As black women, we all have had to make the decision to put off a workout or strenuous activity, in order to “preserve our hairstyle.” Let’s be real, our hair takes preparation, planning, and some TLC, which can be A LOT of work. So, it’s easy for us to establish that “I’m good luv, enjoy” mentality, and avoid working out altogether. The love/hate relationship between black women and our hair is a very complex one. And for anyone else to understand it, you must first know the history of our hair.
For decades, we’ve heard the phrase “good hair” make its rounds in our community. Oftentimes, “good hair” has been considered, straight hair, looser curls, or a finer texture. It’s not something that we came up with ourselves. It’s something that we saw heavily represented on tv, in magazines… even the black Barbie dolls used to have straight silky hair. We were subconsciously being taught that kinky hair, tight curls, and “nappy” hair, was not society’s idea of “beauty”. Shit, even today, laws are having to be passed to allow black women and men, to wear our natural hair in the workplace. Crazy…I know.
Fortunately, we’ve come around and have established our own meaning of beauty. A lot of us are embracing our natural hair and wearing it proudly! Get it girl! But with that comes more maintenance, patience, and time. So, it’s no wonder why we spend hours and insane amounts of money to maintain our hair. And it’s even less of a mystery as to why we have no problem skipping the gym. It’s simple, we don’t want to “sweat out our hair”!
But let’s dive a little deeper and look at the whole picture. We can’t ignore the fact that avoiding workouts, leads to bigger issues…health issues. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 57% of black women who are over the age of 20 – compared to 37% of the general population – are obese. Black women are twice as likely to get heart disease than white women.
Most of us…not me (*insert sad face), have the genetic makeup that gives us beautiful curves. But those curves need to and can be maintained through a healthy diet and exercise. So whether your motivation comes from maintaining your physical health or physical appearance, there’s no getting around the fact, you can’t have either without working out.
So, let’s figure this out! Whether you have natural or relaxed hair, there are ways to help you sustain the health of your hair, that will in return, allow you to maintain the overall health of your body.
1. Protective Styles are the GOAT
- I am the queen of protective styles. One because I’m lazy when it comes to doing my hair, but mostly because they allow me to work out without giving my hair any thought. My “go to” protective styles are box braids and cornrows. The most maintenance required… a once a week cleanse with a clarifying shampoo and “oiling” your scalp.
Braids by: Yolanda Robinson (@braidroom102409)
- Wigs have become increasing popular over the last few years. No, I’m not talking about the ones our grandmas used to wear. I’m talking about the ones that look like the hair is growing straight out of your scalp. Find a cute, GLUELESS, wig that fits your personality, pop that thing on after your workout, and be on your way.
Wig: Blaq Rose Hair (@blaqrosehair)
- Twist-outs, flat two strand twists, bantu knot twists, any kind of twists will be your BFF working out. Once you’re done with your workout, make sure your hair is dry, take them down, and VIOLA… beautiful curls and waves with the perfect amount of volume! If you’re not familiar with how to achieve any of these styles, head on over to YouTube University. Your fellow sistas, GOT YOU!
Braids by: Yolanda Robinson (@braidroom102409)
2. Co-wash more than you Shampoo
- Co-washing is great for our hair because it doesn’t strip away the natural oils, that our hair needs, like shampoo does. In fact, it adds an extra layer of moisture, which helps strengthen our hair and protects it from the salt content in sweat. Although sweat is good for our bodies, it can be damaging to our hair. It can cause severe dryness and itching. Make sure you are using a co-wash product that works for YOUR hair, isn’t too heavy, and is going to get the job done. If you are consistently working out, stick to co-washing 1-2 times per week and shampooing every 1 ½ weeks. Check out Carol’s Daughter Cleansing Conditioner or As I Am, Coconut Co-Wash, if you’re looking for a place to start.
3. Schedule workouts around hair appointments
- Now that I have short, relaxed hair, I have to rely on my hairstylists to get me together every 2 weeks. I plan my workouts based on when I’m going to see her. I get my hair done every other Thursday, usually in the afternoon, so that I can get a workout in before. I typically do light workouts (yoga, walks, stretching), on Friday and Saturdays, take it easy on Sundays, and hit it hard the following week. This has helped me tremendously. Not only will this keep you on track with your hair, but it gives you the opportunity to form a routine for your workouts. Sounds like a win-win to me!
4. Moisturize Before and After
- Moisture, moisture, moisture. Our natural hair is naturally dry, so we want to make sure we are quenching its thirst. Going into a workout, set your hair up for success, by mildly moisturizing it with light oils and creams. You’ll lose a lot of that moisture, due to sweat, so you want to make sure you’re supplying your hair with enough to sustain throughout your workout. Once you’re done, lightly apply the same amount for the rest of the day. Breakage and thin edges will NOT be a thing in 2020.
5. Wrap it Up/Tie it Down
- If your hair is relaxed, once you’re done with your workout, you want to make sure you moisturize it and tie it down until it dries. I usually use Narobi Shine Foaming Lotion immediately, to mold my hair before wrapping it up with a satin scarf. This will help your edges and roots lay down and prevent frizz.
So now that we have that out of the way, we’re not going to let our hair be an excuse for us not working out. Right?! Our talent, resources, and creativity are limitless. We can literally wear our hair however we want (now that’s a FLEX). So don’t limit yourselves when it comes to working out. We can have it all sis! A snatched body, a healthy heart, and beautiful hair. They CAN coexist!
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