How to Style Your Hair for a Workout

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: May 13, 2021 References

If you have longer hair, it can get in the way during a vigorous workout. If you're tired of hair getting in your face and eyes, do a quick hairstyle before hitting the gym. You can tie your hair back with a simple bun or ponytail. To add a bit more flare, you can try something like pigtails or braids. There are a lot of fun, quick styles that can keep your hair in place while you work up a sweat.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Pulling Your Hair Back

1
Try a simple high or low ponytail. A staple of gym style is a simple ponytail. It keeps the hair out of your face during a vigorous workout. Simply pull all your hair back and secure it using a hair tie. You can have your ponytail rest near the nape of your neck for a low ponytail or have it near the top of your head for a high ponytail.^{[1]
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2
Secure your hair in a side bun. A side bun is a quick style that keeps your hair out of your face while allowing you to have a cute hairdo. Part your hair on the left and gather your hair under your right ear. Or part your hair on the right and gather it under your left ear. Twist your hair together until it's in a tight bun. When you're done twisting your hair, use a hair tie or clips to secure your bun.^{[2]
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3
Do a low bun. A low bun is a cute, simple look that keeps your hair out of your face. To start, brush out your hair and either part it on one side or brush your hair back to avoid having a part. Use your fingers to gather all your hair together in back, near the nape of your neck. Twist your hair a few times until you have a tight swirl of hair. Loop your swirled hair together into a bun shape. Secure your bun with hair clips or a hair tie.^{[3]
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- This works well with natural hairstyles, like braids.^{[4]
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- One advantage of the low bun is that it's flattering on most facial types.
4
Push your hair back with a sweatband or a headband. For workouts that don't require a lot of movement, such as yoga or Pilates, it may not be necessary to have all your hair tied back. In this case, you can simply put on a sweat band the way you would put on a headband. Push your hair back behind your ears using the band, but let it hang loose from there. This keeps your hair out of your face without you having to secure it completely.^{[5]
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5
Wrap your hair in a bandana. A bandana is cute accessory that easily keeps your hair out of your face at the gym. It has the advantage of covering more surface than a headband, so it's better at keeping bangs and flyaway hair out of your face. Bandanas can be tied around your hair in cute knots or bows.^{[6]
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- For natural hair, you can try using a large bandana to wrap your hair up completely. This can help protect your hairstyle from damage during a workout. You may also want to consider using a silk bandana because it won’t draw moisture out of natural hair.^{[7]
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6
Make use of bobby pins. Bobby pins can be used to clip down any loose hairs that do not hold up in a ponytail. However, you can also use them as accessories. Place a row of bobby pins together either in the front of your hair or near the nape of your neck after tying your hair into a ponytail. This is a great statement piece that both helps you accessorize and secures loose hair.^{[8]
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- If you prefer a little more color or decoration, barrettes can be used in a similar fashion.

Method 2

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Trying Pigtails

1
Try basic pigtails. This may work best if you have shorter hair that can easily be secured in pigtails. To start, simply brush out your hair and part it in the middle. Separate your hair into two sections. Use a hair band to secure one section near the nape of your neck. Repeat this with the other section. This should leave you with two pigtails.
2
Do braided pigtails. Braided pigtails add eloquence to a workout look while keeping hair out of your face. Brush your hair and part it down the middle—separating your hair into two even sections. Gather the left side of your hair, create a pigtail, and secure it with a hair tie. Brush the pigtail before braiding it to the very end and securing with an elastic. Repeat the same process for the right side of your hair.^{[9]
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- Strive for looser braids, which will be more comfortable and less distracting during a workout.
- If you already have cornrows, try tying them into pigtails for a braided pigtail look.
3
Try pigtail buns. Separate your hair into two sections. Twist one section and proceed to wrap the section into a knot-like bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins or a hair tie and repeat the same process on the other side.^{[10]
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- Pigtail buns work on most hair types, but many people with shorter hair find them to be a particularly quick, easy style for hair that's on the short side.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Braiding Your Hair

1
Do a simple ponytail braid. A ponytail braid easily secures your hair, keeping it out of your face during workouts, while giving you a stylish look. Brush out your hair and pull it back into a ponytail. Secure the pony tail in a hair tie. Separate your hair into three event sections and braid it until you reach the tip. Wrap a hair tie around the end of your braid to keep it in place.^{[12]
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- If you have natural hair, try doing a braided up-do with pigtails that can be left in for several days. This way, you can save some time the following days styling your hair for the gym.^{[13]
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- With natural hair, you can also get your hair cornrowed into a ponytail, pigtails, pigtail buns, and a variety of other styles.
2
Braid part of your hair if it's short. Not all hair can be completely braided. Very short hair may be difficult to secure in a braid. If your hair is on the shorter side, try braiding a portion of it. Simply start by braiding your hair near the top of your head, but leave a few strands un-braided. This makes for a messy do that keeps your hair out of your face while adding some texture and style to your look.^{[14]
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3
Do a side braid. A side braid is an elegant look that keeps hair out of your face at the gym. To start, part your hair on the left side. After this, gather all your hair under your right ear. Separate your hair into three strands. Loosely braid the strands together. When you're done, secure the braid with a hair clip or an elastic.^{[15]
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4
Create a braided bun. A braided bun is fun look to sport at the gym. Use a hairband to secure your hair in a high ponytail. Separate your ponytail into three even strands and braid them together. Wrap your braid in tight circles around the base of your ponytail to create a cute, braided bun. Use hair clips or a hair tie to secure your bun in place.^{[16]
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- Cornrows can also be separated into strands and then secured in a bun.

Community Q&A

Question

How should I look stylish in a workout without getting knots in my hair?

Community Answer

It's simple. Put your hair up in a ponytail or a tight bun. The tightness is essential. Make sure that it's tight enough that it doesn't fall out when you bounce up and down when running or doing other physical activity.