Sis, how many times has this happened to you: you're fresh from the salon, looking badder than ever, but then you remember it's workout day on your schedule. You don't want to ruin your hair, so you decide to skip the day. Trust, we've been there! But now, these woes that plague us Black women simply when we want to get our bodies right are a thing of the past.
Day 2 of our #BossWoman Fitness Challenge, brought to you by GrpFit, is all about how to maintain your hair while staying fit. Here's what co-founder, Richard Bailey, had to say on how we can achieve the best of both worlds.
Photo: GrpFit
Black women, I know we use the excuses “but my hair” or “but my edges” so we don’t have to go to the gym all the time. But the excuses stop here. Here are 4 ways to maintain your natural curls while you’re at the gym:
Protective Styling
Protective styles are one of the best ways to preserve your hair while you sweat at the gym. Instead of wearing your hair out in a wash-n-go while you exercise, protect it in braids, twists, bantu knots, or in a bun. The braids and twists will not only protect your ends but will also give you a cute style the next morning or whenever you choose to take your hair down. Style your hair in a pineapple or bun to protect your ends and keep your hair away from your face while you exercise. Protective styles will keep those ends moisturized and keep those curls poppin!
Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize.
One of the best ways to protect your hair while you exercise is to properly moisturize before you sweat. Before you work out, take your favorite moisturizing creams and oils and style your hair in a bun or other protective styles. If you tend to sweat a lot through your scalp while you exercise and need to wash, try to limit the use of shampoo. Instead, take some of your favorite moisturizing conditioners and co-wash your hair. This will ensure that you don’t strip away the natural oils of your hair while keeping your hair clean and moisturized.
Scarves and Wraps are Your Best Friends
Ladies, if your hair is going through the struggle and you need to hit the gym, don’t worry because wraps are here to save you. If you do not own any African-print cloth, you can simply use a neck scarf that you already use. Simply take the scarf or wrap and tie it into a low bun or in a high bun at the top of your head. There are plenty of videos on YouTube to help you if you struggle with tying the wrap at first. Scarves will not only cover your hair if it is messy but will also reduce the risk of sweating out your hair and protecting your curls underneath while you work out.
Consider Trying A Brazilian
I know some of us may not be too fond of wearing weaves; however, sometimes it is the best option to preserve our natural hair. If you are against having hair sewn in your head, then consider wearing a wig. Wigs are great because the can be taken off at night and you still can take care of your natural hair under the wig. This option is almost a combination of the first three. The cornrows under your weave or wig is a protective style, you must oil your scalp under the wig or weaves to moisturize, and then you cover your natural hair with the wig or weave to protect it and retain moisture. When you exercise, simply tie the weave back so it is out of your face and you’re set! No nappy roots and no nappy edges! Phew. When you are done with your workout, your weave will still be intact and you won’t have to worry about fixing it later. Another plus from this tip is once you take out your weave or put the wig away for a while, your hair will have grown because it was protected and moisturized for weeks.
So now that you ladies have a guidebook on how to preserve your natural hair, there should be no excuse as to why you can’t start your fitness journey. Braid up your hair and get to work!
Video: GrpFit featuring Courtney Danielle
To get workouts and see more motivation in a Black Fitness community, download the GrpFit app today!
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