Gym Hairstyles For Short Natural Hair

Gym Hairstyles For Crushing An Intense Workout

Don’t let your hair get in the way of your workout! Try these fighter-tested gym hairstyles that will defy your toughest exercise session.

Published: June 28, 2022

Topics: Wellness Tips, Wellness

Author: Raquel "Rocky" Harris

You’re busting out those high knees and powering through your HIIT session, then boom! Your hair falls in your face, sticking to your sweat, and throwing you off your game. The process of redoing your hair between exercise moves is inconvenient and a hassle. To avoid interrupting your performance and concentration, we are sharing Rocky Harris’s best gym hairstyles that will defy even your toughest workouts.

Best Workout Hairstyles

1. Afro

Workout Hairstyle - Afro

If you have 4B-4C hair texture, an afro will withstand an intense strength, conditioning, or boxing session. Once your body produces sweat, your hair will begin to coil, but it will never lose its shape. Since it maintains its look, an afro is perfect for a workout that’s as tough as you are.

What You’ll Need:

  • Hair ties

  • Afro pick

  • Leave-in conditioner (optional)

To achieve the perfect afro, you may want to stretch your hair out the night before. You can do this naturally without heat products by separating your hair into four parts and securing each section with a hair tie. Next, wrap the hair tie around the ponytail and pull the tail through to create mini-buns.

Once it’s time to style your hair into an afro, carefully unravel each hair tie and use an afro pick to tease your hair. Start at the ends, then work your way to the root. Be sure you are gathering sections together as you tease. Continue styling to perfection. For extra fluff, consider styling your hair with a small amount of leave-in conditioner.

2. Frohawk

Workout Hairstyle - Frohawk

The frohawk gives so many vibes – from fun to classy, to throwback. Maybe you are attending a 90’s workout and want to look groovy. With this hairstyle, you can finish your workout and still go out with friends the same night without having to restyle your hair.

What You’ll Need:

  • (1) One coil scrunchie

  • (1) One hair tie

  • Hair wax

  • An afro pick

First, divide your hair into three sections. Part from the edge of one ear to the other and then the middle of one ear to the other. Next, use your edge wax to sleek the middle section of your hair and pull it up into a ponytail using a hair tie. Place the coil scrunchie around the ponytail and unravel the hair tie. The coil scrunchie will hold the hair in place without unnecessary tightness against your scalp. To create a fuller look, you can lower the coil scrunchie while pulling extra hair through. Once you are satisfied, begin teasing your hair with an afro pick until you achieve the desired look.

3. Mickey Ears

Workout Hairstyle - Mickey Ears

This hairstyle is great for low-impact exercises and looks cute with any workout outfit.

What You’ll Need:

  • Comb

  • Hair wax

  • (2) Two coil scrunchies

To style your hair into Mickey ears, use the tail end of a comb to part your hair into two sections, from the middle of your forehead to the back of your neck. Secure the section you are not styling first so it does not get in the way. Next, apply hair wax to the edges of your hair and use a soft brush to smooth it in. Place a coil scrunchie around the area you want to poof out. To create a fuller look, pull the coil scrunchie down and lift more hair through. Repeat on the other side.

4. Pin-Up Girl

Workout Hairstyle - Pin-Up Girl

The pin-up girl can survive any gym workout, including swimming. This hairstyle fits inside of a standard swim cap or workout hat and naturally stretches out your hair for a sequel style.

What You’ll Need:

  • Bobby pins

To begin, section your hair into 4-8 parts. Then braid or twist each section. Finally, pin the ends of your hair by taking any braid or twist and bringing it across, down, or up depending on where it’s sprouted from. Pin it to the root with a bobby pin. Where you pin is up to you. Have fun when styling!

5. Wet Hair Look

Workout Hairstyle - Wet Hair Look

No amount of sweat can mess up hair that’s already wet. To top it off, this hairstyle takes fewer than five minutes and is perfect when you are in a rush.

What You’ll Need:

  • Water (or a spray bottle)

  • Gel

When you are ready, wet your hair in the shower or use a towel and water spray bottle. To maintain the curls after wetting your hair, apply a small amount of gel into your hands then scrunch the bottom of your hair by balling it into your fist. Repeat this method into each section of your hair or until you achieve the desired look.

6. Afro Puff

Workout_Hairstyle - Afro Puff

The afro puff is the best hairstyle for running. With the afro puff, your hair is completely out of the way and won’t interrupt your workout. The secret is to use a cut stocking (knee to ankle length).

What You'll Need:

  • Cut stocking

  • Hair wax or gel

  • Soft hairbrush

Apply hair wax or gel to the edges of your hair. Then use a soft brush to smooth it in. After, tie the cut stocking from the top of your forehead to the back of your head. Gently slide the stocking towards the middle of your hair until the desired amount of hair is sectioned between the stocking. Be sure to tease your hair after to create a fuller look and style around the stocking to hide it.

Get That Hair Outta Here!

There’s nothing worse than being in the zone and having your hair throw off your workout rhythm. No matter what activity you’re doing, keep crushing your workout goals without having to stop, restyle your ‘do, and get back on pace. With these six (6) hairstyles, your hair will be the last thing on your mind mid-round. Oh, and the best part!? You’ll still look stylish – no more hot, sweaty mess!

Train Like a Fighter

Put these hairstyles to the test and take your workouts to the next level by training like a fighter with the at-home connected fitness solution used by world champion boxers Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather. FightCamp has everything you need to work out on your schedule, with premium boxing equipment and hundreds of on-demand strength, conditioning, kickboxing, boxing, core, and recovery classes led by real fighters. As Mike Tyson said - “FightCamp is the next level of training!” 

Raquel "Rocky" Harris

Raquel “Rocky” Harris has won titles in Karate, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai. She traveled with Team USA and secured a Gold Medal in her first World Championship tournament. Rocky is an author, screenwriter, fitness model, and FightCamp Trainer. She is also USA Boxing Coach certified.

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