How sweat affects your scalp

Sweating is great for you, especially from a workout. It has benefits for your skin, body, hair and mood. So, when we talk about the effects of sweat on your scalp, it’s not to add uncertainty. The intention is to let you know what you should be aware of when it comes to sweat and your scalp. We’ll guide you through subject in a balanced manner so you’re able to enjoy your workouts while taking steps to protect your scalp.

What is in sweat?

Sweat is acidic and it is made up for 80% Sodium Chloride and 11% Lactate. What do these do to your scalp? Let’s talk about lactic acid first.

How does lactic acid affect your scalp?

Lactic acid is a moisturizing acid. Not only that but it can help to break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells, like an AHA does for your face, acting as a natural exfoliant for your scalp.

So, while you’ll find a lot of anecdotal articles claiming that lactic acid is terrible, we don’t think that’s all true.  But we can understand that it shouldn’t be left on your scalp for a prolonged period as it can make your scalp sensitive to the sun.

Now let’s talk about sodium chloride, also known as salt.

When your sweat dries, guess what’s left on your scalp, yup, salt. Salt can be drying and irritating and it can cause your scalp to feel itchy. This further affects your scalp the longer it is left on your scalp.

Sweat is a contributing factor to scalp buildup

Scalp buildup includes anything that’s left on your scalp. Your scalp produces sweat and sebum (natural oil). Then there are environmental factors such as dust and pollution. And lastly there’s the products you use for your hair be it leave-in conditioner, dry shampoo, gels etc. These are all building up on your scalp and when you cleanse irregularly, it can create scalp buildup which causes a host of issues highlighted in this article here

Five things you can do to ensure you are protecting your scalp:

1. Alternate your hairstyles when working out. This way you are not repeatedly adding strain to the same place each time. A braid is a great option as the gentlest way to tie your hair for a workout 

2. Untie your hair after working out. This will allow your scalp to dry faster 

3. Identify a wash routine that works best for you. This one is so important. The amount that you exercise is one of the determining factors for your wash schedule. If you are exercising frequently, you should be washing your hair more often too. Say you exercise/sweat 5 times a week, we would recommend that you wash your hair at least 2-3 times a week. And we would never recommend going beyond a week without washing your hair.

4. Add a pre-shampoo scalp treatment like our Scalp Elixir. This helps protect your scalp from oxidative stress, inflammation and it is anti-microbial. Learn more about the ingredients in this Scalp Elixir here

5. Wash your hair with a shampoo brush. This will help to exfoliate your scalp during your wash day and lift any buildup from your scalp. Our shampoo brush has long bristles to easily reach your scalp and has soft silicone bristles to gently, but thoroughly, clean your scalp

And here are Five things you should not do

1. Don't wear a tight hairstyle while working out (a tight ponytail or bun for example) 

2. If you’re working out with a cap on, remove the cap as soon as you’re done

3. Do not use dry shampoo on a sweaty scalp. You are just adding onto buildup which will be damaging overtime

4. Don’t go too many days without a hair wash. And if you’ve had a very, sweaty workout, wash your hair with shampoo after working out. 

5. Don’t co-wash. Co-wash is not an effective way to clean your scalp.

Want to learn some more healthy hair tips, check out this article

References

Jiang, Yumeng & Shi, Qi & Huang, Yingxue & Li, Ji & Xie, Hongfu & Liu, Fangfen. (2021). Relationship between the exercise and severity of androgenic alopecia. Zhong nan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical sciences. 46. 725-730. 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2021.200801.