Hair Mistakes You’re Making at the Gym

Hitting the gym is an integral part of the day for most of us. While we burn calories to look our best, we often neglect hair care during physical activity. With an intensive workout regime ahead of you, your hair is probably the last thing on your mind. We forget that sweat causes an itchy scalp, hair breakage, and if neglected extensively can lead to male and female pattern baldness.Whether you prefer to work off those calories indoors or outdoors, here is a list of hair mistakes that you simply cannot miss.

1. Tying it too tight

We know you need to keep your hair off your face and shoulders at the gym, but never tie a ponytail or bun too tight. Opt for a few clips to hold your hair in place and a slightly loose high hair bun. If your hair is long go for a single braid. Your hair will fall wonderfully in place when you’re done with your workout. Online shopping stores offer wonderful options of scrunchies that don’t leave a dent in your hair. This is especially great if you have had permanent straightening treatment done.

2. Shampooing daily after a workout

As gross as this may sound, don’t shampoo every day. Shampooing daily will strip your hair off its natural moisture and oils leading to a dry scalp, sensitive roots, and breakage.Shampooing daily after gym is one of the main reasons for hair loss in men. Regardless of how much or how heavily you sweat, shampoo only 2 or 3 times a week. So, what can you do for a daily fix? Carry a dry shampoo instead. A dry shampoo will soak up all the grime and leave you feeling fresh for the day ahead. Alternatively, you can dry shampoo your hair before a workout to prevent scalp odour.

3. Skipping the moisture

We moisturise our skin so why not our hair? The salt in your sweat dries out the natural moisture in your scalp, leaving it dry and itchy. Invest in a good hair conditioner post shampoo. Treat your tresses to a hair spa or a deep condition, at the salon, at least once every couple of months. Or, you can simply follow the best hair care advice your mom gave you: apply warm coconut oil and leave on for a few hours before you wash.

4. Brushing too hard

Trying to comb out those post workout tangles can be painful and is one of the causes of hair loss. Never comb hair when its moist. Let your hair dry a bit and then gently comb it out. The market has many products which help you detangle your hair before combing it out. If you’ve washed and conditioned your hair, towel dry it and then gently comb when it’s almost dry. If you are not in a hurry, try to avoid the hair dryer.

5. Forgetting to gear up

You need to cover your hair when you go swimming to protect it from the chlorine. Likewise, if you go running or jogging use SPF on your hair. If you don’t like buying many products, simply covering your hair with a scarf or tucking it into a cap will work wonders for you. Sweat resistant headbands are great for keeping the grime off your skin and hair.

6. Picking the wrong hair-style

If you lead an active lifestyle, you must maintain your hair accordingly. Many women opt for a bob cut or any shoulder-length hairstyle for easy maintenance. Short hair definitely saves you time when you need to get ready in a hurry. If you love your long locks, make sure that you trim them regularly. The ends of your hair attract all kinds of dirt and this can cause ugly breakouts on your back and arms.

7. Not eating right

Gymming does wonders for the body, only if accompanied by the right diet. A diet lacking in the right nutrients is one of the main causes of hair loss in men and women.  Our hair, skin and nails require a daily diet rich in Vitamins A, E and K. make sure to eat lots of green leafy vegetables, broccoli, eggs, walnuts, soybean, multigrain breads, brown rice, and fish. To make things simple: eat fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. You can supplement your diet with vitamin or cod liver oil tablets.

Life is hectic. Your hair care regime should not be. Taking a few steps regularly will ensure that you have great and healthy hair all year around.