As athletes, you all know that some issues can make getting exercise a little cumbersome. They may seem like little nuances to you at first, but they can actually hinder how well your workout goes. One natural thing that occurs that you may have never considered having an impact on your exercise routine or how well you play a sport is sweat. Whether you sweat a lot or a little, excess moisture trailing down your face and body can be uncomfortable and distracting. 

If this is a problem for you, don’t worry because there are options! There are specially designed headgear and clothing that helps to control how much sweat is released and helps your body to regulate how well it’s contained. With that being said, for those of you who already wear a variety of different headgear to help control your sweat, make sure to also take the steps to keep your hair healthy while doing so.  

It may be tempting to let your hair go unattended when you’re always covering it up but try not to as it can lead to problems like hair breakage and thinning. If you want some tips on how to keep your hair healthy while using headgear, keep reading!

1. Keep hydrated 

Okay, so most people already understand how drinking enough water is important, especially when you’re exercising. But water is also good for healthy hair. Did you know that if you don’t get enough water in a day your cells can dry up? Yeah, that’s right. The cells on your scalp can become dry, creating an unhealthy environment for your hair to grow and flourish. According to Mayo Clinic, to make sure your hair and body are getting enough H2O, men need about 15.5 cups of water a day while women need approximately 11.5 cups. Even for those who enjoy drinking water, having that large of an amount may seem tedious. Things like buying a large water bottle or adding foods like cucumber or lemon can make it easier for you to meet your hydration goals.  

 2. Improve scalp health 

To continue the thoughts from the last paragraph, a healthy scalp is conducive to healthy hair. Aside from drinking water, there are several other things you can do to keep your scalp healthy. One of them being scalp massages. One of the ways you can do this is by massaging your head manually with your fingers when washing your hair during the shampoo process. Use your fingers to gently massage your scalp and get the blood flow going. You can also try using a scalp massaging brush if you do not want to use your fingers. The massaging brush will not only relax you but also help in promoting hair growth. Another thing you can do to help your scalp is to stay away from shampoos that will dry your hair out. Opt for shampoos that are sulfate and paraben-free that contain moisturizing ingredients like honey or olive oil. These products will help keep your scalp feeling clean and hydrated. 

3. Use nourishing products 

As an athlete or even just as someone who works out, you will most likely wear headgear more than other people. Meaning that your hair may go unattended longer than normal. The friction that occurs between your hair and your hat may not be the best for maintaining healthy hair. Excessive friction can cause breakage, which can ultimately lead to hair thinning. While thinning hair isn’t the end of the world as hair loss products like Finasteride can easily regain your lost strands, why go through that when you can take protective measures now. Protect your strands by using a light, nourishing oil as a barrier between your hair and hat. Heavy emphasis on lightweight, as you don’t want to worry about a less than stellar sweat and oil mixture potentially dripping down your face. 

 4. Test headgear 

Because there’s such a large variety of headgear available to you, don’t be afraid to test and try new things! There’s everything from cycling hats to headbands available. When choosing which piece of gear you want to use, make sure that you’re also thinking about your hair as you decide which piece will suit you best. Depending not only on your sport but the headgear you choose also needs to be properly fitted to your head and hair. For example, for women who tend to have more voluminous hair, a durable performance visor may be your best bet. A visor will block the sun and control sweat while also allowing your hair to breathe without being uncomfortable. For men on the other hand who tend to have shorter hair, a cycling hat may be best for you.  

Hopefully, these tips will help you to not only be comfortable while you’re out but also protect your hair too!