How can I protect my hair while exercising?

Ever heard of dry shampoo? I've never used it... but I've heard good things. Try it! If it doesn't work, at least you gave it a try.

Hi! Great question!!! And while I'm sure Rose's shampoo idea might work for someone not wearing a weave - not so great if you are, huh?

Right now I'm going natural, so it's MUCH easier to care for my hair, but when I'm sportin' a weave or braids, here are things I do:
- Wear an old school headband, around the perimeter of your hair. So, on your skin, bumper right up against your hairline. Over or under the ears, doesn't matter. This helps collect some of the sweat.
- Pull it up in a pony or bun so strands aren't on your neck, getting wet
- IMMEDIATELY post work out, use a clean towel to blot your scalp. It's also the perfect time oil your scalp
- Try the coolest style your hair will allow: I actually like to do a messy part and pull up in pigtails. This helps keep me as cool as possible.
- Invest in a good no-water shampoo. After exercising, you can dot on, as needed.
- Use a spray bottle with just plain water after a really heavy sweat session. Spot clean and blot
- Swab your scalp with antiseptic and/or oil. I love tea tree (if you can get past the smell and learn to love it). This helps keep that white, sweaty buildup from happening


Honestly, the big old terry cloth headband works the best. In the summer, I also try to opt for different styles. I typically skip the weave in the heat, and go natural. Or I do braids without extensions, keeping it short so I can rinse my hair.

Best of luck!

I also have a weave and i have to wash my hair a lot, so since I started to work out I had to change my hairstyle. like for example i could not wear the fancy lol hair that I use to, I started to buy really cute pony tails, or a lace front weave with the combs that way I didnt have to worry about regluing the hair down and it comes right off for when I need to wash my hair, its not a lot of fuss and I still look good lol, I knew that I could not wear the other hair so I had to just change it and deal.. :drinker:

Great thread.....

My hair is short and I've been having major drama dealing with it...cause after exercise it drenched and all the curls are out....I have to either slick it down or go to work looking like a drown rat......to make things worst its breaking alot not sure why...I'm giving it a rest and wearing instant weaves for now... thinking of going natural for a while

A pony tail is easiest I think....And yes us AA Women have to take the hair thing into consideration wheather it's a weave or natural. We cant just wash and go. It does make working out a little more difficult. I have decided to get microbraids.....

I've got micro twists.... but my own hair is natural
Because of all the exercising I'm doing, I've sweated my hair out and now down half the length of each twist looks like an afro...!

This is only after 2 weeks of getting it done.

So, I'm thinking about relaxing my hair, before I put it back into micro braids....
I haven't had my hair relaxed in over 6 years, but I just need an easy hair style............

I relax my hair as well...In my opinion, it's much easier to manage. I exercise and go swimming with no swimming cap. My trick is that I apply conditioner to my hair before getting in the pool from root to ends. Conditioner protects your hair from the chemicals in the water. In addition, you hair doesn't have that hard feeling to it. :bigsmile:

I have been having this dilemna as well...I'm trying to decide between cutting my hair short, getting micros or a weave?? The sweat and hair for BW does not mix well especially if it's course...hair that needs relaxed in it to be manageable!! What to do??? I need to make a decision by next week...my stylist doesn't braid anymore so I will have to go to the Africans to get braids and I'm really not up for sitting all day...that is not something i enjoy...even though it last a few months..it's still not a good feeling sitting through the process!!!