How To Workout With Natural Hair
“I can’t work out because of my hair” — it’s one of the most common statements I hear most as a natural hairstylist.
Some guests believe that because they wear their hair blown out, they have to sacrifice their physical health. As a hairstylist that also believes in self-care and wellness, I won’t let you ignore your body. Here’s a game plan to support you in being mindful of your hair AND your health.
The strategy is in your schedule.
One of the main recommendations I offer when it comes to working out is to put yourself on a schedule. The day you get your hair done should be your hardest workout day, of course before your service. Let’s say this is a Friday. Don’t work out for 48 hours because it takes that long for your scalp to start producing its own natural oils. Monday, your workout should be something light like going for a walk outside (if it’s not too warm) or lightly lifting weights. As the week progresses, your workout should become more strenuous.
The magic of silk & sebum protection.
While you’re exercising, you should keep your hair tied tightly with your Salon902 Handmade silk scarf to keep sweat from damaging it. Another common issue that tends to come up is deciding what time of day is ideal to work out. Some guests like to work out in the morning because it’s a great way to start their day. I often recommend working out at night so your hair can stay tied down and be presentable for the next day.
Having an excellent physical regimen is essential for hair growth, as it helps activate the sebaceous glands that make sebum, also known as sweat. As the glands become more active, hair is pushed through the follicle — this produces tremendous hair growth. The sebum behaves as a protector of the hair by creating a barrier. This is also a reason to make sure the scalp is cleansed properly to ensure the glands and follicles don’t get clogged.
Fun fact: A friend of mine was training for a marathon, she ran 40 miles in one week. Her hair grew about 2 inches in a 2-week time frame! I couldn’t believe it.
What if you want to work out daily?
You still can and should if that’s your calling! If guests feel the need to get their workouts in on a more regular basis, I would then recommend a protective style. Something that keeps the hair tamed but allows the scalp to breathe. If the scalp is covered too much, it could develop damage such as fungus or mildew on the scalp, which could eventually cause hair loss.