After each successful workout session where you end up feeling completely content and happy, there’s just one bothersome and nagging thought that stays: “What to do with my sweat-drenched sticky hair"? Though sweat level might be different for each of us, dealing with after gym hair is a common problem faced by most of us. As per Ron Lopez, editorial stylist, “An excess of natural oil buildup over time could block potential hair follicles, not allowing your scalp to breathe.” 

We’ve curated this article to ease all your worries and help you learn all about how to maintain a perfect balance between your regular workout routine and those glorious and well-styled locks. 

Table of Contents

1. Effects Of Avoiding Hair Wash After Workout
2. Recommended Shampoo For Post-Workout Wash
 2.1 Fight Sweat With Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo 
 2.2 Cleanse Your Hair With Sulfate Free Red Onion Shampoo
3. Other Tips To Manage After-Gym Hair

1. Effects Of Avoiding Hair Wash After Workout

As quoted by Sapna Palep, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spring Street Dermatology in New York, “If left to stew for too long, dried sweat on the scalp can lead to seborrheic dermatitis, a fungal infection." As per her, if you tend to sweat a lot after workouts, it's best to shower and wash your hair after each session to prevent the buildup of dandruff and sweat. 

Here are a few other effects of avoiding shampooing after a workout.

• Hair thinning: Unwashed hair tends to lose its natural bounce and volume, and the fact that it sticks together makes it look even thinner. Excess oil in your scalp can make your strands appear extremely thin and they become difficult to style as well. 

• Infections: Excess oil and sweat in your hair breed all sorts of bacterial and fungal infections, further dampening the natural health of your follicles. These infections are often accompanied by a foul-smelling odor.

• Gross smell: Apart from an enhanced risk of dandruff and scalp irritation, a workout can also make your hair very smelly. 

• Scalp acne: It’s really essential to clean your pores post working out. When your sweat is mixed with bacteria and yeast, it can result in inflamed follicles that may look like acne on your scalp and, in time, even lead to hair loss. 

2. Recommended Shampoo For Post-Workout Wash

2.1 Fight Sweat With Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo 

Apple Cider Vinegar is a powerful ingredient that actively helps in fighting against excess oil and grease in your scalp. As per an expert New York dermatologist, Debra Jaliman, “The pH level on your scalp is well balanced with apple cider vinegar that also works well to control excess oil.” Introducing a shampoo formulated with the goodness of apple cider vinegar in your hair care routine can help you get relief from itchiness, irritation, and excess oil buildup in your scalp after a workout session.  

The apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner from WOW Skin Science is an excellent choice for post-gym hair wash. The product works exceptionally well to reduce the buildup of excess oil and grease in your hair. The detoxifying formulation is plant-powered with the best natural ingredients that can soothe your itchy scalp and effectively fight against several other hair care woes. Choose this combo pack for your post-workout hair care regimen.

2.2 Cleanse Your Hair With Sulfate Free Red Onion Shampoo

The WOW Skin Science red onion shampoo and conditioner pack is a rich combination of soothing ingredients, an amazing blend of science and nature contributing to enhancing the health of your hair. The anti-inflammatory properties of red onion can effectively fight against dandruff and scalp irritation post-workout. You can easily attain shiny and healthy locks with this powerful combination and get rid of the residue collected on your scalp.

3. Other Tips To Manage After-Gym Hair

Here’s a list of a few quick tips and tricks that can help you combat excess greasiness and oil in your scalp when finding time to shampoo your hair after a workout seems a bit difficult.

An effective leave-in conditioner 

If you’re fed up with the excess frizziness that your locks end up with after each workout session and wish to keep your hair well tamed and easy to style without shampooing, then a leave-in-conditioner is your go-to product. Apply the super effective WOW Skin Science 10-in-1 hair revitalizer from the mid-length to the ends of your hair and let it work its way through the tangled mess of your hair. The effective conditioner will make your hair appear less greasy, it will make it smell nice and will also ensure easy styling. 

Braid your hair while gymming: For women, braiding hair tightly is a great way to prevent excess sweat on your neck and back from getting in contact with your hair. Open hair tends to get more sticky and greasy in comparison to well-tied braided hair.

Apply an effective dry shampoo pre-workout: A dry shampoo applied before hitting the gym or any other physical exercise can be quite helpful in absorbing excess oil from your scalp and keeping it grease-free. 

Try a conditioning mask: Add a conditioning hair mask to your list of hair care products and make a habit of applying it from roots to tips before going for a workout. As per celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey, the excess heat produced during exercising will help the hair mask penetrate even more deeply into your scalp. 

Wearing the right hair ties: Make sure to opt for gentle hair ties while working out as they won’t leave a crease on your hair. Hair ties and other accessories that are not made from superior quality materials can lead to hair breakage and cause pain as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I just rinse my hair with water after a workout?

Yes, occasionally you can just wash your hair with plain water after working out, followed by applying a moisturizing conditioner. 

2. Is sweat good for hair growth?

Sweat in itself is not bad for your hair and can help in unclogging hair follicles and enhancing your hair growth. Just don’t leave it on for too long. 

3. Does sweating burn fat?

No, sweating doesn’t burn fat, but is a great sign that calories are being burnt by your workout routine. 

Conclusion 

So, folks, there’s no longer any need to stress out about the unwanted greasiness and stinky smell of your after-workout hair. Opt for the products and few quick tips mentioned here to comfortably enjoy both your workout as well as your well-styled luxurious tresses.