Do you struggle with maintaining your hair while working out? What if I told you there was a way to maintain your hair and look cute after you leave the gym? Here are a few styles/ maintenance tips...
Natural Hair Styles
The Twist Out- This style can be a 2 two strand twist, flat (cornrow like) twist, or coil/ comb twists. Twists can be left twisted or pulled out giving you a curly natural look. I recommend wearing your hair twisted for a couple days while working out and untwist/ pull apart on your off workout day!
The Wash & Go-This is by far one of the easiest styles for short , medium and long hair. Wash your hair before or after your workout. Just Wash and Add Product. Adding product helps reduce frizz and defines your curls. If you wash your hair before working out , just add a curl refining spray to spruce up your curls!
Braids - Nope, braids aren't just for vacation! Braids are another great style while working out. Box braids, Senegalese twists, cornrows & more! Box braids & twists can be worn up or down. Cornrows can range anywhere from 2 to 10 or more. Braids can be maintained with braid sprays & a scalp spray/wipe down every couple of weeks.
Up-do- Up dos aren't just for special occasions. An up do could be an extension ponytail, bun or braids or twists styled up. Something nice, slicked back and out of your face while working out. Remember those twist outs I mentioned? Those can also be put/ pinned up into an up do style! An Up do can last about 2 weeks or longer (with some freshening up).
Rod set- Get a rod set for tight curls and let them fall overtime. Rod sets look better and better as the curls start to fall. Wear a headband or pin them up as you are working out! Rod sets can last for about 2 weeks (you can add rods at night to bring some of the curls back).
Extensions
Wigs-Wigs are super easy!. Braid or mold your real hair down and put the wig on top. Wigs give you the opportunity to give your real hair a break. Wigs can also be worn when you just simply don't feel like doing your hair. Or you are looking for a new look and not ready to commit. I always keep a nice wig on deck. And NO THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE. A $40 dollar wig from the hair store is fine if you just need something quick and temporary.
Sew ins- Not to sure about a wig? Get a sew in or a quick weave. Or even clip ins will do the job! Sew ins can last for about 6-8 weeks. (I wouldn't go longer than that). A quick weave can last 4-6 weeks. And clip ins can be put in or taken out as you please.
What if I have a Silk Press?
If you have a silk press .. It is still okay for you to work out! Don't let your silk press keep you from working out! Here are a few tips to help you maintain your straight hair.
Do a lighter work out that doesn't cause you to sweat so much. I would consider doing your lighter workout the first couple days of your silk press.
Wrap your hair with a silk scarf and terry cloth or towel during workout. This will help your hair stay straight. The cloth or towel will help collect the moisture from your sweat. After you are done working out DO NOT take your scarf off until your scalp is completely dry. If, you take your scarf off before your scalp is dry, the sweat/ moisture will cause your roots to swell up faster!
Keep some peppermint oil and a wet towel near. When you start to sweat put a few drops of peppermint oil on the wet towel and dab it behind your ears and on your neck. This will help you cool off. (This also helps for those of us who may have personal summers ;). )
After you have unwrapped your hair , spray some dry shampoo in your hair to cover any sweat/ workout smell. The dry shampoo is just a hair refresher, it also helps remove any oil from hair when hair has gotten to oily.
When your silk press has gotten old, and your roots start reverting back.. Try a twist out or braid out before washing it. You can transform your silk press into another style without starting over! (This can be achieved using my favorite product! Mousse Def by The Doux).
If you have to add heat to your silk press i.e. re flat ironing or hot curling, PLEASE test the temperature. Your hair does not always need the highest setting. The older your silk press gets the less heat you should put on it. This will help you prevent heat damage! And always make sure your hair is completely dry before putting flat irons to it!
Recommendations-
Silk/ Satin Scarf or bonnet- wash weekly, or hand wash daily (if you wear it while working out)
Terry Cloth hair wrap
Dry Shampoo
Braid Sprays
Peppermint oil
This was great! I need to bookmark this for later!