If you’ve ever taken an infrared Pilates or barre class, you already know the feeling…
You walk out glowing.
Your body feels reset.
Your energy is high.
But your hair?
A mix of sweat, heat, and “what do I even do with this now?”
It’s one of the most common (and least talked about) struggles with hot workouts. So we went straight to someone who lives it daily—infrared Pilates instructor and ReformME studio owner Gabriella Rimmer—to find out how she actually manages her hair around her classes.
Her answer? Simple. Smart. And completely doable.
It’s Not Heat Damage — It’s Dehydration
“I treat my hair like I treat my body in class… it’s losing hydration, so I need to put it back in.”
According to Gabriella, infrared heat isn’t the problem.
The real issue is moisture loss.
During an infrared Pilates class:
- You sweat more
- Your scalp heats up
- The hair cuticle opens
Which means your hair is more vulnerable to:
- Dryness
- Frizz
- That “fluffy” post-class texture
“If you’re not putting something back in, your hair just ends up dry and harder to manage.”
Think Electrolytes… But for Your Hair
Once you shift your mindset from damage control to hydration, everything changes.
Instead of trying to fix your hair after class, it becomes about prepping it properly before you even step into the studio.
Gabriella’s Pre-Pilates Hair Routine (Low Effort, High Impact)
Using professional favourites from milk_shake haircare, Gabriella keeps her routine simple and consistent:
“I don’t overcomplicate it…”
Her go-to ritual:
- A few drops of argan oil through the ends
- A mist of leave-in conditioner
- Hair in a loose pony or soft bun
“It just gives my hair a bit of protection so I’m not dealing with dryness after class.”
This creates a lightweight barrier that helps lock in moisture and protect against heat and sweat—without making your hair feel heavy or greasy.
The Game-Changer Most People Skip
If there’s one habit that makes the biggest difference, it’s this:
“Once or twice a week, I’ll put a treatment in before class and just leave it on.”
Yes—before class.
Why? Because infrared heat actually helps the product work harder.
Gabriella especially recommends:
- Leave-in conditioners
- Hydrating treatments
- Weekly masks
(And if your hair is coloured or blonde, this step is non-negotiable.)
Why Heat Can Actually Work in Your Favour
According to Josie Deex, Director of Education at milk_shake haircare:
“Using a weekly hair mask is huge. It’s also a great ritual to use a heat-activated treatment throughout your class to help it penetrate deeper and counteract moisture loss.”
So instead of fighting the heat, you’re using it to your advantage.
Real Talk: You’re Not Washing Your Hair After Every Class
Let’s be honest—if you’re training regularly, washing your hair after every session just isn’t realistic. Lets face it - we need a draw full of pilates grip socks because we don't get round to post class washing!
Gabriella agrees:
“I’m not washing my hair after every class. So for me, it’s about protecting it before so I’m not constantly trying to fix it after.”
That’s the shift:
Less effort after. Smarter prep before.
What Happens When You Get This Right
With a simple pre-class routine, you’ll start to notice:
- Softer, more hydrated hair
- Less frizz after workouts
- Easier styling between washes
- Hair that still looks good tied up
(Because yes… that matters.)
The Takeaway
Infrared Pilates isn’t ruining your hair.
It’s just asking you to care for it differently.
“Once you start treating it like hydration instead of damage, everything changes.”
Think of it like this:
Electrolytes for your body… and hydration for your hair.
Looking After Your Hair Should Feel Easy
No complicated routines.
No unrealistic expectations.
Just small, consistent habits that actually work with your lifestyle.