Can your workout do anything for your hair? It's a question we hear a lot, and the honest answer is more nuanced than most of what you'll read online.
Many factors influence how your hair looks and feels: genetics, diet, hair care habits, even stress levels. Physical activity is one that often gets overlooked. People often wonder: Does exercise help with hair growth? Does sweat make your hair grow? Is sweat actually good for your hair?
Here's what we know, what's more myth than fact, and how to make your workout routine work for your hair, not against it.
Index
Does Working Out Help Hair Growth?
The short answer: exercise is good for your whole body, and your hair is part of that. It won't make your hair grow on its own, but regular physical activity has a real impact on your overall well-being, including stress, sleep and circulation, and all of those play a role in how your hair looks and feels.
Here's how exercise connects to better hair health.
How Exercise Affects Hair Growth
Here are some of the ways regular physical activity may contribute to healthier hair:
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Reducing Stress:
Stress is one of the common culprits behind hair shedding. Regular exercise helps lower stress levels, and when we work out, our bodies release endorphins, the "feel-good" chemicals that help counteract the effects of stress. -
Balancing Hormones:
Working out helps reduce stress hormones and releases serotonin and dopamine, often called "happy hormones," which can contribute to a more balanced hormonal environment. -
Improving Blood Circulation:
Physical activity gets blood flowing throughout the body, including the scalp. Many people believe that's good news for hair too. -
Keeping the Scalp Moisturized:
As we work up a sweat, the scalp releases sweat and natural oils, which are part of how it stays moisturized. A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy-looking hair. Just remember to wash it all out afterward (more on that below). -
Promoting Better Sleep:
A good night's sleep matters for almost every function in your body. Regular physical activity can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to more restful sleep.
So, does sweat make your hair grow faster? Not on its own. But the physical activity that makes us sweat is a great habit for your overall health, and your hair is part of that.
Does Sweat Make Your Hair Grow Faster?
No. Sweat itself doesn't make hair grow. What matters is what you do after your workout: sweat mixes with oil, dirt and dead skin, and if it stays on the scalp too long, it can lead to buildup, dandruff or irritation.
To keep your scalp happy after a workout:
- Rinse or wash your hair after workouts to remove sweat residue.
- Use a gentle, scalp-friendly shampoo like Goldie Locks® Signature Shampoo to keep things balanced.
- If you exercise daily, consider co-washing or a lightweight scalp cleanser.
So, sweat won't make your hair grow faster, but a clean, comfortable scalp after your workout is always a good idea.
Which Exercises Are Good for Your Hair?
Any form of regular exercise is good for your overall health. These are a few favorites that also help with stress and circulation.
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Cardio Exercises:
Running, cycling and swimming get your blood flowing and are great for stress relief. -
Neck Exercises:
Simple neck stretches can be done anywhere, anytime, and are a nice way to release tension in the neck and shoulders. -
Yoga:
Yoga is a great way to unwind, and poses like downward-facing dog and standing forward bend send a little extra blood flow toward your head. -
Jogging:
A low-intensity option that's good for your mood and circulation, and easy to keep up with. -
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):
Fast-paced and efficient, ideal if you don't have a lot of time but still want a workout that counts. -
Breathing Exercises:
Not a workout in the traditional sense, but breathing exercises from meditation or mindfulness routines are a simple way to reduce stress. They're easy to do and great for beginners.
Does Lack Of Exercise Affect Hair Growth?
Not directly, but a sedentary lifestyle can affect your overall health, including circulation, stress levels and sleep, and your hair is part of that.
Just as exercise is good for your overall health, a sedentary lifestyle, higher stress and poor nutrition can take a toll on how your hair looks and feels.
Now, it's important to remember that hair loss can be influenced by a variety of factors, and lack of exercise is just one of many potential contributors. However, leading a more active lifestyle is a positive step that can help improve your hair health along with your overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
In our view, exercise is good for your whole body, and your hair is part of that. From better circulation to lower stress and better sleep, a good workout routine is a great habit for anyone who cares about their hair. Just remember to wash out the sweat afterward.
Exercise is just one piece. A balanced diet, quality sleep, a proper hair care routine and, for many of our customers, Goldie Locks® Hair Supplements all play a part.
