Summer bodies are made in winter and, without the proper care, summer hair is destroyed in winter.
Winter is a great time to start your fitness routine, with less people in the gym, you can get your workouts done quickly and rush back to the comfort of your family, blanket and laptop.
The challenge is, if you are wearing your hair out during the winter and embarking on a gym routine, your hair could suffer unexpected damage. With harsh, cold conditions already making it prone to breakage, if not properly catered for, fitness also adds additional challenges that could leave your hair in a worse state.
Check out these tried and tested tricks to reach your fitness goals, but still maintain clean, work-approved hair.
Swimming
The Problem: Swimming is one of the most effective exercises out there, giving your body a full workout. The challenge is that, irrespective of how much you might try, your hair usually ends up getting wet in the process, even with a swimming cap on. The problem in this scenario, is not necessarily that the hair gets wet, but rather the chlorine and salt that is in the water. Chlorine and other harsh chemicals tend to dry out hair and deposit minerals into your hair that, depending on the health of the hair, could cause dryness and damage.
The Solution: Clarifying shampoos (also go under the names “purifying,” “detox” and deep-cleansing shampoos), are designed to remove stubborn build-up from your hair. Think slippery silicones, waxes, moisturizers or plain old gunk from your regular shampoo, conditioner or styling products (including hair oils, mousses, hairsprays and dry shampoo). Clarifying shampoos help lift away mineral deposits from hard water, chlorine and other chemicals that stick to hair in a swimming pool.
Cardio and HITT
The problem: The aim of any good workout session is to work up a great sweat through various cardio and high intensity interval training. With such intense work-outs though, specifically for anyone with a tight curl pattern, is that you either have the option of having to wash your hair after each workout session (unlikely) or walk around with buildup caused by sweating and or products aimed at ensuring your hair still looks decent for work the next day.
The Solution: Dry shampoo works simply: the alcohol or starch in the product soaks up the excess sweat, oil and grease in your hair, giving it a cleaner, fresher appearance. Traditionally, shaking corn starch into hair has achieved the same effect, but most current products deliver the drying agents via an aerosol spray. Although Dry Shampoos are not traditionally the first option for ethnic hair, despite what you’ve heard, there are dry shampoos that do work for natural and or relaxed hair — and help you last that much longer until wash day. You just have to find the right ones and apply them correctly. This is a great alternative to washing your hair after each work-out.
Outdoor Activities
The problem: Although the outdoors do wonders for your soul, oftentimes outdoor activities, especially during winter, leave hair prone to become dry due to long and continuous exposure to the cold, excessive sweating, dust and dirt. This usually leads to excessive shedding.
The Solution: The fact is, rinsing your hair with more than just water can have many benefits. For one, rinsing your hair with a light, acidic product, can help balance your hair’s pH after washing to remove product build-up and reduce scalp irritations. Additionally, it will cut down on the amount of shedding you’ll experience, as a result of the drier winter months.
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