How to Balance Workouts and Black Hair Care for Radiant Results by Coach Ekong
As an African American wellness coach and husband, I have the immense pleasure of being able to experience most parts of my life in the presence of inspiring Black women. From my mother to my wife, my two-year old daughter, and even many of my fitness clients. Black women seem to be woven into the fabric of my everyday interactions whether we are strategizing weight loss goals, or me in my personal life, sitting down, planning out the next family reunion.
For those unaware of the complexities of the fitness industry, like most major conglomerates it offers tiers to help separate the skilled from the novices. Most fitness critics only consider you a “success” in the fitness industry based on an ability to consistently guide clients towards a more balanced lifestyle which prioritizes health and wellness. This cannot happen unless you have the trust of your client and believe you, me, there is no trust without a true sense of understanding exactly what your client’s pain points are.
Their success (the client), is looked on as your success (the trainer), as is the lack thereof. Good coaches who understand this nuance tend to take more inventory of the personal struggles and obstacles each client encounters as their own, and then look to help move them towards-as well as through-any perceived rough waters ahead. At times, this strategy for female clients especially, may consist of offering advice on things such as morning cramps or bloating. It could include helping female clients work through unexpected family drama. Even going as far as to help in lending professional referrals for things such as mental health support for more complex issues, like healing unresolved childhood traumas which easily attach to a clients perceived inconsistency or low energy. You really must take a serious approach to get the absolute best results physically and mentally from your clients.
And Black women are simply different. (Laughing), I mean that in a good way. They are uniquely majestic, emotionally resilient, and extremely innovative, to say the least. They are far from being a monolith, however a central theme very common for the black women that I’ve personally observed or had the pleasure to get to know, have commonly centered around one core fitness-related challenge. That being, how the gym experience is seen as an unrelenting mental “tug-of-war.” Specifically, due to the dichotomy of understanding they need to work out for their health, but also being uncertain on if consistently sacrificing sweating out hundreds of dollars invested into their protective hairstyle, is actually worth it. (Which, by the way, to get the most bang for their buck should be able to hold up for no less than six to eight weeks).
So, this blog was birthed on the opportunity to explore this extremely sensitive, but highly valuable topic, and hopefully offer up a few practical solutions.
Balancing workouts and black hair care is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing. Properly caring for black hair requires extra effort, dedication, and knowledge due to its unique needs. Working out, on the other hand, is essential for keeping the body healthy, strong, and vibrant. When both of these elements are balanced, it can help create a healthy, beautiful lifestyle.
To give context, current research shows that the global black hair market was worth $2.5B in 2020 and was expected to hit $12.4B in 2021. Basically driving home the point that most black women will, and probably should justify more reasons to preserve a new expensive hairstyle and delay my or any other trainers, sweaty training session. From defined curls, to textured waves, perm presses, and even high-definition blowouts, most black women are having to decide on their health or their hair. Honestly, I can’t even blame them, but I do feel like there are ways to offer up solutions even when things seem hopeless.
In this blog post, we will explore how women with issues related to fitness and hair care can think about balancing their workouts and hair routine so that they feel their very best while looking their very best. From issues such as, if you should wrap your hair when working out, to the recommended amount for active black women to wash their natural hair, I will provide you with all the information you need to find the perfect balance. So, let us get started.
Topics include:
Tips to stay motivated and stick to your routine while maintaining Afrocentric hairstyles
How Black women should consider wearing their hair to the gym to extend the life of the hairstyle.
How to take care of black or Afro-centric hair styles when working out
Tips Black women can use for controlling short hair styles while working out.
Exercise options that support Black hair
When it comes to working out and taking care of your black hair, there are some exercises that can help you keep your locks looking and feeling their best. Here are a few exercises to include in your workout routine to help maintain your black hair’s health:
Scalp Massage: Massaging your scalp can help stimulate the scalp and increase circulation, which can help promote healthy hair growth. Using a light oil like coconut oil can help to moisturize your scalp and add shine to your hair.
Hair Pulling: This exercise is an effective way to help promote hair growth and thickness. Pull your hair gently in sections, with your fingers or a brush, to stimulate the scalp and promote circulation.
Deep Conditioning: Deep conditioning your hair helps to nourish and repair any damage or dryness that has occurred. You can find deep conditioners at most beauty stores, and it is important to use them often to keep your hair healthy and strong.
Hair Wrapping: Wrapping your hair up in a head scarf or bonnet can help protect your hair from damage caused by the elements. This can also help keep your hair hydrated and promote healthy growth.
Tips to stay motivated and stick to your routine while maintaining Afrocentric hairstyles
These are just a few exercises that you can include in your workout routine to help maintain healthy black hair. Be sure to use natural products and keep your scalp and hair hydrated to ensure your hair looks and feels its best.
Keeping your black hairstyle looking great can be a challenge, especially if you’re busy and don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to styling and maintenance. But with the right approach and some helpful tips, you can stay motivated and stay on top of your hair care routine.
First and foremost, it’s important to find the right style for you. There are a variety of different black hairstyles to choose from, and the best way to determine which one is right for you is to experiment. Try different looks and see what works best for your hair type and lifestyle. Once you have found the perfect style for you, it will be much easier to stick to a regular routine.
Next, it is important to keep your hair healthy. This means using quality products that are designed specifically for black hair, and avoiding excessive heat styling. When you’re styling your hair, make sure to use products that protect your hair from heat damage, such as a heat protectant spray or serum. Additionally, make sure to deep condition your hair regularly and do not forget to trim split ends.
Finally, it is important to stay motivated. Make sure to set aside time for yourself and pamper your hair. Try out new products, or buy yourself a new hair accessory to help you stay excited about styling your hair. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. You can talk to your stylist or a friend who has a similar hair type for tips and tricks. With the right approach, you can keep your black hairstyle looking great and stay motivated in the process.
What does sweat do to a Black women’s hair?
Sweat can be a tricky thing when it comes to black women’s hair. It can cause build-up that can lead to dryness and breakage, or it can be a great way to help moisturize and keep the hair healthy.
When sweat builds up on the scalp, it can cause the hair to become dry, brittle and tangled. Sweat also breaks down the natural oils that the scalp produces, which are necessary to keep the hair healthy and moisturized. To counteract this, it is important to use a mild shampoo and conditioner that won't strip the natural oils away and to use a deep-conditioning treatment on a regular basis.
On the other hand, sweat can also be a great way to help moisturize and keep the hair healthy. When sweat is used to help moisturize the hair, it can help to seal in moisture and keep the hair hydrated. After a workout or in a hot climate, it can be beneficial to rinse or spritz the hair with cooler water to help lock in the moisture from the sweat.
The best way to use sweat to keep black women’s hair healthy is to use it in moderation. Too much sweat can cause build-up and dryness, but just enough can help to keep the hair moisturized. Additionally, it is important to use a mild shampoo and conditioner and to use a deep-conditioning treatment on a regular basis to keep the hair healthy and hydrated.
How Black women should consider wearing their hair to the gym to extend the life of the hairstyle.
Black women should consider wearing their hair in a style that is both comfortable and practical when going to the gym. A protective style such as a bun, cornrows, twist-outs or braids are great options that allow for movement without having to worry about their hair getting in the way. It is important to consider the type of exercise being done as well. For example, running or high-intensity exercise may require a more secure hairstyle such as a bun or braid. On the other hand, weightlifting or low-intensity exercise may not require as much security.
Finding a hairstyle that is both comfortable and practical will help prevent any distractions and help maximize the workout. It is important to remember that no matter what hairstyle is chosen, it should not interfere with the workout. In addition, it is important to remember to keep the scalp and hair hydrated and moisturized before and after any workout to ensure the hair is not damaged.
Overall, Black women should wear their hair in a way that allows them to feel comfortable and confident while exercising. By taking the necessary steps to ensure that their hair is protected and hydrated, they can focus on their workouts and have fun!
How to take care of black or Afro-centric hair styles when working out
Taking care of black or Afro-centric hair styles when working out can be a tricky task. There are a few simple steps that can help to make sure that your hair stays healthy and looks its best.
First, it is important to use a heat protectant before working out. Heat protectants help to protect the hair from excessive heat and prevent breakage. It is also a good idea to make sure that your hair is completely dry before working out. Wet hair is more susceptible to damage and can cause breakage.
Second, make sure to use a sweatband or scarf to protect your hair. Sweatbands and scarves help to keep your hair in place and also protect it from sweat and the environment. Additionally, it is important to pay extra attention to your scalp when washing your hair after working out. Using a shampoo made for your hair type will help to keep your scalp healthy and free from buildup.
Third, it is important to use moisturizing and nourishing products when styling your hair. Using products such as leave-in conditioners, natural oils, and shea butter will help keep your hair hydrated and looking its best. Additionally, it is important to use a light-hold hairspray to keep your style in place while working out.
Following these simple steps can help to ensure that your black or Afro-centric hair style stays healthy and looks its best when working out. Taking the time to care for your hair will help to ensure that you are looking your best and that your hair is healthy.
Should Black women wrap up their hair when working out?
The decision of whether or not to wrap up one’s hair when working out is a personal one that should be made according to individual preference. While some black women may choose to wrap their hair when working out, there are also many benefits to leaving it down or in a loose ponytail.
When exercising, it is important to keep the scalp and hair clean, as sweat and dirt can lead to scalp irritation and breakage. Keeping hair down or in a loose ponytail can allow for the scalp to be exposed, allowing air to circulate and the sweat to evaporate. This can help prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria that can lead to scalp irritation and breakage.
On the other hand, wrapping the hair tightly can put a lot of tension on the scalp and can lead to breakage. This is especially true for those with very tight curls, as the tension can cause the hair to break when it is taken down. Wrapping the hair can also cause the scalp to become extra sweaty, which can lead to itchiness and discomfort.
When deciding whether or not to wrap the hair, it is best to consider the individual’s hair type and scalp sensitivity. If the hair is prone to breakage, it may be best to leave it down or in a loose ponytail. If the scalp is not as sensitive, wrapping the hair may be an option. In either case, it is important to make sure to keep the scalp and hair clean to prevent buildup and irritation
Tips Black women can use for controlling short hair styles while working out.
Working out with short hair can be a challenge, especially for Black women. Short hair can be harder to keep up with when it comes to physical activity and sweat. Fortunately, there are some tips that can help Black women maintain control of their short hair while working out.
The first tip is to use a satin-lined cap or bonnet. This will help to keep your hair moisturized and protected from sweat. It also helps to keep your scalp from itching. You can also use a light-hold hair spray to help keep your hair in place.
Another great tip for controlling short hair during a workout is to use a headband. Headbands help to keep your hair away from your face and prevent it from becoming a distraction. They also help to keep sweat from dripping into your eyes.
Lastly, try using a little bit of pomade or wax. This will help to keep your hair in place and give it some texture and volume. You can also use a bit of oil to help keep your hair moisturized and free of any frizz.
By following these tips, Black women can have a more controlled and enjoyable workout experience. Having short hair should not be a hindrance to getting the best out of your workout. With these tips, you can keep your hair in place and out of your way while you get your sweat on.
Balancing workouts and black hair care can be difficult, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can achieve radiant results. In this blog, we look at the best tips and tricks to ensure that your hair is healthy while you make time for exercise. We cover the importance of using a pre-workout protective style, how to choose the right products for your hair type, and how to hydrate and nourish your hair post-workout. With these tips and tricks, you can keep your hair looking and feeling great while also giving your body the attention it needs.
