Trading Hair for Health

Camille says:

This is too true. I was reluctant to learn to swim as a young girl because I didn’t want a lick of water on my permed (or pressed!) hair, but I have locs now and I am free from such hair burdens, so I just learned how to swim this year (I am 27). I am so thankful to have this potentially lifesaving skill late rather than never, and swimming is also a fantastic sport.

I also lift weights (note, weightlifting and bodybuilding are not the same thing), and there are always too few women in the weight room. Ladies get on it, weight lifting has so many benefits for us even above and beyond getting that fly body.

Thanks for this real talk Clutch Magazine.

Jennifer says:

My friend and I are always talking about this. We feel like we can’t go as hard as we’d like at the gym because I’m afraid to sweat out my perm and she’s afraid for her press. I pride myself on having my hair on point at all times, so this is tough for me. I wouldn’t consider weaves, braids, or twists, so what I’ve been doing is going to the gym with my hair wrapped and wearing a head scarf. It keeps it out of my face and even if the hair at my scalp gets a little moist from the sweat, it’s easier to tame than if it were out and flailing about.

I also read somewhere that if you know you’re about to get a perm/wash, do the sweaty cardio stuff then. But if you just got your hair done, keep it less ’sweaty’ with excercises like weight lifting and pilates.

Opium says:

I use to be so concerned about sweating out my relaxed hair that I just would not work out or even barely go outside in the summer. Now that I wear my hair naturally curly, I work out 6 days a week. Sometimes I want my hair straight (pressed) for no special reason but then I think and decide my workouts are more important so maybe {I’ll straighten it} another time for a special occasion. I just love working out now.

Also, since working out {and changing my diet}, my hair grows like it’s on speed or something. I use to wonder why all those female track stars have such long hair and great skin…. diet and exercise ya’ll!

Yvette says:

It is always beneficial to continuously promote a healthy lifestyle as it relates to the individual or society. I too am guilty of putting off excercising because “my do” cost me XYZ dollars. I have come to the realization that my stylists salon is not going to keep me healthy. It’s time to be proactive ladies. Let’s get it!

Cool Crys says:

YAAAY!!! Good job Glennisha!!! Such great info! Keep it up!!!!

violeta says:

One of my bestfriends and I just talked about this! It’s so true, it seems so superficial. Not to mention, you could just put on a scarf and get to workin!