Everyone’s journey to natural hair is different, and so is everyone’s fitness journey—and we know that it can be difficult to have a good relationship with both when one can have such an impact on the other.
According to one study, 45% of Black women admitted to avoiding the gym because they didn't want to ruin their hair [1].
Hair anxiety is real, but we don't want it to be the reason you quit the gym: there are numerous ways you can care for your natural hair while exercising, from protective curly hairstyles to hair products designed with you - and your coils in mind, no matter your curly hair type. With the right pre and post-workout hair routine, you can remove buildup, keep the frizz at bay, and keep your coils moisturized, giving you the confidence to work out without the fear of ruining your hair.
So, whether you're looking to preserve your curls or just want a gym-friendly curly hairstyle that works for your texture, we’ve rounded up the best protective hairstyles and tips to help you maintain healthy hair while staying on top of your fitness goals.
6 Protective Gym Hairstyles For Curly Hair
For those with textured hair, the challenge of finding a style that stays put while keeping your hair healthy is real. That’s where protective gym hairstyles come in. Not only do they keep your curly hair secure and stylish during your workout, but they also protect against breakage and frizz caused by sweat and friction.
Many of us have experienced a time in our curly hair journey when turning to straighteners seemed like the easiest option. But if you want to embrace your curls, in and out of the gym, it’s important you find healthy and protective curly hairstyles for the gym that avoid the heat, especially if you’re in a transitioning period.
1. Wear A Headband
Let’s be candid: It’s not every day you want to comb, style, or slick back your hair for the gym. This is where the trusty headband steps in to become your new gym bestie. Headbands are brilliant for working out in as they soak up any excess moisture on your head, stopping it from running down your locks.
2. Braid Your Hair
Braids can be a fun and easy hairstyle for protecting your curls and minimizing frizz from sweat during a workout, and if you’ve got patience and handy work, you can braid your hair yourself. The style is perfect for the gym if you want a style that stays in place as you work out, looks good, and will last a long time. The beauty of braids is that they also give your scalp some breathing space, which can help minimize sweat during your weekly run club or cycling workout.
3. Put Your Hair In Space Buns
Think 90s, the Spice Girls; if there’s one gym hairstyle that screams nostalgia, it’s this one. Space buns are a fun and easy hairstyle to do for the gym, especially if you have thick hair. You can get creative with the parting, making zig-zag patterns or perfectly straight. Either wrap your hair around to make two tight buns or leave it loose for some added texture to your galactic hairstyle.
4. Slick Your Hair Into A Clean High Bun
If you’re a matching set and slicked-back bun type of girl, then the ballerina-style bun will probably be the curly hairstyle you choose to work out in. It’s an easy style that requires little time but a lot of gel. Work the gel into your hair and run a bristle brush through your hair to create the perfect slick back, leaving some baby hairs free at the front if you want to style them too. With your hair tied up and off your neck, there’s less chance of your hair getting sweaty and needing washing again.
5. Loosely Scrape Your Hair Into A Pineapple
A pineapple bun is a go-to gym hairstyle for curly hair babes, as it means you can scrape your hair off your face to minimize distractions while working out, but still have your coils looking cute and bouncing in a high pineapple shaped pony-tail. Coat your hair with a moisturizing cream or leave-in conditioner to keep your curls defined and moisturized through your workout.
6. Wear Your Hair In Plaits
This is a fail-safe hairstyle that doesn’t require too much commitment and is especially good when you’re nearing wash day. You can fashion your curls into two plaits relatively quickly compared to how long getting cornrows might take, so it might be the go-to hairstyle for those of you on a tight schedule. However, this style may work better for those with a looser curl type. Plait your hair in two plaits on either side of your head, for a simple hairstyle that will stay put in the gym. If you feel like being fancy, choose French Plaits or Fishtail Plaits for an elevated gym hairstyle.
Hair Accessories
The Diffuse Headband Collection
What is it? A multi-wear, sweat-wicking headband with the durability to support you and your coils through your training.
Crafted from a unique sweat-wicking fabric, our stretchy headband is designed especially for functional hair styling in the gym. It effectively absorbs moisture, helping to protect textured hair and edges from sweating out while you’re working out.
Our Diffuse Headbands are available in two sizes - a single-layered headband measuring 8cm wide and our larger double-layered headband that stretches from 8cm to 16cm when fully open to cover a wider surface area of hair.
Thick yet breathable, these headbands are designed to stay put and keep you focused so you can work out freely with fewer distractions. Created with the natural hair community in mind, they are the perfect solution for protecting your curls in the gym.
What's new? Three new colourways join our existing black, khaki green and hot pink options for a fresh Spring style.
Sour Pink
Classic Blue
White
How are we styling them?
Gym Hair Products For Curly Hair
Your curly locks can have a life of their own, but keeping them tame during or after your workout is easy with the right hair products. So before you cozy up in front of a mirror to start on your curly hair hairstyle, it’s time to prep your hair with products that focus on adding hydration and moisture.
Ruka Hair: Elevating Your Curly Hair Game
Ruka Hair is redefining the curly hair experience by offering a range of innovative clip-in extensions and curly hair care products designed specifically for the natural hair community. With a focus on affordability and quality, Ruka aims to empower those with curls to express their unique style, even amidst a busy lifestyle, and that includes working out.. Here are some of their must-have products that perfectly protect your hair in your gym hairstyles.
Ruka Hair Products
Ruka Microfibre Towel
Say goodbye to frizz with the Ruka Microfibre Towel, engineered to reduce drying time while minimizing damage. This super-soft towel absorbs moisture without roughing up your curls, making it an essential tool for your post-workout hair care routine.
Ruka Hair Perfume
Refresh your curls with Ruka Hair Perfume, designed to keep your hair smelling fabulous throughout the day. This lightweight formula not only adds a pleasant scent but also helps to mask any post-gym odors, so you can confidently head out after a workout.
Ruka Hold Me Down Edge Gel
Tame your edges with the Ruka Hold Me Down Edge Gel, perfect for styling and keeping your hair in place. This non-flaking, long-lasting formula ensures that your curls look polished, whether you’re hitting the gym or heading out for brunch.
Nylahs Naturals: Nurturing Your Curls
Nylahs Naturals is dedicated to providing high-quality, effective products that cater specifically to the needs of curly hair. With a focus on moisture retention and nourishment, their formulations are designed to enhance your natural texture while promoting overall hair health. From rich creams to lightweight sprays, Nylahs Naturals empowers you to keep your curls hydrated and vibrant, no matter your lifestyle.
Nylahs Naturals Hair Products
Nylahs Naturals Moisture Retention Leave In Cream
A leave-in cream for natural hair is an incredible product to use both pre and post-workout. It's a no-rinse solution for nourished curls, and it protects your hair from workout damage like frizz and split ends. The Moisture Retention Leave-In Cream is designed to eliminate frizz and breakage, lock in moisture, define curls, and enhance shine, creating defined curls even after a sweaty session.
Nylahs Naturals Maximum Moisture Hair Spray
A quick boost of hydration is just a spray away with Maximum Moisture Hair Spray. Ideal for refreshing curls, or braids between workouts, this spray provides a burst of moisture to your hair and scalp, ensuring your curls remain bouncy and vibrant. Revitalizing your curls means you can push back that wash day, and focus on your next gym workout.
PLANTMADE: Nature-Inspired Hair Care
PLANTMADE harnesses the power of natural ingredients to create innovative hair care solutions for all hair types. Their products are thoughtfully crafted to cleanse, nourish, and revitalize your hair, making them perfect for those who prioritize both performance and sustainability. With offerings like the Washday Duo and Scalp & Beard Exfoliator, PLANTMADE ensures that your hair care routine is as effective as it is eco-friendly, allowing you to embrace your curls with confidence.
PLANTMADE Hair Products
PLANTMADE Kai - Washday Duo
Streamline your wash day with the PLANTMADE Kai - Washday Duo. This dynamic duo features a cleansing shampoo and nourishing conditioner that work together with an anti-breakage formula to remove buildup, maximise growtth, and hydrate your curls, making it the perfect solution for busy schedules.
PLANTMADE Scalp & Beard Exfoliator
For those who enjoy a clean scalp, the PLANTMADE Scalp & Beard Exfoliator is a game-changer. It dislodges debris and excess dirt caught at the root of your coils and helps to stimulate growth by boosting circulation, ensuring a healthy scalp environment for your curls to thrive.
Now you have the tips and tools for caring for your hair when you work out, the gym should feel less daunting. Play around with different hairstyles and products to see what works for you; it's all about what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Curly Hair Care | FAQs
Does Sweat Affect Curly Hair?
Yes! If your curls aren't prepped correctly, sweat can lead to your hair becoming prone to breakage due to dehydration and tangled locks. Sweat can also:
Clog your hair follicles
Your hair follicles on your scalp are surrounded by sweat glands, and when you exercise, these hair follicles can become clogged by the excess sweat. Using hair oils can cause your scalp to be oily, which creates excess sebum, which can clog your hair follicles further.
Cause scalp irritation
All this clogging and blocking of the hair follicles can lead to a lot of itching and irritation. Clogged hair follicles can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to bacterial infections like folliculitis - red pimples, itching, and rashes on the scalp.
Cause hair dryness
Imagine diving into the ocean, and the saltwater dries in your hair before you have the chance to wash it out. Crispy, salty (no, it’s not your favorite savory snack), it’s the condition of your hair. The high concentration of salt in your sweat can have the same effect on your hair. A sweaty head top can leave your hair dry, dehydrated, and brittle, which can have a costly effect on your curly hair breakage.
How Often Should I Wash My Curly Hair If I Work Out?
Curly hair doesn’t need to be washed that often, that you already know. But when you’re working out a lot, you don’t want the sweat sitting on your scalp for too long, itching and resulting in uncomfortable build-up.
Everyone’s hair is different, and washing your hair weekly, or bi-weekly might be your normal routine. But say you’re upping the cardio, or upping the intensity of your workouts and sweating a lot more, you might want to increase those wash days to 2-3 times a week.
What's The Easiest Protective Hairstyle For Curly Hair?
The easiest protective style for the gym is a simple bun or low ponytail. Just gather your hair, slick some gel on, secure it with a hair tie, and you’re good to go! If you have a little more time, plaits are a great option. They’re quick to do and keep your hair protected while you get your sweat on.
What Hairstyles Are Best For Short Natural Curly Hair?
For short natural hair, mini twists or braids are fantastic for keeping things neat during your workout. If your natural curls are short or you're rocking a cropped cut, a cute headband can help keep sweat at bay while adding a stylish touch so you can focus on crushing that workout.
What Hairstyles Are Best For Long Curly Hair?
For long hair, high ponytails and braids are your best friends! A high ponytail keeps your hair out of your face and off your neck, while braids help prevent tangles and keep your curls intact. You can also go for a messy bun or a twisted updo - super easy and chic (even for the gym). Plus, wrapping your hair with our wide Diffuse Headband can help reduce frizz and protect your curls.
It may be a work in progress, but with these protective hairstyles and tips to care for your natural hair, you can keep your curls intact and refreshed whether it's a heavy lifting day, sweaty HIIT session, or Pilates workout. Say goodbye to skipping the gym, and hello to healthy curls.
Take a look at our selection of hair accessories when you download The Gymshark App below to shop!
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