Keeping it Clean: Working Out With Long Hair
Let’s be honest. A trip to a gym is quite a different beast if you have long hair. While some don’t ever have to think twice about their hair’s condition and styling before a workout, those of us with beautiful, long manes don’t have so much luck.
BUT, this handy guide comes to the rescue! Today, you’re gonna learn:
- Why you should choose proper workout hairstyles for long hair
- What are the best hairstyles for the gym
- Useful tips on keeping your mane in check after exercising
- And everything you should be doing in terms of hair hygiene
Ready to get your sweat on? Let’s begin!
Challenges of Working Out with Long Hair
Long hair can be a beautiful asset, there’s no denying that. But it can also present unique challenges when it comes to working out – trust me, I know. Let’s talk about some of them.
Sweat, Sweat, and More Sweat
One of the most common issues faced by long hair owners during intense exercise is excessive sweating. Hair can trap heat and moisture, leading to increased perspiration, particularly during intense workouts.
Tangled Troubles
Hair Damage
Overall, excessive sweating and friction from hair ties can weaken hair, leading to breakage and split ends. Chlorine from swimming pools and harsh hair products can also contribute to hair damage.
It’s easy to see why you should secure your long hair during workouts. We come through with all the valuable tips collected through years of experiences to share with you how to take care of your hair in all circumstances!
Key Considerations for Workout Hairstyles
A good workout hairstyle should be more than just stylish; it should be functional. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Stay Put Power: The most important quality of a workout hairstyle is its ability to stay in place, even during intense physical activity.
- Hair Protection: A good hairstyle can shield your hair from damage caused by sweat, friction, and chlorine.
- Easy Management: A simple, easy-to-do style can save you precious time before your workout.
- Comfort: Finally, comfortable sporty hairstyles for long hair won't distract you from your workout. You should categorically avoid styles that pull or tug on your hair.
If you’re a guy who works out regularly, you may really benefit from more guidance on working out with long hair. Below I’m going to be talking about popular hairstyles for the gym that helped me maintain my hair in the best condition.
Best Workout Hairstyles for Long Hair
Ponytail with Twist or Braided Ponytail
Pros
Secure, easy to do, and keeps hair off the neck.
Cons
Can pull on the hairline if too tight
How-to:
- Gather your hair. Pull your hair back into a high or low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
- Divide the ponytail into two sections. Twist each section tightly in the same direction (both clockwise or counterclockwise).
- Twist the two twisted sections together in the opposite direction of the initial twists. This creates a rope-like effect. Secure the combined twist with another hair tie near the base of the ponytail.
- Alternatively, you can braid the hair as you normally would. Secure the end of the braid with a small hair elastic.
- For extra security, add a third hair tie a few inches below the first one.
Man Bun
Pros
Easy, stylish, and keeps hair out of the face and neck.
Cons
Can be messy if not done correctly.
How-to:
- Pull your hair back into a high ponytail on the crown of your head.
- Twist the ponytail tightly.
- Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail, creating a bun.
- Secure the bun with hair ties or bobby pins. If necessary, I recommend using additional hair ties or bobby pins to keep everything in place.
French Braid
Pros
Very secure, doesn't require adjustments during workouts.
Cons
Can be a bit time-consuming to do, especially for beginners.
How-to:
- Gather a small section of hair from the crown of your head.
- Divide the gathered hair into three equal sections.
- Begin braiding. Cross the right section under the middle section. Cross the left section under the middle section. Keep adding hair from the sides as you go.
- Once you've reached the nape of your neck, continue braiding normally (without adding any more hair).
- Secure the end of the braid with an elastic.
Low Braided Bun
Pros
Reduces tangling, stays secure, and is stylish.
Cons
Can be uncomfortable if you’re exercising on a mat.
How-to:
- Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure it with an elastic.
- Braid the ponytail. You can choose a simple three-strand braid, a fishtail braid, or any other braid style you prefer.
- Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place. You can also use additional hair ties to reinforce the bun.
Half-Up, Half-Down Styles (for minimal movement)
Pros
Keeps hair off the face but still allows for some movement.
Cons
Might not be as secure as other styles, especially for high-intensity workouts.
How-to:
- Section off the top portion of your hair, from ear to ear.
- Gather the top section into a tight ponytail or a small bun.
- Alternatively, you could twist the top section of hair tightly.
- Secure the twist with elastic or bobby pins.
- Leave the bottom section loose.
Best for: Low-impact workouts like yoga or Pilates.
Try different gym hairstyles for long hair, experiment with styles, and adjust them to your specific needs and activity levels.
Tips for Protecting Hair During Workouts
Here are some tips to keep your hair healthy and happy during your gym sessions:
1. Use sweatbands or headbands
Sweatbands and headbands are effective tools for keeping sweat away from your hairline and your hair away from your face.
Find your new favorite headband at The Longhairs. We cater to plenty of styles and preferences with our high-quality thin and thick headbands that make every workout possible.
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner
A good trick to try is to use a lightweight leave-in conditioner that can help protect hair from dryness and breakage. This product forms a protective barrier on the hair shaft, reducing friction and preventing moisture loss. Look for a leave-in conditioner that is specifically designed for your hair type and concerns.
3. Minimize friction
Avoid hairstyles that need frequent fixing, as this can damage hair. This includes styles that tend to come undone easily, such as loose waves or messy buns. We don’t have to explain why that can be both damaging for hair and simply irritating. Instead, opt for protective hairstyles for working out that stay in place and require minimal adjustment.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid tight hairstyles: Very tight ponytails, braids, and buns can put stress on the hair. The name of the game is balance. Not too tight, not too loose, fellas.
- Use gentle hair ties: Rubber bands or other harsh hair ties are a big no-no. They can easily snag and pull on the hair.
- Be mindful of friction: If you can, avoid rubbing your hair against your clothing or other surfaces during your workout.
Tip | Benefit |
Use a sweatband or headband | Absorbs sweat from the hairline and scalp |
Apply a leave-in conditioner | Protects hair from dryness and breakage |
Avoid too-tight or too-loose hairstyles | Doesn’t require many adjustments during a workout. Doesn’t damage your hair |
Should You Wash Your Hair After Working Out?
It's a common dilemma for fitness enthusiasts, especially those with longer hair: do you need to wash your hair after every workout? The answer isn't a one-size-fits-all. It depends on a few factors.
- If you're sweating profusely (think HIIT, CrossFit, etc.), washing is generally recommended to remove sweat, oil, and bacteria that can irritate the scalp.
- Those with oily hair may need to wash more frequently, as oil production increases with sweat.
- Some people simply prefer the feeling of clean hair after a workout. Others find that daily washing dries out their hair and scalp.
Our opinion? You know yourself best. Pay attention to how your hair feels and looks, and adjust your washing routine accordingly.
But be careful. Daily shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This is especially true for people with naturally dry hair. Below, you’ll find some great tips on how to keep your hair clean without using shampoo after a workout.
How to Keep Hair Clean While Working Out
If you have an active lifestyle, keeping your hair pristine every day can be quite a challenge. You workout, you sweat, and your hair gets sweaty/grimy/oily faster than if you just lounge around all day, not to mention tangled and ratty.
So, how to keep it clean and presentable? Assuming you still plan to shower after working out, you have a couple options to start with.
Rine and Condition
If you have an active lifestyle, keeping your hair pristine every day can be quite a challenge. You workout, you sweat, and your hair gets sweaty/grimy/oily faster than if you just lounge around all day, not to mention tangled and ratty.
So, how to keep it clean and presentable? Assuming you still plan to shower after working out, you have a couple options to start with.
Condition and Detangle (Without Washing)
Your second option is to simply leave it tied up while showering, trying not to get it wet. It will get a little wet, and it might be damp from sweat already.
All is fine and good until you finally let it down and it’s a sweaty, unsightly rat’s nest. You can still condition at this point, which can be very helpful for the next step. Use a spray bottle to get the tips wet then apply conditioner to the ends (it’s ok to leave it in).
Here’s where combing and brushing daily is important. Since you’ve worked out and you’ve sweat through the top of your head, this has released some of the natural oils from your scalp. That oil is good for your hair, but you want to distribute it evenly.
Comb first to get the tangles out. Use a wide-tooth comb, starting with the tips and working your way toward the scalp. If it’s really tangled, you can use a de-tangling spray.
Once you’ve detangled you want to brush thoroughly. Even though you’ve sweat, brushing properly will exfoliate your scalp while distributing all that oil throughout your hair, coating, protecting, keeping it healthy and giving it a nice shine.
Dry Shampoo
If you’re saying to yourself, “DUDE, my hair is just TOO greasy and grimy after I work out; this ain’t gonna fly,” here’s another option for you: dry shampoo.
Dry shampoo is a spray-in product that absorbs the excess oil from your hair and scalp and freshens you up. Simply spray it onto your scalp and hair roots and brush it through.
Conclusion
You’re dialed, boys! Now you know what to do when you’re working out with long hair. Stay on the workout train and keep lettin it ride. Remember, the goal is to find a hairstyle that is both functional and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your workouts without worrying about your hair. So, explore different options and find the perfect style that keeps you looking and feeling good during and after your workout!
And, of course, you can always find more in our Quick Tips.