15 Functional but Cute Gym Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Slay your workout in style with our fave gym hairstyles for thick hair!
In light of #NewYearNewMe, hitting the gym is probably high on your 2020 resolutions list, right? Like many other women, your first appearance in your local fitness centre may be a little daunting, not to mention overwhelming (just attempting to set up your locker key is a struggle in itself!). But one aspect you can control is your hair game.
Whether it’s been a while since you stepped into the gym or you’re simply looking to make 2020 an excuse to update your gym look, we’ve shortlisted the top 12 gym hairstyles for thick hair to make sure you look amazing while you crunch, squat and lunge your way to your beach body dream.
Cute Bun
It’s a gym staple for thick hair because it works, helping you keeping hair up and off your face and neck. No matter the type of exercise, this cute messy bun has got you covered.
Double Dutch Braids
When it comes to gym hairstyles for thick hair, this double Dutch braid is the fanciest gym hairstyle of all. Before you get scared off, it’s far easier to create than it may first seem. Just be warned: it’s best to avoid attempting this look after arm day, trust us, you’ll need the arm power!
Editor’s tip: Try spritzing a little dry shampoo (we like the Love Beauty And Planet Volume & Bounty Dry Shampoo) into your roots before braiding. It’ll add more grip and make sure it lasts longer!
Ponytail
No time to spend in the locker room creating an elaborate hairstyle? We still haven’t found a better hairstyle for keeping long, thick hair out of the way than the classic pony. If it ain’t broke…!
Braided Ponytail
When you have thick hair, you can afford to experiment with it! If you get bored of wearing ponytails on repeat, you can easily mix things up by working in a pretty plait. Don’t forget to pancake it, will you?
Figure-8 Bun
Have thick, long locks? If you find it’s too long to go into a regular bun, try this twisted figure of 8 bun instead by twisting it around on itself. It’ll keep your lengths wrapped up nicely, plus it looks nice enough to wear out after, too.
Centre Braid
Want to hit the gym in peace, yet still don’t want to compromise on your style? Then we think you should give this stunning centre braid a go!
This style is the perfect opportunity to make the most of your hair’s thickness, since you can braid in the middle section of your mane, before pulling the rest up into a messy half-bun. It’s practical, packs a style punch, and will stay put during your workout!
No basic buns here ladies, spruce up your regular style with this effortless looped bun. Instead of pulling your hair right the way through, stop halfway and create this off-duty looped effect – who says gym hair can’t be chic?!
Stacked Buns
If no hair tie in the world can keep your thick mane in place, divide and conquer with this stacked bun hairstyle.
If low space buns are a little too primary school for you, this stacked bun is the newest way to style your tresses both in and out of the gym – meaning you can still hit the smoothie bar after your grueling gym session and look totally on trend. Credit: @kristin_ess
Editor’s tip: If pesky flyaways are the bane of your gym life, give your tresses a spritz of the TRESemmé Ultimate Hold Hairspray to help smooth down any stray hairs and to keep your style in place.
Ballerina Bun
Living out those ballerina dreams in barre class? Make sure you look the part with an elegant and durable ballerina bun hairstyle. And don’t be frugal with the bobby pins – the more the better to keep it in place!
Chunky Dutch Braid
Braids for the gym are always a good idea. Take this chunky Dutch braid as a prime example – not only will it keep your thick mane secure but by wrapping some loose strands around your hairband, you’ll have a look that’s neat, gym-ready, and worthy of more formal occasions, too!
Braided Bun
After a hairstyle that won’t get in your face while you’re a mid-downward dog? Here’s a hairstyle that’s made for thick hair – a braided bun. It’s as simple as braiding your hair and wrapping it around on itself to create a bun, but it looks so much more impressive!
Natural Bun
This cute natural puff is fit to take you from the gym to brunch seamlessly. To add a little interest, try working in some braids near the hairline to give your look more staying power.
Grip It
As any avid gym-goer will know, the problem with short layers is that they don’t hold very well in an updo, especially when your workout ramps up in intensity.
To counter this, don’t be shy about utilising a bobby pin (or 12!). Guaranteed to hold even the most stubborn and thickest of hairs in place, this nifty styling tool can also double up as a super on-trend accessory, too! Credit: @khloekardashian
Style tip: Are you finding your bobby pins are constantly sliding out of your hair? Then the best inside tip we can ever give is spraying hairspray on your bobby pins before using – it makes them more grippy so they’re more budgeproof.
Headbands
No longer confined to the realms of the ‘80s, the headband is officially back – and we’re low-key loving it.
No matter what length your hair is, a headband (or, dare we say it, a sweatband) is guaranteed to hold thick hair in place while you reach your workout goals.
Quiff
If you’re a thick-haired girl with a short pixie style crop, you might think your gym hair options are limited. One great solution is to work a sleek and chic quiff, which works to sweep hair away from the face and hold firm as you burn those calories!
