How to Avoid Washing Your Hair After a Workout

Should you wash your hair after working out? 

Good news: for most people, it’s okay to skip washing your hair after a workout, even if you worked up a sweat. How often you need to wash your hair ultimately depends on your hair type, texture and personal preference.

Thin, fine hair typically requires more frequent washing than thick, coarse hair. Shampoo chemicals do strip the hair, so it’s actually good to avoid washing your hair every day if possible. (Note: You can skip the hair wash, but please don't skip the shower altogether!)

1. Use dry shampoo

The holy grail of sweaty hair. The old school way used baby powder to soak up sweat and oil. While baby powder works, it’s also a little messy and difficult to hide if you have darker hair. Luckily the beauty industry has stepped up and developed some great, lighter dry shampoos that actually work. A few favorites include Oribe, Drybar, Fekkai and Paul Mitchell. Spritz it on your sweaty hair, shake it through with your fingers and you’re good to go.

2. Use texturizing spray

A good, sweaty workout can destroy even the most perfect blowout. Don’t fight the waves. Texturizing sprays are designed to create a textured, voluminous look. You can use a texturizing spray with your dry shampoo to work with the “natural” texture of your hair that forms after a sweaty boot camp.

3. Wear a sweat band

Before you get images in you head of an old man power walking through the neighborhood with two-pound weights and a white terry cloth headband pulled low over his eyes, hear us out. The sweat band has made a comeback. Several companies including Nike and Lululemon have designed cute, functional headbands that you can wear from a workout to brunch. Gymwrap is another favorite — their headbands are designed with EvapoTech, a patented process that minimizes sweat and is designed to keep your hair dry through the workout.

4. Think beyond the pony

There are several other options besides the ponytail that can carry you through a sweaty workout class. Do a loose, low bun. Braid your hair before class — they’ll not only stay put during your workout, but after you can keep the braided look or take it down for some soft waves (don’t forget the texturizing spray!)

5. Switch to hair ties that don’t crimp

Try a hair tie that doesn’t crease your hair. It will make it easier to style it after your workout.

6. Use the right brush

If you’re skipping the shower after a workout, you need to use the right tools. Use a detangling nylon hair brush after your workout. It won’t damage your hair and is a breeze to tackle knots and tangles.

7. Just rinse your hair

If you really want to wash your hair but don’t have the time or energy after your workout, just rinse it. You can even add some leave-in conditioner to add a little bit of moisture back in.

Bonus tip: For post-workout dryness, throw on a sweat proof Thompson Tee for extra protection. Thompson Tee makes undershirts for men and women that absorb armpit sweat and block odor to prevent wet marks and pit stains. If you're hopping back to work or a meeting after your workout, you'll definitely want to have a Thompson Tee handy. Try one risk free today!