it's always a great choice to accessorize or wear a visor, headband, or running caps to keep the hair away from the face. You can also opt for using bobby pins to keep the hair in place.
Find a hair tie that suits your hair
Choosing the best hair accessory that will suit your preference requires trial and error. It will take your time and a lot of patience before you find the perfect band for you.
If you have thin hair, it's best to go for silk hair ties. These bands have silk covering designed to help protect fragile hair from breaks and bends while keeping your hair pulled back or up. Silk bands also release easily as they will just gently slide down your hair without applying too much pulling force.
For thick hair, it's harder to find a band that will ultimately hold or keeps your hair in place. It's best to opt for thick elastic bands as these types of bands will easily help you place or remove the tie while preventing too much damage. (Shop now 😉)
Don't use products during or before running
Avoid putting mousse, gel, or hair wax before your run as these solutions can mix with sweat and will cause the hair to get too oily. And as you sweat, all that products can eventually drip down your face mixed with sweat and may cause allergic reactions to your skin.
In conclusion, it's important to know how to take care of your hair whether you're an athlete or not. Learning the basics of hair care might be a simple start but hey, at least it's a start, we all gotta start somewhere, right?
From skin care to hair care, everything beneath those is self-care. So remember to flip your hair every once in a while and enjoy life.
