What Is It?
Gymshark’s latest accessory. Well, sort of. The double-layered Diffuse Sweat headband made with the Black community in mind launched back in February. Made with a unique sweat-wicking material that provides a layer of support for hair during workouts, the black stretchy headband captures and absorbs sweat to benefit textured hair and edges from sweating out in the gym. For the launch, the brand partnered with Love Island U.K.’s Whitney Adebayo, who owns a hair brand and has spent most of her career in the hair industry and said, “There is such a gap in the fitness market for people with textured hair.”
Do I Need This?
Photo: Retailer
Yes. Not only do I need it as a Black woman who reverted back to perms just to have an easier lifestyle of working out and maintaining my hair, but the Black community needs this as an accessory that bridges the gap between the fitness and hair communities.
I’ve been wearing the headband for the past five months during my daily workouts, and the sweat-wicking material definitely works. I’ve worn it with different styles: weaves, ponytails, or just my natural hair. Do I still sweat? Yes, but the headband doesn’t stop the sweat; instead, it absorbs sweat. When I’m wearing a weave, my hair that is left out is less sweaty, thus causing me to have to put less heat on it post-workout. It also avoids any product coming onto my face, which has been a game changer because sweat and hair product often drips into my contact lenses, causing my eyes to burn.
It’s most effective for women who, like myself, may wear weaves or wigs and often have concerns about their edges during workouts. Some women who work out and sweat excessively have turned to getting Botox on their scalp to reduce their sweat in hopes of keeping their hairstyles for a longer period of time or reducing their hair washes. I’ve skipped many workouts because I have a fresh hairdo, but that just doesn’t seem fair.
What Are People Saying?
A lot of women have been relieved at the thought of having an accessory that may be some type of solution for them.
One tweet quoted Gymshark on statistics it found saying 45 percent of Black women admit to avoiding exercise to keep their hairstyles intact and praised the brand for the Diffusing headbands. Some commenters did point out that Gymwrap, a brand by Nicole Ari Parker, has been around for a few years providing similar headbands and head accessories for women who work out.
Gymshark has previously launched a sports hijab for Muslim and modest women who wear hijabs. The accessories show a commitment that Gymshark has to multiple communities of gymgoers.
How Do I Get It?
The headband is available on Gymshark’s website for $20. Get it before it sells out … again.
Never Cancel a Workout Because of Your Hair Again
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