Why your ‘runner’s ponytail’ may be damaging your hair

If you’re a runner or have an active lifestyle and also happen to sport long hair, there is a high probability that you use a runner’s ponytail as your active hairstyle of choice. You know the one, the ‘tie it up and then stretch the hairs from the knot so the ponytail sits extra high and extra tight’. Firstly, we’d like to applaud you for choosing an active lifestyle above all else. However, while your body is getting a healthy dose of exercise and your mental wellbeing is being replenished, your hair may be suffering, and that’s simply because of the way you tie it.

Hairstylist and Evo Haircare International Creative Director Tom Smith warns people on Instagram of the damage of having a ponytail while you exercise. He tells viewers that while he was out on a walk he saw someone running, but as she was running her hair was tied on a ponytail and it naturally switched from side to side. He then alerted viewers that a repeated and continuous movement like that would mimic a “whiplash” effect but on the hair strands. “If you go for a run and have your hair loose whipping back and forth it’s an absolute recipe for split ends and really dry friction burn at the ends of your hair.” Tom says.

Tying your hair back to keep it away from the face while you run, may be causing some damage to your lengths. So what’s the solution? Tom advises us to instead tie the hair in a neat but loose bun. “Make sure you wrap it, maybe braid it into a neat little bun, keep it tightly tucked away so it’s not moving as you run.” Although not too tight to avoid developing traction alopecia.

In the comments, Tom also advises a user to further protect the hair they can also put in a hair mask before the run. “The best thing is put a hair mask in, gently braid or twist it then wash it out after your run! Treatment and exercise in one!”

So if you’ve been loyal to the runner’s ponytail like us and causing havoc to your hair while doing exercise, this is your sign to wrap it up, so you can keep hair out of the way, protect it from unnecessary friction and split ends, while still looking cute doing it.

Here are some hair masks you should try to apply while on your jog:

For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona