You took your pre-workout snack and put on your favorite fit, then headed to the gym. Once you were halfway through the workout routine, you glanced at the mirror and realized that your gym hair got frizzy. Can you relate?
It’s hard to style and blow dry hair when there’s no time, but lifting it in a ponytail can get boring. That’s why I’ve listed 16 of the best gym hairstyles to look stylish without breaking a sweat (pun intended)!
So keep reading if you want to switch up your gym hairstyle!
1. Low Bun French Braid
Best for: Long and medium length
This french braid hairstyle will protect your hair from frizz during workouts, and as a bonus point, it looks stylish. To try it out, tie your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic hair tie. Then, start French braiding the tail towards the nape of your neck and put it into a bun. Lastly, hide the stray hairs with bobby pins.
2. Messy Bun
Best for: Medium length
For an effortless gym hairstyle, you can never go wrong with a cute messy bun, and it won’t take you more than two minutes! But wear it for a light gym workout like a Pilates class because it can let loose if you exercise vigorously.
To get this hairstyle, loosely put your hair up in a bun and pull some strands around your face.
3. Topknot
Best for: Long and medium length
This top knot hairstyle is perfect for every heavy gym session because it’ll keep your hair out of your face and neck. Plus, it’ll take you less than a minute!
All you have to do is put your hair up in a sleek ponytail. Then, pull a bit of hair from the ponytail for volume, and wrap the loose hair around the elastic hair tie. Add a couple of bobby pins to pin the flyaways, and now you’re ready for your sweaty gym workouts!
4. Low Ponytail
Best for: All lengths
I love this low, classic ponytail because it looks stunning on all hair lengths, short hair included! To give this low ponytail a twist, pull out face-framing layers or bangs. Also, feel free to pin the layers back with bobby pins if your workout is going to be intense.
5. Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
Best for: Short and medium length
Whenever you’re in the mood to let your hair out but don’t want it to get sweaty, you can rock this hairstyle. Take the top half section of your hair and tie it with a scrunchie or hair tie, and let the remaining hair down. I personally like to braid and wrap the top part into a bun to secure my thin hair from untangling, but you’re free to do whatever you like.
6. Pineapple Hairstyle
Best for: Curly texture
For curly-haired ladies, this trendy pineapple updo is going to be your go-to gym hairstyle once you give it a try!
To do this hairstyle, flip your head upside down, and lift the hair in a loose, high ponytail. Then, fluff the hair with your fingers and show off your gorgeous curls.
However, if it’s one of those bad hair days, apply a leave-in hair conditioner to your hair and twist the curls with your finger first. Doing this will tame the frizz and give you defined curls.
7. Ponytail With a Headband
Best for: Long length
Wearing a headband with a ponytail is one of the best workout hairstyles that keep your hair away from the sweat around your face and neck. But if you’re too short-haired for a ponytail, wearing the headband is enough for working out.
8. Double Buns
Best for: Medium and long length
Double buns are a must-try cute hairstyle for an intense gym workout. First, put your hair into two sections and turn each into a high, tight ponytail. Then, twist the ponytails into buns and add bobby pins to secure the flyaway hair.
9. Low Braided Bun
Best for: All lengths
This workout hairstyle is similar to a low pony but with the twist of braiding the tail and putting it up in a bun. And the best part, it looks attractive even after a sweaty gym sesh.
10. Two Bun Twists
Best for: Long and medium length
I’m obsessed with this workout hairstyle because it’s easy yet looks extremely cute. To try it, create two equal hair sections and twist them from the front to the back of the head. Then, put them into two buns to keep them away from your post-gym sweaty neck.
11. Lazy French Braids
Best for: Long or medium length
This quick workout hairstyle is ideal for when you’re short on time but still fancy a French braid, and it’ll keep sweat away from your hair!
Do your French braids by adding a small section of hair to each braid. Then, when you no longer have hair to add to the French braid, do a normal three-strand braid.
12. Braided Ponytail
Best for: All lengths
Bored of the classic ponytail? Braid your hair to switch it up a bit for your next workout. Effortless but looks stunning every time!
13. Pigtail Braids
Best for: Long and medium length
Pigtail braids will probably become your favorite hairstyle for a cutesy gym style, but only if you give them a chance. I mean, have you seen them on Olivia Rodrigo? Iconic!
You can do them by parting one side of your hair and braiding it, then doing the same to the other side. If your workout is going to be intense, tighten the braids.
14. Side Braid
Best for: Long length
I used to struggle with finding gym hairstyles back when I had long hair. That was no longer the case when I tried a side braid, though! And what’s better, it withstood my grueling workout routines.
Here’s how to do it: take your hair towards one side and braid it tightly. Then, put an elastic tie on the end of the braid to prevent hairs from sneaking out during your workout.
15. Dutch Braids
Best for: Long length
Dutch braids will be your go-to workout hairstyle if you want to exude intimidating energy. To try this style, put your hair into two braids, dutch-style. Then, use poppy pins to secure the stray hairs. And say goodbye to sweat!
16. Afro Puffs
Best for: Coily texture
My gym partner always rocks afro puffs for her workout hairstyle. And believe me when I say this updo can withstand the toughest exercise at the gym.
For this hairstyle, divide the hair into two sections and secure them with hair ties. Apply gel to the sides and style your edges or hairline with a fine-tooth comb. Also, don’t forget to tease the puffs with a comb for more volume!
