I don’t know how many salon clients I’ve seen with all their hair falling out because they don’t seem to think too much about how damaging their fitness routines are. I see hair that is damaged a lot even right after they leave the salon. I once had a client who was an ultra-marathon runner and at one point she began to develop a bald spot on her temple because she would wear the same ponytail for every run for about two years straight. I think about the best gym hairstyles and how they are really going to keep your hair in good condition while you sweat. Some of the styles that I recommend are really good for your hair, while others are more about looking cute, and really designed to cause damage. People often avoid styles that are going to protect them from being bald around the hairline, and that is really the most important thing. You need to think about your hair before you start a workout.
#1: Bold Magenta Double Dutch Braids into High Mini Buns
I can see why you’re excited to try out this style. I’m excited to see it too! Magenta hair is really pretty and using kanekalon extensions to create it is a smart way to avoid damaging your real hair with bleach. The braids and sculptural mini buns are going to give you a really nice outline and I love that this look can stand up to a lot of movement! I would use wet look gel and elastic casings on the buns so that everything stays put. Overall the top volume is a nice touch if you have a rounder face. Just a quick note about hairline tension: this style can definitely pull your edges out, and I know it can be too much to do this every week, but I truly love this style and would save it for special occasions. It’s definitely one of my top looks!
#2: Sleek High Top Knot with Subtle Balayage Wrap
There may be hidden details that are hard to spot, but with a closer look, you will see some light balayage through the wrap at the top, and it’s pretty awesome. You get a good pop of color without needing to do full highlights. This style looks best with long, thick, straight hair since you do need some good density in the wrap to keep it from looking messy. To get this look, I really recommend some edge control, a no metal hair tie, and then wrapping it up and pinning it so it’s tight enough to keep the ponytail from bouncing as you move. This will also help keep your hair off your neck, especially during a workout which is so nice when you’re sweaty. The only downside with styles that are this high is that tension can pull on your edges and if your hair is thin, you may need some padding or a little backcombing underneath to fill it out like you see in this style.
#3: Messy High Bun with Face-Framing Layers and Root Lift
I really like this look because most of my clients end up looking like this when they go to the gym, whether they planned it or not. Better than it has any right to be; the ‘pulled up messy bun’ is a classic. A few little face-framing strands landing right where they need to, along with some good root lift to ensure it doesn’t look flat or sad. What you definitely need is some structure because the messy look is indeed controlled. You want it to look effortless, and it should be, but a little thought is required. If you have any baby hairs or cowlicks especially around the temples, a light texturizing spray will help you manage them without everything feeling crunchy. If the ends of your hair are looking dry, put a small amount of smoothing oil on your ends and then pull it up to ensure the loose strands look soft and not frizzy.
#4: Polished Double Dutch Cornrows with Ribbon-Tied Wavy Ponytails
I think the ribbons are a really nice detail, and I like how they act as an anchor point to prevent the braids from moving and loosening. There are two large Dutch braids that pull into low ponytails with some long layered S-waves and warm babylights. It’s a lot of hair, but it balances out the bottom which has all that movement and the top which is so structured. For the waves, you’d probably want to use a 1 to 1.25 inch wand. They’re so pretty, but once you start sweating a lot, they won’t stay nice. The longer pieces will end up looking so much frizzier just because of the humidity, so just be prepared for that because of the length of the hair and the humidity. The cornrows will definitely be the most secure! Just let your braider know if you have a sensitive scalp or if your hair is particularly fine so they can be sure to ease up on the tension, because it can definitely pull.
#5 High Bubble Ponytail with Triple Feed-In Cornrows and Blonde Ombre
This style looks awesome! The three feed-in cornrow braids keep everything super neat and professional, and a super long, thick bubble ponytail with a striking dramatic blonde ombre has been added. This will be ultra secure for working out like it’s designed for, and the cornrows will keep it all anchored so the ponytail isn’t swinging everywhere. Just a note on the butterfly beads, while they are super cute, they can get caught in gym equipment and straps just something to be mindful of. Also, with the blonde tips, it may mean you will have to do some pre-lightening on your natural hair, or else, if that means adding extensions, that’s a bit of a commitment! Use silicone lined elastic ties for the bubbles and aim to make all the sections evenly spaced to get that perfectly round look. If your hairline is sensitive, ask for low tension at the front feed-ins, because those three braids right at your forehead can cause a lot of stress over time.
#6: Twin Feed-In Dutch Braids with Silver Kanekalon Accents
Integrated silver kanekalon will give a nice contrast to the other strands and will not need your hair to be bleached. Center part is also nice and clean and looks almost like a shape. The extensions reach to mid-chest and frame the face nicely like two thick ropes which can be very flattering on oval and rounder faces. One of the best options for a workout style is the sweatproof, protective style as nothing will go out of place. Just be mindful of the added weight as you may notice it more towards the end of a particularly long training day. In addition, if your braider is too tight on the feed-in points, the risk of hairline tension can increase. For more security, I recommend my clients to ask for micro-knots at the crown and for less tension to keep it looser around the edges.
#7: Sleek Spiral Topknot with Brown Wrap Accent
It’s a style that screams finish. The spiral roll is the only updo that is done with invisible u-pins, has no donut or padding, and is simply hair wrapped into a glossy tight coil at the top of the head, with a brown fabric wrapped at the base to keep everything neat and tidy. For workouts, it’s amazing because nothing rubs against your neck, and as long as it’s pinned right it’ll stay in place. To achieve this style, you need a lot of long, thick, straight hair as a lot of hair is what will do the work here. Personally, I would heat straighten my hair first and then use a strong hold gel to make sure it stays slick. Just keep in mind that your hair will be really product-ed, and you will definitely need to wash it afterwards. Lastly, your hairline will feel the tension as with any style pulled this tight to the top.
#8: Center-Part Dutch Feed-In Braids with Blonde Panels and Gold Rings
I love how the paneling in these braids isn’t just one solid color. It’s more interesting to have strategically placed pieces, so that as the braid wraps around you get these bursts of brightness against the darker base. It’s almost like a highlight reveal but only in a pattern. The little gold rings add just the right touch of detail without being too much. Technically, this is a three-strand feed-in braid with some hidden weft pieces or pre-tinted extensions for bulk, so it’s more complex than it looks. It locks hair down beautifully for intense workouts though. My concern is always the same with tight feed-in braids… edge stress and breakage, especially on removal. Be patient taking these out! Use a detangling conditioner and rehydrate thoroughly afterward.
#9: Textured Short Crop with Wispy Micro-Bangs
We have a hairstyle recommendation for you if you have to deal with hair braids, buns, and elastics during your daily workouts. Consider a short pixie cut with micro bangs, stacked backs, and tapered napes. These hairstyles won’t take too long to dry, and you won’t have to deal with hair in your eyes. Just a bit of paste or sea-salt spray will suffice, but you can choose to leave your hair like this without any products. This style requires maintenance because it doesn’t take long to grow, so be prepared to get trims every four to five weeks. If you have tighter curls, this style might not work for you as it will behave differently. I can see a crown cowlick in this photo. If you have one like this, make sure to ask your stylist to do some directional layering, or else you will spend every morning fighting off flip outs.
#10: Sleek Low Wrapped Ponytail with Silver Cord Ferrule
No one will be able to tell that this clothing is workout gear, and it is versatile enough to go to a meeting without the need for a change of clothes. As for the ponytail, there is a flat back with an inverted tuck so the back is not visible to make it flat, and medium and thick straight or wavy hair will look great. With this, prep is required, which includes a smoothing product, lightweight priming cream, and a flat iron. Also, if you are doing any high-impact activities, make sure you wear a no-slip elastic and a bobby pin. Although, be careful of the metal wrap, as it tends to catch on fabrics or gear.
#11: Short Curly Pixie with Graduated Nape and Defined Ringlets
This curly pixie is amazing! The ear grazing and tapered back gives the look of a halo of beautiful tight ringlets. The look is all about shape and texture. With the short and clean areas, the hair is set and ready. This style will be wonderful for your 3B to 3C curls. Working out will be easy too!. Plus, it will be good for working out since this will be a wash and go haircut. To go from curly, to defined curls, to fabulous, all it takes is some leave-in cream and a little bit of gel to do the trick. With this haircut, you will certainly experience noticeable curl shrinkage, but this shouldn’t be a surprise with this particular curl pattern. To avoid the hair shape becoming a costume, you’ll need to do some cutting in the lower corners some curls to keep the hair from looking triangular. This being said, for little effort to start, it is great for hair that will be put to good use in workouts.
#12: Two-Tone Long Feed-In Cornrows with S-Curve Accent Tresses
I really like this style for many reasons. I think the waist length, pre curled two tone extensions, and gold cuffs, as well as the heat set S shaped face framing tendrils, are awesome. It may seem like a lot but the cornrows finish it off. The design and structure of this style is really ideal for working out because it’s sweat proof and the length gives a lot so I really appreciate that. Plus, you don’t need to bleach your hair to get a bold color story with the dark and light extensions. Just be prepared, it may take a long time to install, and consider the weight the extra extension hair will add. If you have sensitive edges, make sure to use looser feed-ins at the hairline and clearly communicate that to your braider.
#13: Athletic Triple Dutch Braids with Clean Scalp Partings
Three thick Dutch braids with finer braids on the side and partings so clean they look drawn on. A true athletic style: locks everything flat and helps your hair avoid sweat clinge. Plus, you can do any workout from weights to cardio to yoga to stretching without having to adjust your hair for any of them. On solid thick straight hair at mid-back length, it looks hefty and neat. When it comes to long lasting braids, you need to book an appointment with a pro, and expect to spend anywhere from 45 to 75 minutes on getting the tension to be just right, along with the tapered ends, so this is certainly not a locker room job. Keeping tight is the ongoing concern especially around the edges. If you like to do some sort of braid on Sunday and then be done with it for the week, this is a great option.
#14: Sculpted Double Boxer Braids with Defined S-Curl Face Frames
The S curls in the face framing pieces are sculpted so that they skim the skin, which I find super interesting as opposed to just being random pieces. I also like the boxer braids as the whole look is quite safe for the gym. The ends are straightened so they contrast with the more artistic pieces at the front, and I imagine this look takes a lot of time to do. The finger waves will need a gentle gel for humidity so they don’t drop. You can relax the tension at the hairline, and then tape the ends to reduce bulk at the nape. Overall, I see this style being for someone who wants to look like they have their life together at the gym, which I respect.
#15: Low Bubble Ponytail with Chestnut Banding and Smooth Crown
I love the unique style. The low bubble ponytail looks great. The bubbles are made with micro elastics. Banded ponytails pop even more with her natural chestnut hair. I love how these bubbles catch the light and shimmer. Also with the low ponytail position, there is less bounce making it perfect for workouts where you don’t want to be distracted by a ponytail whipping around. Less bounce also means it will be cooler on the neck when the hair is out. The problem with micro elastics is that they can slip with high impact and if you have tapering ends, the pony tail section could knot onto itself. Use firm elastics, and add some anti-frizz serum before styling and it will stay in place and look sleek.
#16: Intricate Crisscross Cornrow Ponytail with Green Accents
The design on the crown section is interesting. The many crossing braids in the shape of an X actually have a purpose. This ponytail is secured for intense workouts. The green ribbon and the neon green lacing on the side braids give a nice little touch of color, and the combination isn’t too loud. This style is nice and practical for someone with straight, medium thickness hair and an oval face shape. There are a lot of details in this style. It takes a lot of effort to get the parts this neat, the feed ins this precise, and the braids this tight to make it look this clean. Cornrows with intricate braids are usually pretty scalp-pulling. If you can find a really good braider who knows how to control tension, this can be a really good style for a workout.
#17: Short Twin Loc Puffs with White Athletic Headband
The little loc puffs are cute and really practical! I like how the short interlocked locs are styled into two high puffs. The wide white sport headband also keeps everything off your neck and in place! No need to do your hair every day! The lightened loc tips on these puffs look good, but be careful with your root tension. You could end up with a lot of pain if you buckle down and pull the ponytail bands too tight. As a loc’d athlete, I totally understand that the puffs might hold more water than you want after a workout. And drying may take some additional time after you wash your hair. Once the excess water is gone, you can oil your scalp and everything will stay healthy! I like the look of the bleached tips, but be careful in order to avoid weakening your locs. For those with locs, I would definitely recommend this style if you want something easy and cute for the gym.
#18: Rounded Copper-Accented Pixie with Micro Fringe
I absolutely adore this haircut! The rounded edges look great with the copper highlights as they add warmth. The micro-fringe on the forehead also opens up the face and looks most beautiful on oval and heart-shaped faces. The nape is also short and graduated with pointed textured edges, which gives that soft and piecey look without being too chunky or harsh. It’s also great for workouts because there’s nothing to pull back or loose hair to deal with. Super light! The only maintenance is that the copper fringe will fade and need a touch-up. You will also want to be careful with re-texturing at your trims to keep the shape from growing out boxy. But as a cut that’s pretty much wash and go, I would suggest this one hundred percent.
#19: Raised Dutch High-Ponytail with Micro Edge Cornrows
The micro-cornrows at the front are the most clever part of this style as they do what edge control and gel try to do, but for real, as in hold those front strands that would be flying or frizzing up within 5 minutes of your workout. The rest of the hair is fed into a raised Dutch ponytail that tapers out with a low-swing finish, looking clean and sporty. It is best suited for fine-to-medium straight hair of medium density. The braiding takes about 20 to 35 minutes, and the temple tension is something to consider, especially if you are doing this on the regular. I see three parallel parts on the scalp and a mid-shaft elastic that gives that tapered look. Great for HIIT, great for swimming, just give your edges a break in between.
#20: Platinum Textured Pixie with Micro-Fringe and Tapered Nape
Another pixie! The ash-platinum color is beautiful especially with straight fine to medium hair. The micro-fringe with tapered nape looks super editorial and it’s really practical if you have an active lifestyle. The textured point-cut crown gives lift, and the best part is that it only takes 3 minutes to dry! Just a heads up, with regular toning, you’ll have to maintain the platinum since it gets brassy. I recommend a bond builder because full bleach is really harsh on the hair, especially the ends. If your crown has a visible cowlick, I suggest leaving the top longer or using some product to redirect it. The cut itself is scissor over comb shaping, which takes a trained eye, but the payoff is definitely worth it.
#21: Low Dutch and Micro-Cornrow Double Knots
This style is so flat and compact that you could put a helmet over it and nothing would shift. Because of this, it is perfect for cycling, and any sport where a low profile is needed. For this style you need neck length hair and two bigger Dutch braids with lots of fine micro cornrowed braids that are all finished into low twisted knots in the back. The micro braids act as internal anchors so everything stays locked together. This style is best for medium to thick hair that is straight to slightly wavy. The over directed Dutch braiding technique gives a little more lift and structure. My caution is the same as always with detailed braiding. Fragile edges don’t like this kind of tension and it takes time and skill to execute a clean look. But it is excellent for workouts.
#22: Textured Pixie-Mullet with Micro Fringe and Feathered Nape
I’m here for the longer feathered nape! The shorter, crown, and temple sections are snipped and choppy, with little bangs, and the rest is all a longer hideaway at the occipital which adds some fun, personality, and movement to the style. This is super nice on round and oval face shapes with straight to wavy textures. This is quick-drying for workouts, and keeps your hair off your neck. If you have a crown cowlick, it works to your advantage because it gives you crown lift instantly. The micro bangs will need some daily maintenance. Add some product to keep them looking pepped up and not flattened. If you decide to color it, keep in mind that the warm underlayers will grow out and show growing contrasts. Between cuts, I would use point cut layers and razor texturizing at the ends to keep the movement.
#23: Raised Dutch Double Braids with Low-Maintenance Caramel Balayage
I want to point out that the Dutch double braids have amazing diagonal triangular parting. This creates great dimension in the braid so it does not look flat to the head. The braids have pancake braiding style which creates the illusion of bigger braids. This style works best on medium to thick hair, straight, or mildly wavy, and ideally upwards of bra strap length. This style also works well for all activities as it is designed to hold hair away from the face and will keep hair from getting in your way. The hand painted caramel balayage on the outer panels is a nice touch as it adds contrast which stands out beautifully when the hair is braided. This style is perfect for warm weather and will definitely be suitable for wearing a helmet. If you have a sensitive hair line, just ask your stylist to keep the tension on the front looser and they can even add some soft layering to the ends to alleviate some of the pulling.
#24 Long Sun-Kissed Curtain Layers with Low Workout Braid
The cut means more than the style for me as the curtain layers do a lot of work. They beautifully frame an oval face, let the natural 2A/2B wave pattern do its thing, and when you pull it all back into a low braid for a workout, the layers keep the braid lightweight instead of heavy and dense at the bottom. Sun-bleached tips look outdoorsy instead of someone who sat in a chair for three hours and that low-key vibe of softness is really appealing. Practically speaking, long layers at the nape can hold sweat and stay damp for a while and a single elastic on a low braid can cause friction breakage over time if that’s your daily go-to. Tapered face-framing layers help control bulk and a gentle root shadow would add a little depth at the top.
#25: Loose Pancaked Fishtail Braid with Subtle Lowlights
I enjoy fishtails that seem more difficult than they probably are, and this one starting low at the nape is especially great for workouts since there is no crown or hairline tension at all. It looks really nice on hair of medium thickness and wavy to straight texture that is around mid-back length. The incorporated darker underlayer with the lighter overhair gives the appearance of a lived-in depth that is dimensional and interesting without any new color. The hair-wrapped band at the bottom is a lovely clean finish that won’t add bulk. If your hair is extremely fine or silky, the braid may slip, and if you sweat a lot, it will definitely loosen the pancaking… Before you braid, you can add some texturizing powder at the roots for improved grip, and it will keep the pulled sections from looking flat.
#26: Sleek Low Twisted Bun with Wide No-Slip Headband
This outfit is very practical, and it’s an added bonus that it looks better in photos than many other gym outfits! I did a low twist rope bun at the nape of my neck and wore a wide no-slip headband to help with the front. I also really like how my low-maintenance polished soft root shadow with cool blonde highlights gives the look a nice touch. I think an oval face with fine to medium straight hair makes the look pretty clean and polished. I think the sweat control is pretty good because my hair is all up, contained, and since the bun is low, it’s not swinging with movement. My headband did get a little uncomfortable during my workout though. If you have lots of hair, you might also find it more tricky to get this look. Lastly, I used a smoothing serum and some strategic pin placement to keep the hairstyle exactly how I wanted it while exercising!
#27: Sleek Double Dutch Braids Merged into Looped Center Knot with Gold Cuffs
My favorite part about this braid style is the unique method used to secure the braids at the base of the neck. Instead of the standard practice of tying the braid(s) off, this style wraps the tie-off into a horizontal loop before transitioning into a thick, three-strand braid finished with gold cuffs. This wrapping technique is designed to reduce bulk at the back of the head, creating a more streamlined look at the back, which is a consideration that many braid styles do not have. Having a long, straight hair, especially one with a lot of density, reduces the risk of hair bouncing during a workout, and minimizing hair bounce is the goal of this braid style. Of course, this technique does take a long time to complete and is best finished with a smoothing product to achieve that sleek, uniform look. The concern about tension on the scalp is very warranted, and snags can occur with the gold cuffs, but overall this is an excellent high performance braid style.
#28: Sleek Dual Dutch Braids with Mirrored Blonde Block Highlights
The color placement here is really nice. The inner braids are all blonde, which is great because it adds a nice pop of color in the braid. When the hair is worn down, you will miss out on that. The braids look substantial on straight, mid-back, high-density hair. They are great for workouts and help keep sweat off the scalp. The gorgeous color in the hair can be seen as it moves. The tight braiding does increase tension on the scalp a lot though, so keep that in mind. Additionally, the blonde ends will require professional toning if you want to keep them looking cool and not yellow. If you want to add extra length without adding a ton of weight to your hair, consider tape-in extensions layered in the braid. That technique for highlights is really precise, so make sure you find a good stylist.
#29: Textured Twisted High Bun with Caramel Balayage
The bun looks great! It looks awesome if pulled straight and even looks good if it falls out a bit. It is a great hair style if you plan on going to the gym after. Hair like this is great because it holds the hair off the neck and if a little too much hair comes out, it is fine. Hair like this is great because the hair loops are great and the pulled out parts are awesome! The pulled out parts are front framing curls and the highlights are great too and won’t need a root touch up for a while. If you have partial bangs and the hair in back is not too thick, this is a style that is great. If the hair is thick enough that you can’t get it out of a bun, this hairstyle is not going to work.
#30: Sporty Micro Cornrows with Green Stitch-Lace Accent
The team spirit vibes I am getting from this look are phenomenal. The neat feed-in micros are super flat and the neon green stitch-lace threaded in the centre braid with the ribbon adds a nice bold touch. The high-density and long textured hair is also secured in a top bun at the back. It is also protective for workouts and sweatproof. The color adds some personalization as it is not only functional. The detail and time of the braids is a lot and there can be a risk of front line tension with this detail. To reduce the risk, use gentle feeding techniques at the hairline, and a silicone-free gel to reduce breakage. It looks amazing and I would love to do this.
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