I Used to Postpone Workouts to Save My Hairstyles—These Sweat-Defying Tips Changed the Game

They always work.

Amaka Hamelijnck wearing a sporty, matching set and a high bun

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

While I don't consider myself a naturally sporty person, I do like to get moving throughout my day to counter the hours I spend typing away at my desk. When I get some free time in my schedule, you'll find me stretching on my yoga mat, doing reformer Pilates, or taking a walk through Central Park with my favorite beverage. That said, I wouldn't be completely honest if I didn't mention the monumental role my natural coils and heat-treated tendrils have played in my wellness journey.

It wasn't until I became a beauty editor that I was allowed to edit my hair product lineup to perfectly match the new lifestyle I was living. Toward the tail end of the pandemic, I began taking three Pilates classes a week and ended up mastering a haircare routine that could keep up with perspiration and tension from pulling my hair in buns and ponytails. Now, whether I decide to wear my curls in a protective style or straight doesn't matter as long as I have a few products in my routine.

Wondering which products made the biggest difference for workout-ready hair? Below, discover 21 of my favorites across several of the industry's most beloved haircare brands like Briogeo, Curlsmith, Gisou, and Color Wow.

1. Cleansing With a Focus on Scalp Health

2. Restorative Treatments Between Workout Sessions

Amaka Hamelijnck wears activewear by Björn Borg while out and about.

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

3. Having Lightweight Styling Aids On Hand

4. Using Low Tension & Sweat-Wicking Accessories

Dana Ozime wears Adanola while on a hike

(Image credit: @danaozime)

5. Refreshing Post-Workout Strands

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Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's Associate Beauty Editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.