It happens all the time. Ladies trade in their relaxers and flat irons for natural hair, with the hopes of more freedom to do things like work out, swim, and walk in the rain without being concerned about hair.
After an intense workout, you realize your have sweated profusely at the roots of your hair, and your epic Sumetra Reed twistout is ruined. Instead of being Instagram ready when you leave the gym, you silently hope a Pharrell hat will fall from the sky. One hour of working out doesn’t have to ruin the style you waited 8 hours to dry and fluff.
Check out these 9 tools and products to keep in your gym bag, and keep your style protected while you sweat.
Active Curly Must Haves
EboniCurls Turban
These stylish turbans are perfect for keeping shorter lengths out of your face while breaking a sweat, and to help keep longer hair and edges laid while you trek it out on the treadmill. Perfect for all textures, lengths, and hair types.
Available for $12 at EboniCurls.
DNCL Extra Thick Hair Elastics
I personally swear by these. Lately I’ve become incredibly disenchanted with Goody Ouchless elastics (they seem to be breaking and losing elasticity rather quickly these days”>, and chanced upon these super thick scrunchies while rummaging around at Sally Beauty Supply. They’re incredibly thick and durable, perfect for pulling hair back, bunning, and even banding. I’ve had my elastics for 2 months, and even with almost daily use I haven’t had a single one break on me.
Available for $2 at Sally Beauty Supply.
The Puff Cuff
Back in my transitioning days, one of my favorite ways to rock my hair in the gym was by using a banana clip. Now that my hair is all natural, those days of rocking flimsy drugstore clips are long gone. Enter: The Puff Cuff. This creative spin on the traditional banana clip was designed with thick natural and transitioning hair in mind. Use it to keep your hair up in a puff and out of your face, or to secure your hair for a big ol’ bun.
Available for $12 online here.
Stay On Satin Scarf
One of the most convenient and effective ways to preserve styles at the gym is by pineappling. No need for anything fancy or complicated, just grab a basic scarf (you might have one already”> like the Stay On Satin Scarf and put it on like so (minus the products, unless you want to”>. The satin scarf pineapple is perfect for workouts that require you to lay on your back, so that your hair is protected .
Available for $4 at Sally Beauty Supply.
Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
If you sweat a lot from your scalp, this product is a must-have. Daily hair washing may not be practical for ladies who juggle jobs, working out, kids, businesses, relationships, and more. Luckily, this alcohol-free toner will give you the scalp cleansing you need after an intense workout, without drying out your hair or scalp. The witch hazel will gently clarify your scalp, while rose water and aloe vera moisturize and nourish. After your workout, just squeeze a little onto a cotton square and gently pat it on several parts throughout your scalp. As an added bonus, use it to remove dirt and sweat from your face post-workout, too!
Available online here.
FlorBella Boutique Shower Cap
When it’s time to clean up after an intense workout, protect your hair from the shower stream with a waterproof shower cap from FlorBella Botique. These jumbo-sized shower caps are lined with charmeuse satin to keep hair soft and secure.
Available for $25 online here.
The Q-Redew
If you have a hot dinner date or business meeting after the gym (or are a morning person who exercises before work”>, refreshed hair is a must. Refresher sprays and products can sometimes leave the hair a little wet and limp looking. The Q-Redew is excellent for revitalizing twist outs, braid outs, wash and go’s and more without weighing them down or ruining your style. It’s the perfect size for travel, and won’t take up any space at all inside your gym bag! A must have for naturals and transitioners alike.
Available for $70 online here.
Deepthi Organics Leave-In Conditioner Serum
After working out, I love to get ready and have my hair look amazingly shiny, big, defined, and soft. In other words, I want to look like I never worked out in the first place. If you want to exit the gym looking #flawless, Deepthi Organics Leave-In Conditioner Serum is a must-have. This all-natural blend of organic argan oil, pracaxi oil, jojoba, and more is lightweight enough for daily use and provides intense shine and nourishment. 1-2 pumps is all you need to lock in moisture from your refresher (#7″> and turn heads as you exit the gym.
Available for $18 online here.
CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste
After refreshing your post-gym hair, polish off your look with natural-looking, sleek edges. I am a huge fan of the Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste because it provides touchable hold, sleekness, and shine along the edges of my hair. It also helps nourish and protect them with quinoa protein, silk amino acids, castor oil, blueberry extract, and more.
Available for $10 online here.
What do you keep in your gym bag? Let us know in the comments below!
