How to care for your hair like an Olympian
As the world eagerly watches the Paris 2024 Olympics, athletes from around the globe are preparing to showcase their incredible talents and dedication. While much attention is paid to their physical prowess and training regimes, one aspect often overlooked is the impact of rigorous athletic activities on their hair. Tight slick back hairstyles, the use of compressed swimming hats, and exposure to chlorine are just some of the problems the hair can incur for athletes. This issue isn't limited to just olympian hopefuls though; everyday sports enthusiasts also face similar challenges.
So let’s explore how athletes can protect their hair and the importance of including pre-wash hair oils to maintain healthy locks. These tips are beneficial not just for elite competitors but for anyone leading an active lifestyle.
The Hair Struggles of Athletes
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Tight Hairstyles: Athletes often resort to tight braids, buns, or ponytails to keep their hair out of their faces during training and competitions. While practical, these styles can lead to traction alopecia, a condition caused by excessive tension on the hair shafts. Over time, this could result in hair thinning and loss around the hairline.
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Under Hat Hair: Many sports require the use of helmets, caps, or other headgear. Prolonged wear can trap sweat and oils against the scalp, leading to conditions like scalp acne or fungal infections or just excessive sebum production. Additionally, the friction between hair and headgear can cause breakage and split-ends.
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Chlorine Exposure: Swimmers, in particular, face the challenge of chlorine-damaged hair. Chlorine strips the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. It can also alter the hair’s colour, especially for those with chemically treated hair.
Everyday Sportsperson: Hair Care Essentials
Just like Olympians, everyday athletes need to give their hair the TLC it deserves. Here’s how using a pre-wash hair oil can make a significant difference:
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Strengthen the Hair: Pre-wash hair oils can help fortify the hair shaft, making it more resilient against damage from tight hairstyles and headgear.
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Prevent Breakage and Split-Ends: Pre-wash oils can create a protective barrier around the hair, reducing friction and preventing future split-ends and breakage.
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Protect Against Excess Sweat Production: Excessive sweating can disrupt the natural ph balance of the scalp, leading to issues like dandruff and scalp irritation. Pre-wash oils help maintain can help to clarify and detoxify the scalp leading to a clear, fresh head.
Application Tips for Pre-Wash Hair Oil
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● Choose the Right Oil: Select an oil that suits your specific hair type. For example, our Rapunzel oil is great for anyone who finds that their is stubborn and refuses to grow, while our Lemonaid oil is perfect for greasy prone, oily scalps.
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● Apply Generously: Massage the oil into your scalp and work it through the lengths of your hair. For best results, leave it on for at least an hour before washing out and double cleansing with shampoo.
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● Consistency is Key: Incorporate pre-wash oil treatments into your routine at least once a week. Regular use will yield the best results in terms of strength, moisture, and overall hair health.
As we all stare in awe of the olympians battling it out in Paris, it's essential to remember that athletes' hair needs protection and care, just like their bodies. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a general fitness enthusiast, taking steps to protect your hair from the rigours of physical activity is crucial. Incorporating a pre-wash hair oil into your routine can help to strengthen the hair, prevent damage, and promote healthy growth. So, give your hair the care it deserves and keep it as strong and resilient as you are.