5 gross things that can happen to your hair if you don’t wash them post-workout

Do you like smelly hair? No way, right? Then start washing them post your workout.
hair problems
Don't recolour your hair too frequently. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Published: 8 Dec 2020, 12:59 pm IST
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We only like to focus on our hair health, when we start losing them. That’s the sad truth. Unfortunately, it’s too late then for that extra care, because earlier you didn’t pay as much attention to those beautiful tresses. One of the common sins that we commit is not washing our hair after working out. Sadly, due to this, our hair and its follicles die every day.

Then what must we do? Just wash your hair regularly bro! 

But before going all in, hear what this expert has to say.

Hair wash or no hair wash after workout totally depends on the hair type

This isn’t news that after a hardcore workout session, you sweat like a pig. Excess sweat can make the scalp itchy and prone to infections. But according to Dr Ajay Rana, a renowned dermatologist and aesthetic physician, one should wash their hair after every workout, depending on the hair type and how much a person sweats. 

hair problems
Make sure your hair don’t fall apart. Image courtesy: Shuttersock

“If somebody sweats a lot, then washing their hair helps to remove the excess sweat. Too much sweat due to working out can give the hair a dry appearance. If your hair isn’t drenched in sweat, then it’s totally okay not to wash your hair. An excess buildup of sweat on the scalp blocks the hair follicles, which does not allow the scalp to breathe, and creates conditions like scalp acne,” said Dr Rana.

And fellas, if you are still wondering that washing hair regularly can be too much work, then brace yourself for some hair horror. 

Here are five things that can happen to your hair, if you don’t wash then often:
1. Thinning of hair

Yes, that’s going to happen for sure. Not washing your hair can make them thinner. Unwashed thin hair starts to stick together and look even finer. One can resolve the problem by using dry shampoo, which helps in soaking the excess oil. It also helps in adding volume to your tresses.

2. Ingrown hair

“Ingrown hair isn’t just caused by shaving, but also oily hair due to not washing the hair post-workout. The longer you don’t wash your hair post workout, the more dirt and oil will build up on your scalp, which can cause ingrown hair,” explains Dr Rana.

3. Bacterial infections

Of course, sweat and oil will attract dirt and it can lead to the build-up of bacteria on your scalp, due to which your scalp can stink. Also, it is really bad for the health of your hair follicles. The sweat will cause bacteria, which can cause severe scalp infections, and you can end up losing a lot of hair.

hair problems
Going crazy scratching your head? Stop doing it RN! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

“When bacteria on our scalp digests the contents of our sweat, they produce by-products that release an odour,” says Dr Rana.

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4. Scalp acne

Acne is a very common condition that appears due to not washing your hair post-workout. So, cleansing is very important, cleaning out pores post-workout is key for good hair. Sometimes our sweat can mix with bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and certain types of yeast, and cause inflamed follicles that can appear as acne-like lesions on our scalp.

5. Stinky hair and scalp

After workout, the scalp is exposed to too much bacteria from sweat, and left unwashed, your hair and scalp can start to smell bad.

Not washing your hair post workout can cause a lot of damage to the scalp and hair. It makes the hair thinner, increases the chances of dandruff, makes the scalp and hair stinky. Sometimes, it also causes hair fall and split ends. Not washing your hair can make hair oily and it thus causes build up of ingrown hair,” explains Dr Rana.

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Still worried about hair damage? Then here are a few tips to reduce hair damage
  • Use a shampoo that contains zinc, tar, or sulfur that can absorb the oil and reduce the damage.
  • If somebody skips the shower for a day or two after working out, cut back on everyday styling products like leave-in conditioners or creams, and make sure to exfoliate the scalp when you wash your hair. 
  • Sometimes, exfoliating the scalp with a conditioner and your fingertips, rather than shampoo, is great to remove buildup. A good scalp scrub is a must, too, because not only does it clean the scalp and removes excess oils, but it also increases circulation.
  • Always use a deep moisturizing conditioner on the hair, preferably with an inbuilt sunscreen. Deep moisturizing conditioners protect your strands from the harsh UV rays of the sun, especially during outdoor workouts.

So ladies, no more neglecting your hair as they need your attention too.

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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