Oh, gym hair. We’ve all been there, right? You start your workout feeling strong and ready, and then five minutes in, your hair is sticking to your neck, falling in your face, and generally making you feel like a sweaty, tangled mess. I know I have! It used to drive me crazy trying to find hairstyles that would actually stay put, whether I was doing burpees or lifting weights.
That’s why I created TressNails.com – because feeling good about your hair (and nails!) shouldn’t stop just because you’re working up a sweat. I’m Ella Kohn, and I’m obsessed with finding practical, beautiful solutions for everyday style challenges.
After countless sweaty sessions and hair-tie disasters, I’ve rounded up what I think are the best hairstyles that stay put. I’ve tried each of these myself, through everything from intense cardio to heavy lifting. So, get ready for The Ultimate Gym Hair Guide: 13 Stay-Put Styles that will help you focus on your workout, not your flyaways.
13 Go-To Gym Hairstyles
Here are my top picks for gym hairstyles that actually stay put. I’ve tested these through sweat, squats, and everything in between. From simple options to more complex braids, you’ll find a style here that works for your workout. My absolute favorite for high-intensity days is number one on the list!
13. Low Bun
This is my go-to for lighter workouts like stretching or walking. It’s super simple to do. Just gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a bun. Secure it with a strong hair tie. Make sure the tie isn’t too loose or it will slip. This style is easy and keeps hair tidy.
12. Basic Ponytail
The classic gym hairstyle. It works for most hair types and lengths. You can wear it high, medium, or low. To make it more secure for movement, I often use a second hair tie wrapped around the base. It keeps things from bouncing around too much.
11. Half-Up, Half-Down Bun
Sometimes I want my hair off my face but don’t want it all the way up. This is perfect for those days. I grab the top section of my hair and twist it into a small bun. I use a few bobby pins to catch any little pieces that try to escape. It’s good for shorter bursts of activity.
10. Bubble Ponytail
This is a fun twist on a regular ponytail. It’s great for medium to long hair. You make a ponytail, then add small elastics spaced down the length. Gently pull each section to create a ‘bubble’ effect. It looks cute and keeps the hair contained nicely.
9. High Ponytail
A high ponytail is a classic for cardio workouts. It keeps all the hair off your neck, which is a lifesaver when you’re sweating. It can feel a bit bouncy though. I like using a scrunchie over the hair tie to prevent that annoying crease when you take it down.
8. Pigtails
Pigtails aren’t just for kids! They help distribute the weight of your hair. This can feel more balanced, especially during activities like yoga or Pilates. For anything more intense, I braid the pigtails. It adds a lot of security and keeps them from flying around.
7. French Braid
Ah, the French braid. This is where we start getting serious about staying put. A French braid keeps hair very close to your head. It’s good for almost any type of workout. It takes a little practice, but starting tight at the crown is key for a secure hold.
6. Dutch Braid
A Dutch braid is like a French braid but reversed. The sections go under instead of over, making the braid stand out. It gives great hold and looks really stylish. I find if I start the braid a little looser and then gently pull the sides, it looks fuller.
5. Two Dutch Braids
When I know I’m going to be sweating a lot, two Dutch braids are my best friend. They keep hair completely off my neck and face. This style is super secure. I make sure to braid them tightly right from the start to avoid any looseness later on.
4. Boxer Braids
Boxer braids are basically just two Dutch braids. They got popular from, well, boxers! They are incredibly practical and look cool. I sometimes use a little bit of gel or pomade on my hands before braiding. It helps smooth down any little hairs and keeps frizz away.
3. Crown Braid
For a workout where I don’t want any hair touching my neck or face, a crown braid is perfect. It wraps all your hair around your head. It looks elegant but stays put surprisingly well. I use lots of bobby pins to tuck in the ends and keep everything secure.
2. Braided Ponytail
This style combines the simplicity of a ponytail with the security of a braid. I usually put my hair in a high or low ponytail first. Then, I braid the ponytail itself. It adds extra hold at the base and stops the ponytail from getting tangled during the workout.
1. Space Buns
My top choice for the most intense workouts! Space buns keep all your hair contained in two neat buns on top of your head. This is amazing for reducing neck sweat. They are fun, trendy, and incredibly secure. I use a bunch of bobby pins around the base of each bun to make sure they don’t budge.
FAQ
Got more questions about keeping your hair looking good at the gym? I hear you! Here are some common ones I get, along with my best tips. These cover everything from different hair types to battling that annoying frizz.
What are the best gym hairstyles for short hair?
Short hair can be tricky but definitely doable for the gym. I find headbands are your best friend here! A good, grippy headband keeps those shorter pieces out of your face. You can also do small, mini buns or a half-up style if your hair is just long enough. Sometimes just pinning back the front sections works too.
How can I prevent frizz during my workout?
Frizz is the worst! To keep hair from frizzing at the gym, a few things help. Using a little anti-frizz serum or spray before styling can make a big difference. Make sure your hair ties aren’t too tight, which can cause breakage and frizz. And try not to touch your hair constantly during your workout – your hands have oils and can disrupt the cuticle.
What’s the quickest gym hairstyle?
When I’m rushing to a class, speed is everything. The fastest gym hairstyle for me is usually a low bun or a basic ponytail. They take seconds to do. Just gather and tie! A simple high ponytail is also super quick if you just need it off your neck fast.
Conclusion
There you have it! My tried-and-true list of gym hairstyles that actually stay put. No more worrying about your hair when you should be crushing your workout. Finding the right style can make such a difference in how confident you feel at the gym.
Give a few of these a try and see which ones work best for your hair and your favorite activities. Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice style for sweat sessions! Head over to TressNails.com for more tips and tricks from me, Ella Kohn, on looking and feeling your best, everywhere you go.
Leave a Reply