Do you dream of dazzling hair while staying in shape? Did you know that sport, in addition to being beneficial for your health, can also have a significant impact on your hair? Surprising, isn't it? This is the subject we will explore together today. In this article, we will detail the links between different sporting activities and hair health, the impact of sport on hormones, the precautions you should take to protect your hair during your workouts and much more. Let's go !

How does sport influence hair health? 

Sport and physical activity have a considerable impact on our blood circulation. When we exercise, our heart rate increases, which leads to better blood circulation throughout our body. But what does this have to do with our hair? Well, our scalp, like any other tissue in our body, needs nutrients to stay healthy. These nutrients are provided by the blood that circulates in the small capillary vessels under the skin of our scalp.  

The greater the blood flow, the more nutrients reach our hair follicles, the little “pockets” from which hair grows. This means that when we exercise, we increase the amount of nutrients that reach our hair follicles. As a result, our hair gets more of what it needs to grow, which can lead to thicker, healthier hair.  

Additionally, improved blood circulation can also help remove toxins and waste from our hair follicles, which can contribute to better hair health. So, the next time you think about skipping your workout, think about your hair! They will also benefit from your training.

The different types of sport and their impact on hair health 

Whether you're a fan of cardio, yoga, strength training, or swimming, each activity has its unique benefits. Here is an overview of some of the most popular sports and their effects on hair health:  

• Cardiovascular sports: “Cardio” such as running, cycling or aerobics are excellent for increasing blood circulation throughout the body, including the scalp. This increased blood flow helps deliver more nutrients to the hair follicles, which promotes healthy hair.

• Yoga: Yoga, known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation, may also have benefits for hair health. Stress is one of the factors that contribute to hair loss. By helping to manage anxiety, yoga can therefore help prevent hair loss. Additionally, certain yoga postures, such as candlestick pose or handstand pose, can increase blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth.

Want to know more about the link between stress and hair loss? You can consult our dedicated article !

• Strength training: Strength training can also be beneficial for hair health. In addition to increasing blood circulation, strength training can help regulate hormones and improve overall health, which can have positive effects on hair health.

Sports less friendly for your mane 

• Swimming: Swimming is a great full-body exercise, but it can be a little less friendly to your hair, especially if you're swimming in a chlorinated pool. Chlorine can dry out and damage your hair. However, this doesn't mean you should avoid swimming. Just take some precautions, like wetting your hair with fresh water before swimming (which limits the amount of chlorine your hair can absorb) and wearing a swimming cap. Also make sure to rinse and moisturize your hair after swimming.

• Outdoor extreme sports: 

Extreme and outdoor sports, such as surfing, climbing or skiing, can expose your hair to harsh environmental conditions. Sun, wind, salt water or cold can all dry out and damage your hair. It is therefore important to protect your hair by wearing a hat, bandana or beanie, and by using protective hair care products, such as our 5-in-1 leave in which hydrates, nourishes and protects the hair from external aggressions such as UV rays. !

The impact of sport on hormones 

Sport has a significant influence on our body, including hormonal balance, which can have a surprising impact on hair health. 

Take for example endorphins , the happy hormones that our body releases during a workout. They act directly on our well-being by combating stress and anxiety, factors which can be harmful to our hair. When you feel good from those endorphins, your hair feels it too!

Next, let's move on to cortisol , the stress hormone. Think of cortisol as a troublemaker that likes to cause anxiety, a factor that negatively affects your hair. Practicing physical activity helps regulate the production of this hormone. A lower cortisol level, obtained through regular exercise, therefore translates into healthier hair.

Finally, sport also stimulates the production of growth hormones . These hormones help hair follicles to regenerate and boost hair fiber growth. Through physical activity, these hormones work to give you thicker, healthier hair.

But how exactly does it all work? Exercise stimulates your metabolism and blood circulation, ensuring that these hormones are efficiently transported to your hair follicles.

Precautions to take when practicing sports to protect hair health

For sport to have a positive effect on your hair, it is important to adopt the right actions. It's a bit like doing a beauty routine for your hair, but with a little sporty twist.  

Wear a headband: When you exercise, your body sweats to help cool down. This includes your scalp, which can get quite damp. If this sweat builds up, it can dry out your scalp and hair, causing damage. A headband can help absorb that sweat and keep it away from your hair.

Wash your hair after training: After exercising, it is important to wash your hair to remove salt and sweat that can build up and dry out the hair fiber. A good, gentle shampoo and moisturizing conditioner can help clean and rehydrate your hair.

Use Proper Care: Using a gentle shampoo and moisturizing conditioner after your workouts can help maintain hair health. You may also consider using a detoxifying treatment like our Purifying Detox Mask to remove the buildup of oil and sweat that can occur with regular exercise.

Take dietary supplements: To support hair health from the inside out, consider taking dietary supplements that promote hair growth. These supplements are often rich in vitamins and minerals that help improve the appearance of your hair and can also give you more energy during your workouts.

We recommend our anti-hair loss & growth complex formulated with 21 essential active ingredients to improve the beauty of your hair, nails and skin while giving you a real boost of pep

FAQ: We answer all your questions 

1. Is sport good for hair? 

Are you still wondering if sport is good for your hair despite all our information? The answer is a big YES! Not only can regular exercise help regulate hormones that influence hair health, but it also stimulates your blood circulation, ensuring that these beneficial hormones reach your hair follicles. So, tie up your hair, put on your workout gear, and get ready to sweat for healthier, better-looking hair!

2. Does sport help hair growth?

Yes, exercise can actually help hair growth. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which provides better nourishment to hair follicles, thereby stimulating their growth. Additionally, exercise helps regulate hormones, including growth hormones which can promote hair growth. So, regular exercise can contribute to thicker and healthier hair.

3. Does the gym affect hair?

The gym itself does not directly affect your hair. However, the activities you do there, such as strenuous exercise, can have an impact on your hair. Intense exercise can lead to excessive sweating, which, if not properly managed, can dry out your scalp and hair. However, with the right practices, such as wearing a headband while exercising, washing your hair after training, and using proper care, you can minimize these effects and even improve hair health.

4. Is sweating good for hair?

Sweating isn't really good for your hair. In fact, excessive sweating can even have negative effects on your scalp. It can cause salt buildup which, if not properly cleaned, can dry out your scalp and hair and create irritation. A scalp that remains wet for too long can sometimes even cause, in some cases, seborrheic dermatitis. This is why it is important to wash your hair well after sports!  

5. How to wash your hair when you do a lot of sport?

If you exercise a lot, washing your hair may require special attention to balance hygiene and hair health. 

Washing frequency: It is generally recommended to wash your hair after each intense sports session to remove accumulated sweat. However, if that means washing your hair more than three to four times a week, you can alternate between washing it completely with shampoo and just rinsing it with water.

Would you like to know more about the ideal washing frequency? Discover our dedicated article !

Type of product: Use a mild shampoo that gently cleanses without being harsh. For people who exercise a lot, a clarifying shampoo can be used once a week to effectively remove sweat and oil buildup.

Drying: It is important to dry your hair thoroughly after washing to avoid damage caused by excessive humidity. However, avoid using a hairdryer on high heat as this can dry out and damage your hair. Instead, use a towel to absorb excess water and let your hair air dry as much as possible.

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