I Used to Postpone Workouts to Save My Hairstyles—These Sweat-Defying Tips Changed the Game

They always work.

Amaka Hamelijnck wearing a sporty, matching set and a high bun

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

While I don't consider myself a naturally sporty person, I do like to get moving throughout my day to counter the hours I spend typing away at my desk. When I get some free time in my schedule, you'll find me stretching on my yoga mat, doing reformer Pilates, or taking a walk through the park with a matcha latte. That said, I wouldn't be completely honest if I didn't mention the monumental role my natural coils and heat-treated tendrils have played in my wellness journey.

It wasn't until I became a beauty editor that I was allowed to edit my hair product lineup to perfectly match the new lifestyle I was living. Toward the tail end of the pandemic, I began taking three Pilates classes a week and ended up mastering a haircare routine that could keep up with perspiration and tension from pulling my hair in buns and ponytails. Now, whether I decide to wear my curls in a protective style or straight doesn't matter as long as I have a few products in my routine.

Wondering which products made the biggest difference for workout-ready hair? Below, discover 21 of my favourites across several of the industry's most beloved haircare brands like Briogeo, Curlsmith, Gisou, and Color Wow.

1. Cleansing With a Focus on Scalp Health

2. Restorative Treatments Between Workout Sessions

Amaka Hamelijnck wears activewear by Björn Borg while out and about.

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

3. Having Lightweight Styling Aids On Hand

4. Using Low Tension Sweat-Wicking Accessories

Dana Ozime wears Adanola while on a hike

(Image credit: @danaozime)

5. Refreshing Post-Workout Strands

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Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's Associate Beauty Editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.