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17 Sporty Gym Hairstyles For Short Hair

Try these if you are tired of hair strands getting in the way of a good workout session.

Reviewed by Christina Benjamin, Licensed Cosmetologist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE

Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)

Fact-checked by Pahul Nanra, BA (English Hons) • Jan 19, 2024

Image: Shutterstock

Short hair is edgy, sporty, sleek, neat, and chic. It is very stylish and versatile. But trying to work out with short hair means stray strands falling all over your face and eyes. Thankfully, some gym hairstyles for short hair can be used to avoid any workout disruptions. Find hairstyles like a low chignonⁱXA popular French hairstyle characterized by pinned or rolled hair at the nape of the neck that resembles a low bun. , top knots, high buns, and many more right here!

Keep reading to check out the top 17 short hairstyles to try when heading out to the gym.

Before You Get Started

Invest in a sweatband made of sweat-wicking fabric and soft inner material that will be gentle on your hair.
Keep plastic bobby pins and elastic ties handy in case you need a better grip on your hair.
Avoid metal clips that can snag at your sweat-dampened hair and break the strands.
Stick to simple styles. Short boyish cuts can be managed with a sweatband. Chin-length hair can be tied in a half-up ponytail.
Those with protective hairstyles can simply gather their braids in a top knot or high pony.
It is not necessary to wash your hair post every workout session. You can simply rinse with water. Use shampoo 2-3 times a week.

Read on to find out more about sporty gym hairstyles for short hair:

In This Article

1. Space Buns/Double Buns

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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

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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

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Ri- Ri does slay it with every hairstyle experiment, and she surely keeps nailing it. If you are bored of your short hair open and down, recreate this faux hawk on 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

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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

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This Kelly Osbourne mauve hair coiffed into side-swept waves might be your next stylish workout look. 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

Bun with headband gym hairstyle for short hair

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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

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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.

Quick Tip

Use a small amount of leave-in conditioner to keep sweat-induced frizz at a minimum on your top knot.

8. Side Braided Pony

Side braided gym hairstyle for short hair

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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

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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

Piece-y pixie gym hairstyle for short hair

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Get inspired by Jane Fonda’s pixie if you are looking for an ah-mazing 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

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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!

Quick Tip

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

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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

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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

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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. 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

Low messy chignon gym hairstyle for short hair

Image: Getty

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

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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

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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.

Infographic: 5 Most Common Gym Hairstyles For Short Hair

Hair strands falling over your face and eyes while working out can be annoying. Even if you have short hair, the short strands get in the way of your workouts. While cutting your hair can be an option, we have got better styling ideas to prevent this situation. Check out the 5 easy and common gym hairstyles that you can try to keep your locks in place while working out.

5 most common gym hairstyles for short hair (infographic)

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Short hair gives you a chic, edgy, and neat look. However, the same short hair can fall all over your face while working out, making it a task to focus on the exercise. Thankfully, you can try these gym hairstyles for short hair to prevent disruptions during your workouts. Keep things simple by pulling your hair back into a bun and slipping a headband to keep your look neat. If tying your hair does not sound appealing, simply go for a piece-y pixie hairstyle for an amazing look and a stress-free workout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear braids to the gym with short hair?

Yes! You can opt for a side-braided pony, braided space buns, or a simple three-strand braid to ensure the hair stays intact throughout the workout.

Are there any hairstyles that are suitable for short hair and keep it cool during a workout?

The most suitable hairstyle for short hair is a pixie haircut. One can experiment with its different variations, such as side-swept pixie or full bangs pixie.

How can I prevent my short hair from getting tangled or messy during workouts?

Tie your hair in a ponytail or a loose bun. Use headbands, and sweatbands to keep hair in place. Use a leave-in conditioner beforehand to prevent tangling.

Can I use hair gel, mousse, or styling products to enhance my gym hairstyle for short hair?

Yes, you can use styling products to keep your hair in place or add texture and volume to them.

Can I experiment with braids or twists on short hair for gym workouts?

You can experiment with different kinds of braids, such as a fishtail, dutch, or three stands. However, tight braids can cause tension headaches or hair loss.

Are there any hairstyles that can help absorb sweat and keep short hair looking fresh during workouts?

Yes, high ponytails, headbands and mini French braids help keep your scalp cool and hair fresh during workout. However, wash your hair post-workout with a mild cleanser to avoid dirt and sweat from building up in the hair.

Be gym ready with cute and athletic hairstyles! Check out this tutorial video to style your hair and keep itout of your face for your next workout, quick and easy