Workout Hair
 

Ok Sorors and Sisterfriends,

I would like to begin working out but, honestly, I have no idea what to do with my hair so that I will (1) look presentable DURING the workout and (2) will not ruin the money that I spent at the hairdresser a few days before. I'm sorry, once one sweats, what is one supposed to do with one's hair?

I need some help with this one,
SC

Hey Summerchild,

Here's what I do: I've been working out at least 3 times a week, so my hair is going to get sweated out soon after I get it done no matter what. I typically pin it up so that it is off of my face and neck during the work out. This keeps me cool and it confines the sweat to my scalp/roots rather than my curls.

After the work out I usually roll my hair (I try to roll it anyway b/c my stylist is all over me about not putting heat in it). This will put back any curls that may have fallen during the work out. However, if I am approaching my time for a new relaxer, then I may flat iron the roots 1st (for my own piece of mind).

Beyond that I just try to keep it moisturized. The salt from the sweat dries my hair out, so I try to put the moisture back.

I guess my routine doesn't really change all that much w/the exception of keeping it moisturized and rolling it more frequently. I hope this helps.

Marie

Thanks Marie. How do you pin your hair up? What do you mean?

SC

Well it depends on what's going on that day. If my hair is really holding a curl and can stand to be tightly pulled back, then I put it into a ponytail. If it is flat ironed or loosely curled then I pull it back from my face w/a head band, and I use bobby pins flip it under and secure it to the bottom of my scalp. If I'm going 1st thing in the morning, then I may just leave it wrapped from the night b4. I just think through what method will give me the best results for the remainder of the day.

I work out daily, sometimes twice a day. Therefore I have simply stopped going to the hairdresser. To me, there is no point in wasting the money. So when I work out I do one of four things:

1) set my hair on Sunday on large purple rollers using Paul Mitchell Styling Foam (the mousse). Everynight I curl my hair on rods, put on a satin bonnet and go to bed. When I work out I pull my hair into a loose, high ponytail and work out. When I am done working out I pull my hair down. The curls fall and my hair is fine. My roots are a bit wavy, but since I'm wearing my hair curly its no big deal. The body provided by the set keeps all but your new growth dry and away from your head while working out.

2) utilize the wash and wear look every day. I use John Frieda The Ripple Effect and KMS Curl Up Solution. Also I use the afore mentioned JPM Styling Foam. The Ripple Effect works the best and leaves my hair non-greasy and not-hard, but its been discontinued. I am currently stalking beauty supply stores buying all they have to stock up (like Elaine on Seinfeld when the Today Sponge was discontinued).

3) wear my hair in a ponytail or ponytail pulled back through during workout and then to work, a bun. I work as a summer associate ata law firm so the bun is a very classy alternative for me and looks very chic with a suit.

4) wear my hair in a ponytail or ponytail pulled back through during workout and then for work pull my hair into a low ponytail and braid it and wear it like that.

Other than when my hair is set I wash my hair at the least every 2-3 days, often every day. I hate smelly hair.

I should add I have not had a perm since March (this is normal for me as I try to get the creamy crack 3-4 times/ year) so I have a good amount of new growth which actually works well with working ou because it keeps you straight hair from getting wet. The wavy/curly hairs absorbs all the sweat. This is why setting my hair and using the loose, high ponytail works for me.

When I need to go somewhere very formal or simply want straight hair I just wash and flat iron my own hair, but as I am a fan of letting my hair be as natural as permed hair can be, I VERY rarely do this. In fact, I think today is the first time I've done it in the past 2 months. I worked out last night, got up this morning washed my hair and flat ironed it before work. It required that I wake up 45 mins early.

I really suggest forgoing getting your hair done weekly if you are dedicated to good cardio workouts. The 13 lbs I've lost since May 2 have made up in "look good factor" for what my lack of diva-done hair has cost me. Besides, a beautiful set is just that...beautiful and it looks better on a trim body :-).

Also now I don't feel bad about buying new cloths cuz I rationalize that I'm using my hair salon money!

/hijack

Exquisite5, don't know if you know, but John Frieda has discontinued Ripple Effect (actually the whole Relax line). Just letting you know in case you want to stock up.

A friend of mine LOVES it and dag near cried when she heard it and has been on a quest to buy every bottle in the US.

/end hijack


Since I started working out, I don't go to the hair salon anymore. When working out, I just put my hair in a ponytail (or two low on the neck ponytails).

HoneyKiss I know and I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOO depressed. I actually called John Frieda and complained. I have been calling EVERY Ricky's in NYC (the only place I know to still have it) and am ordering up all they have. I swear I am like Elaine on Seinfeld when the Today Sponge was discontinued.

If ANYONE knows of a similar product please let me know- or if your city still has the Ripple Effect- I am on a mission!!!

I have found a replacement product!

For all my workout mavens who like to rock the curly look try Be Curly by Aveda. I think it actually works better than The Ripple Effect and since its a cream it moisturizes while it curls!

I'm a nappy haired girl. When I work out I usually pull it back in an afro-puff, or curly looking pony tail, depending on how I was wearing it. I wash it a couple times a week. In terms of products, I lovvvvvvvvve the Ouidad line of products for when I wear my hair curly.

No wonder I can't find the creme moisturizer in the short, fat (toothpaste style container) purple tube in walgreens anymore. It wasn't heavy, but that stuff would help keep my edges straight even when it was time for a relaxer. It was a little expensive but worth every penny. :(