Cute Hairstyles That Won’t Get in the Way of Your Workout

Braided Ponytail

“One great hairstyle to keep hair out of your way during workouts while still looking cute is the high braided ponytail. It keeps your hair secure and off your neck while the braid adds a stylish touch,” says celebrity hairstylist MJ Snyder.

Celebrity hairstylist Mary Kendall agrees this is a great hairstyle to rock while exercising since “the sleek look is always hot and practical while working out.” To get the look, “slick the hair back into a ponytail height of your choice, then braid the remaining pieces and secure with a small hair tie,” says Kendall.

This look ensures everything is “sleek, secured and cute while you work out. You can also go a little more romantic with it (if you’re in a tennis or golf vibe) and make the look a bit more lived in and textured, or add a ribbon to the bottom to enhance the chic-ness,” says Kendall, like she did for this look on Amanda Batula. Pro tip: Kendall likes to add a bit of rosemary oil to the scalp and a hair mask like UNITE 7SECONDS Masque ($50) before styling.

Claw Clip Twist

Fitness instructor and founder of Cacti Wellness Kira Jones Matousek says the key to nailing this style is using a big, strong claw clip and twisting the hair tightly. “I have thick hair, so I usually secure my hair in a low ponytail to start with a hair elastic. Next, I twist the ponytail as tight as I can and take my fingers to the middle of the ponytail to pull the center up towards the top of my head,” she says.

“Then, I take the claw clip and clip it right over the center of the twist. This keeps my hair out of my face (and off of my neck during sweaty workouts),” says Jones Matousek. It also works with clean or dirty hair and doesn’t fall out like a ponytail or bun.” To get the pictured look, she used The RPZL “Kira” Clip ($25).

Bubble Ponytail

Bubble ponytails are super trendy right now and even easier to do than a braided pony. All you need is a handful of elastics, and you’re good to go for the whole day. You can try the trend with a high or low pony, depending on your vibe.

Slicked Back Bun

“There is nothing like a slicked-back bun! It’s a tailored, clean girl aesthetic that also keeps your hair out of your way when working out,” says fitness instructor Grace Freyre. “Nine times out of 10, this is the hairstyle I am teaching and taking class with.”

To get the look, “I’ll use a comb to brush my hair into a ponytail and tie it up with one hair tie and then use a second hair tie to create a bun,” says Freyre. She swears by SLIP hair ties (six for $39) “because they don’t cause breakage. A slicked-back look doesn’t have to come at the expense of your hair health!”

For an extra hair health boost, Freyere adds a hair mask to her routine. “I am obsessed with Allyoos Juice Drench ($30) because it slicks back my hair all day while also doubling as a hair mask. It’s 99.4 percent plant and water-based, so it’s better than using wax or harsh chemicals.”

Snyder likes to keep her bun low with a middle part since it’s “simple, sleek and practical for high-intensity exercises.” She notes that it’s also super “low-maintenance and can transition easily from the gym to post-workout activities.” If you’re looking for extra hold, she recommends UNITE GO365 Hairspray ($37) “which has three different hold levels, allowing you to adjust depending on your workout intensity. For a smooth and shiny bun, she recommends UNITE SMOOTH & SHINE Cream ($32), “which tames flyaways and adds a polished finish to your hairstyle.”

Curly Ponytail

For curly girls, a high ponytail is one of the easiest and chicest looks, and it doesn’t require much styling because the curls speak for themselves. Just be sure to secure a few bobby pins to ensure the pony doesn’t budge throughout the workout.