When I went natural, exercising was one of the most difficult things to do with my hair . Apparentl I am not alone struggling, because in a study done 2011, it was found that 45% of African American women (I wish more studies would be done about African women) avoided exercise because they didn't want to ruin their hair. This was something I could totally relate to because I'm one of those people who sweat a lot, and have used my hair getting wet from the sweat as an excuse to skip gym. Sweating also meant dirty scalp, shrinkage and therefore more frequent wash-days.  In 2019, I have a goal to lose 5-8kgs, but I also want healthy hair. Below are a some of the steps I will take to achieve both my body and hair goals.

1. Protective Style

I'm sure most of you are already tired of reading this, but genuinely, protective styles are the easiest way to reach your hair goals. I prefer cornrows so I can wear my wigs allowing me to be versatile. Twists are also great as they are easy to wash and style. If you plan on woking out outside, then I wouldn't recommend big hairstyles like long box braids as tying them up as well as fitting them into a cap will be much harder.

Cornrows I have under my wigs which allow me to also play in water

2. Put your hair up

Now you cant have your hair in a protective style all the time since a minimum 2 week break between styles is important for the general health of your hair. Plus I want you to enjoy and show off your hair. Next best thing to do to your hair is to tie it up. This means tying your hair into a ponytail, pigtails, pineappling and my personal favourite, the Afro-puff. You do this in order to keep your hair away from you face and neck, minimizing your hair's contact with sweat.

Why I love the afro-puff:

-Its quick and easy to do (not trying to have an arm workout before my actual workout)
-They can be done on any hair length, from TWAs to big Foxi Brown fros.
-You can buy a visor and go running
-Can wear different headbands that match your gym outfits
-You experience little shrinkage
-A quick brush in the front and you can wear the same hairstyle to work

My go-to hairstyle: the afro puff

3. Wash your hair often

I will suggest washing your hair every week, especially if you sweat as muh as me. Sweat will leave your hair feeling dry and brittle as well as your scalp dirty. I suggest mixing jojoba and a few drops of  peppermint oil, applying it to scalp and then massaging your scalp in order to remove dirt and stimulate blood circulation. This mix is also great for hair growth. You can then continue with your normal wash day routine. You can purchase your oils at Dischem or at Faithful-to-Nature.

4. Use the sweat and body heat generated to your advantage

I do not have a hooded dryer and since I have low porosity hair, I have to apply some kind of heat when I deep condition in order to achieve the best results. So i normally detangle, pre-poo and shampoo my hair. I then apply my my deep conditioner, wrap it up in a plastic bag, tie a scarf, put on a cap and then go for a jog. This is a version of a baggy method/ greenhouse effect method except I wash my hair afterwards. The heat from your body will open up your cuticles and allow for deeper penetration, leading to better results. You also kill two birds with one stone and your washday does not feel like an all day affair.

Wrapping my hair that has a deep conditioner in it before my jog

5. Get travel size containers

As you know buying in bulk is the best way to save, however the 'extra 200ml' are not the most convenient ways to carry product in you toiletry bag. Travel containers will allow you to pack all your hair necessities without needing a mini suitcase. I suggest you pack:

• A leave in conditioner
• Spritz
• Edge control (styling gel)
• Oil to base your scalp

                                                       You can buy Travel bottles here | here | here


I know these tips may seem basic, but our hair is what it is and there is not much you can do about it. You have to accept that your hair will behave a certain way and learn to live with it. Wear your hair in its shrunken state, find beauty in your TWA that 'lacks' curl definition or bounce. Rememeber that a healthy body is important for healthy hair, so always choose excercise over hairstyles.