Picture this - you’ve just gotten into the swing of your workout when, suddenly, your hair takes on a life of its own and decides to spring free from your ponytail, covering your face in sweaty, sticky strands that now refuse to be secured back into place. Sound familiar? We thought so. 

To help you keep your workouts free from distraction, we’ve pulled together a list of workout-approved hairstyles that will withstand even the most intense sweat sesh. And the best part? Not only will they survive your favourite workout and keep your hair in place while you move, they’re also cute enough to keep in place after you leave the gym. 

All you need is a scrunchie, ideally made of velvet or cotton, which is less likely to pull or dent your hair, yet has enough texture in the fabric to stay put. Other than that, you’re good to go. 

Keep scrolling for the seven best gym hairstyles out there right now.

1. BRAIDED PONY

Now, we’re not one to have favourites, but believe us, this gym hairstyle for long hair is up there with the best of them…

Brush your hair back into a ponytail, secure it with a hair tie and braid it all the way down. Add a headband to add even more flair (and make sure every last flyaway stays in its place).

2. SLICK BACK LOW BUN

A firm favourite in the fitness community, the slick back low bun is perfect on those days when you want to look ‘put-together’ after a gym sesh. 

Make sure any loose strands are pulled back off your face to avoid post-workout frizz and secure the bun right at the nape of your neck.

Sophisticated and distraction-free, this up-do is proof that hairstyles for the gym really can be linear in regards to both function and aesthetic.

3. MESSY BUN

Simple, easy and requires very little thought, but still looks adorable - especially for girls with short or curly hair. 

A messy bun will keep your hair out of your face and off your neck - far, far away from the back sweat - so that you can give your workout your full focus. To keep it in place, pull your hair back into a high pony and secure it with a tie. Don’t worry about it looking smooth and slick, those textured lumps and bumps are what keep the finished look sporty and effortlessly cool.

Separate your ponytail into two sections and twist together to form one strand. Then, wrap around the hair tie which currently holds the ponytail. Secure with bobby pins and voila.  

4. FRENCH BRAIDS

As far as gym hairstyles go, French braids are about as timeless and versatile as they come.

They’re chic, they’re fresh and will help keep your hair off your face, whatever the activity. They’ll even allow you to show off your cross back sports bra, like our bestselling Essential Strappy Back Sports Bra. Better yet, when you take them out, they’ll leave a chic wave in your hair.

Mastering the French Braid may take some getting used to, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.

5. HIGH PONYTAIL WITH HEADBAND

There’s a reason this go-to workout hairstyle is so popular. It keeps hair out of your face no matter how much you sweat and looks sleek and chic commuting to and from the gym.

Once you’ve secured your pony, add a pretty headband to easily accentuate your workout look and ensure flyaways stay put. Headbands are also great if you’re the kind of person that likes fuss-free styling post-exercise, so yeah, all of us.

6. BUBBLE PONY

If you struggle with plaits, this bobble braid gives you a similar finish, but with far less coordination required. 

Brush your hair into a pony and add hair ties down the length of your hair at roughly five to 10 cm intervals for a simple up-do hairstyle that looks simply stunning. Then, tug at the hair in between the ties to give them the look of being ‘bubbly’.

7. PIGTAILS

Bring back your fave childhood hairstyle by fastening two ponytails on each side of your head.

Fancy spicing it up a bit? Wrap small strands around the pigtail’s base to give that invisible hair tie look - or wrap either pigtail around the hair tie that secures your ponytail for a super cute twist on the classic up-do hairstyle.

The classic ponytail is always there to save the day by default, but sometimes - especially when a new gym ‘fit has arrived on your doorstep - we just want a little more flair in the hair. And these workout hairstyles will do just nicely.