Glamour isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you’re heading to the gym, but you’d be surprised how far a great hairstyle can take you. We teamed up with Fabletics and Benjamin May, Creative Director of Barber & Blow salon to create a gym friendly hairstyle that is a) easy to pull off yourself, b) will outlast even the sweatiest of workout sessions and c) is so pretty you’ll be tempted scrap your dinner in and head out for an impromptu cocktail or two instead. Why waste a good hair day right?
By Rebecca Hoffnung
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1 Step 1
We’re calling this look the ‘split pony braid’ – it looks complicated, but couldn’t be easier to pull off. After brushing your hair through, start by sectioning your hair into 2 even pigtails.
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2 Step 2
Starting from the top of your head, make a ponytail with a small amount of hair and use a small clear elastic to fasten it in place. Clip it to the top of your head aside for now to start on the hair underneath.
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3 Step 3
Take another small section of hair directly below your first mini ponytail and make another ponytail using the same amount of hair. Fasten with another small elastic. Once each are in place, unclip your first small ponytail, split into two sections, and then wrap these sections around the second ponytail you had made below. The second ponytail should then be brought up in between and clipped to the top of your head replacing the previous one.
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4 Step 4
Gather up another small section of hair to start creating ponytail number 3 below the previous one, but this time, include the two sectioned pieces from ponytail number 1 and fasten. Once repeated, it’s this stage that creates the ‘braided’ effect.
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5 Step 5
At this point, your braid should be coming to life. Fan out and adjust the fastened hair to give it more volume, and then repeat step 3 and 4 below the previous section.
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6 Step 6
Repeat all the way down to the nape of your neck, and then fasten securely with another clear elastic. Add a spritz of hairspray to keep hair firmly in place, and voila – gym and cocktail-ready hair in 6 easy steps!
FAQs
How do you create a split pony braid for the gym?
The split pony braid starts by dividing your hair into two even pigtails and then making a series of small ponytails stacked vertically. By wrapping and splitting the sections as you go, you achieve a durable, braid-like style. This technique keeps hair secure during workouts and transitions well to post-gym plans.
Which steps should you follow for a gym-friendly hairstyle?
Begin by brushing your hair and sectioning it into two parts. Create small stacked ponytails, split and wrap each section in turn, and fasten each with clear elastics. Continue until you reach the nape of your neck for a secure hairstyle that can handle intense exercise.
What helps the split pony braid hairstyle last through sweaty workouts?
Using small, clear elastics at each section and finishing with hairspray helps the split pony braid stay secure even during sweaty sessions. The technique involves wrapping and fastening each section tightly, providing lasting hold for both the gym and going out afterward.
Can you style your hair for a workout and still look good after?
Yes, the split pony braid is designed to be both efficient for workouts and stylish. The effect is secure for intense activity and pretty enough for going straight to cocktails or dinner without needing to redo your hair.
What is the final step to keep your gym hairstyle in place?
After completing all sections down to the nape of your neck, fasten with a clear elastic and apply hairspray. This keeps your hairstyle secure and ensures it stays in place for both gym sessions and any after-gym plans.