by Na’Tasha Jones, Co-founder and Chief Content Officer

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Whether it’s crazy summer heat or the icy winter months (which will be here before we know it), extreme weather always calls for extra care and attention to our hair. While these conditions can wreak havoc on all types of hair, those with natural hair can find it especially difficult to maintain healthy, moisturized tresses. Besides the drier air, sweat from regular exercise can add insult to [hair] injury.

Dr. Jen Alexander, Head of Research & Development for Sunday II Sunday. Photo: Still Shot Photography

What many may not realize, though, is that one of the main keys to maintaining healthy hair is a healthy scalp. The scalp is a protective barrier that keeps harmful contaminants from penetrating, and it’s where hair follicles sit.

Dr. Jen Alexander is Head of Research & Development for Sunday II Sunday, a line of hair products specifically designed for active women to remove excess sweat and restore moisture. She knows the importance of maintaining a healthy scalp as part of hair maintenance.

“If the scalp is not healthy, the hair follicle will not get proper nourishment and in turn will not produce healthy hair,” says Dr. Alexander. “Further, if the scalp barrier is compromised, contaminants can penetrate leading to a host of issues including inflammation, irritation and hair loss.”

But how can you help protect your scalp and still remain active? Dr. Alexander shares her top tips, as well as recommended products for keeping your hair and scalp fresh and refreshed through your workouts.

Scalp Care Tips for Natural-haired runners

1. A Healthy Scalp is Clean

“Post-workout, it is important to remove sweat from the scalp and replenish moisture,” says Dr. Alexander. “If sweat is left on the scalp, it can clog hair follicles, disturb scalp pH and weaken hair strands. These changes can cause odor, itch, irritation, brittle lifeless strands and breakage. Additionally, moisture should be replenished post workout because the salt found in sweat can dry out the scalp leading to dryness, itch and irritation.”

We recommend: Sunday II Sunday ROOT REFRESH Micellar Rinse

2. Soothe Scalp Itch

Scalp itch can be an indicator of inflammation, dryness, dandruff and a number of other issues. “For active women, if sweat is left on the scalp post-workout, it can lead to dryness and itch. Peppermint oil is great for soothing the scalp and can be found in SOOTHE ME Scalp Serum along with a patent-pending botanical complex that stops itching in 15 minutes or less,” says Dr. Alexander.

We recommend: Sunday II Sunday SOOTHE ME Daily Scalp Serum

3. Fight Flakes by Moisturizing

Natural oils, such as sebum, coat the scalp to keep it nourished, pliable and protected. If the scalp lacks moisture, the barrier will be compromised which can lead to a number of issues such as irritation, inflammation, dryness, itch, slow hair growth and ultimately hair loss. For active women, it is important to replenish moisture post-workout since sweat can disrupt the natural oils on the scalp.

It’s also important to note that dry scalp shouldn’t be confused with dandruff. “Dandruff is caused by the fungus Malassezia which lives on the scalp,” says Dr. Alexander. This fungus feeds on natural oils on the scalp and can break them down into irritating substances causing an irritant response leading to oily flakes. Itchy scalp is common among active women, [but may not necessarily be dandruff].”

We recommend: Sunday II Sunday REVIVE ME Daily Moisturizing Spray

4. Edges Need Love, Too

The hair around your edges is fragile and prone to breakage. So, it’s important to give your edges extra care. Avoid over combing or brushing your edges, and try to minimize constant tension from ponytails and protective styles whenever possible.

Dr. Alexander advises, “Pre-workout, I recommend Sunday to Sunday’s Edge Flourish Daily Nourishing Serum to minimize hair breakage from scarves/hats/headbands and excessive dryness that can result from sweating. This serum contains safflower seed oil and sunflower seed oil which nourishes the hair and scalp while promoting hair growth. Nourishing ingredients are also great at night as an extra boost to the body’s natural repairing process.”

We recommend: Sunday II Sunday EDGE FLOURISH Daily Nourishing Serum

Looking for the full slate of products? Try the MOISTURE BALANCE Kit which includes all products mentioned above. Use Code ‘RUNGRL’ to save 15%.

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Get more #MyRunningHair tips and learn ways to prioritize your wellness while also maintaining healthy hair on our My Running Hair page.

Photos in this article are by Bri Williams and RUNGRL Design.