Gym Hair

Instructor Viv does the ponytail

I asked, you delivered me photos of your gym hair! Nobody did anything totally wild - fair enough. It's good enough that you get up and work out at all, right?

Still, I know I need to take better care of my poor over-sweated in, underappreciated tresses, so I asked Brad Tatnell from Queens Hairdressing, South Yarra, how to care for your hair as a regular gym bunny:

Although regular exercise is great for your body, it's not always the best for your hair. There are a number of easy ways to care for your hair while you're working hard on your figure.

Ponytails: Ponytails enclosed in a tight band regularly in the same place can lead to breakage in the banded area. Alternate between high, low and mid height ponytails to give your hair a breather and avoid breakage.

Brad Tatnell

Straightened Hair: Those with straightened hair can often find it difficult to avoid the appearance of kinks once they start to raise a sweat. To minimise kinks, pull your hair back into a high ponytail and twist gently into a bun, fastening with thin rubber band (that will hold the hair without having to be banded too tightly) and securing the ends and around with bobby pins as necessary.

Washing: You might be tempted to wash your hair every time after exercising. If you must wash every time make sure you use a gentle, low chemical and hydrating shampoo and conditioner set, applying a dry oil to your damps hair ends to keep hair soft yet strong. Otherwise let your hats and other hair accessories come to the rescue!

If you do exercise vigorously throughout the week don't leave too much time between washes as sweat, sebum, salt and dirt can clog pores and cause breakouts on your scalp.

Organix Cherry Blossom

Brad recommends Organix hair products - Monday morning BodyPumpers will have the opportunity to try the Cherry Blossom products soon.

The perfect ponytail