Beauty

Olympic-ready hairstyles: 10 Cute and sporty looks to keep you in the game

Styles that stay in motion

05.08.2024

By Adrianna Haris

Edited by: Redzhanna Jazmin | Featured Images: Instagram/@nonaka_miho
Olympic-ready hairstyles: 10 Cute and sporty looks to keep you in the game

Looking for fresh hair inspiration for your next workout? Try these easy-to-do (and a few more intricate) hairstyles to elevate your training session and keep you focused on winning.

You don’t have to be an Olympian to bring a bit of style to your own workout routine. Whether you’re preparing for a major competition or just heading to the gym to work on your fitness, a practical yet stylish hairstyle can make all the difference. The right hairdo will keep your locks out of your face while adding a touch of flair to your athletic look. From classic ponytails to playful space buns, these 10 sporty hairstyles are designed to handle even the toughest training session.

 

Ponytail

 

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Timeless and dependable, a ponytail is the go-to for keeping hair out of your face during high-intensity workouts. Scoop it up into a high or low ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it for a more polished look, or elevate it with a cute bow or clip. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for any fitness routine, from sprinting to weightlifting.

 

Braided ponytail 

Are you bored of wearing the same old ponytails on repeat? Add a little twist by incorporating a braid. Start by securing your hair into a ponytail, divide it into three sections and plait them down to the end, then finish with a hair tie. To be even more extra, you can add multiple braids, especially if you have thicker hair. And, if you’re rocking bangs, you can keep them off your face like Miho Nonaka by incorporating two cute Dutch braids into your pony.

 

Bubble ponytail

Jazz up your usual ponytail with a fun bubble effect. To create this trendy hairstyle, tie off several sections along the ponytail with elastics, spacing them out at intervals. Then, gently zhush up each section to form bubbles. Repeat this process for the whole length of the ponytail. This style is both trendy and functional, ideal for gymnastics or track practice.

 

Bun

 

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A classic choice for athletes, the bun keeps your hair neatly contained. Flip your head upside down, gather your hair at the top, and twist it from root to end, wrapping it in on itself. Then, secure your work with bobby pins or a hair tie. Smooth down any flyaways with a strong-hold hairspray to ensure it stays in place throughout your training. If you need a little more hold, you can also opt to use a hair net for extra security.

 

Space buns

 

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For a playful and youthful style, try space buns. All you need is to split your hair into two sections, twist each into tight buns, and secure them so that they won’t budge during your gym session. This should keep all your hair out of the way, making it ideal for intense, sweaty workouts.

 

Braid

 

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For low-impact exercises like yoga or stretching, skip the fuss of a Panadol-inducing ponytail and opt for a simple braid. While braiding can be elaborate and time-consuming (with its many variations listed below), the results are stunning and definitely worth it. 

 

Dutch braid pigtails

 

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Dutch braids, where the hair is woven under rather than over, create a raised braid that stands out beautifully. When styled as pigtails, these two plaits keep your hair securely away from your face and neatly in place. This makes them ideal for any active sport, from swimming to track and field, ensuring that your hair stays put no matter how intense your workout gets. 

 

Fishtail braid

 

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Want to experiment with braid variation that isn’t so common? For a more intricate hairdo, consider a fishtail braid. It’s a bit more complex to achieve than a standard plait, but the effort and learning curve pays off with a stylish and unique look that works well for both reformer pilates and relaxing.

 

Slicked-back middle part 

 

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For a sleek appearance, smooth your hair into a neat, slicked-back centre part before tying it into a ponytail, bun, or braid. The position can be high or low depending on your preference. A higher slick-back will give you a more snatched look, keeping your hair secure and out of your face while offering a symmetrical facelift effect.

 

Half up, half down

 

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Want the best of both worlds? Consider a half-up, half-down style. If you want your face hair-free but still want to show off some length, this hairdo is for you. Secure the top half of your hair into a ponytail, bun, or braid while letting the rest flow freely. It’s a great transition look from your hot girl walk to a celebratory brunch with your girlfriends afterwards! 

 

Accessories

 

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A post shared by MAURA HIGGINS (@maurahiggins)

As a bonus, if you need to repurpose last night’s messy texture, try adding a sporty accessory. Throw on a hat, headband, claw clip, or ribbon that’s plain and simple or bedazzled and patterned–you could even colour-coordinate it to your workout outfit! 

 

 

Find more hair inspiration like this here.

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