As the New Year approaches we often find ourselves making a lists of objectives to be accomplished. One thing that tends to pop-up on that list is our health, wellness and fitness plans.
Surprisingly enough, it has been reported that a respectable percentage of women today have chosen to forego exercise for the sake of their hair-do. ….Yep, that’s right!
Specifically, research informs that 2 out of 5 African American women neglect cardiovascular activity as a result of trepidation over their hair.
At this time, it is imperative to be mindful about such a dilemma with the increasing number of obesity, diabetes, hypertension etc within the community.
This research came about due to some introspection by Dr. Amy McMichael – dermatologist at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She asked herself; “As an African-American woman, I have that problem, and my friends have that problem. So I wondered if my patients had that problem.”
Dr. McMichael and her colleagues launched an investigation and divulged their findings in the Archives of Dermatology over the past week. The researchers surveyed 103 African-American women who visited the Wake Forest University in October 2007. They discovered that the majority of women were exercising below the recommended 150 minutes a week, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The women voiced that hair care can be strenuous and costly, which is a hindrance to working-out on a consistent basis.
So what is the method, to remedy this, in order to achieve healthy bodies together with fantastic hair? We’re glad that you asked. Below are some tips to assist with taking great care of our hair while doing the same for our bodies….
To ensure that attending to your hair is not a burden following exercise, it is helpful to create a Smooth & Speedy Regiment. In the same time that it takes for a shower after a work-out, one can clean the hair quickly but efficiently. It is also important to consider that, the scalp behaves like the skin on the remainder of our body. Just as the skin is itchy and dry once we’ve worked out and we are required to properly remove make-up at the end of each day for the healthiest skin possible, in the same way our scalp can remain clogged and age our hair if we do not look after it well following heavy fitness activity. Therefore since we are not neglecting to clean our bodies scrupulously, let’s not forget to take proper care of our scalp.
Ok…Now to perform a Smooth & Speedy Regiment note that it will be required to wash your hair after activity that causes you to sweat. Often times that is following an awesome Zumba or Spinning class session or even Body Sculpting class. However for those days where the focus is on strength training, or perhaps basic yoga, and there is little or no perspiration, take the day off. Additionally, ensure that you use a clarifying shampoo and execute one application. Since your hair-washing-days will be increased, multiple washes are not necessary.
As a part of the recommended Smooth & Speedy Regiment consider Part 1 – Hair-Washing:
First: Rinse your hair at the same time you rinse your body, in the shower
Second: As you lather your body, apply a clarifying shampoo. (Note: An acid-balanced shampoo is safe on your hair, scalp, and body, and it saves time).
Third: Rinse your hair and body.
Fourth: Apply a conditioner, and let it sit while lathering your body a 2nd time or perhaps shaving your legs. For long hair use about a quarter sized amount, medium length hair use a nickel sized amount and for short hair use no more than a dime sized amount.
Fifth: Rinse your hair as you rinse your body.
You are now clean and conditioned from head to toe.
As you are in the mode of caring for your hair as you care for your body, you will probably not be able to maintain a blown out or elaborate style during this time of cardio activity. However, there are some fabulous and easy styles that can be accomplished to retain the best-of-both-worlds.
Consider Smooth & Speedy Regiment Part 2 – Hair-Styling:
First: After shampooing the hair blot it with a towel or wrap the towel around your head while drying off.
Second: When dry and ready, remove the towel and apply a leave-in conditioner.
Third: Apply a hair sculptor or smoother to your hairline. If your hair is curly be sure to apply a hair moisturizer prior to the sculptor.
Fourth: Smooth your hair back and gather it into a ponytail.
Fifth: Spray holding or sculpting mist around hairline and wrap it with a satin scarf.
Sixth: If necessary, attach a hair piece such as a bun, fall, or drawstring ponytail.
Now you are ready for the following day or later that evening.
Of course, this is only one option among many for a Smooth and Speedy Regiment with regards to styling. It is all dependent on your hair type and current style. However, there are some key things to remember toward the goal of treating your hair well, as you also treat your body well…
Key Things To Remember:
Ensure that you rinse perspiration out of your hair following any physical activity with a strong water force. Be mindful to use a clarifying shampoo with a pH range between 4.5 and 5.5. Do be weary of conditioning shampoos, in this instance, as they they will cause buildup. Still, do apply the appropriate amount of moisturizer following your shampoo (but don’t over-do it) to off-set the number of hair washes and to maintain healthy hair. We recommend the light but nurturing Demorin Smoothing Serum. Get into a method of a quick and easy routine which works for you!
Finally, to quote Dr. Amy McMichael; “If you don’t have a healthy body then you aren’t going to have any hair to fix,”.
Go forth and be the Best-You-Ever! Happy 2013!
