Hey there, gorgeous! Ella here, your beauty editor and fellow hair enthusiast. I know how important it is to feel confident and put-together, especially when you’re out there performing. Gymnastics is such a beautiful sport, full of flips, twists, and amazing energy! But let’s be real, keeping your hair perfectly in place while you’re tumbling and soaring through the air can feel like a whole other challenge. I’ve seen my fair share of buns come undone mid-routine, and trust me, it’s not fun for anyone! That’s why I wanted to dive deep into the world of gymnastics hairstyles.
We’re talking about styles that are not just pretty but seriously secure. Think flip-proof, twist-proof, and stick-the-landing-proof. I’ve spent time researching and even trying out some of these looks myself (though my gymnastics skills are, shall we say, limited!). My goal is to share my expertise and maybe a few personal stories to help you find the perfect hair strategy for your next competition or practice. We’ll cover everything from classic buns to clever braids and all the tips and tricks to keep your hair looking amazing from warm-up to your final pose. Get ready to nail that perfect 10 look, starting with your hair!
16 Secure Hairstyles for Gymnasts
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! I’ve put together a list of 16 hairstyles that are tried and true for keeping hair in place during even the most intense routines. These styles are built for security and will help you focus on your skills, not your flyaways. We’ll start with a classic and work our way up to my top pick for ultimate hold.
16. Simple Low Bun
This is a go-to for a reason. A low bun sits at the nape of the neck, making it less likely to get in the way during floor routines or bars. It’s simple to create and works for almost all hair types and lengths. Just gather the hair into a ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with an elastic and bobby pins. A little spritz of strong-hold hairspray around the hairline tames any stray hairs.
15. Double French Braids to Buns
Talk about double duty! Starting with two tight French braids from the forehead back adds an extra layer of security. Once you reach the nape, gather the ends of each braid and twist them into two separate buns. This style keeps hair super close to the head. Don’t be shy with the bobby pins around the base of each bun for maximum hold.
14. Tight Ponytail with Wrap-Around Braid
A high ponytail is a classic gymnastics look, but wrapping a small braid around the base makes it much more secure. Pull hair into a high, tight ponytail. Take a small section, braid it, and wrap it around the ponytail elastic. Secure the end of the braid underneath the ponytail with a bobby pin. Use a strong, no-snag hair tie for the initial ponytail.
13. Side French Braid
Sometimes keeping hair out of your face is the main goal. A single French braid that starts near the temple and goes down the side of the head is great for this. It keeps all the front layers neatly tucked away. Make sure to pull sections tightly as you braid to keep it from loosening during movement.
12. High Messy Bun
Don’t let the name fool you; a “messy” bun can still be very secure! The key is the placement and the pinning. Pull hair into a high ponytail. Tease the ponytail slightly for volume, then loosely twist it into a bun shape. Secure it generously with bobby pins, crisscrossing them for extra grip. A texturizing spray can help the bun hold its shape.
11. Braided Headband
This style uses your own hair to create a secure headband. Take a section of hair from behind one ear and braid it. Bring the braid across the top of your head like a headband and secure it behind the other ear with bobby pins. This is perfect for keeping bangs and shorter layers out of the way.
