Sweatproof Hairstyles

Summer is almost here (almost, don’t lose hope), and when the weather starts getting warmer, I always get a surge in motivation to workout. Not because I want to look good in my summer clothes, but simply because it’s sunnier and easier to get up in the morning to hit the gym. Back when I did flying trapeze, spring/summer was the time of year when I would be able to focus better and really get invested into my sport. That being said, the problem with warm weather is... long hair. I have a very full head of thick curls and working out in the heat – or simply working up a sweat – can quickly turn me into a hairy monster. My hair starts sticking to my face and neck, it gets all frizzy, it won’t hold in place... It’s a nightmare. The same thing happened at my summer job, too. I used to work 12-hour shifts, outside in the beating sun, doing physical work. I quickly had to figure out a way to keep my hair out of my face, in a hairstyle that I wouldn’t have to redo during the day. Over the years, I came up with a couple hairstyles that are easy to make, that look cute, but most importantly, that keep your hair up and allow you to enjoy your workout in the sun.

The Original Braid
This is the hairstyle that I was known for at my summer job. I am pretty discrete, so not everyone knew my name (we were about 300, give me a chance), but everybody referred to me as “the girl with the braid”. Customers even complimented this hairstyle (if you ever worked in customer service, you know how rare a compliment is). I like it because it’s super quick to make, and it looks super feminine.

1) Pull your bangs – or the hair in the front – back into a little poof and secure by criss-crossing two mini bobby pins.

2) Gather all of your hair to one side and braid loosely, leaving just a couple pieces out to frame your face. Secure with a mini elastic (The mini elastic is key: it is not heavy enough to pull your braid down, and it is discrete. Trust me, there’s a world of difference between securing a braid with a mini elastic or a regular elastic.)
3) Place a bobby pin at the nape of your neck, to hold any rebellious hair that might try to escape the braid throughout the day. (That bobby pin is the only thing you will most likely have to adjust during the day.)

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Braided Headband Curly Pony
Sometimes, nothing compares to a good old-fashioned ponytail. On particularly hot days or on days when I know I’m going to have a killer workout, I bust out the ponytail, just because it does the job and I’m not bothered to do anything else with my hair. However, I like to spruce it up with a nice headband that, conveniently, makes sure no hair is escaping and falling into my eyes.

1) Pull a headband of your choice over your head and around your neck. I like to use a braided one because it makes your simple pony look like an elaborate hairstyle.
2) Pull all of your hair into a ponytail and secure with an elastic you know won’t slide off (I like to use the really thick ones).
3) Pull the headband up around your head and place as desired, smoothing everything back.

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Messy Pineapple Bun
The movement of this bun reminds me of the top of a pineapple, hence the cute summery name. I like this hairstyle, because this is one of the few types of bun that will stay in place even as you jump up and down. The few pieces that will fall out only add to the messy effect of the hairstyle. It works great on both thick and thin hair, straight or curly.

1) Gather your hair in a high ponytail and secure with a thick elastic.
2) On the last pass, only pull the hair halfway through the elastic. You should end up with a little loop on the top of your head, and a pretty long tail, depending on how long your hair is.

3) Take the tail and wrap it around the elastic, then tuck the ends in.
4) Pull down on either sides of the bun to fan it out. 

5) Add a headband with little grips that will help to keep it in place.
6) Pull a few pieces out by your ears to frame your face.

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Braided Ponytail
This is a classic ponytail with a twist. The good thing about ponytails is that, if you use the right elastic, your hairstyle won’t fall apart, even if you move a lot.

1) Gather your hair in a loose pony, but don’t secure it just yet.
2) Take out a strand of hair right by your temple, about 1 inch thick. Braid it loosely and then gently pull on each piece to make the braid bigger. Secure the end with a mini bobby pin and set aside (I like to hold the bobby pin between my teeth so it doesn’t get in the way while I arrange the rest of the hair).

3) Again, pull the rest of your hair in a ponytail. When you’re happy with the way it looks, add the braid and secure with an elastic.
4) Remove the bobby pin from the braid and let the bottom part unravel.
5) Select a bigger strand of hair from the pony, about 2 inches thick this time. Braid very loosely, pull some pieces to make it a little bit messy and secure with a clear elastic.

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Dutch Braid Pigtails
This is the ultimate sweatproof hairstyle. No matter what you do, how much you’re moving, this will not come undone. Your hair will be out of your way and you’ll look super cute.

1) Part your hair vertically down the middle and separate into two sections.
2) Starting at the top of your forehead, Dutch braid each side until you reach the base of your neck.
3) Secure each braid with a mini elastic, letting the rest of the hair loose.
4) Add a small braid on one side for a more elaborate look.

These hairstyles have all been tested in situations of pretty extreme heat and humidity. They will help to keep you cool and allow you to move freely, even as you’re breaking off a sweat in the gym or walking under the beating sun.

I hope this post brought you some hope that summer is coming and warm weather is just around the corner. Until then, keep enjoying the extra snuggling time that comes with chilly weather.

Much love,
-TM-