Since the Olympic opening ceremony, worldwide searches for ‘fitness classes’ have increased by 156%. The Olympics have always been an inspirational sporting event—one that encourages people from across the globe to try out new sports and promotes a more active lifestyle.
With the world embracing ‘Olympic fever,’ you might be motivated to try out a new running program or sign up for that local yoga class you’ve been considering. Whatever sport you throw yourself into this summer, it’s essential to be conscious about your health and hygiene, which applies to your hair, too.
If the correct precautions aren’t taken, exercising can make your hair more susceptible to breakage, giving it a dry and brittle appearance. Sweat can also cause your hair to become greasy, making you more vulnerable to breakouts. Because of this, it’s essential to be conscious of your hair’s health while exercising over the summer.
Considering this, luxurious hair extensions experts at Roxy Hair have created a guide on how to protect your hair during workouts to make you feel like an Olympic athlete.
Put your hair in a ponytail
There’s a reason ponytails are the go-to hairstyle at this year’s Olympic Ceremony; They’re quick and easy, but still effortlessly stylish. Tying your hair back before exercising is an absolute necessity—not only does it keep your hair out of your face during workouts, but it also prevents the risk of breakage and reduces the appearance of frizz.
Styling your hair away from your face means that it’s less likely to come into contact with sweat, therefore preventing the appearance of greasy hair while protecting your skin. Keeping your hair out of the way during workouts also prevents it from becoming tangled, leaving you with healthy-looking hair.
However, it’s crucial not to style your hair too tightly, as this can make it more susceptible to breakage and damage. Tight ponytails can be incredibly damaging to your scalp’s health due to the significant stress they place on your hair particles. The popular hairstyle has also been linked to thinning and hair loss and can also cause painful headaches when worn for an extended period.
Instead, to reduce the risk of discomfort, it’s better to tie your hair in a loose ponytail before exercising. Undeniably, ponytails are rapidly becoming the hairstyle of the summer, with athletes like Dina Asher-Smith and Charley Hull both sporting sleek ponytails during this year’s Olympics.
Use silk or satin hair ties
When styling your hair before a workout, it’s important to be conscious of the products you’re using. While elastic hair ties are an easy and affordable option, they often cause your hair more harm than good. Due to the high amount of friction they place on your hair particles, elastic hairbands tend to increase the risk of frizz. They can also result in damaged-looking and tangled hair, especially when applied too tightly.
Instead, why not try using silk or satin hair ties? These products are much gentler for your hair, reducing the risk of damage. They also allow your hair to maintain its natural moisture, keeping it looking healthy and hydrated throughout your workout session.
Scrunchies are another fantastic product to use during a workout, as they keep your hair in place without being too tight. Due to their practicality and aesthetic value, scrunchies have become a favorite accessory to wear during this year’s Olympics, particularly in gymnastics. Gymnast Simone Biles is among some of the athletes spotted wearing the popular accessory.
Try out some plait hairstyles
During exercise, it is essential to keep hair away from the face, not only for practical reasons, but also for your hair’s health. Allowing hair to come into contact with sweat increases the appearance of frizz, especially during the summer when exercising in humid conditions. Because of this, plaits have become another go-to hairstyle during this year’s Olympic Ceremony.
Plaits are a practical and versatile hairstyle to try out during your workout sessions, especially if you have long hair. They are hugely beneficial for keeping hair out of your face, which is hugely beneficial for your skin, as this prevents excess oils and breakouts. They are also beneficial for your scalp’s health, giving your hair a chance to breathe without being styled too tightly.
Australian marathon runner, Genevieve Gregson, often wears her hair in a French braided ponytail, using a headband to keep it away from her face.
Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has become known for her bold and glamorous looks on the track. During her career, the athlete has shown off some memorable hairstyles, ranging from vibrant wigs to effortless braided ponytails. Sha’Carri Richardson shows the importance of self-expression in sports and has become renowned for her iconic beauty moments during the Olympics.
Wear a sports headband
During this year’s Track and Field qualifying trials, Sha’Carri Richardson was spotted wearing a neon pink sports headband—a practical and stylish accessory for any workout.
Sports headbands are hugely effective for keeping sweat away from your face, which is significantly beneficial for both your skin and hair, reducing the build-up of excess oils. Wearing a sports headband will also reduce the need to wash your hair after every workout, allowing it to maintain its natural moisture levels to prevent the appearance of dried-out hair. Because of this, they are an essential accessory to wear when working out in the warmer weather.
Don’t shy away from accessorizing
Bows and ribbons have become some of the trendiest accessories to wear during this year’s Olympic Ceremony. On July 29th, tennis player Coco Gauff entered the court wearing a white hair ribbon—one of the trendiest accessories of 2024. Gymnast Jordan Chiles has also become known for her iconic hair accessories. During the women’s gymnastics team finals, the athlete wore a patriotic red, white, and blue ribbon.
American triple jumper Tori Franklin also stunned audiences by accessorizing her hair with miniature seashells during the women’s triple jump qualifying trials. These memorable looks demonstrate that a gym session doesn’t have to equal a mundane hairstyle. Adding accessories to your hair can be a fun way to brighten up a workout as well as being a stylish method to keep your hair away from the face.
Charlie Winman, of Roxy Hair, has commented:
“This year’s Olympic Ceremony has revealed some unforgettable beauty moments so far and has provided some much-needed inspiration on how to style your hair during a workout session.
“When working out this summer, it’s important to be mindful of your hair’s health. Ensure that you’re drinking enough water throughout the day—not only for your general health, but also for your hair’s health. Staying hydrated during a workout session is a fantastic way to strengthen your hair and promote growth, keeping your hair looking healthy and hydrated.
“While washing your hair immediately after a heavy workout is tempting, try to avoid this. Over-washing your hair, particularly in the summer, can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to damage and split ends.
This information was provided by experts at Roxy Hair, the website for high-quality hair extensions.
