Real Talk: Are you choosing Hair over Health?

I used to but I keep my haird braided now. I still have to rinse after every workout because I sweat in the roots a lot but it has been a lifesaver for me!

I went natural about 5 years ago, so this is not a problem for me. I just smooth my hair back in a pony puff. When I do my Aqua Jogging I have to pull it up into a high puff so that it doesn't get wet....only because I don't want the chlorine in my hair.

Huh? Foreign concept here. Hair goes up in a ponytail to keep it out of my face. Other than that, who gives a flying monkey?

edit to add: After reading all of the other comments, I can appreciate the difficulty folks with more difficult hair types have. But for me... honestly... if it takes prep time, that hair style is going to change. It must be wash and wear hair for me.

So, I was going to post an answer here, but then I kind went off about the whole thing. I posted it in my blog instead (not trying to offend anyone.) If you'd like to read my take: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/glittermouse/view/real-talk-are-you-choosing-hair-over-health-142586

Also, wanted to say that I appreciated these two comments.

I do not have hair issues that others have - and I thank God for that because.........I have hair that HAS to be washed everyday --- has to be so obviously, I don't have the issue of going to the salon and getting my hair done and then sweat messing it all up. BUT! I still skip workouts during lunch because I don't want to go back to work all frizzy and yucky. I know this is NOTHING compared to what others sacrifice by going to the gym so I'm really feeling guilty right now........really guilty........no more using that excuse ever again.

I don't but the girls I worked with last summer were an eye opener when it comes to black girls hair care. It is so drastically different. From the texture, to the oil, to the weaves. I am under the impression that doing your hair when your black takes more talent and effort than white girls hair. I simply wash mine and run a comb through it, not really an option with their texture.

I'm black but not American. The first time I heard of this concept was a few years ago. So my answer is no I've never let my hair stop me from working out. I don't see the point of being overweight, run the risk of getting diabetes or high blood pressure (which run in my family), but have really nice hair

I've got locs so its not so much of a problem but its the washing...so often and it takes awhile to dry.

I used to have that problem. Now I've decided to keep my hair in the shower drain and the sink.

I would not have understood why this would even be an issue if I hadn't watched the documentary, "Good Hair" and realized what some women go through to have "good hair".

Same here, if not for the documentary and the Oprah special - I wouldn't know either. Which is why I feel so guilty that I've let my very easy to style hair get in the way of me exercising before!

I would not have understood why this would even be an issue if I hadn't watched the documentary, "Good Hair" and realized what some women go through to have "good hair".

Right there with ya on that one! The amount of time, effort and money that is spent to maintain "good hair" blew me away! And, to the previous commenter who chose to write a blog topic...the socio-economic-political aspect of the whole thing is certainly a topic worthy of discussion.

I am gulity of this. As a African American women without a relaxer this time of year is tough. I don't wanna sweat out my freshly pressed hair after just getting it done.

yes- very much so lol. i HATE that i have to shower afterwards because my hair is crap if i sweat at all- its naturally curly and will be crap after a workout so alot of the time i don't workout because of this. Glad i know im not the only one lol.

I sure don't. Hell, i don't even wash my hair that often because it's really not good to strip the oils from it. I just do my hair in different ways so you can't tell that it ain't exactly clean, lol.

I understand the question completely!!!! Some hair is easier to manage than others and some people flat out can't wash their hair everyday or even every other day. And for some, once a style is gone, it's GONE until the next time you're able to get to the hairdresser.

So I "get" why a lot of women don't feel that it's worth the time or effort to workout...because it's considered a waste of some serious hair time and energy (and MONEY, to be honest). I've been guilty of choosing hair over health in the past.

Having said all of that, I will say that I'd rather look good all over than just about the head. And, for me, part of that meant going natural, figuring out how to "work it", and focusing on gettin' dynamite all around. The psychology of getting past hair issues can be a beast and a stronghold.

Huh? Foreign concept here. Hair goes up in a ponytail to keep it out of my face. Other than that, who gives a flying monkey?

edit to add: After reading all of the other comments, I can appreciate the difficulty folks with more difficult hair types have. But for me... honestly... if it takes prep time, that hair style is going to change. It must be wash and wear hair for me.

Please go watch "good hair"

Like some have posted on here, I sweat from my roots. By the time I am done with my workout, my hair is soaking wet. I need to talk to my hairdresser about getting some braids.