I’m someone who switches their hair style up very often. There doesn’t even need to be a big night out or a special event for me to try out a new style. From wigs to braids and weaves – my hairdresser can barely keep up. However, as a reformed fitness enthusiast I also found myself getting into a pattern of re-jigging my exercise days or just avoiding exercise altogether in order to avoid sweating – and to get maximum wear out of my new hairstyle.
Black women will know that wash day is usually a long process when it comes to our hair – especially for my 4c girlies. It can often take a full day of shampooing, conditioning, blowdrying (and often a sore hand) to get our hair where it needs to be. So it makes sense to opt out of a session full of sweating to prolong it. However, it appears I’m not alone with this choice. According to Gymshark, 45 percent of Black women admitted to avoiding the gym altogether because they didn’t want their hair getting ruined.
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However, there might just be a game-changing product that will change this. On Instagram, I spotted Love Island’s Whitney Adebayo fronting a campaign for the Gymshark Diffuse Sweat Headband (£20). The Gymshark headband is a multi-wear, sweat-wicking headband with the durability to support you and your coils and textured hair through training. It’s thick yet breathable, and designed to stay put and keep you focused, so you can work out freely with one less distraction. Gymshark are promising a lot with this product, so of course I had to put it to the test and see if this headband is really worth the hype.
Image Source: Gymshark
According to one study, 45 percent of Black women admitted to avoiding the gym altogether because they didn’t want their hair getting ruined.
How I Tested the Gymshark Headband
I go to spin classes weekly, and it’s definitely a tough session and I sweat a lot throughout. If any class was going to test the durability of this headband, it was this one. So, before the class I put my wig on, slicked my baby hairs down with gel to perfection and put the Gymshark headband over my head.
My Honest Review of the Gymshark Headband
After a 45 minute class – I took the headband off and I was quite impressed. The headband did exactly what it said on the tin. Of course, my baby hairs weren’t in the exact same condition that they were before the workout, but the gel held well and my hair still looked presentable afterwards. My wig also stayed in place and didn’t slide back during the workout, which was another good sign. Sometimes if your wig isn’t secure enough during a workout, you can start to feel self-conscious, in case it slides off. But I didn’t have this worry at all – if anything, the headband provided an extra layer of protection.
About the Gymshark Sweat Diffuse Headband
Things to consider about the Gymshark Sweat Diffuse Headband
The only thing I found with the headband is if you have a larger head (like mine,) it can be a bit tight across your forehead. After taking the headband off, my head felt a little tight and it left a mark. However, the material used is very breathable and you can definitely tell it was made with fitness in mind. During the workout I didn’t feel overheated which you can often find with thick headband materials.
Rating:
Overall, I would say that the Gymshark headband has 100 percent changed my approach to my hair and fitness. I now know I no longer have to skip my workout in order to preserve my wigs, braids or natural hair.
Aaliyah Harry(she/her) is the associate editor at POPSUGAR UK. She writes extensively across lifestyle, culture and beauty. Aaliyah also has a deep passion for telling stories and giving voice to the voiceless. Previously, she has contributed to Refinery29, Grazia UK and The Voice Newspaper.
