Nothing kills a workout vibe faster than hair stuck to your neck.
You’ve carved out the time. Laced up the sneakers. Pressed play on the playlist that means business. But three jumping jacks in and your ponytail is flopping like a sad spaghetti noodle.
Not today.
Whether you’re sweating through your first session back or leveling up your fitness game, your hair should be the last thing on your mind—and the first thing to stay in place.
We’ve rounded up 19 sporty hairstyles that don’t just survive the workout—they power through it with you.
No slippage. No tangles. No excuses. Just styles that let you move, sweat, and shine—without sacrificing swagger.
High Ponytail
A high ponytail is the quintessential sporty hairstyle. It combines elegance with practicality, keeping your hair out of your face while you focus on your workout.
Imagine the refreshing feel of your hair swaying behind you as you pick up speed on the treadmill. This style is effortless to create, requiring just a secure hair tie.
You can add sleekness with a touch of hair spray or gel, ensuring no strands escape your ponytail. This fuss-free style allows you to transition seamlessly from gym to casual outings.
Braided Headband
The braided headband offers a whimsical yet efficient solution for keeping hair in place.
Effortlessly chic, this hairstyle involves braiding a section of hair along your hairline to form a natural headband.
It prevents strands from falling into your eyes as you conquer your fitness goals. The braided headband can be paired with a ponytail or a bun, offering versatility.
Additionally, it adds a touch of bohemian flair to your gym look, making it ideal for outdoor exercises or yoga sessions.
Messy Bun
The messy bun is the epitome of laid-back style in fitness. Perfect for those rushed mornings before heading to the gym, this style offers both ease and charm.
Gather your hair into a loose bun at the crown, allowing a few strands to escape for that carefree look. While it appears relaxed, it effectively keeps your hair off your neck, allowing you to focus on your workout.
This style is a favorite for yoga enthusiasts and those who prefer a more casual approach to fitness fashion.
Dutch Braids
Dutch braids offer an intricate and lasting solution for active women. Known for their tight and secure nature, these braids keep hair neatly in place, ensuring no distractions during your workout.
Ideal for high-impact activities, Dutch braids start at the hairline and weave under each strand, creating a raised effect. They are perfect for long sessions or outdoor adventures, keeping your hair stylishly contained.
This hairstyle suits both sporty and everyday looks, adding a dash of sophistication and edge.
Low Ponytail
The low ponytail offers a classic yet understated choice for workout enthusiasts. This style is especially favored for its sleek appearance and practicality.
By tying your hair at the nape, you minimize movement, which is perfect for activities like cycling or Pilates. The low ponytail can be enhanced with hair accessories like scrunchies for a pop of color.
It ensures your focus remains on your workout, providing a neat and polished look that’s easy to maintain throughout the day.
Top Knot
The top knot stands as an iconic choice for a no-nonsense workout hairstyle.
Securely sitting at the top of your head, it keeps hair entirely off your face and neck, allowing complete freedom of movement. This style is particularly beneficial for high-intensity workouts where distractions are unwelcome.
The top knot is quick to assemble and can be customized with hair ties or bands to match your workout gear. Its simplicity ensures you stay cool and comfortable, even in the most demanding sessions.
French Braid
The French braid is a timeless style that combines elegance with function. Perfect for workouts, it keeps hair tightly secured, preventing flyaways during intense activity.
This style involves weaving hair from the top of your head down to the nape, creating a symmetrical and polished look.
It’s an excellent choice for those with medium to long hair, offering both stability and style. For added flair, you can incorporate colorful hair ties or ribbons that complement your workout attire.
Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid adds a touch of elegance to your workout routine. Known for its intricate pattern, this braid keeps hair neatly contained, allowing you to focus on your fitness goals.
Creating a fishtail involves sectioning the hair into two parts and weaving smaller pieces to form a distinctive design. It’s ideal for those who enjoy sporting unique looks that stand out in fitness classes.
The fishtail braid can be worn casually or dressed up with hairpins for added charm and security.
Space Buns
Space buns offer a fun and quirky hairstyle for energetic workouts.
This style involves dividing your hair into two sections and forming buns on either side of your head.
It’s a favorite among younger fitness enthusiasts, adding a playful element to any routine.
Space buns keep hair secure and out of the way, allowing you to enjoy dance or aerobics without hindrance.
They can be accessorized with colorful scrunchies or clips, bringing an extra dash of personality to your sporty ensemble.
Sleek Bun
For a polished and sophisticated workout appearance, the sleek bun is unbeatable.
This hairstyle involves pulling hair back tightly into a bun, using gel or mousse for a smooth finish.
Perfect for low-impact exercises like yoga or Pilates, it exudes elegance while ensuring hair stays securely in place.
The sleek bun can be adorned with understated accessories for an added touch of style. Its minimalist nature enhances your overall look, making it suitable for transitioning from workout to work meeting seamlessly.
Side Braid
The side braid offers a relaxed and stylish option for workout sessions. It’s created by braiding hair over one shoulder, allowing for a casual yet chic look.
This hairstyle is perfect for dynamic activities where comfort and style are equally important.
The side braid keeps hair tamed while adding a touch of bohemian flair to your athletic attire.
It’s easy to achieve and can be embellished with small clips or flowers for extra charm, making it a go-to choice for outdoor workouts.
Pineapple Updo
The pineapple updo is a fabulous choice for women with curly hair looking to keep their locks under control during workouts.
This style involves gathering curls at the top of the head, resembling a pineapple shape.
It’s not only visually striking but also practical, as it minimizes hair movement while you exercise. The pineapple updo is perfect for dance or cardio sessions, ensuring your curls stay defined and out of your face.
This style is playful and adds a burst of energy to your gym routine.
Half-Up Ponytail
The half-up ponytail strikes a balance between casual and chic, making it an ideal choice for workouts.
By tying the top section of hair into a ponytail, you keep it out of your face while allowing the rest to flow freely.
This style is perfect for workouts that transition into social activities, as it offers a polished yet relaxed appearance.
The half-up ponytail can be enhanced with accessories like headbands or barrettes, adding a personal touch to this versatile hairstyle.
Cornrows
Cornrows provide a bold and statement-making hairstyle for active women.
This style involves braiding hair closely to the scalp in neat, linear patterns, ensuring a secure hold throughout any workout. Ideal for high-intensity sports, cornrows eliminate the worry of hair interference.
Additionally, they offer a striking visual appeal that pairs well with athletic gear.
Cornrows can be customized with beads or colored extensions for a personalized touch, making them perfect for those who embrace both function and fashion.
Double French Braids
Double French braids are perfect for maintaining a neat appearance while being active.
This style involves creating two symmetrical braids starting at the front and extending down the back. Effective for keeping hair out of the way, double French braids are ideal for team sports or gym workouts.
They offer a classic yet contemporary feel and can be accessorized with ribbons or bands for added charm. This hairstyle is suitable for various hair textures, providing both function and flair.
Twisted Ponytail
The twisted ponytail adds a creative twist to a classic style, offering practicality and flair.
By twisting sections of hair before tying them into a ponytail, you achieve a dynamic and secure look.
This style is perfect for long hikes or outdoor activities where a reliable hold is essential. The twisted ponytail keeps hair neatly in place while showcasing a visually captivating design.
It’s easy to create and can be enhanced with decorative hair ties or clips, making it both functional and stylish.
Ballet Bun
The ballet bun embodies grace and control, making it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts.
By securing hair tightly into a bun at the back of the head, you achieve a refined and disciplined look. This style is perfect for dance or barre classes where a composed appearance is desired.
The ballet bun keeps hair firmly in place, allowing you to focus on your movements. For added elegance, you can incorporate a decorative hairnet or pins, enhancing its timeless appeal.
Headband Tuck
The headband tuck is a simple yet effective hairstyle for workout sessions. By using a wide headband, you can tuck your hair back, keeping it securely in place.
This style is perfect for quick transitions between workouts and daily activities. The headband tuck is ideal for women with medium-length hair, offering a neat appearance with minimal effort.
It can be accessorized with colorful or patterned headbands, adding a touch of personality to your workout attire while ensuring complete comfort.
Bubble Ponytail
Add a playful twist to your workout routine with the Bubble Ponytail. This hairstyle uses multiple clear elastics along the length of your ponytail to create ‘bubbles’ of hair.
Not only does it keep your hair secure, but it also adds volume and flair. This fun and youthful style is ideal for those who want to combine practicality with a bit of whimsy.
Experiment with the spacing of the elastics to achieve different bubble sizes for a unique look every time. The Bubble Ponytail is your ticket to a spirited and enjoyable workout.