Keep in mind that wet hair is more delicate: “Going into a heated workout with damp hair can actually make it more vulnerable,” says Lia Hakim, professional hairstylist and founder of Hott Salons.
Symptoms of hair damage can be less obvious than skin distress. “Look for dryness, increased tangling, rough ends, and small broken pieces around the hairline,” says Jewell Faranso Hingorani, pro stylist and founder of Jewell Clip. “Breakage is often worsened by heat combined with tight hairstyles.” One major damage indictor is that your hair isn’t holding styles as well as it used to: “That loss of elasticity is often tied to repeated stress from heat, sweat, and tension,” Hakim says.
Do you need to use heat protectant?
Don’t let the name fool you: Your go-to heat-resistant styling product actually isn’t the best way to protect your hair in a heated workout. “Traditional heat protectants are designed for tools like blow dryers and curling irons, where temperatures are significantly higher and more direct. Heated workouts are different,” Hakim says. “The heat is more ambient, but combined with sweat and friction, it can still cause stress on the hair.”
But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. “To prep your hair for a heated workout and maximize protection, start by gently detangling to remove knots and reduce breakage,” expert stylist and colorist Jennifer Korab says. “Then, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, hair oil, or protective spray to lock in moisture and shield strands from sweat and friction.”
How to care for your hair and scalp post-workout
In addition to minimizing damage to your strands, scalp care should be a priority after any heated class. “It’s important to cleanse the scalp to remove sweat, oil, and buildup, which can otherwise lead to irritation or flaking,” Dr. Queller says. “Use a gentle shampoo and follow with a hydrating conditioner to replenish moisture.”
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