Hair care practices as a barrier to physical activity in African American women

To characterize the influence of hair style maintenance on exercise behavior in African American women.

A 40-item survey with questions concerning hair care practices, physical activity, and the relationship between the two.

University-affiliated dermatology department at an academic medical center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

A total of 123 African American women from 21 to 60 years of age were surveyed; 103 women completed the questionnaire.

The statistical significance of relationships between hair care practices and physical activity was determined.

Fifty percent of African American women surveyed have modified their hair style to accommodate exercise and nearly 40% (37.9%) avoid exercise at times owing to hair-related issues. Respondents who exercised less owing to hair concerns were 2.9 times less likely to exercise more than 150 min/wk (95% CI,0.9-9.4; P=.08).

Dermatologists can discuss hair management strategies during exercise that facilitate routinely performing exercise.