The super-smart reason you should use a hair mask *during* your workout

As much as I’m trying to focus on mindfulness these days, I can’t help but occasionally still indulge in some good old-fashioned (and sure, time-saving) multitasking, so long as it doesn’t leave me totally scatterbrained. So when I heard that I could best deep condition my hair during a workout—rather than spend 15 extra minutes in the shower to make all that goodness soak in—I was all ears.

The heat from your body—especially the heat from your head—will help to open the cuticle of your hair, which allows for deeper penetration.

Liana Zingarino, a hairstylist at Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in New York City, says that she tells a lot of her clients like to work out with deep conditioning masks in their hair. “Not only is it a great time saver, but it also helps the product penetrate into your strands better,” she says. “The heat from your body—especially the heat from your head—will help to open the cuticle of your hair, which allows for deeper penetration.”

I’ve tried it at a few different workouts—a tempo run on the treadmill, a Bikram-style hot yoga class, and a spin class at Flywheel—all with crazy-good results. Apply at least a quarter-sized blob (larger if your strands are longer) of the deep conditioner or hair mask of your choice to dry hair, explains Zingarino. Then, using a wide-toothed comb, work the product evenly from roots to tips and toss it into a bun or tie it into a braid—and hit the gym.

Leave it on for the whole of your workout and then rinse through when you finish.”Just make sure to not shampoo the mask’s results out after you workout while showering,” she says. The result? Shinier, healthier hair after your exercise—all more the reason to go to spin class tonight.

Scroll down to browse super-hydrating deep conditioners and hair masks.

The strand saviors

Hair La Vie Masque Revive $39

Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Dream Come True Wonderful Deep Conditioning Masque $32

Yarok Feed Your Moisture Conditioning Masque $40

Evolvh Ultrarepair Reconstructing Masque $48

Rahua Color Full Hair Mask $62

Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask $36

Make your post-workout shower a true spa-like experience with just one $3 shower bomb or an entire bevvy of products and tips.