How to Do a Five Minute Sports Hairstyle

Co-authored by Danielle Chiz

Last Updated: August 16, 2021 References

Keeping your hair in place while you play sports can be a hassle. You want to look good, but you don't want to worry about whether or not your hair is falling out of place. With these easy hairdos, you’ll be able to keep your mind on the game, rather than on your wild bangs and loose ponytail.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Classic Bun

1
Use this hairstyle if you have long hair. If you have shorter hair, a classic bun will quickly become messy.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Danielle Chiz
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}
2
Run a smoothing serum through your hair.^{[2]
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Research source} There are a lot of smoothing serums out there, but it doesn't really matter which one you buy. Get one that suits your hair type (this is usually written on the bottle), but don't worry too much about brand names.

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3
Gather your hair high at the back of your head and secure with a ponytail holder. Twist your hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, forming a bun shape.
4
Tie a second ponytail holder around the bun to secure it. If the ends are sticking out, tuck them into an elastic, or secure them with bobby pins.
5
Spray with hairspray to secure any flyaways. You can also use hair wax, or allow strands of hair to fall out naturally. Just remember that the more you allow loose strands to fall out, the more likely it is that your hairstyle will become messy.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Slicked-back Ponytail

1
Rub some hair wax on your hands and run it through your hair. Make sure to distribute the wax evenly on your hands, and don't use too much-- there is no way to get it out other than washing your hair.
2
Tilt your head back and gather your hair tightly at the back of your head. Secure your hair with a strong ponytail holder. It is important to tie your hair as tightly as possible, otherwise some strands may come undone while you play sports.
3
Use an elastic headband around where your bangs would start. You can use one, or add a second for extra hold. Put one half an inch from your hairline, and the second about an inch behind the first. The headbands also add an element of style and color to your sports look.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Side French Braid

1
Use this style if you have long hair. It's a little fancier, but french braids are resilient, and still look good when they get a little messy.
2
Part your hair down the side with your finger or a comb. French braid the side of your head opposite the part until just below your ear^{[3]
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Research source}. Make sure that the braid is very tight to your head so that it won’t come undone while you play.
- French braiding your hair is the same as normal braiding, except instead of braiding straight down, you add a section of hair every time you cross over the center. Begin by crossing the right and then the left side of the braid over the middle. Then, add a small section of hair to the right side and cross it over. Do the same with the left. Continue doing this until you reach a point just below your ear. ^{[4]
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  Research source}
3
Gather all of your hair at the neck, twist into a bun and secure with a ponytail holder. Secure the ends of the hair with bobby pins (if your sport allows them) and apply hairspray to keep flyaways in place.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Danielle Chiz
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Braided Bangs

1
Use this hairstyle for short to medium-length hair lengths. It's good for keeping your bangs out of your face without forcing you to put your hair into a ponytail.
2
Comb out your hair and part it to the right side. You will be braiding your bangs so that they follow the left side of your head.
- Take three chunks of hair from your bangs closest to your side part and braid them once: left chunk under center, then right chunk under center. ^{[6]
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  Research source} When it comes time to braid the left side again, add a little bit of hair from your bangs before braiding.
- It will help to keep your head tilted to the left side. This way, the braid will follow the curve of your head.
3
Secure the braid near the back of your ear with a small elastic and bobby pins. Spraying your hair with hairspray will also help to secure the braid. If you have short hair, you can let your hair fall naturally around it. Otherwise, pull the rest of it into a low bun.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Pigtail Buns

1
Use pigtail buns for short to medium length hair. They sit well at the base of your neck, even with very short hair. ^{[7]
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2
Pull your hair into two equal ponytails on either side of your head. If you have longer hair, you can pull your hair up to the middle of your head, just behind your ears. If you have short hair, pull your hair closer to the base of your neck.
3
Wrap your hair in an elastic a couple times. On the third wrap, pull the ponytail into a bun. Pigtail buns will jostle when you run, so be sure to tie them tightly with elastic.
4
Don't force your hair into buns if it is too short. Regular small pigtails are just as cute as buns, and you won't have to worry about them falling apart. Pair this with a headband to prevent hair from falling into your face.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Sideswept Pixie

1
Use this hairstyle if you have very short hair. It will also work for hair that is in-between lengths. It is a messy look with a bit of edge, but works very well with the look that sports naturally give short hair.
2
Brush out your hair and choose a side to part your hair on. Sometimes one side will look better than the other, so try one and then the other. Don't be afraid to create a dramatic part. A dramatic side part is what makes this style windswept and casual.
3
Working from your new part, use a mousse or styling wax to push your hair away from your part to the opposite side of your head.
- Use a small amount of mousse or wax and distribute it evenly over your hands. Take chunks of hair of varying lengths into your fingers and pull up on them to distribute the mousse or wax. You can get more mousse or wax as needed, but don't use too much, or else you will need to shampoo your hair.
- If you have longer hair, you can use a straightener, but it's not necessary, especially if you're going to be running around. ^{[8]
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4
Use your fingers to distribute the remaining wax from your hands to the rest of your hair. The trick with short hairstyles is to add dramatic elements, so don't be afraid to push your hair far up and make it messy.

Community Q&A

Question

My hair has a lot of flyaways. What should I do?

Community Answer

You could try using oil, such as coconut, almond or olive oil. Or, you could use hairspray or gel.
Question

My hair gets so many flyaways, what should I do?

Community Answer

You could try taking a can of hairspray and smoothing your hair down between games. Otherwise, use skate wax. It dries really hard and prevents flyaways.
Question

I want a really catchy and sporty hairstyle for medium length hair. Any advice or hairstyles?

Community Answer

A fishtail braid is a good idea, or a waterfall braid into a ponytail. Any braid is a good idea.