African-American hair tends to have thicker shafts and larger scales than hair of other ethnicities. While this creates fullness and tight curls, it also means that black hair dries out very quickly. According to "Hair Care for Sisters on the Move," published by the Harvard School of Public Health, the main causes of exercise hair damage are salt damage from healthy sweating and the drying agents in shampoos. Maintaining black hair care doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. A little tender, loving workout hair care will keep your hair as fit and healthy as your body.
Step 1
Shampoo as infrequently as possible. Rinsing your hair with clear water after a workout is enough to remove sweat and oils. Once or twice a week, use diluted shampoo or the "no poo" method recommended by Lorraine Massey and Deborah Chiel in their 2001 book "Curly Girl." Massage a dime-sized bit of conditioner into one part of your scalp. Repeat for your whole head. Rub more conditioner between your palms and work it through the length of your hair. Rinse with warm, and then cool, water.
Step 2
Wrap your hair in a towel and let the cloth absorb the extra moisture. Don't rub, wring or twist your hair, because this can cause tangles and breakage.
Step 3
Use a wide-toothed comb to gently work out any snarls. Section your hair off into 1-inch thick sections, and start at the bottom. Pulling from the top can push the tangles down to the more fragile ends of your hair.
Step 4
Spray a light oil onto your damp hair and work it through with your fingers. This will help retain moisture and keep your hair supple.
Tips and Warnings
- Sleep with a scarf wrapped around your hair to help avoid breakage.
- Avoid any products that contain alcohol because it is very drying to hair.
Things You'll Need
- Diluted shampoo
- Rinse-through conditioner
- Wide-toothed comb
- Light oil spray
- Absorbent turban (optional)
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Hair Care Tips for Sisters On the Move
- Hair Finder: Hair and Working Out
- "Curly Girl"; Lorraine Massey and Debora Chiel; 2001
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