As the world celebrates the beginning of the 2024 Paris Olympics, it's the perfect time to celebrate the incredible abilities of Women in sports. (Don't worry, we think the guys are pretty great too!)
We’re all about the curls and because we think women are pretty great, we want to shine the spotlight on some inspiring female athletes that rock their naturally curly hair! We also want to talk about some of the unique challenges that women with curly hair face as athletes.
Athletes with curly hair face unique challenges in maintaining and managing their hair during intense training and competition. Especially athletes that compete in water sports or require the use of helmets.
Educating young athletes on how to care for their curls as they develop is a crucial first step in establishing a healthy hair care routine that will support them throughout their athletic development and beyond.
Common Challenges:
- Loose strands impairing vision
- Halo frizz
- Hair tie damage/breakage
- Chlorine or chemical exposure
- Sweat
- Helmet hair
- Fungal infections
This blog highlights the importance of a good pre/post-training hair routine, the impact of sweat, and suggests practical curly hair updo's that won't damage or dry the hair.
The Effects Of Sweat On Hair
Sweat can be a curly-haired athlete's worst enemy. It can lead to dryness, frizz, scalp irritation if not managed properly, fungal infections. Sweat travels down the hair shaft, carrying oils and dirt along with it. This can make the hair look dull and greasy. When sweat dries on the scalp, it can clog hair follicles, mixing with bacteria and potentially causing irritation or damage.
A sweaty scalp is also a breeding ground for the dandruff-causing fungus Malassezia Globosa. The warm humid microclimate is the perfect environment for the fungus to thrive.
Pre-Training/Competition Hair Care
- Hydrate Your Curls: Always make sure your curls are washed and hydrated before a competition. This will help protect your hair from the drying effects of sweat.
- Use a Protective Style: Secure your curls in a protective style like braids, a high bun, or a ponytail. These styles will keep your hair out of your face and minimise tangling and breakage during your workout.
- Choose the Right Hair Ties: Use hair ties that are free of metal clasps to prevent snags and breakage. Opt for fabric-covered elastics or scrunchies to minimise damage to your curls.
- Apply a Light Oil or Serum: A light application of oil or serum can help create a barrier against sweat and environmental elements, keeping your curls smooth and frizz-free during your workout.
- Wear a Headband: A moisture-wicking headband or headband can help absorb sweat and prevent it from dripping down into your hair, which can help maintain your style and reduce frizz.
Post-Training Tips For Athletes With Curls
- Cleanse Your Scalp: After your workout, cleanse your scalp to remove sweat and build-up. Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
- Deep Condition: Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourish your curls. This helps combat the drying effects of sweat and keeps your hair healthy.
- Refresh with Dry Shampoo: If you don't have time to wash your hair, use a dry shampoo like Lohy's Rain Check Dry Shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your curls, leaving them looking clean and voluminous.
- Detangle Gently: Use a wide-tooth comb, flexi brush or your fingers to gently detangle your curls, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This helps prevent breakage and maintains your curl pattern.
- Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: Finish your post-workout routine with a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and keep your curls hydrated. This will help keep your hair soft, manageable, and frizz-free throughout the day.
Updo's For Young Athletes
Finding the right curly hair updo that is both functional and protective can be challenging, especially for teens. Here are some curly hair updo's perfect for young athletes:
- High Ponytail: A high ponytail keeps your hair off your face and neck, reducing sweat build-up and tangling. It's easy to do and can be secured with a soft scrunchie to avoid breakage. You can also plait the ends to avoid knots and tangles.
- Braided Ponytail: This style combines the security of a braid with the convenience of a ponytail. It keeps your hair in place and minimises friction, which can lead to frizz and damage. You can start the braid as close to your hairline or as far back as you want, depending on your style.
- Double French Braids: This style distributes the weight of your hair evenly and keeps it secure. It's also a stylish option that can transition from training to everyday wear effortlessly.
- Bubble Braids: Bubble braids are the number one trending up-style in 2024 for teenage girls.
Is Dry Shampoo An Option Post-Workout?
For athletes, washing hair or frequent refreshes can be time-consuming and can strip natural oils, leading to dryness. This is where dry shampoo becomes a lifesaver.
Lohy's new "Rain Check Dry Shampoo" is perfect for refreshing your hair without the need for water. It absorbs excess oil, adds volume, and leaves your curls looking fresh and clean. Incorporating dry shampoo into your curly hair routine can help extend the time between washes and maintain hair health.
Extra Care For Your Curls
- Silk or Satin Accessories: Using silk or satin hair ties and pillowcases can reduce friction and prevent breakage.
- Regular Trims: Keeping your ends trimmed helps prevent split ends and keeps your curls looking healthy.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is vital for overall health and helps keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
Inspiring Australian Female Athletes With Wavy And Curly Hair
Jess Fox
Jess Fox, a bonafide (and self confessed) curly girl has one of the most magnificent heads of curls we’ve seen grace the Olympic arena. She's also an absolute weapon on the water! Once again proving to be a dominant force in the world of canoe slalom, securing a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Beyond her athletic prowess, Jess, recognised for her stunning curly hair, faces her own set of challenges in her demanding sport. The combination of water, sweat, and helmet friction can wreak havoc on her curls.
However, Jess has mastered a hair care routine that keeps her curls in top condition inspiring curly-haired athletes everywhere to embrace their natural beauty while excelling in their chosen field. Jess often shares funny videos on her Tik Tok Account about maintaining her curly hair pre and post events.
Mary Fowler
Mary Fowler, a rising Indigenous star in Australian women's soccer, typically opts for a simple yet effective low ponytail, braid or more recently bubble braid during games. This keeps her curls secure and prevents them from interfering with her vision and agility. Managing sweat and maintaining the integrity of her waves, these styles allow her to concentrate on her game and showcase her skills. When she's not on the field, Mary embraces her natural wavy/curly hair and styles her hair with products that enhance her curls' natural texture and shine.
Grace Brown
Grace Brown’s incredible gold medal win in the road cycling event at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a testament to her extraordinary skill and endurance. With her distinctive curly hair, Grace tackles unique challenges presented by her sport, including helmet hair, sweat, and exposure to the elements during long rides. Maintaining healthy curls while competing at the highest level requires careful attention and a solid routine.
Her success on the global stage not only highlights her athletic talent but also serves as an inspiration to curly-haired athletes who strive to balance their hair care with the demands of their sport.
Nicola McDermott
Nicola McDermott, an Australian silver medalist high jumper, is known for her incredible athleticism. Nicola usually wears her wavy hair out, however during her high jump events, Nicola often wears her wavy hair pulled back into a high or low ponytail. This style not only keeps her hair off her face but also allows her to focus on her performance without any distractions, ensuring her waves remain tangle-free and manageable throughout the competition.
By following these tips and maintaining a consistent curly hair routine, female athletes can ensure their hair stays healthy and hydrated.
Love & Hydration xx
