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5 Pro Hairstylists on How to Get Your Post-Gym Hair Looking Fresh

Post-gym hair is no longer an excuse for skipping your workout
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Raise your hand if you've ever avoided working out, just because you didn't want to deal with gym hair.

Hey, we've all been there, right? And while it may seem petty, there's merit to it, too — after all, who wants to deal with re-washing and/or re-styling their hair after a 6 a.m. Soul Cycle class before work?

"But that's what dry shampoo is for!" you might be thinking and hey, you're partially right: Dry shampoo is definitely something of a lifesaver. But still, there are situations where even a few well-deployed spritzes of Klorane aren't going to be able to save the day. And that's why we called in the experts: We spoke to 5 hairstylists and got their best tips and tricks for avoiding the dreaded gym hair. Keep reading to see their insights.

Image via Imaxtree

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Davis Feliz, Stylist at Frédéric Fekkai Salon in Greenwich
"Since hair tends to lose a bit of shape from sweating or perhaps wearing it in a ponytail, I would recommend cooling off a bit and then spraying with Fekkai Soleil Beach Waves Spray, $14.99, throughout to create beautiful texture and body, and then styling your hair as preferred with a deeper part for extra height or maybe a light backcombing (light teasing) where needed to finalize.

"Wearing a fun ponytail is always easy after a good workout too! To make it seem fresh, add some texture at the crown by backcombing. For an even more refined look, take a small section of hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, covering the elastic.

"I'm a big fan of braids when going for the edgier look, but it takes just a bit more time than just putting products. For this look, I recommend a Dutch or French braid for the top, around the crown, and gathering for a ponytail for a very cool Ariana Grande-inspired look."

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Kali Ferrara, NYC Hairstylist
"Preparation before you even start your workout is key. If you have long hair, split your hair where you part it all the way back and pull each section into their own ponytails. Then twist each section away from your face until they gather into two buns on top of your head. This kind of funny look will help to maintain volume and wave during your sweat session.

"After your workout, take your topknot(s) down, turn your head over and blast the sweaty portions (usually the roots) with a blowdryer. While the dryer is on your hair pull lightly for a little tension on your hair to make sure your roots straighten out. Drying upside-down is crucial to maintaining volume in the roots.

"After you've sufficiently dried the roots you can stop there, or you can use a larger round brush and blowdryer to smooth the sections around your face, the top, and the crown. Pulling all the sections towards your face for more volume."

Image via P4Ranoid Guild/EyeEm/Getty

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Michelle Cleveland, Celebrity hairstylist and owner of Hair Addict Salon
"I know everyone uses dry shampoo after but try using it BEFORE your workout. Most dry shampoos are talc or charcoal-based and will begin absorbing sweat before it even has a chance to puddle up on the scalp, leaving less work for you to do after the gym!

You can also work out with your hair in a low loose braid rather than a tight slick back pony/bun. Keeping the hair right to the scalp allows the sweat and sebum to saturate more of the hair leaving more work for you to do to remove it! Adding a headband to your gym look can also help absorb excessive sweat accumulation in the hair."

Image via Imaxtree

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Joseph Maine, Color Wow Artistic Director
"The best way to get post-gym hair to look fresh is not by adding more product to dirty hair. The best alternative to washing your hair is to style your hair in sleek or slick styles to make the grit seem intentional. I recommend spraying Color Wow's Cult Favorite, $24, on a hairbrush and snatch your hair into a high pony and either braid or wave the length. Or add conditioner to your hair and use it as an opportunity for a treatment day. Create a deep side part and make a slick low pony. Saturate the pony in conditioner and twist/wrap it into itself. Pin into place."

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BY KRISTEN BOUSQUET | AUG 7, 2019 | SHARES
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