Three must have hair products for your gym bag

Continuing on my theme of exercise inspired glam hairstyles, I’m trying to remove all obstacles to me getting fit and fabulous this year. 

OK, I totally fell off the health wagon last week but I’m determined to get back on. Here are my top three hair products to keep in your gym bag so you know you’ll always be prepared to create gorgeous hair after a workout.

This morning I went for my first session with my trainer of 2011 and boy did it hurt! I got cramps in my calves as I walked home and was almost limping! Not looking forward to tomorrow, second day pain is always worse for me. But I felt I had to take my own advice and get back on the exercise wagon.

Now I mainly exercise outdoors and then go home to shower but I used to go to a gym at lunchtimes at my last job.  As I only was on a lunch hour I often didn’t have time to wash my hair afterwards. I developed a little system that will get you back to work superfast (or going out afterwards) looking glam but without putting your back out carrying out your whole kit.

If my hair was curly that day -

1. Leave in Conditioner – Curly hair needs moisture. Even if you’re twisting and pinning it back you will appreciate the leave in conditioner when you take it out. I like a spray and at the moment use Matrix.
2. Curl revitaliser spray – Does exactly what it says. Man, I miss Redken’s In the Loop. It was the best curly hair product. I’m trying a new one from Joico at the moment, will let you know how it goes.
3. Serum or wax – Depending on how strong your curls are, either a serum or wax will help define them and cut through the frizz.

Can I add one more? If you have a permanent locker at your gym I would also suggest keeping a diffuser there. You can buy a spare one cheaply with a universal fitting so it can attach to any hairdryer. Carrying your hairdryer each time is too heavy, and I always used to leave it at the gym when I needed it at home! But with a diffuser even the crappy gym hairdryers will create gorgeous curls. 

If my hair was straight that day

1. Dry shampoo – I won’t harp on about this – see my dry shampoo reviews here and more dry shampoo tips here. Buy it.
2. Brush – It’s amazing what a brush does to your hair Not only will you need it to brush out any remaining dry shampoo but it will help create volume.  Depending on how thick your hair is, go for a paddle brush or a vent brush.
3. Hairspray – Multi use indispensible product! Wont make your hair look greasy but will keep it looking sleek all day. I adore Evo Helmet hair spray.

Ok, and my cheeky extra one is of course your straightening irons. I have heard that Cloud 9 make a travel size which would be perfect…wish I had some!

Ok, armed with this little kit you’ll be set to fit a workout into your lunch hour and still look fab. Ok, no excuses now. (That’s a reminder to me…)

Totally random image but I love dachshunds and this is cute.

Do you agree with my list? What is your must have hair product when you’re on the go?

Extra tips for dry shampoo

I previously posted some reviews for dry shampoo here but I’ve had a couple of questions about how to use it and some of you aren’t loving it.

Dry shampoo if great for straight hair with greasy roots and for creating extra body in fine hair. I use it when I’ve straightened my hair and want to get an extra day (or three) out of the style. It’s perfect for hairstyles after the gym if you’re running short on time.

Tip 1 - Only apply to your roots. Don’t spray onto your hair, just onto your hairline and part line. I sometimes also lift up my hair and spray on my scalp at the crown.

Tip 2 – Leave for a few minutes to absorb any oil on your scalp. Any white powder residue will start to disappear as it absorbs oil from your scalp.

Tip 3 - Then brush out any remaining residue. This will also help with volumising your hair.

Doubters, give it another try and let me know how you go.

Five fabulous hairstyles to take you from gym to glam

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight and/or get fit. So that means either diet or exercise. Preferably both. If you’re struggling to keep your New Year’s resolution these hair tips will have you glad to go to the gym.

I have a love hate with exercising. I always feel better for doing it and get that real endorphin rush but unless I really plan my time I will find any excuse not to go. Such as “I just washed my hair” or “I have to go out/go to work and won’t have time to wash my hair afterwards”.

Inspired by my revelation of my new favourite hairstyle and how well it worked on my post-exercise (read sweaty) hair, I decided to put together a list of my top five hairstyles to save you from hair disasters after the gym. 

1. The Reverse Ponytail of course! Brilliant hairstyle and my latest fave. Check out my original post to get the full how to and for more love about this hairstyle. 

2. The Twist and Pin – Perfect for curly or straight hair of any length. Hairstyle how to can be found here but it is infinitely versatile. Follow the links if you want to hear me rave on about this hairstyle and for more hair advice.

3. The sleek high pony – use that grease to your advantage and go for a high slick ponytail. Don’t go for a middle of a road pony, go high and wrap a section of hair around to hide your hairband. It’s the easiest finishing touch that elevates this look. A word of warning - don’t do this with a fuzzy or curly pony. Try a high plait instead. Hair must be straight to pull off the high pony.

4.  The chignon – really just a posh bun, but doesn’t chignon sound so much more glam? Tie all your sweaty locks into a low pony and then pin into a bun. Can be loose or structured, depending on your hair and how you are feeling.

5. The braid – love this look to get rid of a frizzy fringe especially if you don’t have your Parlux handy to blast it into submission. Haven’t yet got the dexterity to do this on your own hair looking at it backwards in the mirror? Well keep working on it (and you’ll end up with Michelle Obama arms) and an easy fix is just to twist it away like this hair idol.

Alas, no more excuses as to why you can’t fit a workout into your schedule and still have fabulous hair.  Bikini season is well underway in Australia and after a very busy party season I need to get moving so less bits of me are moving if you know what I mean...

Do you have a special routine for after the gym? What are your post exercise beauty or hair tips?