Learn how to take care of hair before and after physical exercises

Today a run, tomorrow confirmed presence at the swimming class and then the body gets the attention it deserves. But is the hair getting the proper treatment after stretching, washing and pulling every day at the gym?

According to Patrícia Maciel, trichologist and hair therapist, washing your hair every day after physical activity does not damage or rot the wires. “Not only the frequent practice of sports, but also the pollution to which we are exposed, dirty the wires, forming toxins and residues that reduce the circulation and oxygenation of the scalp, harming the living cell of the wires”, he explains.

Choosing the ideal product

​The main problem is not in washing, but in how to do it. Patrícia Maciel suggests using light products, shampoos without weight, without color, free of parabens (preservatives) and without salt. She explains that salt is a thickener, but it leaves residues at the roots and dehydrates the hair.

“Currently, there are products that we call less free (free of parabens) or those without specific properties, which we call neutral (with a slightly acidic pH). These are indicated for daily use”, he adds. In addition to choosing the most suitable cosmetic, the hair therapist points out that the water temperature should not exceed 27°C.

Hair care for swimming

For swimmers, the torment is getting rid of the effects of chlorine. “The product is used in water for disinfection and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. To complete, pool cleaning is associated with copper and aluminum, which cause even more hair damage”, argues trichologist Patrícia Maciel.

The wires are dry, especially if they are under chemical effects such as dyes, lights or straightening. Therefore, before diving in, the expert suggests humidifying the hair with sprays of thermal water. “Thus, the toxic components will adhere less, since the wires inflate and retain the metals and chemicals present in the pool”, she details. Another tip is to waterproof the wires with argan oil, for example.

Products to use after school

To extract all this chemistry, Patrícia Maciel recommends menthol shampoos or shampoos based on vegetable extracts. “Phytotherapeutic products such as aloe vera (aloe vera), chamomile, passion fruit and lavender are also recommended, as they refresh and soothe”.

In the last rinse, use a liter of mineral water with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar. Thus, you acidify the strands and balance the distortion that occurred with the pH of the hair and scalp. Then the wires should be fine hydrated and sealed with liposoluble formulas.

Use sunscreen on your hair

The use of sunscreen also on the hair protects the strands from sun exposure, helps to maintain the natural color or chemical (without fading it) and protects the cuticles, the superficial layer of the wires. “That way, you maintain the integrity of the hair without drying it out or without that appearance of electric and brittle strands caused by the effects of chlorinated water, wind and sun”, concludes the trichologist.