The 16 Best Gym Hairstyles for Working Out in 2020

When you’re working up a sweat—whether it’s during a hot yoga class or a high-intensity kickboxing lesson—it makes sense that you need to keep your hair off of your face. But who says that your gym hairstyle has to be boring? Plus, more often than not, you probably find yourself stopping mid-workout to readjust your hair or completely redo your ‘do because it has come undone. (Sounds familiar, right?) Not only does this ruin the momentum you’ve built up while exercising, but it is also super-distracting. Let this be the last time your locks get in the way of a good fitness routine. Get yourself through even the sweatiest of workouts—while looking your absolute best—with these 16 workout hairstyles that will totally take your gym beauty look up a notch.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #1: THE PERFECT PONYTAIL

The pony is the standard workout hairstyle for a reason—but this version is anything but boring. Have a dinner date after your cardio dance class? Switching out your headband post-workout takes this style from basic to blingy.

What you’ll need:

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

Brush

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP #1: ADD SOME VOLUME

Spray your roots with a volumizing hair spray. Use your fingertips to add volume to the top and sides of your hair. If your hair is frizz-prone, consider applying a little hair oil to help manage it.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Smooth your hair back into a ponytail and secure with a clear elastic.

STEP #3: DRESS UP YOUR PONY

Give your ponytail a pulled-together finish by taking a piece of hair from the ponytail and wrapping it around the hair tie. Pin it underneath with a bobby pin to keep it in place.

STEP #4: SPRITZ WITH HAIR SPRAY

Keep your hairdo under control with a generous misting of strong-hold hairspray.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #2: DUTCH BRAID

There’s no denying the Dutch braid is absolutely gorgeous, but this braided hairstyle is more than trendy. It’s also the perfect hairstyle for keeping your strands out of your face during an intense workout session. Weave your strands into this inverted braid with the help of our article, How to Dutch Braid Your Hair.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #3: HEADBAND

Sometimes, an accessory can make all the difference. A headband will not only help your mane appear more put-together, but it’ll also help keep flyaways, bangs, and face-framing pieces from falling into your face mid-run. Bonus: It’ll help disguise unsightly greasy, sweaty roots, too!

GYM HAIRSTYLE #4: LOW KNOT

When you’ve hit snooze a few too many times and you’re under a time crunch to make it to the gym before work, you need a hairstyle that’s both easy and practical. Opt for a low knot for a simple hairstyle that still looks chic. Not sure how to get the look? We’re showing you how below.

What you’ll need:

Hair tie

Bobby pins

Wave spray

Strong-hold hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP #1: ADD SOME TEXTURE

Start by spraying either damp or dry hair with a heat-free wave spray for loose beachy waves.

STEP #2: PUT YOUR HAIR UP

Gather your tresses into a high or low ponytail, depending on where you want your chignon to sit, and then pull a few pieces loose to frame your face. Secure with a hair tie, then loosen the hair by tucking your fingertips underneath the top and sides, gently pulling upward.

STEP #3: SEAL IN YOUR STYLE

Spray your hairstyle with hairspray before ruffling the lengths and tousling individual pieces to add more texture.

STEP #4: TWIST AND PIN

Next, loosely twist the ponytail into a knot and secure it with bobby pins. It's important to ensure the knot feels well-anchored without pinning too much because you want this style to have a tousled, carefree vibe. You can also loosely braid the ponytail before you pin it up if you’d like.

STEP #5: LOCK IN YOUR ‘DO

Spray your hair all over with more hair spray to help keep your hair frizz-free and give your style more hold.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #5: SPACE BUNS

Want something a bit more fun? Add a playful vibe to your look by smoothing your strands into space buns. Not only is this hairstyle youthful and carefree, it’s also a great way to keep your locks out of your face and off of your neck. For a step-by-step tutorial, head over to our article, How to Do Space Buns.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #6: MESSY PONYTAIL

There’s no rule that gym hairstyles have to be picture perfect. Sometimes, imperfection is just what you need. Consider sweeping your strands into a perfectly imperfect and effortless messy ponytail before getting your sweat on.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #7: HIGH BUN

For workouts that require you be on your back with your head flat on the ground (such as yoga, pilates, and even crunches), a high bun is the way to go. This hairstyle keeps your hair secured tightly at the top of your head and doesn’t create an uneven surface on the back of your head. You can also pull your hair into a high bun to keep your hair off of your face when you’re doing a high-impact workout such as running or kickboxing.

What you’ll need:

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP #1: CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair elastic.

STEP #2: TWIST

Divide your hair into two parts, then, starting at the base of the ponytail, twist the two sections together.

STEP #3: CREATE YOUR BUN

Wrap your twisted tresses around the base of your ponytail, forming a bun.

STEP #4: PIN, PIN, PIN!

Secure the bun with bobby pins. Start with the base of the bun to keep it in place and then pin any remaining loose ends.

STEP #5: GRAB YOUR HAIRSPRAY

Apply a few of spritzes of hairspray, and you’re all set!

BONUS STEP: SLEEK YOUR STYLE

This is entirely optional. If you want to help manage flyaways, use a hair gel to smooth down your strands.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #8: HALF-UP TOP KNOT

Don’t want to put all of your hair up? You don’t have to! For a more casual workout session, you may be able to get away with leaving your locks to hang free—as long as you get your face-framing strands out of the way. To do so, section your hair from ear to ear and twist your top section into a top knot. Easy and oh-so-cute, don’t you think?

GYM HAIRSTYLE #9: FISHTAIL BRAID

You didn’t think we’d leave the fishtail braid out of our roundup, did you? Another classic braided hairstyle, it’s a simple yet trendy way to keep your strands out of the way. Rusty on your braiding skills? For a step-by-step tutorial, check out our article, How to Do a Fishtail Braid.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #10: BRAIDED PONYTAIL

This next hairstyle combines two hairstyles (the ponytail and the braid) that are perfect for breaking a sweat. A braided ponytail looks good on just about every single person, and it’s super-practical for the gym. It keeps your hair sleek and, most importantly, off your face. When you’re done working out, simply let down your hair and reveal beautiful, luscious curls. Spritz with some dry shampoo to add a little texture, and you’re good to go.

What you’ll need:

Fine-tooth comb

A couple of hair ties

Styling gel

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP #1: SMOOTH YOUR LOCKS

To create a braided ponytail, start by working a small amount of hair gel through your hair. This will help detangle any knots and leave your tresses looking ultra-shiny.

STEP #2: PUT YOUR HAIR UP

Next, use a fine-toothed comb to brush your hair backward. Gather your hair into a semi-high ponytail at the back of your head before securing it with a hair tie.

STEP #3: BRAID AWAY

Now, it’s time for the braid! Plait your ponytail tightly to make a firm braid and secure the end with a hair tie.

STEP #4: SEAL THE DEAL

Spritz your hair with hair spray to help tame flyaways and give your locks an extra smooth finish.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #11: HALF-UP PONYTAIL

If the half-up top knot isn’t your thing, perhaps you’d prefer a half-up ponytail. Equally as easy to create, this workout hairstyle allows your locks to hang free while a top section is gathered into a small, bouncy ponytail. Cute, right? Simply part your hair from ear to ear, create your mini ponytail, and secure with a clear elastic before working up a sweat.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #12: MESSY BUN

Like we mentioned, workout hairstyles don’t have to be perfect! If you want the length of your mane to be up and out of the way, sweep your strands into a carefree, messy bun. Just be sure to secure with plenty of bobby pins to keep everything in place. Of course, if a few strands fall loose, it’ll only add to your messy hairstyle!

GYM HAIRSTYLE #13: BRAIDED PIGTAILS

Like the high bun, low pigtails are perfect for workouts that require you to lay your head flat on the ground. This hairstyle gives regular pigtails a grown-up look, and it only takes mere minutes to create!

What you’ll need:

Fine-tooth comb

A couple of hair ties

Flexible-hold hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP #1: PART YOUR HAIR

Use a comb to part your hair down the middle.

STEP #2: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Next, bring each half of your hair over your shoulders.

STEP #3: BRAID, BRAID, BRAID

Braid both sides all the way down and secure with a hair tie.

STEP #4: GRAB YOUR HAIRSPRAY

As usual, it’s important to secure your hairstyle with hair spray.

STEP #5: UNVEIL YOUR HAIR

Done working out? Untie your hair to reveal pretty waves!

GYM HAIRSTYLE #14: BOX BRAIDS

Want to protect your natural hair? Consider rocking box braids to the gym. Not only do box braids look particularly stunning (not to mention trendy), there are also plenty of ways to style them. Twist them into a ponytail or voluminous bun at the top of your head for the perfect natural workout hairstyle.

GYM HAIRSTYLE #15: BASEBALL CAP

When all is said and done, popping on a baseball cap just may be one of our favorite (and the easiest) ways to style our hair for the gym. Make sure to pick up a hat that’s made with sweat-absorbing material, so you don’t have to worry about excess oils sitting on your skin!

GYM HAIRSTYLE #16: FRENCH BRAID

You’ve probably been weaving French braids since you were in elementary school. So, put your hairstyling skills to the test the next time you go to the gym. Not only is this hairstyle easy to do, but it’s also super pretty. Plus, you can rock a French braid even after your workout! What’s not to love about that?

What you’ll need:

Hair tie

Serum

Flexible-hold hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP #1: SMOOTH YOUR STRANDS

First, it's important to detangle your hair. If you have frizz, you’ll also want to use a product, like a serum, to help manage it.

STEP #2: GRAB A SECTION OF HAIR

Begin by picking up a single straight row of hair at the top of your forehead.

STEP #3: CRISS-CROSS

Split the section of hair into three strands, as you would when making a standard braid, and start crossing left and right strands. Repeat this process a few times.

STEP #4: BRAID, BRAID, BRAID

Then, with each cross-over, incorporate more hair into the braid by pulling in small sections as you go. By the time you reach your neck, you should have incorporated all of your hair.

STEP #5: FINISH YOUR BRAID

From there, braid normally until you reach the ends of your hair.

STEP #6: SEAL IN YOUR STYLE

Set your hair with hairspray, and you’re ready to whip your body into shape.

Want more gym beauty advice? Read our article, Can You Wear Makeup to the Gym?