Though I’ve been slacking for the past few weeks due to the end of the semester hustle, I’ve been on a serious fitness kick since December, and have tried to go to the gym at least three times per week. Since I cut my hair a few months ago, I’ve gotten some questions about how I wear my shorter natural hair while working out, and I’ve got my strategies for you! If you want some tips to wearing your hair in protective styles while exercising, be sure to see this post!
Option 1: Wear your hair in small braids, cornrows, flat twists, bantu knots, or twists
Despite the lies it tells when it’s shrunken, my hair is still quite long enough to twist up and walk outside without looking like Medusa. When I first got it cut, I did some bantu knots for an early Valentine’s Day workout session, and it helped keep my hair neat, out of my way, and styled for later. Two weeks ago, I wore it twisted so I could focus on studying for my exam, and I exercised with it in twists three times. This was one of the easiest ways I find to wear your natural hair while exercising, even for longer lengths. It gives you great scalp access to oil up or use a scalp spray (like this DIY one), and limits the shrinkage that comes with sweat and sweaty gyms.
Option 2: Wear your hair as is
If you’re not afraid of a bit of shrinkage, do the easiest thing and just wear your hair as it is to workout. This is probably my go-to style of choice, as I’m always rushing without enough time to put it in twists. For days when I work out in the evenings, my hair is already out from the day, so I’m not going to twist it up before heading to the gym. Maintaining defined styles has never been a priority for me, so I have no problem with shrinkage or loss of definition – it’s way more important for me to be healthy and fit! As you can see in my rod set evolution, a big reason my hair went from super defined to fro in 7 days was because I was working out regularly. Besides, with this new hair shape and hair color, everything just automatically looks like a style, so working out with my hair just out and unbothered has been my go to.
Option 3: Use a headband or scarf
If you’re the sweaty type, consider pushing back your shorter natural hair with a headband or a scarf, which helps to keep your hair off your sweaty forehead! Some days I remember to do this well, especially ever since I attended an awesome (but intense) FlyWheel workout to celebrate the launch of LottaBody’s 5-in-1-Miracle Styling Cream, and left with a dope Lottabody headband. I happened to have twists in that day, but check out other ways some attendees used Lottabody’s headband and scarf to style their natural hair of all lengths while working out.
Put in a ponytail or tie it up with scarf
Awesome post with great tips!