Have you ever skipped the gym to preserve your perfect blow-dry? We all know a gym workout may work wonders for your body but it can play havoc with your hair. Don’t let that be a deterrent to getting in shape for the upcoming bikini season though. We spoke to celebrity hairdresser and owner of the Electric Hairdressing brand Mark Woolley for his top tips on how to hit the running machine and still rock sexy locks.
Smooth it out
“Sweat causes hair to feel dry and can cause frizz,” explains Mark. “To combat this use a dab of serum or a light smoothing cream to combat frizz hair pre and post workout.”
Skip the hair elastics
The best way to minimise sweaty hair is to keep it tied back off your face, just don’t wear your hair in a tight ponytail or topknot,” suggests Mark. “It will leave a tell-tale crease in your hair strands – and even worse your hair can snap.” Instead use an absorbent fabric hair band and wear your pony loose.
Make your workout work for your hair
If you have a light workout wear your hair in a lose plait or top knot and keep it up when you shower after your session. “Give your hair a quick blow-dry to dry off any sweat and the humidity in the shower will mean your hair will have lovely waves in it once you remove your plait,” says Mark.
Go dry
Any gym-goers hair savior is a can of dry shampoo. “It absorbs oil and any other residue on the scalp without stripping the hair and also gives your locks the perfect texture to experiment with an up-do,” says Mark.
If you’re a swimmer?
If your workout is in the pool and you just can’t bring yourself to sport a swimming cap, then you must care for your hair post-swim. “Use a good clarifying shampoo as chlorine can make your hair feel dry, brittle and even turn light hair a delightful shade of green if you’re a bottle blonde,” explains Mark. “Preserve your colour with good quality hair products use a replenishing hair masque every seven days to restore health and shine.”