Exercise/Working Out and Hair Washing

[goodluckcharm]

A frequent topic that comes up here is how to wash your hair, and how often, if you work out. Is it OK to have sweat in hair? All that stuff.

So here's some collective wisdom on the topic.

~Anje




Hey Everybody-

I'm having trouble with what to do with my sweaty hair after exercising. I'm trying to go as long as possible without washing my hair. I color my hair red and the red fades extremely quickly, so I am trying to avoid washing it to keep the color longer. Also, because of the texture of my hair, and because it is relatively short, I need to style it after I get it wet, or it won't lay well. The best way for me to do this is with a hairdyer (gasp! I know!), so I try to avoid getting my hair wet as much as possible.

I hate not washing my hair after exercise because sweaty hair just seems gross, but lately I've been using this as an excuse not to exercise (not good, I know).

So, I'd appreciate advice/suggestions.

I apologize in advance if the answer is really obvious or has been discussed before. I'm new, and am still getting my footing here.
Thanks!

[Schmoomunitions]

I wanna know also!!!!! It IS my excuse for not exercising!!!!

[Girltron]

When I walk, it's not too bad. Mostly it's sweat, which evaporates and it's nothing. If I go running or do something really drippy I make that one of my wash days. So I guess I'm limited to two really strenuous workouts each week, but a daily walk doesn't require me to wash.

Your hair is short enough that it's going to be more obvious, alas. Maybe try waiting until your sweat dries, and using an airing powder, then brushing thoroughly.

There's always a slicked-back updo on workout days.

[goodluckcharm]

I'm guess I might just be stuck with lots of updos until I reach APL. Around that length my waves are weighed down enough that I don't need to style it much at all (a little extra leave in conditioner does the trick).

I have recently switched shampoo/conditioner to JASON henna highlights (SLS free) and am going to try CO for the first time. Maybe CO for curly hair will help me at least not need to style as often.

I'm learning so much on these boards, I'm already so grateful for the forum!

[jera]

I'd ike to hear a viable answer to this question too. I work out daily even if it's only for half an hour, but it's a hard, sweaty workout and I have to wash my hair afterwards.

You've got gorgeous red color in your hair BTW.

[goodluckcharm]

Thanks! I know it would be better for my hair if I stopped coloring it, but I love the color so much I just can't help it!

[helen2806]

I find that if I scrape my hair back into a bun/pony then wear a stretchy headband around my hairline it kind of absorbs sweat (a bit gross but it works!), and it keeps it lying as flat as possible

Hope that helps!

[cocolover]

I just do a CO wash. If I get sweaty, I want to get in the shower! I just don't feel clean otherwise. The other thing I have done is put the conditioner on my hair, then go exercise. Post exercise, I get it wet a tiny bit, scrub my scalp and then rinse out. At least my hair is getting a deep conditioning treatment

[Dolly]

I color mine red also....the redder the better! And, since I work out daily, I face the same issues. However, my hair is very straight naturally, so getting it wet and airdrying it is not a problem. I do a scalp-only wash every day (I do let the suds run down the length, but no actual "washing" of the length), and then I wash the length throughly about once a week.

The best things I have found to retain my color.....(1) water that touches my head is never more tha lukewarm....the cooler the better. (2) Vinegar rinses....they really DO seem to lock the color in better.

[shwankie]

I also workout hard daily. Sweat drips from my head, literally, and there's just no other answer than washing it. It smells, it's sticky, and I have thin hair, so it looks *awful* and gross.