If my muscles got toned every time my hair escaped my ponytail during a workout, I’d have six-pack abs and legs like Gigi Hadid’s… Ponytails are overrated and let’s be honest, super basic. Even though a ponytail has been everyone’s go-to gym hairstyle, it’s high time that we switch things up. Lucky for you these super simple and quick gym-friendly hairstyles have got your back:
1. French Braid
If you know h0w to do a simple 3-strand braid, then mastering a french braid will take you no time. It’s fairly simple and doesn’t take a lot of time making it a perfect gym-friendly hairstyle. It’s better than your average braid because the hair is tamed from the roots. This will keep your hair in place throughout your whole workout.
- Start with thoroughly brushed and make sure that there are no knots in your hair.
- Grab a big section of your hair at the top of your head, and start braiding it how you normally would.
- Once you’re halfway through braiding the centre section of your hair, start working in new hair sections from the sides.
- Keep adding strands from the side to the central section and finish the braid.
- Secure it with a hair tie at the end.
- Optional: If you have a lot of flyaways, you can tame them with hairspray and a spoolie brush.
What You’ll Need: Hairbrush and one hair-tie (Optional: Hairspray and spoolie brush)
Perfect For: High-intensity workouts
2. Braided Ponytail
If you want to be loyal to your ponytail, but also try out something new, go for a braided ponytail. It’s not only edgy but also very practical. It has the same steps as a french braid but it’s quicker and easier because you won’t have to braid it till the end of your hair. Follow the same steps as you would for the French braid, but when you reach the nape of your neck, stop braiding and secure your hair with a hair tie. Use hairspray and a spoolie brush to tame flyaways. This quick gym-friendly hairstyle is perfect if you’re in a hurry.
What You’ll Need: Hairbrush and one hair tie (Optional: hairspray and spoolie brush)
Perfect For: Low-intensity workouts like yoga or pilates.
3. Boxer Braids
I’ve seen these braids on countless celebrities and influencers. Boxer braids AKA dutch braids have been around quite some time and they aren’t going away anytime soon.
- Start with thoroughly brushed hair to avoid knots.
- Create a centre parting with a rat tail comb and create two sides.
- Grab a small section of hair on either side of the part and start braiding the section as you normally would.
- As you go along braiding the first section of hair, start collecting hair from the sides.
- Instead of weaving each piece over the central braid, (as you would for a french braid) weave each piece under the central braid.
- Finish doing this on one side and secure it with a hair tie.
- Repeat the whole process on the other side.
What You’ll Need: Rat tail comb and two hair ties. (Optional: hairspray and spoolie brush)
Perfect For: High-intensity workouts like kickboxing (duh) and Zumba.
4. Braided Top Knot
This hairstyle looks complicated but it’s actually the simplest one out of the lot. It’ll keep your hair out of your face during your workout and let you do your thing.
- Comb your hair to tie a high ponytail. After gathering your hair together, tie it with a hair tie.
- Start braiding your hair as you normally would and then secure it with a hair tie.
- After you’ve made your braid, start wrapping it to form a top knot. Secure it with a couple of bobby pins.
What You’ll Need: Comb, one hair tie and a couple of bobby pins. (Optional: hairspray and spoolie brush)
Perfect For: Low-intensity workouts like yoga or pilates.
Whether you’re doing a downward dog or a deadlift, these quick and simple gym-friendly hairstyles will have your back.
Follow @missmalinibeauty on Instagram for more updates.