While watching one of my clients come back from a weekend backpacking trip, I heard her describe what she called “the worst knot of her life.” As she spoke, I noticed her ponytail was a mess. She had been sleeping in it for two nights, and when she got to my chair, we spent twenty minutes working on her hair before I could even get to her actual haircut. I learned a lot from this situation. I realized it made me look at things from a different perspective. This made me understand how important things people do to their hair before hitting the trails.
The best hair styles for hiking should also take into consideration, how you’ll protect your hair from damage, avoid headaches from tight hair ties, and not have to move your hair out of the way if it starts to block your vision. Over the years, I’ve talked to a lot of clients and developed strong opinions on how styles will hold up during a hike and which styles will look good from a distance, but not actually be functional. Now, let me share with you my recommended styles, whether it’s braids, buns, or letting your hair down to fit the look you want.
#1: Classic Double Braids That Actually Stay Put
I love making these suggestions because it’s a style people will almost certainly appreciate and probably have done before. I am referring to two thick braids. Very simple and classic; They sit just where you want them to. The great thing about this style is that if you have medium or thick hair, the braids will stay tight without you needing to use a ton of product or spend a lot of time on them. Another great thing is that your hair will not get tangled for hours. This is a considerable improvement when compared to how annoying it is to deal with trail hair after a long day. The style will take some time in the morning, but once you get them in, you’re pretty much good to go!
#2 A Simple High Ponytail with Your Natural Texture
A great hairstyle to wear while hiking is a high ponytail as it gives a sense of movement. They work best with straight or wavy hair that is mid-length because all of the layers will be up, and you will not have hair falling out all the time. The lived-in look that natural hair texture gives is so much better than having a totally done hairstyle. If you will be hiking in an area with lots of humidity, lightweight styling cream should really be in your backpack. A tiny bit of cream on the top and through your ponytail helps keep frizz from taking over.
#3 A Vibrant Ginger Crop That Lives for the Outdoors
I appreciate the use of color and the cut! Ginger color highlights will shine when you go outdoors. For the short textured crop, it means trailhead hair thinking it’s just there and moving with you. The layering is light and it keeps it well done here, so you will need to see your stylist to keep that shape regularly, but it’s as easy as hair gets for everyday.
#4 Soft Waves on a Short Crop
This haircut makes you look cool with little effort on your part, as long as the haircut is quality. Soft waves add character to the look, while the bangs subtly frame the face so they do not get in your eyes. This is one of the best hairstyles for hiking because you can leave it for days without needing to touch it. You can just wake up and leave. The only thing I would say is if you want to keep the texture looking intentional rather than flat, a little texturizing spray worked through your fingers may help.
#5 A Wavy Lob Kept in Check with a Headband
I like the lob. It’s super versatile, and adding a headband for the hike is great thinking! The loose waves definitely do the hair some justice by adding some body and movement; also, they don’t overdo it. The headband will really serve its purpose to keep hair out of the face while hiking. If your hair gets heavy and flat, a little tussle with the fingers coupled with some dry shampoo at the roots is probably a good idea before you head out. The less perfect it looks, the better.
#6 A Clean Bob with a Pop of Color
This style is super clean and the cut is nice and healthy. I like that it is just above her shoulders so it stays off her face. The red headband is great because it not only holds the hair back, it brings energy to the outfit. This hairstyle is perfect for hikes, and great with the plans we have afterward. It’ll be really easy to switch to a non-headband look, just take the headband off and you’re good to go! The bob is going to need those straight across bottom cuts regularly regardless of if you’re hiking, so that’s one you’ll have to keep up with, but it’s definitely doable.
#7 A Shoulder-Length Lob with Bangs and a Headband
To be honest, bangs can go a few different ways on a hike. If they’re cut well and sit nicely, you’re good to go. But if they are in that annoying in-between growing-out stage, you’re going to be battling them the entire hike. These bangs do work because they sit nicely and frame the face, plus having the headband give a little backup support. The lob length is perfect for a hike and the sleek styling really shows off the health of the hair. This style is great for hiking since it looks put together without requiring a ton of effort.
#8 A Textured Pixie with Subtle Layering
If you want to spend minimal time on your hair while on the hike, then this style is a perfect option for you. For example, if your hair is styled into a pixie cut like this one, you’ll find that most of the work is done for you. In this style, you can enjoy playing with the longer front pieces and having the shorter back ones to keep the look clean and neat. From what I’ve seen, most clients walk away from this style feeling liberated, and this is most often true for clients who are active and do lots of physical activities, because they no longer have to deal with managing hair. Yes, you will be required to come and see me a bit more frequently to maintain the look, but most of my pixie clients tell me it’s worth it.
#9 A Braided Low Bun That Feels a Little Special
What I love about this look is that it gives a feeling of security which can last all day when out on the trail, and the braided detail gives the impression you really tried! The face framing softens and helps to prevent a look from being too severe. If you’re happy to do a braid tie up these are quite nice. For the not so brave, I would recommend practicing at home before getting to the trailhead and confusing yourself. Once it is in, it stays!
#10 A Relaxed Top Knot That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
I see the top knot style a lot since it is super versatile. I like how this one looks more relaxed, and the style doesn’t feel too tight. Plus the loose strands around the face look nice and soft. If your hair is medium or thick, you can probably just twist and go. For finer hair, you might need to put some texturizing powder in or use more bobby pins to help keep the hair in place all day. Either way, it’s a good option.
#11 Twisted Double Buns for Days When You Want to Have Fun With It
Here’s something fun! These twisted buns are adorable and practical. Most importantly, they look like fun items! They hold all your hair away from your face and neck, Which is great on hot days. The natural texture of your hair is a plus, as it helps the twists grip and stay in place. If you go on a long hike you may need to re-tighten them, but that only takes about 30 seconds.
#12 A No-Nonsense High Bun
For someone who wants the style to get done quickly, I recommend this. It’s finished, it’s up, it’s secured, and it’s off your neck. The slight messiness is actually a feature — not a flaw — because it shows that you didn’t pull everything so tight that you’re going to get a headache by mile three. The natural waves in your hair give some volume at the crown, which looks good from the front. If you’re doing anything super vigorous, just tuck a few bobby pins in to secure the base and you’re good to go!
#13 A Braided Top Knot with Soft Pieces Around the Face
In my opinion, the braid on the side definitely gives this top knot a better look, which some people may like even on a trail. A top knot’s main function is to keep hair out of the way, and this one does it a bit more stylishly than a plain bun. The little pieces of hair at the front of the head really improve the vibe and make it feel more relaxed, not so stiff. If you don’t braid hair very often, I suggest doing a few trial runs before you do this one. It’s really not that hard, but it looks much more difficult than it is when you are doing it to yourself.
#14 Playful Double Buns for an Active Day
This is another double bun hairstyle but I think this one is more polished than the twisted version. The buns are high and tight so they won’t interfere with any backpack straps you might be wearing. The hair looks really shiny and healthy which always makes a hairstyle look even better, especially a more simple one. While a longer hike these buns can loosen. If you’re going to be out for a long time, it might be a good idea to wrap the base of each bun with a small elastic in addition to your pins to give you some insurance on that.
#15 A High Ponytail with Volume and a Headband
With that much volume at the crown, this ponytail definitely has more personality than the average one. It’s got bounce and life to it, and certainly isn’t flat or pulled back in too much of an extreme way. And because of the headband, all the side hair is kept smooth, which is the spot most ponytails totally fall apart into the wild. Those loose strands around the face are pulled back, so they won’t be flying around on windy paths, and this will save a ton of trouble. If you want an even better look, a little volumizing product at the roots before you pull it up will do wonders.
#16 A Sleek High Ponytail for the Minimalists
Everything should feel clean and seamless. With this look, you do not have to worry about your hair until you get home. Straight hair looks really nice pulled back, and a high pony helps when you don’t want hair sticking to your neck. I always warn people about the potential problems with tight and sleek ponys. If you do wear your hair this way a lot, try to make sure you adjust the position of where the pony sits to avoid putting pressure on the same spot on your hairline.
#17 A Textured Braid Flowing into a Ponytail
A braid hybrid is secure enough on top that it is a braid and a ponytail on the bottom gives the most movement. The natural waves in the ponytail add a nice texture and fullness to the bottom. The nice thing about the braid is that is keeps everything contained right where it matters at the crown and temples. With medium to thick hair, this style holds up really well. To me, this style is a huge win, especially since it looks like it took a ton of effort.
#18 Braided Pigtails with Bangs
This style is a good mix of cute and functional. The pigtail braids keep everything neat and the soft bangs give a nice, natural framing effect to the face. For fine to medium hair, this style works best. With thick hair, the braids can become bulky and heavy, which is not ideal for enjoying the outdoors. If you notice your braids become loose or frizzy throughout the day, use a light texturing spray on your hair before you start braiding to make sure the braids hold.
#19 A Curly Bob That Does Its Own Thing
I have a special affinity for curly bobs because of the amount of personality they have. This mid-length haircut looks great with no additional styling. The curls add natural volume and a beautiful aesthetic. Curls also provide a great benefit when hiking. Unlike straight hair that tends to get wind damaged and stringy, curly hair looks great. Just leaving your hair alone is a good call. For added curl definition, you could put some curl cream in your hair before the activity but the reality is this haircut will look good regardless of your style.
#20 A Half-Up Ponytail with Loose, Easy Waves
A great style if you want your hair off your face, but want to avoid a full updo, is the half up ponytail. This pony style is really high, leaving it to do its job well, and the loose waves help add some movement and texture, especially outside. But, if you have really thick hair, the bottom half can get kind of annoying. Overall though, this style really is super comfortable and looks good from all angles.
#21 A Softer Take on the Half-Up Ponytail
I can see how people might like this one because it feels a bit more relaxed and less put together. The half-up style makes it so the hair isn’t in your face and the natural waves adds some good texture. It gives off that nice vibe of not looking like you tried really hard. If you have thinner hair, this is one of those times when a volumizing dry shampoo is going to be very useful because it will give you some grip and volume in the right places.
#22 Double Braids with a Wavy Texture
I keep going back to double braids because they are so reliable for hitting the trails, and this specific example shows just how much variation there can be based on the natural texture of your hair. The wave in this hair gives the braids a softer and, in my opinion, more fuller look than a more polished braid would, which I appreciate. The best kind of texture for the braids to feel full, but without them being too heavy is fine to medium hair. If you are just starting out braiding, this is a good style to learn on! The texture will cover a lot of mistakes.
#23 Neat, Classic Braids for Long Hair
These braids are straightforward and clean. For a hiking hairstyle, this can be just what you need. If you have long, straight, and medium density hair, this braid will hold up and look good the whole time. If you have straight hair, these braids can be quite severe for someone with a round face. If that’s a worry, you can soften the look by leaving out a few more strands at the front before you leave. Also, it can be cute to add a mini clip or decoration at the bottom of each braid.
#24 A Side Braid with Lived-In Texture
Single side braids are the perfect hairstyle that feels super casual, but still looks like effort was put in. When the hair sits with natural waves, it gives the braid some body which looks great. If you want an even more casual look, wearing the braid to the side is a great opportunity to do so as it also helps with not getting hair stuck between your back and a backpack. Bonus points because it helps with airflow, something that is really appreciated on hot summer days! If you have thinner hair, the braid may feel a little too wispy, and less chunky. To improve the result, an even better idea is braiding the hair when it is a little dirty so that it has the grip to do so.
#25 A Tight French Braid for Serious Trail Days
My favorite style for hair that I need to last all day without being touched up is a good French braid. French braids sit closely to the head and hold hair in place without the worry of individual strands shifting out of place. The braid also looks nice and shiny, meaning the hair was probably in good condition beforehand which will help the braid look neat. If you find this style hard to accomplish, a little practice will definitely help, and there are plenty of great instructional videos too.
#26 A Braided Crown That Feels Like an Event
I hope it’s a compliment to say this is perhaps the most ‘out there’ style in the whole collection. Of all the styles, I think the braided crown is the most amazing. It does take a few extra minutes compared to most hairstyles, but the end result is stunning and its most amazing feature is that everything is all contained! The waves at the front help it feel more relaxed and not too bridal or too precious for a trail which I like. I think outdoorsy hairstyles like this are so lovely. It gives a very different look and that contrast is what makes it work.
#27 A Practical Side Braid for Straight Hair
I like how uncomplicated and practical this look is. Hair that is straight is easier to braid neatly, and the density of the hair holds everything together. Also, it’s to the side, so it won’t be in your way. This is not the most fun style on the list and I don’t think it’s trying to be. If you see that some sections are still coming out after braiding, use some texturizing spray on your hair before you start. This will give your hair more grip and help the braid to hold its shape longer.
#28 A Low Ponytail for When You Want Things Simple
A low ponytail is a good choice and this one is really cute. Its placed at the nape of the neck which keeps everything looking neat, and it looks great with some of that natural texture. At the end of a long day of making a bunch of different decisions, a lot of us just want to throw some hair back and go, which is what this style is all about, and it’s especially good to remember when you’re trying to head out in the morning to the trailhead (that’s a long one). I would recommend this hairstyle for hair that is about medium length, and is either straight or slightly wavy. Because a low ponytail looks really flat against the head if you have thick hair, it helps to release some of the tension around the crown area so that it can give the style more volume.
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