Christmas is around the corner, fun social events and family gatherings abound. You know that keeping up at least some of your exercise routine will give you more energy, reduce stress and help get you through the festive season unscathed.
I’ve heard many reasons (excuses) for not exercising in December and top of that list is hair. This is what I hear every year from many (if not most): ‘Sarah, I can’t do a session today because I don’t want to sweat and ruin my hair.’
Dealing with post-workout hair can be tricky, but with a few expert styling tips and the right products, you can transform sweaty strands into a polished look in no time.
I decided to ask the professionals, and they have some great advice on how you can still workout and have effortlessly chic hair, sweat or not.

First off, here’s what Adam Reed London advises you can do for various hair lengths (arkivebyadamreed.com /
@adamreedhair)

1. Short Hair: Embrace Texture

Texture is everything for short hair post-workout. Avoid heavy products that weigh hair down. Instead, opt for a lightweight sea salt spray to give effortless volume. Spray onto damp hair, scrunch with your fingers, and let it air-dry or use a diffuser. Try OUAI Texturising Hair Spray, available at Space NK, it adds texture and volume without residue.

2. Medium-length Hair: Smooth and Sleek


Medium-length hair is versatile, allowing you to quickly achieve a polished look that transitions well from the gym to any occasion. Apply a smoothing cream or leave-in conditioner to damp hair to tame frizz and add shine. Blow-dry with a round brush to create sleek strands with natural volume. Try Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-In Conditioner, available at lookfantastic.com, it protects and smooths.

3. Long Hair: Loose Waves or a Quick Updo


Long hair offers plenty of styling options but can be harder to manage post-workout. Embrace your natural texture or create an easy updo to keep things chic. In a rush? Spritz dry shampoo on your roots to refresh and add volume, then secure your hair in a loose bun or ponytail. Once dry, release the bun and add a touch of curl mist for a wavy look.

Next, I asked my favourite hair coiffure Alanis (purdyandpower.co.uk / @purdyandpowersalon) who regularly and miraculously turns my unruly mop into a head of hair I actually put in effort to look after. (Previously, my idea of a blow dry was to slap on any product available and drive with my car windows open!)

Should I wash my hair after every workout?
Alanis recommends washing hair after exercise to remove sweat and oil, which can cause scalp issues and weaken hair over time due to salt build-up. However, washing every day can strip natural oils. If you work out daily, try rinsing your hair with water instead of using shampoo each time.

What if I don’t have time for a rinse?
Then dry shampoo is your best friend. Try Kerastase Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo. Blow-dry your roots to absorb excess sweat, then apply dry shampoo to refresh them. Braid your hair and twist it into a bun for an easy transition. Later, unpin for soft waves, or leave the braid in for a sleek style.
Alanis’s Must-have Hair Products:

• Framar Detangle Brush: perfect for gently managing wet or dry hair without damage.
• Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo & Conditioner: keeps hair strong and nourished.
• Redken 5-Minute Liquid Mask: a weekly treatment for deep hydration.
• Kerastase Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo: ideal for refreshing hair and adding volume.
• Redken Curl Refresh Mist: revives curls and adds shine.
• Kerastase L’Huile Originale Hair Oil: adds shine and protects from damage.
• Silk Hair Scrunchies: prevent breakage and keep your style in place.

Have happy hair, a happy you, and a big happy Christmas from me.

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Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You can find her at sarahmaxwell.com
Get in touch via email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com
and on social
@sarahmaxlife