6 Ways to Refresh your Natural Hair & Scalp after a Workout

When it comes to working out, natural hair can have its benefits but a lot of women such as myself do a lot of sweating in the scalp when staying active. Sweat is pretty much water just and salt but over time this mixture can wreak havoc on your natural hair strands by drying out the hair, which can ultimately lead to breakage.

For some women who are in the gym or working out 2-3 times a week or more, having to wash your natural strands after every workout may be impractical and inconvenient. So, what’s a curly girl to do?

Luckily, there are ways you can refresh your scalp and maintain a clean, healthy and refreshed scalp without having to deal with a soaking wet head of hair 2-3 times a week.

Here are 6 ways you can refresh your scalp after a vigorous, sweaty workout;

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is widely loved for it antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a slightly medicinal smell and should never be applied without a carrier oil. You can mix tea tree oil with any type of oil, vegetable glycerin, or even Aloe Vera and apply to the scalp. You may notice a slight tingling and refreshed feeling minutes after applying. Tea tree oil will prevent any fungus or bacteria from growing on the scalp. Be sure to wash your hands after handling tea tree oil.

Buy Tea Tree Oil

2. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a natural astringent straight from the Witch Hazel plant, and will help tighten the skin and scalp naturally. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and like Tea tree oil, will also help to fight bacteria from growing on the scalp. Section your hair and try running a cotton ball saturated with Witch Hazel over your scalp. Once dry, your scalp should feel airy and fresh. Witch hazel also helps to treat mild scalp irritation.

Buy Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
3. Peppermint Oil

Another bacteria-fighting oil, peppermint oil is great for refreshing the scalp. Peppermint oil also requires a carrier oil and should not be used directly on the scalp or skin. Not only is peppermint oil great for refreshing the scalp, but it also stimulates and promotes hair growth. Peppermint oil is ideal for itchy or dry scalp, and also aids in controlling dandruff problems. Try mixing a couple of drops to a spray bottle with Aloe Vera juice and distilled (or filtered) water and spray directly onto the scalp. Allow your hair to air dry and you’ll feel like you have a freshly washed head of natural hair.

Buy: Peppermint Oil

4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is also a natural astringent and contains antiseptic properties. It can be used on the scalp to clarify, fight off bacteria and treat dandruff and itchy scalp. Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice (not the bottled type) to your hair oil of choice, preferably a light oil and apply to the scalp with a cotton ball, or you can mix it with water. I wouldn’t recommend applying lemon juice to the scalp by itself, as it it can irritate the scalp if used alone or in larger quantities.
5. Dry Shampoos

There are quite a few “dry shampoos” on the market and they can certainly come in handy when you don’t have time to complete your entire wash routine after a workout.

Dry shampoos are intended to refresh the scalp without the use of water. Most dry shampoos come in a spray can which allows for total control. Spray directly on your scalp and follow the package directions carefully.

Dry shampoos such as Ojon Full Detox Rub-Out Dry Cleansing Spray, Fekkai Blow Out Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo, Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo for Fine or Flat Hair, (one of my favorites!) and ORS Herbal Cleanse “Dry Shampoo” will leave your scalp feeling clean and fresh until wash day.

6. May Chang Oil (Litsea Cubeba)

May Chang essential oil is perfect for refreshing your hair and scalp after a vigorous workout. The oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties which help fight scalp infections, and will leave a welcoming fragrance to your hair. May Chang essential oil also has cleansing properties and is often used to prevent dandruff, oily scalp and hair, and even scalp eczema. Try adding 2-3 drops of May Change essential oil to your spray bottle and spritzing your hair and scalp for rejuvenation.

Buy May Chang Essential Oil