PSA: This hairstylist is sure you’re damaging your hair during your A.M jog, and he doesn’t even know you. You know how you toss all of your hair into a sky-high ponytail right before putting your earphones in? There’s something so wrong about that sentence, and you didn’t even realise it. Maaaajor red flag that you, once again, have successfully ignored. But before you go for your jog — or even to the gym for that matter — you’ve got to listen to what this expert has to say. Because it’s going to hit you so hard. Ahead — the reveal.
Your Hair Health Might Be In Check. What About Your Hair?
According to hairstylist Tom Smith, your runner’s ponytail is possibly damaging your hair, and you’re not even realising it. Smith recalls seeing a woman jogging on a Sunday. She had her hair up in a sky-high ‘do, and her ponytail was swishing back and forth. Just flailing back and forth mid-air. Naturally switching from side to side.
You know how you sweep all of your hair into a ponytail to keep it out of your face? What’s damaging about that anyway? This, he remarks, is a recipe for disaster, and defines it as ‘whiplash’ for your hair. This constant back-and-forth can lead to split ends and dry friction burn at the ends of the hair. Never thought about that — but it adds up. “It’s the tiniest details that build up to make the biggest impact in the long-term health of your hair!’ he captions the reel, and it truly resonates.
But how do you counter this situation? Are there any running hairstyles that won’t damage the hair? Affirmative. Smith recommends experimenting with a different ‘do. Make sure you’re wrapping all of your hair into a bun — or braiding it. The point is that everything’s neatly tucked away, and there’s no scope for knotting or friction. Make sure the bun isn’t too tight, or you risk developing traction alopecia — a condition wherein you start losing your hair because you’re putting too much strain on the strands every day (aka tightly-pulled hairstyles).
Smith further advises someone in the comments to put in a hair-mask pre-run — to add another layer of protection to the mane. The hairstylist recommends braiding or twisting the hair for the run before washing it all out post-run. “Treatment and exercise in one!” he says.
Looking For Hair Masks To Apply For Your Jog? Here:
These are the best hair masks for dry, damaged hair. Trust us.
Featured Image: Instagram