18 Sweat-Proof Workout Hairstyles For Natural Hair
Working out with natural hair can be a challenge when you’re trying to keep your curls intact while sweating it out.
I’ve spent years figuring out how to protect my 4C curls during intense cardio sessions and weightlifting. From frustrating post-workout frizz to humidity-induced shrinkage, I’ve experienced it all.
These 18 hairstyles have saved me countless times, keeping my hair off my face and minimizing damage during even the toughest workouts.
1. High Puff
The high puff is my go-to when I’m running late for spin class. I simply gather my hair toward the crown, secure with a satin scrunchie, and I’m ready to roll. No complex styling needed!
What makes this style workout-friendly is how it keeps hair completely off your neck and face. The height gives your curls room to breathe even as you sweat. For extra security, I tie a thin headband around the base of the puff to catch any forehead sweat.
After your workout, you can easily refresh this style by spritzing the ends with water and applying a light oil. The puff will last several days, making it perfect for consecutive workout sessions.
2. Low Braided Bun
My low braided bun never fails during hot yoga sessions. First, I create a single braid down the back of my head, then wrap it into a secure bun at the nape. The result? A style that stays put through every downward dog.
The beauty of this hairstyle is its practicality during floor exercises. Unlike high styles that can get squished when lying down, this bun sits perfectly against your neck. I always apply a bit of edge control to keep baby hairs from sticking to my sweaty forehead.
This style works for shorter natural hair too – just add some braiding hair for length. The low position means less tension on your edges compared to pulled-back styles, protecting your hairline during intense workouts.
3. Two-Strand Twists Pulled Back
Two-strand twists pulled into a ponytail saved me during marathon training. I create medium-sized twists all over, then gather them into a ponytail or bun depending on their length. The twists absorb sweat while keeping my hair stretched and defined.
The best part? This style lasts through multiple workouts. I cover it with a satin bonnet at night, and in the morning, it’s ready for another training session. For runs longer than an hour, I tuck the ends under to prevent them from drying out in the wind.
When it’s time to take the style down, my hair has that amazing twist-out texture. I often time my twist takedown for social events after my workout week – efficient styling that serves double duty!
4. Cornrows Into Ponytail
Cornrows into a ponytail became my signature look during basketball season. I get 6-8 straight-back cornrows braided, leaving the ends loose to form a curly ponytail. This style handles hours of jumping and running without budging.
The flat braided section keeps sweat from building up on my scalp, while the ponytail adds a fun bounce to my game. I refresh the loose ends with water and conditioner spray between games to maintain moisture.
This protective style typically lasts two weeks with proper care. For swimming workouts, I tuck the ponytail into a swim cap and rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward. The versatility makes it perfect for athletes who cross-train in different environments.
5. Braided Crown
My braided crown earns compliments even at the gym. I create two Dutch braids that wrap around my head, pinning the ends underneath to form a crown. This regal style keeps every strand secure during kickboxing.
The wrapped design distributes tension evenly around your head rather than pulling from one spot. I’ve noticed significantly less breakage since adopting this as my high-impact workout style. The flat profile also means headphones fit comfortably over it.
For extra staying power, I mist the finished style with a light holding spray. After intense sessions, I dab diluted witch hazel along the braids to refresh my scalp without disturbing the style. This elegant option proves workout hair doesn’t have to look utilitarian.
6. Flat Twists To The Back
Flat twists revolutionized my cycling routine. I create 8-10 flat twists running from my hairline straight to the back, either leaving the ends free or tucking them under. The streamlined profile fits perfectly under my helmet without causing pressure points.
This style channels sweat away from my face during intense climbs. The twists follow my head’s natural contour, so there’s no discomfort when leaning forward in riding position. I always make sure to thoroughly dry my scalp after rides to prevent any moisture buildup.
What I love most is how quick this style is to create – just 15 minutes the night before an early morning ride. For longer cycling events, I add a light oil to my scalp beforehand to create a barrier against salt from dried sweat.
7. High Braided Ponytail
The high braided ponytail became my signature look for dance cardio classes. I gather my hair at the crown, secure it tightly, then braid the ponytail itself. The height keeps it bouncing to the beat while staying controlled.
Adding a colorful scrunchie makes this practical style feel fun and expressive. The braid prevents my hair from tangling when I’m spinning or jumping. For extra security during particularly vigorous routines, I wrap a second elastic around the end of the braid.
After class, I can leave this style in for the rest of the day without looking like I just worked out. The position at the top of my head means I can still lean back during cool-down stretches without discomfort – a detail that matters after an hour of dancing!
8. Twisted Top Knot
My twisted top knot never fails during hot Pilates. I twist sections of my hair, then wrap them around each other into a high bun. The height keeps my hair from touching my sweaty neck during core work.
The genius of this style is how it actually looks better as it gets a little frizzy from workout humidity. I secure it with U-shaped pins rather than elastic to prevent tension headaches during longer sessions. Sometimes I leave a few curly tendrils around my face for a softer look.
Post-workout, I can easily transition this style for errands by adding a colorful scarf wrapped around the base. The twisted texture holds moisture better than straight styles, so my hair doesn’t dry out even after intense sweating sessions that would normally leave my ends parched.
9. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots surprised me with their workout functionality. I section my hair, twist each section tightly, then wrap it around itself to create small, secure knots all over my head. They stay put through even the most vigorous HIIT sessions.
The space between knots allows my scalp to breathe during intense cardio. I typically create 8-12 knots depending on how much definition I want when I take them out later. For workout days, slightly larger knots mean fewer sections to create and manage.
An unexpected benefit? The style doubles as a post-workout look when I’m heading straight to brunch. I sometimes add small gold cuffs on a few knots for a stylish touch. This ancestral style proves that traditional techniques often offer the most practical solutions for modern fitness challenges.
10. Double Puffs
Double puffs bring playful energy to my Saturday morning runs. I part my hair down the middle and create two high puffs secured with satin scrunchies. The dual-puff look bounces with each stride, making mundane miles more fun.
The split style distributes weight evenly across my head, preventing the tension headaches I sometimes get from single puffs. I position the puffs slightly toward the back so they don’t obstruct my vision when looking down at my fitness tracker. For longer runs, I tuck the ends under to create more compact puffs.
This style works well with second or third-day hair that has some texture built up. After my run, I refresh the puffs with a light mist of water and aloe vera juice to reactivate my curl pattern without weighing it down.
11. French Braids
French braids have been my reliable companion through countless boot camp classes. I create two braids starting at my hairline and working back, incorporating all my hair for maximum security. The technique keeps every strand controlled during burpees and mountain climbers.
The flat profile means I can lie comfortably on my back for ab exercises without a bulky bun digging into my head. I make sure to braid tightly at the roots but more loosely toward the ends to prevent tension breakage. Sometimes I cross the ends and pin them up for an even more secure style.
These braids easily last through three tough workouts before needing redoing. When my schedule includes swimming, I apply a leave-in conditioner before braiding to create a protective barrier against chlorine damage – making this truly my most versatile workout style.
12. Boxer Braids
Boxer braids became my signature style at the climbing gym. These reverse French braids (Dutch braids) sit closer to the scalp than regular French braids, creating a sleek look that fits under climbing helmets. The braided pattern follows my head’s contour perfectly.
The snug fit means no hair falls in my face when I’m looking up at difficult routes. I make the braids slightly thicker than traditional boxer braids to accommodate my hair’s volume while still maintaining the streamlined look. The end result is both functional and reminiscent of fighters stepping into the ring – giving me that mental edge.
For multi-day climbing trips, I refresh the parts with witch hazel on a cotton swab. This style typically lasts 4-5 days before needing to be redone, making it perfect for outdoor adventure weekends where hair maintenance isn’t an option.
13. Mini Braids Into Bun
Mini braids gathered into a bun solved my swimming workout challenges. I create small braids all over my head, then gather them into a low bun for lap swimming. The braided texture prevents major tangling even when wet.
Before hitting the pool, I apply a thick leave-in conditioner to create a barrier against chlorine. The mini braids allow me to thoroughly rinse my scalp post-swim without undoing my entire style. I tuck the bun under my swim cap, with not a single strand escaping during butterfly strokes.
This protective style serves double duty – it works for my Tuesday/Thursday swim sessions and looks polished enough for office days between. After swimming, I gently squeeze excess water from the braids rather than rubbing with a towel, preserving the style and preventing frizz.
14. Low Twist With Headband
My low twist with a headband combo never disappoints during outdoor hiking. I create a simple two-strand twist at the nape of my neck, then add a moisture-wicking headband at my hairline. The headband catches sweat while the low twist keeps hair secure.
This minimal style takes just minutes to create before early morning trail excursions. The low position means my backpack straps don’t catch or pull on my hair when I’m carrying gear. I choose wider headbands (about 2 inches) for maximum sweat absorption and to keep flyaways contained.
For longer hikes, I sometimes dampen the headband with cool water at the halfway point for a refreshing temperature reset. This combination works in all weather conditions – keeping hair off my neck in summer heat and tucking neatly under a beanie during winter workouts.
15. Coiled Updo
My coiled updo emerged from necessity during a hot barre class. I twist small sections of hair and pin them randomly but securely around my crown. The result is an artistic, seemingly complex style that actually takes minutes to create.
The beauty of this updo is its forgiveness – it doesn’t need to be perfectly symmetrical to look intentional. I place most coils toward the back so I can still rest my head against the wall during stretches. Each coil is secured with two crisscrossed bobby pins for maximum hold through pliés and pulses.
This style showcases the natural texture of my hair while keeping it completely off my face and neck. After class, I sometimes spray it lightly with water and diffuse for 5 minutes to refresh the coils, extending its wear for post-workout dinner plans.
16. Pineapple With Satin Scrunchie
The pineapple with a satin scrunchie transformed my evening yoga practice. I gather all my hair at the very top of my head, loosely secure it with a large satin scrunchie, and let my curls cascade in all directions. The height prevents my hair from touching the mat during inversions.
The satin material is crucial – it prevents the breakage and dryness cotton scrunchies can cause. I position the pineapple slightly forward so it doesn’t get in the way when lying flat for savasana. The loose gathering preserves my curl pattern better than tight styles.
This gentle style is perfect for lower-intensity workouts where I’m not jumping around. After class, I can easily transition to bedtime by adjusting the pineapple higher and adding a satin bonnet – maintaining my curls overnight without having to restyle completely.
17. Side-Swept Cornrows
Side-swept cornrows became my solution for asymmetrical training days. I get 5-7 cornrows braided diagonally across my head, with the bulk of my hair secured on one side. This creative pattern provides security with a touch of style.
The diagonal direction allows for full range of motion when turning my head during complex lifting sequences. I often have the braids converge into a small bun or puff on the side. This style stays neat through an entire week of training, requiring minimal touch-ups.
For weight training days, I appreciate how this style keeps hair completely off my neck when I’m using the bench press. The side placement means I never have an uncomfortable bump when wearing over-ear headphones to keep me motivated through tough sets. This asymmetrical approach proves workout hair can be both functional and fashion-forward.
18. Twisted Halo Braid
The twisted halo braid elevates my reformer Pilates sessions. I create a two-strand twist with all my hair, then wrap it around my head like a crown, securing with bobby pins. This circular style stays completely flat against my head during all movements.
The wrapped design distributes tension evenly rather than pulling from a single point, preventing headaches during longer classes. When I need to lie flat on the reformer, there’s no uncomfortable bump to navigate around. I make sure to smooth edges with a tiny bit of gel for a polished look that lasts through the entire class.
This elegant style transitions perfectly from workout to work day. After class, I simply refresh my edges and can head straight to meetings looking put-together. For special occasions, I sometimes add small decorative pins to the braid for a touch of unexpected glamour.