12 Best Hairstyles for Tough Gym Workouts

Who says you have to look sweaty at the gym? If celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham can look great while working out, so can you. All you have to do is spend an extra two minutes on your hair to style it into a gorgeous, gym-proof look. Below, Laura Elliott, head of education at Neäl & Wølf shares some inspiration.

1. The French braid

A French braid is great for low-intensity workouts such as barre, power plates and yoga. It keeps your hair neat and most importantly, out of your face. Plus, you'll have gorgeous beachy waves when you take the braid out! To achieve a French braid, start by sectioning the hair into three equal parts. Criss-cross these at the back of the hair and secure with a hair tie.

2. The high ponytail

This is the go-to style for the gym! A high ponytail keeps hair off your face and neck, and it'll keep your hair in place through even high intensity workouts. For a slick-back look, liberally apply our ENHANCE Volumising Mousse and gather all your hair into one hand, then fasten with a hair tie.

3. The headband

Feel like a real athlete with a sporty headband. This is the perfect way to get loose hairs away from your face, as well as keeping frizz at bay. Headbands are popular with shorter hairstyles, such as bobs, as no length is needed to effortlessly pull them off. Towelled headbands can look stylish whilst preventing you from feeling too hot and bothered.

4. Boxer braids

Look and feel like a professional! Perfect for high-intensity activities, the boxer braids are guaranteed to keep your hair in place through any workout. Part your hair down the middle and tightly braid each side. Add a small touch of GLOW Super Shine Spray to add a bright sheen.

5. The half bun (hun)

Separate your hair into two sections, top and bottom. Pull the top section into a high ponytail, then wrap the ponytail around itself into a bun and secure it with a hair tie. We would recommend only using this hairstyle for meditation, Pilates and barre classes, as it won't last through a high-intensity workout. 

6. The topknot

Topknots are ideal for tucking away longer tresses. Pull your hair up into a high ponytail then wrap it around itself into a bun. As this style can be tied as tight as needed and keeps hair well out of the way, it's perfect for all types of workouts, including yoga, Pilates, spin and barre. 

7. The twisted pony

Looking to upgrade your ponytail? This effortless hairstyle requires you to just put your hair back into a ponytail, then separate it into two sections which you twist over each other. Secure the bottom with another hair tie. You could pair this look with a hairband for extra effect.

8. Braided bun

Create a sophisticated look suited to dance classes organised by your gym. Braid your hair in a high ponytail, then wrap it around into a bun. Secure with a hair tie. If you add a little VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil before styling, it will still look gorgeous when you take the bun down.

9. Dark colours

Spending time at the gym means washing your hair more often. For this reason, you’ll need a hair colour that can withstand more frequent cleansing. In general, darker hair colours usually stay on the hair for longer. For lighter shades, finish your routine by washing your locks with our BLONDE Purple Shampoo and Conditioner. This works as a toner, stripping hair of brassy tones to maintain a lighter and brighter finish.

10. Pigtails

This childhood hairstyle looks great on grownups too! This look can add a sense of playfulness to your gym style, setting you up for a session of enjoyment. Create a parting in the middle of the hair, gathering locks into two sections. Put the hair into hair ties, creating two ponytails.

11. Bixie cut

Let your hair stylist take control of your gym look. A bixie cut combines a bob with a pixie cut, creating a statement short style. As this style is light, you can wear your hair down without it feeling too heavy and getting in the way of your workout. After your workout, use our TEXTURE Dry Texture & Finishing Spray, a dry shampoo solution that builds dimension in the hair.

12. Hair accessories

Hair clips are handy for holding back loose strands. For example, hairstyles can have features such as face framing wispy tendrils, which can’t be pulled back into a hair tie. Hair clips are a solution that embodies 90s glam and practicality. Bobby pins can also be used to add extra security to the looks mentioned above.

How to keep hair clean after gym

Whether you wash your hair after hitting the gym depends on your workout, preference and hair type. Oily hair is much more likely to need washing after a workout, compared to hair that is dry, which could be damaged from overly frequent cleansing.

A quick clean

If you’ve done a low intensity workout or you’re in a rush, you may use a dry shampoo to quickly freshen up your locks. We recommend our own dry shampoo, which uses Tapioca Starch and Betaine to absorb access oils. To use, shake the can and spray evenly over your roots and scalp. Leave in for two minutes, then comb through! Find out more: Dry Shampoo

In the gym showers

Washing your hair at the gym is always convenient, especially if you’re heading straight out after your workout. However, it can be a pain to make room in your gym bag for full-size bottles of hair products. Our travel size shampoo, conditioner and hair products are an ideal solution, with our Essentials collection coming complete with a wash bag that can be used again and again. Learn more: Travel Size Minis

A thorough cleanse

Reward yourself for a successful gym session with a proper pamper. Wash hair thoroughly with a shampoo and conditioner pairing suited to your hair type, leaving your locks bright and nourished. Here at Neäl & Wølf, we have a hair product for every hair type. Shop today: Shampoo & Conditioner

No matter which gym hairstyle you choose, we have hair products to help you prepare for your workout or freshen up afterwards. Find out more: Neäl & Wølf Haircare Products