Long locks in the locker room

Here's an article I wrote for Best Body magazine.

If you have long hair, working out can pose unique challenges. The old shampoo-and-condition routine can be harsh to your long locks and your scalp. If you have healthy, long hair, chances are you already deviate from the above shorthair routine. Typical hallmarks of long hair care include mild shampoo products, washes less frequently than every day and avoidance of any heat-inducing styling appliances.

Taking your special needs into the locker room will ensure that your investment in long hair will remain intact. If you sweat while working out but don't actually get your hair dirty, you can usually get away with not using shampoo after your work outs. Try a scalp-only wash -- bun your hair and cover the bun with a showercap. Now try either using a light conditioner (or dilute your regular heavy conditioner with water) on the hair closest to the scalp, massaging it in well as you would shampoo, and rinse well. This will take care of the sweat and leave your hair conditioned.

Another technique to try is not even using conditioner. Without getting your length wet in the shower, vigorously rub your scalp under running water with your fingers. Pay special attention to your temple areas and the nape of your neck, where the sweat glands tend to be active and also the most vulnerable areas for the hair. Then, if you wish, use conditioner on your length to detangle. Author Lorraine Massey describes this "water only" method in the Curly Girl Handbook, but there's no reason it won't work for all hair types.

Whether you are shampooing, conditioning or rinsing after your work out, you can benefit from either a vinegar rinse or a baking soda rinse to cleanse your hair of sweat and help make your scalp feel refreshed. Mix a small amount (2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup of vinegar; 1 teaspoon baking soda) with warm water in a large tumbler cup, rinse it through and then out. Be sure to use either vinegar or baking soda in one rinse, and not together. Remember those paper mache volcanoes in science class? Here's a tip on vinegar: dark hairs should use apple cider vinegar, and blondes and silvers - white vinegar. They will have subtle effects on your hair color.

In general, try to stick to rinsing, and only wash every other day, or as long as you can go in between. Consider braiding or wearing your hair up on the days you don't shampoo.

Protect your hair during your workout. Wearing it up, braiding or tying it into a ponytail are all secure options for styling.

photo of me when my hair was short, by Reed