Should You Rinse Your Hair After Working Out?

Last Updated on June 15th, 2023

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If you’re one of those people who exercise often, you will notice that you sweat a lot. The sweat can be in your hair as well. You’ll often see people taking a shower right after they work out because they want to feel fresh and believe that it helps with hygiene.

With that said, should you rinse your hair after a workout? If you have immediate access to a shower, you can rinse your hair. But it won’t kill you until you get home to shower at your convenience.

Read more on what rinsing your hair after a workout can do and how often you should do it.

A woman under a shower with her eyes closed - Should You Rinse Your Hair After Working Out?

Does Rinsing Hair with Water Really Remove Sweat?

Rinsing your hair with water can help to remove sweat and bacteria and leave your hair feeling fresh and clean.

 

Can Rinse Damage Your Scalp?

Water alone will NOT damage your scalp. But if you start using hair products or even simply rinsing water that is way too hot, you can damage your scalp a bit.

As nice as that hot water streaming down you feel when it’s cold out, it can cause irritation and dryness, scalp included. Plus, it sets up the potential for damaged hair too.

Also, hot styling tools such as straighteners or curling irons can hurt your hair, and wear a tight bun. Your hair can easily break and fall apart because of the damage of the heat and pressure that is on your hair.

 

Is it OK not to Wash hair After Working Out?

It is perfectly fine not to wash your hair immediately after working out. Just keep in mind that sweat causes bacteria and grease buildup, which can lead to scalp infections, which you do not want!

So, take that shower when you can, but know that it’s not an emergency. You can wait until it’s convenient for you.

 

What Can You Do Instead of Washing it?

You know what happens if you don’t wash your hair often with water. But if you are busy and need to freshen up, you can do the following:

  • Rinse your hair with water: Rinsing your hair with water can help to remove sweat and bacteria and leave your hair feeling fresh and clean.
  • Use dry shampoo: Dry shampoo is a powder-based product that can help to absorb sweat and oil and refresh your hair between washes. They also smell great and are good for a pinch!
  • Tie your hair up: Putting your hair in a ponytail or bun can help to keep sweat from running down your face and back and keep your hair from getting tangled.
  • Wear a headband or hat: Wearing a headband or hat can help to absorb sweat and keep your hair from getting greasy. It’s a perfect excuse to say you have a bad hair day without feeling ashamed about it.

 

These tips should help you cope with not washing your hair for a while. Remember not to overdo it, as it can strip the natural oils on your head, which helps hydrate and keep your hair healthy.

 

How Often Should You Do it?

The frequency of washing or rinsing your hair depends on a variety of factors, such as hair type, scalp condition, and personal preference. Generally, it is recommended to wash your hair every 2-3 days for people with normal hair.

People with oily hair may need to wash their hair daily or every other day. On the other hand, people with dry hair may only need to wash their hair once or twice a week.

 

Final Thoughts on Should You Rinse Your Hair After Working Out

It can be beneficial to rinse your hair after a workout because it’ll remove sweat and bacteria.  You don’t want to overwash your hair as well, as it can cause scalp irritation, so it’s absolutely ok to wait a bit to rinse/wash your hair.

How often you wash your hair depends highly on your hair type and scalp condition. Now you know if you should rinse your hair after a workout and how often, so the next time you hit the gym, don’t fret. You can take that shower later if you don’t have the time!

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