How to Care for African American Hair After Exercise

After a vigorous or even light workout, many African-American women with naturally coarse, kinky, wavy or curly hair find that moisture from perspiration has caused their straight or perfectly styled hair to become frizzy. Luckily there are steps that African-American women can take to care for their hair after exercising.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber band or hair tie
• Brush
• Hair pins
• Bandanna

Instructions

1. Prepare your hair before you exercise. Caring for your hair after exercising begins with caring for your hair before exercising. Place all of your hair into a ponytail so that perspiration does not completely drench your hair. You can also tie your hair down by "wrapping" it. Wrap your hair by brushing all of your hair in a single circular motion around your head in a shape that mimics a beehive. Pin hair into place with hair pins, then cover your ponytail or "wrapped hair" with a securely tied bandanna.

2. Wipe any excess perspiration from your face and hairline during and after your workout. Consider wearing a headband and make certain your hair stays in the wrap or ponytail during exercise and off of your face and neck. Lessening the presence of perspiration and moisture around your hairline will ease caring for your hair after working out.

3. Remove the bandanna and let your hair dry once you have completed your workout. Allow any moisture from perspiration to air-dry completely before unwrapping your hair or taking down a ponytail.

4. Remove the hair tie from your ponytail or the pins from your wrap. Brush your wrap in the same direction as you brushed your hair to create the "hive." Continue brushing in a circular motion until your hair is loosened from the wrap and down. Use your fingers to loosely style your hair.

5. Apply a lightweight shine serum to your hair. Choose one that is designed to tame flyaways and smooth dry ends. Use a flat iron or curling iron for further styling, along with any of your usual styling products.

Tips & Warnings

• If you exercise often, consider a natural hairstyle that won't be ruined by perspiration during your work out.

• Continual use of heat on your hair may weaken or damage it.

References

• Brown Sista: Maintaining Your Hair During a Workout
• Sophisticate's Black Hair Styles And Care Guide: Products to Try

Resources

• Sophisticate's Black Hair Styles And Care Guide: Home
• AARP: Don't Want to "Sweat Out" Your Hair? Walk Your Way to Health Instead