When Should You Wash Your Hair After A Workout

  references & resources
  
      International Journal of Trichology: "Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress"
    
      Cleveland Clinic: "Does Dry Shampoo Actually Keep Your Hair Clean?"
    
      Epidemiology: "Talc, Asbestos, and Epidemiology: Corporate Influence and Scientific Incognizance"
    




How often you shampoo after a workout depends on how much you sweat and your hair type.

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How Bad Is It Really? sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors you’ve heard might be unhealthy.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative

How Bad Is It Really? sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors you’ve heard might be unhealthy.

Sweat creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria to grow on your scalp.

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Before you shampoo, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair, so they don’t get dried out. This is especially important for color-treated hair, which is more brittle, as well as coily or kinky hair. (Tight curls mean natural scalp oils won’t travel down your hair shaft as easily, so your scalp might feel greasy even if the rest of your mane is like the Sahara.)

Tying your hair too tight in a ponytail or bun for your workouts can contribute to hair loss. “Hairstyles that put significant tension on the hair follicle can lead to traction hair alopecia in those who are susceptible to this condition,” Dr. McMichael says. Instead of an elastic band, opt for a coated ponytail holder or wear a loose braid along with a headband — and take down your hair as soon as you’re done exercising.

Seborrheic dermatitis can lead to bacterial and fungal infections if left untreated.

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Your menstrual cycle can also play a role in developing seborrheic dermatitis. “It may worsen before your period when your hormones trigger an uptick in oil production,” Dr. Palep says. Plus, stress can make your dandruff worse and cause excess oil buildup. “Stress leads to the release of the hormones cortisol and testosterone, both of which increase sebum production and result in more oil on your scalp,” Dr. Palep says.

Plus, stress can make your dandruff worse and cause excess oil buildup. “Stress leads to the release of the hormones cortisol and testosterone, both of which increase sebum production and result in more oil on your scalp,” Dr. Palep says.

“Spray it onto the scalp and then gently brush or comb through the hair to absorb the oils,” Dr. McMichael says. Brushing it through your strands helps distribute the product so it won’t build up as much on your scalp.

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      International Journal of Trichology: "Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress"
    
      Cleveland Clinic: "Does Dry Shampoo Actually Keep Your Hair Clean?"
    
      Epidemiology: "Talc, Asbestos, and Epidemiology: Corporate Influence and Scientific Incognizance"