When it comes to hitting the gym, having the right hairstyle can make all the difference—especially if you’re sporting short hair. Short hairstyles are not only chic and easy to maintain but also offer a variety of sporty options that keep your hair out of your face while you crush your workout goals. Whether you’re into high-intensity interval training, yoga, or weightlifting, there’s a style to match your active lifestyle. From sleek pixie cuts to edgy faux hawks, braided accents, and moisture-wicking headbands, these 17 sporty gym hairstyles for short hair combine functionality with flair. Not only will they help you stay cool and comfortable during your sweat sessions, but they’ll also ensure you look effortlessly stylish while doing it. So, let’s dive into these trendy and practical hairstyles designed to elevate both your fitness routine and your overall vibe!
Maintaining gym hairstyles can be tricky due to the sweat that often comes with working out. However, you can keep your hair looking neat, even during and after exercise with the right tips. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining gym hairstyles.
1. Choose Secure Styles
Opt for hairstyles that keep your hair in place during intense movements. High ponytails, braids, buns, or topknots are great for keeping your hair out of your face.
2. Use Sweatbands
A headband or sweatband is a gym essential, especially for those with shorter hair or bangs. It absorbs sweat around the hairline and prevents moisture from ruining your hairstyle.
3. Use Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is your best friend if you plan to go about your day after the gym and lack the time to wash your hair. Apply it to your roots before your workout to absorb excess sweat and oil, and reapply after if needed for a quick refresh.
4. Use Hair Ties That Do Not Cause Damage
Avoid tight elastic hair ties that can pull on your hair and cause breakage. Instead, use gentle hair ties like fabric scrunchies, spiral hair ties, or rubber ties that do not snag or damage your hair.
5. Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Sweat and frequent washing can lead to dryness, so it is essential to keep your hair moisturized. Use a leave-in conditioner or a light serum before your workout to create a protective barrier against sweat. You can also apply a moisturizing treatment or hair mask post-workout, especially if you wash your hair often.
6. Post-Workout Rinse
It is best to rinse your hair to remove sweat and salt buildup after an especially sweaty workout. Consider a simple water rinse if washing every day is not feasible.
7. Quick Refresh With Water Spray
A quick spritz of water or a leave-in conditioner spray can help revive your hairstyle after a workout. Spray lightly and use your fingers to gently reshape your hair, especially if you have been wearing it in a bun or ponytail and want to let it down post-gym.
8. Consider Your Hair Texture
Understanding your hair texture is crucial to achieving the style you desire. For instance, curly hair often needs extra hydration, so it’s beneficial to apply a curl cream before styling. This simple step can make a significant difference in managing your curls during rigorous gym sessions.
9. Match Your Hairstyle With Gym Attire
When it comes to your workout look, your hairstyle can be a key element. A sleek ponytail, for example, pairs well with fitted activewear, while a messy bun can give off a more relaxed vibe. By choosing a style that complements your gym attire, you can feel confident and stylish during your workout.
Maintaining gym hairstyles requires a balance of choosing the right styles that hold up during exercise and ensuring your hair stays healthy with regular care. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your hair looking great during and after your workout. Here are some hairstyles to go for.
Key Takeaways
- The right gym hairstyle for short hair is essential to prevent disruptions during your workouts.
- Some popular options include top knots, cornrows, space buns, and half up half down buns.
- You can also add hair accessories like headbands, pins, and clips to make your hairstyle fashionable and attractive.
1. Space Buns/Double Buns
Don’t want to miss out on style while exercising? These Janelle Monae-inspired chic double buns won’t let that happen. Recreating this style is easy. Tie your hair into ponytails. Twist them, and wrap them around the base of the ponytail, and secure the buns with bobby pins. And there you go! Another terrific approach to guarantee that all of your hair is bound and styled is to braid your ponytails before wrapping them.
Bryanna, a blogger, shared how she likes to style a double bun hairdo for the gym. She writes, “For the bigger look of the buns, I twist my hair loosely and pin the hair loosely so the buns aren’t too tight. However, these do look cute when the buns are tight. I just prefer the chunky version (i).
2. Half Up Half Down Bun
Kata Mara’s hairstyle gives a neat girl look with hair tied in a half-looped bun. To recreate this trendy hairstyle, gather the hair and tie a high ponytail. However, wrap the hairband only twice and pull the hair halfway through the third time to create a loop. That’s all!
3. Faux Mohawk
Ri- Ri does slay it with every hairstyle experiment, and she surely keeps nailing it. This is a cool hairstyle for short hair, and you can recreate this faux hawk during your next gym visit. Of course, you must be generous while applying hair gel and spray to let hair stay in that position for a long time.
4. High Ponytail With Head Band
This hairdo is for the days when you are lazy and don’t want to indulge in any styling session. Just tie a high ponytail as Serena Williams has done here, and accessorize it with a funky, vibrant color headband. No stray hair will fall and distract your workout.
5. Side-Swept Waves With One Side Shaved
This Kelly Osbourne mauve hair coiffed into side-swept waves might be among your top stylish workout hairstyles. While recreating it, keep in mind that the side sweep should have a thick top. You may tease the hair a bit and apply volumizing mousse to set the hair in place. Then, flip them to the opposite side to create an asymmetrical style. Finish off by either smoothing the hair or tousling the tresses.
6. Bun With Headband
Fantastic Four actress Jessica Alba looks radiantly beautiful with her mid-length blonde hair in a mini bun and dainty headband. To recreate Jess’ sweat-proof hairstyle, use a texturizing gel on hair and pull it back into a mini bun; you can tease hair for a bit of a sexy volume. Once done, slip a pretty headband into your hair to finish off the look. This will keep your hair in place and allow you to work on your fitness level easily. Licensed cosmetologist Christina Benjamin, who specialized in short hair custom cuts, “When in doubt, pull that headband out.” This is such a cute and simple hairstyle to recreate.”
7. Topknot
A great all-around hairstyle for many hair lengths, the model’s casual topknot lets short-haired rock their locks in a messy and fun way. To recreate this look, grab your hair and lift it up into a messy bun! Don’t forget to be generous with the hair ties and pins, and use an anti-frizz hairspray or headband for those short flyaways.
Use a small amount of leave-in conditioner to keep sweat-induced frizz at a minimum on your top knot.
8. Side Braided Pony
Not only singer Nelly Furtado’s side braided pony will help you keep your hair in place while you are working out, but this style is equally stylish and chic. Win-win! To recreate the hairstyle, begin by parting your hair down the middle. Next, French braid the hair, starting at the mid part, and then continue it braiding backward. Repeat on the opposite side, and once done, secure the braids with an elastic band.
9. Curly Bun
If you have short curls like model Shalom Harlow, a curly bun is a great gym hairstyle since it keeps all your hair slicked back from your face. This simple style can be created easily – just pull your hair all the way back and wrap it into a bun and there you are – a great hairstyle for your swim.
10. Piece-y Pixie
Get inspired by Jane Fonda’s pixie if you are looking for an ah-mazing short, straight hairstyle that won’t get in the way of your workouts. Perfect for all those poses, if you are a bit uncertain about your piece-y pixie, you can use a no-slip headband.
11. Messy Bun
Isabella Hervey’s messy bun is one of the best short hairstyles for the gym or during a workout. To duplicate her two-toned hairstyle, just sweep your hair up and off your face to wrap it behind your head. Make sure not to make things too neat. Thumbs up from us!
A messy bun will keep your hair out of your face during your workout session. Also, use bobby pins to pin up any baby hairs.
12. Shaggy Bob
Perfect for your not-so-sweaty activities like skeleton racing or even your yoga, this side-swept shaggy bob will help keep your hair off your face. So take inspiration from Lizzy Yarnold and choose this sporty and chic hairstyle for your next workout session.
13. Side-Swept Pixie
If you’re a sweater—take inspiration from Ginnifer Goodwin and sweep your pesky bangs at bay while you are in the field, playing a game of baseball.
14. Full Bangs Pixie
Don’t get us wrong: If you’re moving around, a full bangs pixie hairstyle can be a whip. Yes, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with full bangs. Take inspiration from Agyness Deyn and opt for this chic and edgy hairstyle for all hair types. And if you don’t want your bangs to get in the way of any marathon or cycling, you can slip in a bobby pin.
15. Low Messy Chignon
If you love how the short hair looks but hate how it ends up poking your neck, this swept-back low chignon is for you. Creating a softer look, the messy chignon helps you keep your hair out of the way. Bang-on!
16. Cornrows
Cornrows are considered one of the best hairstyles for keeping your locks in place while looking absolutely rocker during a grueling workout. Divide your hair into three sections and braid those sections into tight cornrows. These tight braids will keep your hair secure, preventing distractions and allowing you to focus on your fitness routine without interference.
17. Braided Updo
A braided updo is a hairdo that brings together practicality and style. Create a tight French or Dutch braid first and secure it into a bun just like Olivia Wilde. A hairdo that will keep your hair in place and ensure comfort during those sweaty workouts at the gym.
