At Naturally Curly, we recognize the significant impact the relationship between working out and managing different hair textures can have on your daily life. As discussions about fitness and natural hair gain momentum, many constantly negotiate between maintaining our hair and physical health.
Sweat doesn’t just affect our bodies; for those with fine, wavy, curly, or coily hair, it can completely transform the texture and behavior of our tresses. Whether it’s the frizz from a slight drizzle or the flattening effects of humidity, our hair can dictate whether we hit the treadmill or save that perfect style.
Image Source: @britttanyrose
We celebrate every hair type, from the silkiest fine strands to the most springy coils. Yet, the challenges of working out with natural hair are real and varied. Those with fine hair might battle with limp, oily locks post-jog, while coily-haired warriors might fend off dryness and tangles after a spin class.
Recognizing these challenges, we’ve crafted this guide to educate and empower you with the best practices for managing textured hair during workouts. Our goal is to ensure that your hair care regimen supports, rather than hinders, your fitness goals, enabling you to maintain both your hair’s health and your overall well-being without compromise.
Table of contents
Fine Hair
Image Source: @the.littlebeast
While often envied for its sleek and shiny appearance, fine hair comes with challenges, especially when working out. Those with fine hair might find their strands easily become oily or limp after a cardio session. Sweat can saturate the scalp and strands more quickly in fine hair, leading to a look that feels less fresh and more fatigued.
The main challenge for individuals with fine hair is maintaining a clean scalp while ensuring their hair doesn’t become flat and lose volume due to sweat and product buildup. To address these issues, it’s important to focus on techniques that help maintain the hair’s natural bounce and minimize the impact of sweat.
Dragon Braid Ponytail
Reel source: Pinterest
This classic hairstyle with a twist combines elegance with practicality, making it ideal for keeping your hair securely out of your face during workouts. Use a smoothing cream to sleek back any flyaways for a neat look.
When both braids reach the nape of your neck, merge them into a single braid and continue in a traditional three-strand braid style down to the ends. Secure the braid with an elastic band to keep everything in place, ensuring a workout free from distractions by stray hairs.
Bubble Ponytail
Reel source: Pinterest
Elevate a classic ponytail into a chic bubble ponytail for both style and practicality. This trendy hairstyle looks sophisticated and straightforward to create, ensuring your hair stays neatly in place.
To achieve the best results, especially with fine hair that tends to fall flat, use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, such as Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. This lightweight cleansing system helps to prep your scalp and hair by removing build-up without weighing it down.
After washing your hair, apply a root-lifting spray to prevent oil buildup at the roots, which can weigh down thin strands. The L’Oreal root-lifting spray is an excellent choice for those with fine hair or an oily scalp. Style with a root-lifting mousse, like Pureology On the Rise Root-Lifting Hair Mousse, to damp hair. This product is designed to provide medium control and enhance the body and shine from the roots all the way to the tips, setting the perfect foundation for your bubble ponytail.
Half Up, Half Down
Reel source: Pinterest
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is ideal for a quick, versatile look that transitions effortlessly from your workout to a post-exercise brunch. It is suitable for skipping a hair wash or dealing with limp, oily hair.
Start by applying a matte pomade, such as Ouai Matte Pomade, to sleek back any flyaways and give your hair a polished look. Once your half-up style is in place, secure it and set it with a medium-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Infinium 4 High-Hold Hairspray. This hairspray is designed to lock in your hairstyle, providing lasting hold and structure while leaving your hair natural and flexible.
Wavy Hair
Image Source: @thefitcherie
Wavy hair can face significant challenges during workouts, particularly with frizz and loss of definition due to humidity and sweat. Sweating can disrupt the natural wave pattern, making strands puff out or appear uneven and lifeless.
Maintaining the natural curl pattern is essential for those who prize their hair’s distinct shape and volume. Addressing these challenges involves adopting specific techniques and products that help preserve wave definition and control frizz, ensuring that wavy hair remains vibrant and well-defined, even during physical activity.
Half Up Bun
Reel source: Pinterest
This hairstyle is both versatile and practical for wavy hair during workouts. It features a half-up, half-down style where the top section of the hair is pulled back into a casual bun at the crown, secured neatly with a satin scrunchie. This accessory choice is gentle on the hair, preventing breakage while keeping hair away from the face—perfect for high-intensity activities.
The lower section remains loose, allowing the natural waves to move freely. A spritz of volumizing hairspray by Rizos Curls can enhance the hold, ensuring the style stays intact.
Quick Fix Claw Clip Bun
Reel source: @naomigsandoval / TikTok
If you’re looking for a simple yet stylish solution on a bad hair day or don’t want to do much with your hair, this hairstyle is ideal. Gather your hair at the back of your head, twist it into a relaxed, tousled bun, and secure it with a large claw clip.
This easy updo is ideal for a polished look with minimal effort. Teleties offer a claw clip with flexible teeth that provide a strong hold while maintaining its shape. This allows for quick adjustments and ensures comfort and style throughout your activities. The clip’s secure grip avoids the tension and hair breakage commonly caused by elastic bands, reducing creases in your hair.
Double Low Bun
Reel source: Pinterest
This chic and functional double low bun hairstyle is perfect for wavy hair during gym sessions. The style features two messy buns secured at the nape of the neck, providing a secure and comfortable fit that keeps hair out of your face and minimizes tangling.
To ensure these buns stay in place and to control frizz throughout your workout, use a flexible textured spray like Not Your Mother’s Texuturizing Sea Salt Spray to help achieve those signature tousled waves. This product will secure the buns firmly and provide a smooth finish, keeping flyaways in check and maintaining the integrity of your waves even during intense activities.
Curly Hair
Image Source: @reecreated
Curly hair, known for its volume and spirals, faces unique challenges related to moisture retention and maintaining curl definition. Due to its texture and shape, curly hair is naturally prone to dryness as the oils from the scalp struggle to travel down the spirals. This can lead to frizz, particularly when exposed to humidity or sweat during workouts.
Twisted Top Knot Bun
Video source: @mrsalbaramos/YouTube
This stylish twisted top knot is perfect for keeping curly hair neatly secured during gym sessions. Pulled back into a sleek knot at the crown, it prevents distractions from loose strands while exercising. For added hydration and definition, use Alaffia’s Beautiful Curls Gel. This gel not only enhances curls with natural minerals and vitamins for improved shine and reduced frizz but also offers a soft, residue-free hold, ideal for maintaining the hairstyle’s definition and health throughout your workout.
Front Braids with Ponytail
Reel source: Pinterest
This gym hairstyle features two side braids beginning at the front and merging into loose curls at the back, keeping hair away from the face and minimizing tangles. To create this look, apply Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie to damp hair for curl definition and moisture retention. Then, use Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel for a stronghold to keep curls intact during workouts.
Twisted Sides with Low Messy Bun
Reel source: Pinterest
This quick and easy hairstyle is perfect for sports or high-energy activities. The front hair is divided, twisted back, and merged into a loose bun, offering style and convenience. Secure the style with Invisibobble, the spiral-shaped hair tie known for its strong grip that prevents bends or creases in the hair during dynamic activities, ensuring comfort and maintaining hair curl definition. This hairstyle is ideal for keeping your look polished and your hair in place while moving.
Coily Hair
Image Source: @thejordan.paige
With its tight curls and kinks, coily hair encounters specific challenges such as shrinkage, tangling, and dryness. The tightly coiled structure makes it difficult for natural oils to distribute throughout the hair, often increasing dryness. Shrinkage can make hair appear much shorter than it actually is, complicating styling and maintenance, while tangling can lead to breakage, especially when hair is not properly moisturized.
Low Ponytail
Reel source: Pinterest
This hairstyle is ideal for gym sessions and features a low ponytail at the back of the head. The Ari Parker headband is the perfect accessory for working out as it uses “Edge Control Technology” to manage moisture, maintain edges, and allow heat to escape.
Before styling, apply Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream with Argan Oil to keep coily hair moisturized and protected from damage. This combination ensures the hair remains tidy and hydrated during workouts, making it functional and protective for active lifestyles.
Protected Low Ponytail with Satin Scarf
Reel source: Pinterest
This style, protected by a satin scarf, is perfect for longer hair. To maintain moisture and reduce friction during workouts, opt for a high ponytail or puff that doesn’t touch your neck. Use The Doux Bonita Afro Balm for added benefits to control frizz and sustain moisture. After your workout, use the balm for finger styling to elongate coils without worrying about flaking or residue.
Flat Twist
Reel source: Pinterest
This stylish flat twist is perfect for coily hair at the gym. It keeps hair neatly secured and off the neck, preventing frizz, tangles, and shrinkage. Use Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel to lay the hair flat and secure the ends with bobby pins for a sleek look. This gel is great for protective styling, helping to prevent dryness without a crunchy, tacky feel.
Conclusion
Managing your hair during workouts can be simple with the right approach. Regardless of your hair type—fine, wavy, curly, or coily—there are practical and stylish solutions and suitable products to address your specific concerns. With these tips, managing your hair during workouts will be a breeze, even during intense workouts. So, feel confident tackling your fitness routine while ensuring your hair remains in top condition.
