12 Sporty Hairstyles for Short Hair That Are Pretty and Practical
Gym bunnies, listen up! Gone are the days when sporty hairstyles for short hair came down to sweaty locks swept haphazardly off your face. Instead, they have been replaced by a wealth of stylish and durable looks that will see you through your HIIT class and on to brunch with ease!
So, if you’re seeking cute gym hairstyles for short hair, you’ve come to the right place. Grab your green juice and have a scroll through our gallery to discover how to stay stylish while you squat, lunge, spin or lift!
The Pinned-Back Pixie
If your hair is a tad too short to gather up into a ponytail, fret not, as there are plenty of other sporty hairstyles for short hair that you can do. We believe simplicity is the key to a great gym style, so if you’ve a cute crop, streamline your ‘do by pinning back your pixie cut to keep your hair away from your face.
Get the look: All you need to create this look are bobby pins and a stronghold hairspray. Spritz the TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray over your crop (a tiny bit will do the trick) to make double-sure it stays put, no matter how hard you train!
The Gym-Ready Ponytail
It may seem a little been-there-done-that, but nothing beats a classic ponytail when it comes to sporty hairstyles that mean business. And even if your hair is too short to do a high ponytail, you can adapt and then create a hun (AKA a half-up bun) instead.
Chunky Cornrows
You know it, we know it, everyone knows it: when it comes to gym hairstyles for short hair, you simply cannot go wrong with braided styles.
As one of our favourite hairstyles for the gym, chunky cornrows not only look fantastic, but will also keep all your hair neatly off your face. Credit: @byangelasalon
Style tip: Keep those braids tight and you’ll be able to rock this style post gym, too. Alternatively, unravel your braids for gorgeous beach-like waves – either way, it’s a win-win situation.
The ‘No Band’ Braid
Are you the type to always be without a hairband when you really need one? Well you no longer have to kick yourself at your forgetfulness, because with this lovely ‘no band’ braid, it’s no longer an issue!
Just tease the end of your plait with a comb and spritz your mane with the VO5 Ultimate Hold Hairspray. We aren’t guaranteeing it’ll hold tight during a high-intensity dance class, but it’s certain to make the yogis envious. Credit: @emilyandersonstyling
The Hun (Aka Half-Up Bun)
We don’t like to show favouritism, but in our books, the half topknot bun is the ultimate ‘do for short hair. Gym hairstyles that will keep you looking stylish and sporty aren’t easy to come by, but with a little spritz of dry shampoo before creating your topknot, you’ll slay your sesh and keep greasy tresses at bay! Credit: @tanimotoshouta
The Short Hair Gym Quiff
Clips, hairbands or pins not really your scene? Then this edgy alternative will be right up your street. The secret behind the success of this sporty hairstyle is a good wax to hold it all in place.
Headband Updo
If you’re a morning gym veteran, then we can only presume a quick and easy hairstyle is all you want for your gruelling gym session. Stop any stray short strands or flyaways from getting in the way of the body of your dreams by adding a headband to any updo. Credit: @abbyyxelizabeth
Style tip: Sometimes, the messier the hair, the more chic your look will be, so don’t worry about faffing about creating a perfectly smooth finish.
Double Buns
Why wear one bun when you could be rocking two? Channel your inner gym bunny with this half-up hairstyle and create two mini buns, leaving your hair loose at the back.
When it comes to hairstyles for the gym, double buns are great for keeping your tresses up and out of your way, so you can focus on your workout (or your gym selfie). Credit: @mina1003
Double Dutch Braid
As you might have gathered by now, we have a thing for braids – but seriously, they’re one of the best sporty hairstyles for short hair out there!
There are plenty of ways to mix them up and we’re particularly loving these double Dutch braids that merge into low pigtails. Just think how cute you’ll look in pilates!
Stacked Buns
While most girls with longer tresses will wear their hair in an Insta-perfect messy bun, those with shorter hair have to be a little more clever with the way they style their strands.
After seeing stacked bun hairstyles both in and out of the gym lately (not to mention it’s the style the character Rey wears in Star Wars), we think it’s the perfect look to take you from cardio to coffee! Credit: @ca_makes
The Low Textured Pony
We love this low ponytail as an option for sport hairstyles for short hair – sans hair cuff ofc! Ideal for any kind of workout, go for sleek and smooth locks, or build up volume and body. Credit: @velvetclubs
Editor’s tip: If you hate using products pre-workout, we feel ya. No one wants that sticky feeling while at the gym, but with a dusting of the TONI&GUY Root Lift Sculpting Powder, you’ll build body and texture without any horrible residue.
The Retro Sweatband
When it comes to sporty hairstyles for short hair, it’s safe to say that the headband (or in this case, sweatband) is unofficially the saviour of all gym hair dilemmas.
Tap into the look by drawing inspiration from the 1980s and use this pretty and practical hair accessory to help prevent strands falling into your eyes while you’re pumping iron. Sweatcuffs are optional! Credit: @hailsalexander
So, now that you’ve selected your next workout hairstyle, it’s time that you learn to look after your tresses post-gym. How you ask? With our golden rules to gym hair care, of course!
Shop the article
- TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray
- Dumbbells
- Running armband
- Yoga mat
- VO5 Invisible Ultimate Hold Hairspray
- TONI&GUY Root Lift Sculpting Powder
*At All Things Hair, we want to help you navigate our modern world with ease. All our market picks are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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