Let’s talk about the absolute best hairstyles for working out!
The new year is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time to debut the new you.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been living off cookie dough and wine for the past few weeks. Although it’s been delicious and fun, I’m looking forward to getting back into a clean eating/exercise regimen starting like now.
It’s not really a “New Year’s resolution” per se, but more of a step back in the right direction.
Anyways, with that said, I wanted to talk about a few of the best hairstyles for working out.
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#1: Classic Ponytail
A classic high ponytail is the perfect way to keep your hair out of your face while you sweat. I am a big fan of this timeless look.
💡TIP: Jazz it up with trendy hair clips or by wrapping hair around the base.
#2: Messy Bun
I’m not gonna lie… at 90% of any given time, my hair is in a messy bun. I think this hairstyle is appropriate for any occasion, but especially cute when paired with gym attire.
The only downside to a messy bun is that it might not hold up if you’re doing an intense workout. It’s best when worn for lighter cardio workouts and weightlifting.
#3: Boxer Braids
Boxer braids are a super-Kardashian way to keep your hair neatly tucked away while you kick butt in the gym.
They’re cute and super trendy… and they’ll hold up through any intense workout (they ain’t called boxer braids for nothing). Best part of all? They’re super chic when worn as an everyday look.
#4: Half-Up Topknot
I’m a bit torn on the half-up topknot as a hairstyle for working out, but let me tell you why…
The half-up topknot is one of my favorite current hair trends. It’s a super trendy way to pull your hair back while looking cute. However, I’m not a huge fan of my hair hitting me in the face or sticking to my neck during a workout.
In other words, it wouldn’t be comfortable for me to wear during a workout unless I was doing something that didn’t involve much sweating (yoga, weightlifting, etc.)
However, I’ve seen a lot of girls with shorter hair or medium-length styles rock this look at the gym. If you can’t get your hair in a ponytail, this is a good option… or even if you just don’t mind your hair brushing your face.
It’s an excellent way to get your hair up while still wearing it partially down. Compromise, people. Compromise.
#5: Braided-Up Pony
What’s better than a classic ponytail? A classic ponytail with braids.
It doesn’t take much effort to add a few braids to a ponytail, but they add so much pizazz to your overall style. They’re also a great way to keep your hair tucked away while going hard at the gym.
#6: Pipe Braids & Infinity Braids
The pipe braid is easily one of my favorite new hairstyles for working out. It’s a really cool look, and it keeps your hair tightly bound.
While the finished look is amazing for working out, I have to admit that there’s a bit of a learning curve. But don’t worry, with a bit of practice, you’ll get it!
What better way to learn about it than from Nicci Welsh, the inventor of the pipe braid?
The infinity braid is a similar look but requires a strand of hair to wrap around two other strands of hair in the shape of an infinity symbol… creating a “double-pipe braid” effect.
The good news is that the infinity braid is a bit easier to do on yourself. Here’s a super easy tutorial by HAU2 to show you how it’s done.
#7: Bubble Ponytail
How amazing is this look? Unleash your inner Princess Jasmine with the ultra-trendy bubble ponytail.
This style is effortless to do on yourself, and how cool would you look flippin’ this bad boy around at the gym?
If you need some guidance on how to get started, I love this tutorial by Alex Gaboury!
#8: Braided Bangs
Braiding your bangs is a crazy easy way to pull them out of your face while jazzing up any other hairstyle. Braid them off to the side, or in a top-center mohawk braid for best results!
#9: Mohawk Pull-Through Braid
The pull-through braid is another one of my favorite hairstyles for working out. It’s kinda like the best hair hack ever.
You can create a really fancy-looking braid in a fraction of the time. If you can put your hair in several ponytails, you can do a pull-through braid.
This tutorial by Kayley Melissa is everything!
#10: The “Katniss Everdeen” Side Braid
This is easily my favorite workout hairstyle, inspired by Katniss Everdeen’s trek through the “Hunger Games” arena.
It’s the perfect way to add some femininity to your style, but while still looking like a total B.A. And of course, you know I’m all about getting that hair tightly tucked away.
To be honest, this is the hairstyle I chose to wear during a CrossFit competition a few years ago. It was perfect… I never once had to adjust my hair during the competition (which included three intense workouts in the hot summer heat).
It’s really easy to do on yourself. You just need to know how to French braid your own hair down the back of your head… it just has to go diagonal instead of straight down.
You could even do the pull-through method if you wanted to.
General FAQ
I’d suggest you start by keeping your hair pulled out of your face and away from sweat. A braid, clipped-up ponytail or messy bun are great ways to keep your hair safe while looking trendy. It also helps protect your hair from getting caught in a machine or getting in the way. Wearing a sweatband will help keep your hair from getting drenched with sweat, but you should always keep dry shampoo handy, just in case.
It’s not the worst thing you can do to your hair, but the natural salt in sweat typically dries your hair out. Try wearing a hair mask while you work out, or doing everything you can to keep sweat out of your hair.
You don’t need to wash your hair every day. Try using dry shampoo to freshen it up in between washes. Also, go light on the hair products so you can buy more time between washes.
Bonus Picks: crazy Cute Sweatbands
Floral Beach
It's like you're going to the beach every day with these boho-chic headbands by Scettar.
Tropical Frenzy
I'm kinda obsessed with pineapples right now! These tropical sweatbands by Maven Thread are everything!
Final Thoughts
Working out is the best way to release endorphins, feel good about yourself, burn off negative energy, and get in shape while doing all of the above.
The time I spent at the gym is literally some of the most valuable time in my life. It allows me to forget my problems and just have fun.
But what would a killer workout be without the perfect hairstyle to compliment it? No problemo, though now, right?
… because now that I’ve overloaded your brain with some super fun and trendy hairstyles for working out, I know you’re gonna kill it!
Until next time,
YOUR TURN: What do you think of these amazing hairstyles for working out? Are you going to try any of them at the gym this year? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
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