By News Edition

Getting a professional hair service often feels like an investment in your daily sanity. There is something incredibly liberating about waking up, giving your hair a quick brush, and walking out the door without battling frizz for forty-five minutes. However, for those of us who live for a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class or a heavy lifting session, that sleek look comes with a specific set of challenges. Sweat is essentially a mix of water and salt, and salt is one of the primary enemies of long-lasting hair smoothness.

If you aren’t careful, your post-gym glow can lead to mid-shaft frizz and a premature breakdown of the protein bonds in your hair. To keep your strands looking like you just stepped out of the salon, you have to be strategic about how you handle keratin treatments before, during, and after your workout. You don’t have to choose between your fitness goals and your hair goals; you just need a better game plan.

The Chemistry of the Problem

To understand why the gym is such a threat, we have to look at what is happening on a microscopic level. Keratin treatments work by sealing a protective layer of protein around each hair shaft, effectively filling in the porous gaps that cause frizz. Salt, which is abundant in sweat, acts as a mild abrasive and a dehydrator. When sweat sits on the scalp and travels down the hair, it can begin to “weather” that protective coating.

Furthermore, when hair gets wet from sweat, the cuticle slightly expands. If that salt dries inside the cuticle, it can cause the hair to feel brittle and straw-like. This is why many people notice their treatment “wearing off” around the hairline and the nape of the neck first—those are the areas with the highest concentration of sweat glands.

Pre-Workout Prep: The Shield Method

The best way to protect your hair is to prevent the sweat from saturating the strands in the first place.

• Dry Shampoo is a Preventative: Most people use dry shampoo to clean up after a workout, but it’s actually more effective if applied before you start moving. By applying a lightweight, sodium-chloride-free dry shampoo to your roots, you create a barrier that absorbs moisture as it’s produced.
• The Silk Scrunchie Rule: Never use a tight, rubberized elastic band. These create a “kink” in the hair that can become permanent if the hair is damp from sweat. Use a soft silk or microfiber scrunchie to pull your hair into a high, loose bun. This keeps the ends away from the sweat on your neck and back.
• Headbands are Your Best Friend: A wide, moisture-wicking headband can soak up the majority of forehead sweat before it ever reaches your hairline.

During the Session: Keeping it Cool

Heat is another factor that can affect the longevity of your treatment. If you are a fan of hot yoga or saunas, proceed with caution. The intense heat combined with high …read more

Source:: Social Media Explorer

Author: Aaron