Hair and Scalp Care After a Workout

If you train most days, you sweat a lot. Dried sweat leaves salt on your scalp, which can cause itching and flaking. But shampooing daily strips your scalp’s natural oils and can leave it dry. Here is how to balance the two.

Don’t shampoo every day

Shampoo removes sweat, but it also removes the oils that protect your scalp. Your scalp may then make more oil to compensate, which leaves roots greasy and ends dry. A simple weekly pattern:

1. Rinse days (3 to 4 a week): rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. For a moderate workout, that’s often enough.
2. Co-wash days (1 to 2 a week): massage a light conditioner into your scalp and rinse. It cleans without drying.
3. Shampoo days (1 to 2 a week): use a sulfate-free shampoo to clear buildup.

Avoid folliculitis on the neck

Small red bumps on the back of your neck after a workout are often bacterial folliculitis. Sweat and bacteria get trapped in freshly cut follicles.

• Put a clean towel on shared benches.
• Don’t sit in a sweaty hat or shirt on the drive home. Rinse your neck and face soon after you finish.
• Keep alcohol-free witch hazel in your gym bag and wipe your neck with it.

If the bumps persist or get painful, see a doctor.

Cuts for active guys

• Mid skin fade with a textured crop: the bare sides dry fast.
• Short crew cut: needs little product and holds up under a helmet or hat.
• Buzz cut with a beard: dries in seconds.

Between cuts

If you train hard, your hairline blurs quickly. A $20 Line Up between full haircuts keeps your edges and neck clean.