How to Keep Your Braids Fresh During Workouts

How to Keep Your Braids Fresh During Workouts

January 01, 20253 min read

Maintaining your braids while staying active can be a challenge, but it’s entirely possible to keep your braids looking fresh and fabulous even during intense workouts. Whether you’re hitting the gym, doing yoga, or going for a run, there are a few simple strategies you can follow to ensure your braids stay neat and healthy while you sweat it out.

1. Protect Your Braids with a Scarf or Headwrap

One of the best ways to protect your braids during a workout is by wearing a scarf or headwrap. This helps to minimize frizz, keep your braids in place, and protect them from sweat. Opt for a breathable material, like silk or satin, to avoid moisture buildup, which can cause your scalp to itch or your braids to become damp and unkempt.

2. Use a Sweatband

If you're doing cardio or exercises that make you sweat a lot, using a sweatband around your forehead can help absorb moisture. This helps prevent sweat from running down into your braids and making them damp. A sweatband is a simple yet effective way to keep your braids looking fresh during even the most intense workouts.

3. Keep Your Braids Clean and Moisturized

While workouts may leave you sweating, it’s important to maintain clean and moisturized braids to prevent buildup of sweat and product. Use a dry shampoo or a braid-friendly refresher spray to clean your scalp between washes. You can also spritz your braids with a leave-in conditioner or hair mist to keep them hydrated, shiny, and healthy.

4. Tie Your Hair in a Loose Bun or Ponytail

If your braids are long, keeping them secure during a workout can help prevent tangling and friction. A loose bun or ponytail is an excellent way to keep your braids from swinging around and potentially getting damaged. Avoid tying your hair too tightly, as this can cause unnecessary tension on your scalp and braids.

5. Choose the Right Workout Hairstyle

If you prefer to leave your braids out, consider styling them in a way that keeps them off your face and neck during a workout. You can braid your hair in smaller sections or pin them back to prevent flyaways. Alternatively, if you want to protect your braids from excessive movement, you can wrap them into a loose updo.

6. Avoid Over-Washing Your Braids

Frequent washing may seem like the best option to keep your braids fresh, but it can actually strip your hair and braids of the natural oils that help keep them healthy. Over-washing can also cause frizz and disrupt the braid pattern. Stick to washing your braids every couple of weeks and focus on keeping them fresh with dry shampoo or braid-friendly products.

7. Maintain Your Scalp’s Health

A healthy scalp is essential for healthy braids. After a workout, gently massage your scalp to stimulate blood flow and relieve any tension from the braids. You can also apply a lightweight oil to your scalp to keep it moisturized and nourished. Avoid heavy oils, as they can weigh down your braids and cause them to look greasy.


Ready to keep your braids fresh and fabulous during your workouts? At Locs by Us, we specialize in braids that not only look amazing but are also designed to fit your active lifestyle.

Services We Specialize In

We offer expert braiding services, including knotless and box braids, designer cornrows, and more! Our experienced loctitians and stylists will help you achieve the perfect style that works with your unique lifestyle.

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Click here to book online: locsbyus.com/booking

For more information, call us at (781) 650-5353 or visit us at 536 Washington Street, Quincy, MA. We can’t wait to help you maintain your fresh, fabulous braids!

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