Listen up, fitness queens! Wrestling with wild hair during a sweat session shouldn’t be part of your workout. Shrinkage, tangles, or those weaves sticking to your sweaty forehead—enough is enough! It’s high time for hairstyles that hustle as hard as you do. Imagine your hair looking royally fabulous while you crush that 5k run or own the Stairmaster. We’re spilling the secrets on hairstyles that let you kill it in the gym without killing your hair vibe. Get ready to slay your fitness and hair game at once because, yes, you can have it all, and we’re here to prove it.
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Before we discuss hairstyles, let’s discuss the backbone of gym hair care: protective styles. These are not just hairstyles; they’re shields of strength, guarding your precious strands from the betrayal of sweat. Protective styles, from box braids to cornrows, lay the foundation for a flawless gym experience, allowing you to focus on your workout without worrying about your hair.
Box braids
When hitting the gym with box braids, comfort and confidence are critical. Opting for medium-sized braids strikes the perfect balance between style and functionality, ensuring flexibility and manageability during intense workouts. Securing your braids with braid extensions, hair ties, and strategic bobby pins provides the stability needed to keep them in place while incorporating headbands or scarves, which adds style and practicality. With the right size and a secure styling technique, you’ll be ready to conquer your workouts with flair and finesse, one braid at a time.
How to wear your box braids to the gym:
Before heading to the gym with your box braids, ensure they are securely styled for maximum comfort and stability. Follow these steps for gym-ready box braids:
- Choosing the right size: Opt for medium-sized because they offer a good balance of style and functionality. They’re flexible enough to move with your body during workouts while providing sufficient protection for your hair.
- Secure styling techniques: Secure your braids using braid extensions, hair ties, and strategic bobby pins to stay in place during your workout. Focus on securing the edges and loose ends to prevent unravelling or discomfort.
- Incorporating accessories: Add headbands or scarves to your box braids for both style and practicality. These accessories enhance your gym look and keep your braids out of your face to minimise frizz.
- Adjusting for comfort: Before starting your workout, make any necessary adjustments to ensure your box braids are comfortable and secure. Check for tightness or tension and loosen or reposition braids for optimal comfort.
After gym care:
After your workout, it’s essential to care for your box braids to maintain their appearance and health. Here’s how to care for your braids post-workout:
- Gentle cleansing: If your scalp feels sweaty or itchy after exercise, gently cleanse it using a mild shampoo or cleansing spray. Focus on massaging the scalp to remove sweat and impurities without disturbing the braids.
- Scalp moisturising: Apply a lightweight oil or moisturising spray to your scalp and braids to prevent dryness. Pay special attention to the roots and edges to keep them hydrated and nourished.
- Protective styling: Consider wrapping your box braids in a satin or silk scarf before bed to protect them while you sleep. This will help prevent frizz and maintain the integrity of your braids between washes and through a workout.
- Avoiding excessive manipulation: Minimise manipulation of your box braids to prevent unnecessary tension and breakage. Avoid pulling or tugging on the braids and use gentle styling techniques to preserve longevity.
With the right size and secure styling techniques, you’ll be ready to conquer your workouts with flair and finesse, one box braid at a time.
As the epitome of versatility, box braids offer both protection and panache. Whether you opt for single plaits or mini braids, these timeless classics are your go-to for a workout hairstyle that stands the test of time.
Arise and pine–apple! (Pine rhymes with shine– get it?)
Say goodbye to sweaty necks and unruly curls with the Pineapple bun, a gravity-defying updo designed to keep your curls elevated, sweat-free, and full of bounce during your workout. This style minimises tangling and frizz by gathering your curls into a high ponytail atop your head. It circulates air around your scalp, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout your sweat. The best part is it’s quick and easy to achieve– once combed and detangled, sweep both palms across your hair from your edges to the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie.
How to wear pineapple bun to the gym
Before heading to the gym with a Pineapple bun, ensure your curls are dry and detangled. Follow these steps for a gym-ready Pineapple:
- Preparation: Start with dry curls that have been thoroughly detangled. This process will ensure a smooth and seamless pineapple style during your workout.
- Gathering: Gather your curls towards the crown of your head, using your hands or a brush to smooth any flyaways.
- Securing: Secure your gathered curls with a hair tie, ensuring the ponytail sits high on your head to maximise the pineapple effect.
- Adjustment: If necessary, gently tug at the ends of the bun to create a fuller-looking bun. This will help prevent tightness or discomfort during your workout.
After gym care:
After your workout, it’s essential to care for your curls to maintain their health and vibrancy. Here’s how to care for your curls post-gym:
- Refreshing: If your curls have become flattened or frizzy during your workout, lightly mist them with water or a curl-refreshing spray to revive their shape and bounce.
- Moisturising: Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or curl cream to your curls, focusing on the ends to hydrate and nourish them. Moisturising will combat dryness or brittleness caused by sweat.
- Re-styling: Re-style your pineapple by gathering your curls into a high ponytail and securing them with a hair tie. Use your fingers to fluff and reshape the pineapple for a fresh look.
- Nighttime care: Before bed, gently remove the hair tie from your pineapple and allow your curls to fall loose. Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to prevent friction and maintain your curls’ shape and definition.
With the Pineapple bun as your go-to fitness hairstyle, you can confidently conquer your workouts, knowing your hair is protected and looking its best.
Bantu knots
Twist, secure, conquer. Bantu knots are your secret! Bantu knots aren’t just a hairstyle—they’re your secret weapon for preserving curls and taming frizz during intense workouts. Embrace their power and unleash your inner warrior with every twist and wrap because Bantu knots provide excellent protection for your hair. Beyond the initial adjustment period, like negotiating the best sleep position for your head of freshly wrapped twists, beautifully defined curls and reduced frizz await.
How to Wear bantu knots to the gym:
When wearing Bantu knots to the gym, it’s essential to ensure they are securely fastened and wrapped to withstand movement and sweat.
- Styling: To protect your knots during exercise, consider wrapping a satin or silk scarf around your head, securing it with bobby pins or a hair tie. Styling will help prevent friction and minimise frizz while keeping your style intact.
After gym care
After your workout, gently unravel the Bantu knots and massage your scalp to promote circulation and revive your curls. Here are some additional tips for caring for your Bantu knots post-gym:
- Scalp cleansing: If your scalp feels sweaty or itchy after exercise, use a cleansing mist or diluted shampoo to cleanse sweat and impurities. Focus on massaging the cleanser into your scalp to ensure thorough cleansing without disturbing the knots.
- Scalp moisturising: Moisturise your scalp and knots with a lightweight oil or moisturising spray to prevent dryness and maintain the health of your hair. Pay attention to any areas of tightness or discomfort and apply extra moisturiser as needed.
- Protective Styling: To maintain your style post-gym, consider wrapping your hair into a loose bun or ponytail, using a satin or silk scarf to protect your edges and prevent breakage. Avoid tight hairstyles or excessive manipulation to preserve the integrity of your knots.
With these tips for wearing and caring for Bantu knots, you can enjoy a seamless and comfortable gym experience while preserving the strength, style, and resilience that Bantu knots represent.
Cornrows
Cornrows stand at the pinnacle of gym-ready hairstyles, transforming from merely a way to style your hair into a powerful emblem of endurance and vigour, especially celebrated by active black women. These braids do more than just make a cultural statement; they bring tangible perks to your workout routine. Their distinct weaving allows your scalp to breathe freely, providing a cool, airy feel that battles the heat of the most demanding workouts. This enhances your comfort and supports the overall health of your hair and scalp. Yet, a little finesse and care are necessary to keep your cornrows looking fresh and functional across various exercises. Dive into the ultimate guide to rocking and caring for cornrows, making them your go-to choice among hairstyles for workouts, ensuring a smooth and stylish fitness journey.
How to wear cornrows to the gym:
- Once all the cornrows are braided, secure them at the ends using small hair ties or rubber bands. These accessories will prevent the braids from unravelling during your workout.
- Styling: Consider styling your cornrows into a sleek bun or ponytail for added convenience and comfort during exercise to keep the hair off your face and neck while allowing maximum movement and flexibility.
After gym care
Here are some tips for maintaining cornrows post-workout:
- Scalp cleansing: After exercising, gently cleanse your scalp with a diluted shampoo or cleansing mist to remove sweat, dirt, and product buildup. Focus on massaging the cleanser into your scalp to ensure thorough cleansing without disturbing the braids.
- Scalp moisturising: Moisturise your scalp and braids with a lightweight oil or moisturising spray to prevent dryness and flakiness. Pay attention to any areas of tightness or discomfort and apply extra moisturiser as needed.
- Edge protection: Avoid tight hairstyles or excessive manipulation to protect your hairline and edges from tension and breakage. Tie down your edges gently with a satin or silk scarf while sleeping or exercising to maintain their health and integrity.
Side braid
The side braid isn’t just a hairstyle; it’s your workout warrior, ready to battle any hair mishaps head-on during the most vigorous exercises. Perfect for all hair lengths and types, this versatile style is the ultimate game-changer for anyone looking to keep their locks under control while pumping iron or hitting the pavement. For those fitness enthusiasts daring to let their hair loose during a sweat session (seriously, how?), the side braid is the answer you’ve been searching for. Make it your go-to pick from hairstyles for workouts, and never worry about a hair out of place again!
How to wear side braids to the gym:
Before hitting the gym with a side braid, ensure it is securely styled to withstand movement and sweat. Follow these steps for gym-ready side braids:
- Secure styling: Create a side braid by gathering your hair to one side of your head and weaving it into a traditional three-strand braid. Secure the end with a hair tie or elastic to keep it in place during your workout.
- Taming tangles: Side braids are excellent for taming tangles and keeping your hair out of your face while you exercise. Ensure the braid is tight enough to prevent unravelling but not too tight to cause discomfort or tension on your scalp.
- Optional accessories: If desired, add accessories such as bobby pins or hair clips to hold your side braid in place and add extra flair to your gym look. Opt for lightweight accessories that won’t irritate during your workout.
- Comfort check: Before starting your workout, check for any tightness or discomfort caused by the side braid. Adjust the braid as needed to ensure it is comfortable and secure for your exercise session.
After gym care
After your workout, it’s essential to care for your side braid to maintain its appearance and health. Here’s how to care for your braid post-gym:
- Gentle cleansing: If your scalp feels sweaty or itchy after exercise, gently cleanse it using a mild shampoo or cleansing spray. Focus on massaging the scalp to remove sweat and impurities without disturbing the braid.
- Scalp moisturising: Apply a lightweight oil or moisturising spray to your scalp and braid to prevent dryness and maintain its health. Pay special attention to the roots and edges to keep them hydrated and nourished.
- Refreshing: If your braid has become flattened or frizzy during your workout, spritz it lightly with water or a curl-refreshing spray to revive its shape and bounce. Use your fingers to gently fluff and reshape the braid for a fresh look.
- Avoiding excessive manipulation: Minimise manipulation of your side braid to prevent unnecessary tension and breakage. Avoid pulling or tugging on the braid, and opt for gentle styling techniques to preserve longevity.
With the versatility and convenience of side braids, you can enjoy a comfortable and stylish gym experience while keeping your hair in check during your workout. So embrace the simplicity and functionality of the side braid and conquer your fitness goals with confidence.
Revamp your workout-ready hairstyles with these expert tips and tricks that guarantee your focus remains solely on your fitness journey, eliminating any distractions from your locks. Embrace the journey of fitness and life with an empowering boost, ready to tackle any obstacle with vigour. Let your hair symbolize your inner strength, wearing it proudly as your crown. Dive into your workout with the spirit of a warrior, showcasing your mane magnificently.
