This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Are you looking for a way to spice up your gym look? After you’ve found the perfect gym outfit, why not try a fun new hairstyle to add some flair to your workout routine?
Most of us don’t give much thought to our hair when we hit the gym, but a cute hairstyle can make all the difference in how you feel during your workout. It can give you an extra boost of confidence and make you feel more put together. I don’t know about you, but I always feel more motivated when I know I look good.
When considering which athletic hairstyle to try, think about the intensity of your workout and whether you prefer to wear your hair up or down. For high-intensity workouts, an updo will keep your hair out of your face and prevent any distractions. However, for lower-intensity exercises like yoga or pilates, there are plenty of cute hairstyles that you can try with your hair down.
There are also plenty of trendy hairstyles that will look great while you work out and keep your hair looking fabulous. If you’re interested in trying new gym hairstyles, check out this list of 17 perfect athletic hairstyles for women!
Athletic Hairstyles for Women
1. Half Up Half Down Braided Pigtails
An athletic hairstyle that has been very trendy recently is the half-up half-down pigtail look. However, if you like this look but you want to make it more fun, you can also try this out half-up half-down braided pigtails look.
This will be a super cute look that you can wear to the gym that will make sure your hair stays out of your face while you are working out.
Also, this hairstyle will add something a little different and fun to your gym look since it’s not something you see everyone wearing!
2. Space Buns
You’ve probably seen the space buns hairstyle before, but have you ever thought about wearing it to the gym?
Space buns are actually a really great athletic hairstyle for women that will make sure you don’t get overheated. They will also make sure to keep your hair looking cute throughout your entire workout. You can leave the front pieces out or tie them up, depending on what you prefer.
Interested in getting the space buns look? The video tutorial above makes it super simple.
3. Bubble Braids
Another trendy hair look recently is the bubble braid. This kind of braid is perfect for those who want a simple and fun updo hairstyle for the gym or working out.
What I love about this hairstyle is that it takes barely any time! So, if this sounds like the perfect athletic hairstyle for you, I recommend checking out this video tutorial on getting a bubble braid.
4. Claw Clip Hairstyles
As we all know, claw clip hairstyles are also another prevalent trend these days for everyday hair looks. And this trend is absolutely perfect for wearing to the gym.
My favorite part about claw clip hairstyles is they’re so easy to do. With a little practice, you’ll be able to do these styles in no time, so don’t worry about taking too long to get ready for the gym!
Check out this video tutorial to see a couple of different types of looks you can create with claw clips.
5. Natural Hair Pigtail Braids
If you have natural hair and are looking for something that will work for your curls, don’t worry — there are tons of great athletic hairstyles you can do with your natural texture!
For example, mini pigtail braids like the ones shown above are so cute and a perfect way to get your hair off your neck and face while working out.
The video above has an amazing roundup of adorable natural hairstyles for the gym.
6. Simple Ponytails
Another simple but effective hair look for the gym is a basic ponytails. However, instead of just putting your hair up with a hairband as usual, you can add a little something extra to this look!
To get a boosted, voluminous ponytail, you will want to hide your hairband by sectioning off a piece of your hair to wrap around the hairband. (This works best on medium to long hair.)
I recommend trying out this type of ponytail that takes barely any time and will make your regular ponytail look more fun for the gym. Watch the video above to see how it’s done in just 5 minutes.
7.Dutch Braids
If you love doing braided hairstyles, a classic braided hairstyle that’s perfect for the gym is dutch braids.
This is a great go-to hairstyle for the gym that will keep your hair looking flawless throughout your workout!
And, don’t worry if you have never done a dutch braid before because this video tutorial will show you exactly how to do it. It’s simpler than you think and is so easy with practice.
8. Half Up Half Down Pigtails
Half-up half-down pigtails are a great hair look for the gym if you want to wear your hair down but want to keep the hair out of your face while working out.
This is also a very simple, but trendy hair look that will make getting ready for the gym much more fun!
Watch this video tutorial to see exactly how to get this look for your next workout.
9. Top Knot Bun
If you are looking for a hairstyle that is quick and will definitely keep your hair intact during your workout, the top knot bun is a classic option.
A top knot bun will keep all of the hair out of your face and will be super easy for you to do before going to the gym!
If you are curious about how to make the perfect top knot bun, just watch this video tutorial.
10. Protective Mini Buns for Silk Press
If you have a silk press that you want to maintain through a sweaty gym session, you need to choose your hairstyle carefully. You want something that will keep your hair off your face and neck to avoid getting your hair sweaty or dirty.
The video above shares a super cute athletic hairstyle to wear with a silk press, consisting of double space buns and a stylish headband to keep your hair clean and fresh.
Watch the video tutorial above to learn how to maintain your silk press while you kill it at the gym.
11. High Ponytails
Another great type of ponytail for the gym is just a simple high ponytail. This look takes little to no effort and is great for those who don’t want to spend too much time on their hair before heading to the gym!
Here is a quick video tutorial on exactly how to get the perfect high ponytail.
12. Side Fishtail Braid
One other great braided hairstyle for the gym is the fishtail braids. It takes a little time to master, but it looks so impressive and beautiful once it’s done. Plus, it looks even better when it’s a little messy (a plus for the gym).
If you have never done a fishtail braid, it might look a little difficult, but don’t worry because this hair tutorial will show you everything you need to know how to get a fishtail braid. Again, practice is key with this style!
13. Sleek Low Bun
If you like bun hairstyles for the gym because they are simple and easy to do, I also recommend trying it out sleek low bun look for your next workout.
I don’t need to tell you guys that sleek hairstyles are very in style this year, and if this low bun look isn’t already in your gym rotation, I highly recommend giving it a shot.
If you don’t know how to get the perfect low bun yet, I recommend checking out this easy video tutorial.
14. Braided Hairstyles
I’ve already listed some braided hairstyles for the gymbut there are honestly more options than I can count!
If you want to get more advanced with your braids, you can incorporate them into other hair looks like a ponytail or bun as shown in this video. This will make wearing your hair up so much more fun and will be sure to get you tons of compliments.
15. Dutch Braided Pigtails
Pigtails is another trendy hair look that will work great as a gym hairstyle! You can go for just the regular low pigtails look or add something extra to the style by incorporating braids into your pigtails, as shown above.
This will make your pigtails look even more fun for the gym and add something different to the look you love.
16. Half Up Half Down Ponytail
If you want to keep the hair out of your face while working out, but also want a cute hairstyle for the gym, I recommend going with the half-up half-down ponytail!
This is a very simple ponytail look that’s great for those of us who want to wear their hair down, but don’t want it to interfere with our workouts.
Watch this video tutorial to see how to get this quick and simple look for the gym.
17. Workout Hairstyles for Short Natural Hair
Looking for athletic hairstyles for women with short natural hair? Never fear, we’ve got you covered.
You don’t have to do a boring bun just because your hair is short. There are actually some super cute styles that will protect your hair at the gym while also looking adorable. Case in point: The video above which shares four beautiful workout styles you can do with short natural hair.
18. French Rope Braids
If you want to try a unique athletic hairstyle for women, the French rope braid is the hairstyle for you! This is a different kind of braided hairstyle that you may not have seen before. If you’re comfortable braiding, however, you can absolutely do this.
If you are curious about getting this braided hairstyle for the gym, this video tutorial will show you exactly how to get this fun braided hair look.
19. Low Ponytails
One other super simple but effective hair look for the gym that will take you no time to do is the low ponytails. This is also another hair look that is perfect if you want an updo for the gym that you can do with your eyes closed in the morning.
All you need for this look is a hair tie — it couldn’t be simpler.
20. Double Low Buns
If you like the look of space buns but want to make them a little more casual, you can go with this double low bun look!
For this look, you can do two regular buns on the lower part of your head, or you can make the low buns look a little more fun, as shown in this video.
So, if you want to get this double low bun look, watch this video tutorial that will show you exactly how this style is done in minutes.
Which of these athletic hairstyles for women do you like the most?
Which hairstyle will you be trying the next time you work out? How do you like to wear your hair to the gym?