How to maintain your curls while working out

Finding the motivation, dedication and discipline to work out on a weekly, if not daily basis, is already a struggle. Add naturally curly hair to the mix and it becomes hard to justify the inevitable sweat and humidity that’s sure to complicate things.

However, to finish each spin class with a wash and style can be tedious. And if you work out every day, it’s not a viable option. Over washing curly hair strips natural oils and leads to dry, breakable, and lifeless strands – a complete knotted nightmare.

Then again, no one wants to leave the gym looking like a hot, frizzy mess and there are only so many days of the week you can pull hair back into a bun before it stops feeling cute. So this of course must mean exercising is not for girls with curls, right?

Wrong, duh. Instead of adding your hair to the list of reasons not to go to the gym, we’re going to show you the ways in which you can manage your curls before, during and after a workout.

Try not to exercise with clean hair. If you do wash the day of a workout, stick to a low intensity session in order to avoid excess sweat. To help prevent frizz, apply a humidity shield to dry hair before smoothing curls back into a protective style.

Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield ($26 sephora.ca)

Avoid facial and neck sweat by pulling your hair back into a high ponytail. Use a scrunchie to secure curls. Not too tight though; you want to prevent disrupting and creasing your curl pattern.

Another true and tested hairstyle is the classic bun.

Or try a loose pineapple updo. This particular style is typically used to protect curls overnight but also works well at the gym. Flip your hair forward, gather curls into a high ponytail and tie with a scrunchie. Leave the tips of your curls sticking out like a pineapple.

In order to tame flyaways and maintain edges, use a sweat-wicking and lightweight headband that isn’t too fitted but won’t slip off. Alternatively, a silk scarf or ribbon can also do the trick but not as effective in absorbing sweat.

During and after your workout do not touch your hair. Keep those sweaty palms to yourself. This also goes for post-training. Wait until hair is completely dry before removing headband and releasing hair. Use this time to change, wash your face or get ready for the day.

If your roots are feeling extra greasy, spray a tiny amount of dry shampoo in a sweeping motion to your scalp. This will absorb excess sweat and oil. Just make sure to not overdo the dry shampoo or else strands will feel dry and brittle.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo ($30 sephora.ca)

Always carry a spray bottle that is filled with a combination of leave-in-conditioner and water in case roots frizz or fall flat. Spritz evenly along hairline until curls are damp.

Then taking a pea-sized amount of curl defining styling cream, flip hair upside down and evenly distribute the product to damp roots. Finish off with an epic hair flip and leave curls to air dry. Again, do not touch hair.

Living Proof Curl Defining Styling Cream ($34 sephora.ca)

Now there’s nothing left to do but go out there and conquer the world.

The post How to maintain your curls while working out appeared first on FASHION Magazine.