We all know how important it is to exercise. And with over 60% of the UK being physically active, many of your clients probably enjoy a workout. The apparent thing to do after exercising is to jump in the shower, but should clients wash their hair after every workout? We went to the experts to find out.
What happens to the hair when exercising?
There are a number of things clients should protect their hair from – heat, pollution, chemicals – but during a workout, hair can also be exposed to various factors that may affect its appearance and health. “Sweat is the main concern as it contains salt and minerals that can dry the hair and scalp, leading to potential dehydration and irritation,” explains Sabrina Dijkman, ALTERNA Ambassador. “Depending on the intensity of exercise, some people may also experience increased sebum production, making hair look and feel greasier.”
And although some clients may opt for hair accessories such as headbands, to keep their hair in place, this can also cause damage. “High impact activities such as running or jumping can lead to friction against clothing or hair accessories, resulting in hair breakage and split ends – particularly if the hair is not properly secured,” says Alex Thaddeus, Alex Thaddeus Hairdressing.
But it doesn’t always mean exercise affects the hair badly. “Sweat from working out can release natural oils into the hair that can promote hair health and growth,” says Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional Global Ambassador. “But letting hair dry naturally afterwards, can be detrimental as this causes scalp build-up, meaning the follicles become clogged which can lead to damage.”
Which is why clients should be advised on protective styling when exercising.
Protective styling
“The best way to protect the hair while exercising is wearing it up or in a braid,” Leonardo Rizzo of Sanrizz Guildford, tells us. But it’s equally important to advise your clients not to style it too tight, allowing the head to stay cooler and dry easier. “You don’t want too much tension or strain on the hair as this causes weakness and breakage,” adds Leonardo.
Should clients wash their hair after every workout?
The answer to this question naturally comes down to how the hair looks and feels afterwards. It also comes down to factors such as hair type, scalp condition, and the intensity of the exercise. “Different hair types have different moisture retention capacities,” Alex tells us. “Clients with oily hair may need to wash more frequently to remove excess sebum or sweat, while those with drier hair can go longer without washing.”
Which is why it's important to advise clients to only wash their hair when it genuinely feels dirty or oily. “It’s not necessary for clients to wash their hair after every workout, especially if the hair is already dry,” says Sabrina, “as this can strip the natural oils and cause dryness.”
Hero products
As we’ve established it’s not entirely necessary for clients to wash their hair after every workout, it’s essential to give them advice on an appropriate haircare routine, and products which can help. “I always recommend clients use a dry shampoo to help absorb excess sweat and oil at the roots,” states Sabrina. Likewise, Jonathan Andrew agrees, adding: “A great tip is to use dry shampoo in the roots before working out, topping it up afterwards.”
Subsequently, “clients can rinse their hair with water to remove sweat and impurities without stripping the scalp of its natural oils,” Alex tells us. “However, it’s essential to wash the hair properly when the opportunity arises.” Furthermore, “clients with curly or textured hair could benefit from co-washing – using a conditioner to cleanse the hair without shampoo,” adds Alex.
Finding the right balance between keeping the hair and scalp clean and maintaining its natural moisture is key, which is why clients should pay close attention to the hair’s needs and adjust their hair routine accordingly. Yes, exercise is important, but a healthy head of hair is equally so.
