How To Protect Your Hair From Sweat While Working Out

If you spend time working out, then you've probably wondered how to keep your hair protected from sweat while you're exercising. Washing your hair too many times per week can be damaging, so you don't want to shampoo it after every workout, but your sweat sticks to your hair, and you don't want it to linger all day. 

Hairstylist Ryan Trygstad tells Shape that most people should only wash their hair once or twice a week, though "It's really about reading your own hair." If you're working out more often than that, you might want to find another way to take care of your hair. After a tough workout, you can always rinse your hair out to eliminate the sweat. Then, apply a conditioner like usual before going about your day. Still, if you want to protect your hair during your workout, you'll have to take a few extra steps. 

To preemptively protect your hair, think about applying dry shampoo before you work out. Mane Addicts suggests this to keep your hair from getting too wet when sweating since it will soak up some of the sweat and prevent it from saturating your hair. You might also consider using a UV protectant if you workout outside in the sun. 

Experts at Sweat also suggest wrapping your hair with a headband, towel, or head scarf while working out to keep the sweat off your scalp and help absorb the sweat. If you have curly or textured hair, then wrapping your hair can help your hair stay sleek and shiny. Another way to help protect your hair during your workout is to wear it up loosely rather than in a tight ponytail or try different hairstyles daily to prevent breakage. Make sure you're using a hair tie that isn't damaging to your hair. 

After you're done working out, you can continue to protect your hair in a couple of ways. Dale Borchiver, the co-founder of the workout program Sweats in the City, tells Today that it's smart to try planning your workouts around your hair-wash routines so you are already planning on washing your hair after an especially sweaty day. He adds, "Additionally, I like to use a trick where I put the majority of my hair in a shower cap and pull out any pieces that frame the face. I shampoo those pieces and then blow-dry it back — this way I can avoid washing my entire head of hair. And of course, there is always dry shampoo."

When all else fails, don't be afraid to wash your hair after a tough workout. If you're going to feel uncomfortable because you have sweaty or greasy hair, then wash and dry it after your workout so you can go on about your day without worrying about it or feeling insecure.