How to look after your hair at the gym

When we hit the gym, our focus is on keeping our bodies in shape, rather than our beauty routines. However, it can sometimes be easy to simply sweep your locks into a ponytail and forget about them, but over time this can leave you with damaged hair with split ends. We take a look at a few simple changes you can make to ensure you keep your tresses looking as healthy as ever…

© Photo: iStock

It's important to look after your hair before and after a workout

Condition hair before swimming

If you're a keen swimmer and plan on hitting the pool, make sure you use a leave-in conditioner before you take a dip, as this will prevent your hair from soaking up the chlorine and keep it protected. If your locks are already damaged or you've recently dyed them a new colour, you might want to use a swimming cap for extra protection.

Try a cold blow-dry

If you want to remove sweat from your hair but don't have time to wash it after your workout, try blow-drying it on a cold setting to dry out the sweat quickly – plus the cold air is great for preventing static and frizz.

Keep hair hydrated post-exercise

If you've worked hard at the gym and don't have time to wash your hair afterwards, make sure to spritz your locks with a hydrating formula. Otherwise, the salt in your sweat can risk drying out your hair and leaving it seriously damaged.

Rock a French braid

This is one of our favourite styles for the gym – not only does it ensure your tresses don't budge while you work out, but once you take it out, you're left with luscious loose curls.

Dry shampoo before a workout

Spray dry shampoo on your roots before you hit the gym. Not only will this soak up sweat as it arises, but it will give your hair a boost of volume.

© Photo: iStock

The sweat from exercise can wreak havoc on your locks if you don't keep them protected

Wear a headband

If you really want to avoid sweaty hair then wearing a headband is the best method of prevention as it soaks it all up before it reaches your hairline – not to mention it keeps your hair out of your face. Perfect for high energy exercises!

Avoid touching your hair

During a workout it's no surprise that you may want to touch your hair to sweep sweat away or reposition your hairstyle, but by doing so you risk spreading the sweat through your hair and making the greasy effect worse.

Keep your fringe off your face

Braiding your hair into a headband effect as a great way of keeping your hair in place without damaging it because of endless grips or products.

Don't use too many products

If you’re styling your hair for the gym try not to weigh it down with too many products as these can mix with any sweat on your scalp and weigh it down, making it look greasier.

Try the double looped topknot

Topknots keep your hair at bay whilst working out but they can damage your hair due to the amount of bobbles and grips required. Try splitting your hair in two sections and then looping them together as a way of keeping it in place with only one bobble.

For more information head to Hairtrade.com