Hair Care for triathletes/runners

[LauraLongLocks]

Hi, I'm new here. I've been a lurker for a while, but decided to join the fun. So, I sweat a lot when I workout on land (running/biking/weight lifting), and I swim 1x-2x a week (I probably would like to swim 3x per week, but life happens). When I swim, I use a swim cap and I wet my hair before entering the pool. I find that applying a conditioner before pool time makes my swim cap slide off. After swimming, I wash and condition with a clarifying swimmer shampoo and swimmer conditioner, and I do wash and condition the length as well as the scalp, to get rid of the chlorine, as I was told is necessary to remove the chlorine at the swim shop where I buy my suits. Afterwards, my hair is dry, but very clean. I use a spray-in leave-in conditioner to detangle and comb it while wet. I am thinking my hair would like it if I restore more moisture after the harsh stripping with the swim shampoo. What could I put in my workout bag to take with me to the gym and do in a public locker room to accomplish this (and I'm super crunched on time, with kids waiting on me)? When I do land workouts, I sweat a lot, so that 3" or more of my hair is pretty much drenched in sweat. I workout 5-7 days a week. If I don't wash it, it's really disgusting. However, I've been reading about COing and think it's intriguing. I also saw the thread about diluting shampoo and spraying it onto the hair. Does COing work if you are sweating like I do when I workout? Maybe I should try the diluted shampoo first? I am currently using coney shampoo and conditioner in my shower at home, and do a CWC routine, skipping a day or two if I don't workout. I'm just trying to reduce the washing stress on my hair, and trying to reduce the need for trimming as often (I've been getting a dusting every 3 months, and doing S&D for split ends every few weeks). So, I'm open to ideas. I had my husband take a length pic of my hair for me today. I hope I figured out how to post it here.

<a href="http://s21.photobucket.com/user/Bestbirth/media/Hair%20Gallery/001.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/Bestbirth/Hair%20Gallery/001.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 001.jpg"/></a>

[LauraLongLocks]

I can't see a way to edit my previous post. Here's a second try at a pic:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/Bestbirth/Hair%20Gallery/001.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/Bestbirth/media/Hair%20Gallery/001.jpg.html)

[Squiggy]

Lovely hair!

I am in a similar boat, as I run 5-7 times per week, but don't wash my hair nearly so often. ETA: I currently only wash 2/week, but in the summer it's more like 3 times per week. In the summer months when it's really hot down here and I sweat more I will use a little dry shampoo if needed. I like the spray kind, not cornstarch or any powder. I find I can never brush the powder out of my dark hair, any if you're crunched for time that's not really a time saver!

Secondly, wear a wicking headband! I don't know where you are or if you can get them, but I like Halo headbands. They make great ones for running and I'm pretty sure you can wear them under a bike helmet if you do any road cycling. Recently I heard a tip about headbands; wear it until you have stopped sweating completely. That way it will absorb the maximum sweat and you will have less to deal with in your hair. Haven't tried it myself yet, but it makes sense to me.

Happy training!

[LauraLongLocks]

Thanks, Squiggy. I've never purchased or used a dry shampoo before. Can I get one at Walmart? What is a good brand? I have one wicking headband, but I really like to wear a ballcap when running, to help keep the sun out of my eyes. I can probably wear a thin wicking headband underneath, though. Thanks for the idea.

[Crumpet]

Runner here (distance, such as marathon and ultra). I wash 2x each week. I also use a dry shampoo as necessary. There are recipes in the recipes thread (I find it easier to google the LHC and dry shampoo).

I also wear a ball cap with UV protection (good for your hair!) and a buff with it when its cold. I use my long runs to deep condition with lots of coconut oil.

[LauraLongLocks]

Forgot to ask, how do you secure your hair for running, cycling, and swimming? I usually do a ponytail english braid, but I feel that's leaving my hair less protected than desirable. I would like to find a way to tuck it all in under my ball cap or my bicycle helmet. Swim cap is a cinch, just pile the braid on my head and stuff it inside the cap.

[Kelikea]

My hair is TBL and I work out 5-6 days a week, many days I work out twice. I shampoo maybe 2x/wk, but I will CO (slightly diluted VO5 coconut) about every other day, in between shampoos. My hair does best in a bun for most workout: ponytail, twisted bun secured by claw clips or spin pins. For swimming I don't wear a cap, so I wet and condition it before going in, then rinse and do a leave-in after, I don't shampoo then.

[Squiggy]

Like Crumpet I also use my long runs for a coconut oil deep conditioning. Multitasking! I'm going too look into getting a buff for the winter, I never thought of that!

I put mine in a Dutch or French braid for running. Sometimes a braided ponytail, but I find the weight of the pony can give me a headache during long runs.

I used to be a CO washer and found that my scalp and hair was just as clean as when using shampoo after a run. You can get dry shampoo at Walmart or drug stores. batiste is good, and so is the suave professionals.

[Crumpet]

For running I usually use spin pins and make a gibraltar bun. It doesn't move at all and it feels comfy. I may start braiding it first to distribute the weight better now that my hair is getting longer/heavier. I love braids, but I have fine hair and so it turns into a massive dread if I do that!

[LauraLongLocks]

When you use the long run for a coconut oil conditioning treatment, do you apply the coconut oil to just the length, or both your scalp and length? I haven't learned how to do a gibralter bun yet, but I learned the nautilus yesterday. So much fun to have hair long enough for these styles. And thank goodness for YOUTUBE! I don't know how I would learn to do any of these buns/braids without it. I tried going with a sulfate-free, no-cone conditioner at my scalp this morning in lieu of shampoo, and was pleasantly surprised how clean and grease-free my hair looks. Wow! I should have been doing this all along! I'm going to the gym for circuit training this afternoon, and will bring some dry shampoo to freshen up afterwards. Thanks for the tips!

[Squiggy]

I only so coconut oil on the length. My scalp doesn't really like coconut oil, but my hair loves it.

I can't imagine running with my hair in a bun! Even at MBL I don't have enough length for the really stable buns that would last for more than 10 steps. Oh well, braids have worked for me for years! Why change now?

[Crumpet]

I only so coconut oil on the length. My scalp doesn't really like coconut oil, but my hair loves it.

I can't imagine running with my hair in a bun! Even at MBL I don't have enough length for the really stable buns that would last for more than 10 steps. Oh well, braids have worked for me for years! Why change now?

You should stick with what works for you. I have fine hair so braids are a no. With M/C/iii hair, braids make total sense for you! I wish I could do them.

I also only coconut oil the length. Its excellent multi-tasking AND the running warms it up. I once did a 5 mile run in an SMT -- it actually worked but I felt a bit loony running around with a plastic bag underneath my buff and hat. Probably won't do that again (although never say never!).

[LauraLongLocks]

Thank you for the help. I can't imagine doing an SMT while running, ha ha! After my workout today, I did a CO again because I was really sweaty and didn't think the dry shampoo would do the job. It looks and feels clean and not even a little bit greasy. Yay!

[Firefox7275]

Hi, I'm new here. I've been a lurker for a while, but decided to join the fun. So, I sweat a lot when I workout on land (running/biking/weight lifting), and I swim 1x-2x a week (I probably would like to swim 3x per week, but life happens). When I swim, I use a swim cap and I wet my hair before entering the pool. I find that applying a conditioner before pool time makes my swim cap slide off. After swimming, I wash and condition with a clarifying swimmer shampoo and swimmer conditioner, and I do wash and condition the length as well as the scalp, to get rid of the chlorine, as I was told is necessary to remove the chlorine at the swim shop where I buy my suits. Afterwards, my hair is dry, but very clean. I use a spray-in leave-in conditioner to detangle and comb it while wet. I am thinking my hair would like it if I restore more moisture after the harsh stripping with the swim shampoo. What could I put in my workout bag to take with me to the gym and do in a public locker room to accomplish this (and I'm super crunched on time, with kids waiting on me)? When I do land workouts, I sweat a lot, so that 3" or more of my hair is pretty much drenched in sweat. I workout 5-7 days a week. If I don't wash it, it's really disgusting. However, I've been reading about COing and think it's intriguing. I also saw the thread about diluting shampoo and spraying it onto the hair. Does COing work if you are sweating like I do when I workout? Maybe I should try the diluted shampoo first? I am currently using coney shampoo and conditioner in my shower at home, and do a CWC routine, skipping a day or two if I don't workout. I'm just trying to reduce the washing stress on my hair, and trying to reduce the need for trimming as often (I've been getting a dusting every 3 months, and doing S&D for split ends every few weeks). So, I'm open to ideas. I had my husband take a length pic of my hair for me today. I hope I figured out how to post it here.

<a href="http://s21.photobucket.com/user/Bestbirth/media/Hair%20Gallery/001.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/Bestbirth/Hair%20Gallery/001.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 001.jpg"/></a>

A spray is unlikely to be a 'true' conditioner - rich in fatty alcohols and cationic surfactants - more likely to be simply a detangler or moisturiser ingredients wise. Do you mean more moisture (= water) or more conditioning? Have you tried protecting your hair with coconut oil, does that make your swim cap slip? You might consider a leave in product that helps (temporarily) restore some of the natural components of the hair that may be lost with washing, harsh surfactants and chlorine such as ceramides, 18-MEA or hydrolysed protein.

Conditioner only works fine for sweat since it is water soluble and can shift a heavy oiling if done right. It won't shift many silicones, butters, waxes including cetyl esters, petrolatum/ mineral oil, some polyquats. If you are trying to chelate out chlorine do not overly dilute your shampoo, you risk diluting out the actives.

[alexis917]

Hi! I run about 20/25 miles weekly (I try to do 4/5 miles for five days).
I also like 5ks and halfs.
I find that Dutch braids on damp hair hold really well for me, but my hair is thick and pretty coarse. It borders upon wiry sometimes.
If you have super fine hair, it might slip out.
I also do the "thick cinnabun" Torrin-style for when I'm training, and it's been holding up well, so I might even use it for the half in Philly this November!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZvXrEOfJ4w
I have yet to try the other buns, I just discovered it three days ago!

[LauraLongLocks]

Wow, thanks a lot, ladies. This has been so helpful. The leave-in conditioner I have is Miracle 10. And I mean more conditioning, not more water. I'll try the coconut oil before my next swim and see if my swim cap slides off.