We know that proper form and the right equipment are key to keeping our body healthy at the gym, but most of us have probably never considered how we can protect our hair.

Even though it may seem like the best way to keep any strays at bay, stylists suggest avoiding tight hairstyles and elastics that could damage your hair as you’re moving. Instead, tying your hair at the nape of your neck – with a fabric scrunchie or coiled hair band –will reduce the amount of tension and pressure on the hair follicles.

“While exercising, slick long hair back with some hair oil and tie into a pony or neat bun” says Nadia Hussain of Hair Loving Co. “This ensures comfort as well as safety, as your hair won’t come into your face while doing Zumba pulsing or nose-diving push ups.”

She continues: “You can help protect curly hair by oiling the hair roots to tips before your session, and then tying it up.” She recommends oils infused with natural goodness from organic, vegan hair hydration oil enriched with avocado oil for shine, ginger oil for hair growth, vitamin E for anti-dandruff.

Afro specialist Salon 3Thirty’s senior stylist Tiff also suggests trying out “protective styles such as braids, twists or, for shorter hair, pinning up strands of hair back to the scalp” when exercising.

For curly hair and natural afros, Tiff recommends using silk scrunchies (which prevents friction and reduces thinning) to separate your hair into four sections, before loosely putting each up into a bun. Use bobby pins to secure them into place.

According to Tiff, this will “stop your curls from forming all in the same direction when you let them back down, while also allowing the air to move freely around the scalp, minimising the build-up of sweat”.

How to protect your hair when working out, including when to wash it