There are many people who will tell you that looking good at the gym is an excellent way to motivate yourself to work out. While that's all nice and dandy, what's a girl to do after a hardcore sweat sesh? Fitness enthusiasts will be the first to admit that trying to style dirty post-gym hair can be the worst. But it doesn't have to be! If you're looking for cute gym hairstyles that will stay put while you work out and last the rest of the day, I've got you covered. Blogilates' Cassey Ho modeled and tested out four different braids and ponytails to see if they had what it takes to be both cute and efficient.
If there's one person who understands the hardships of dealing with sweaty tresses, it's Cassey Ho. The YouTube fitness star has nearly three million devoted subscribers on her page, which she launched in 2009. Since then, Ho has posted over 200 videos where she instructs her loyal "Popsters" through fun-yet-challenging pilates and cardio workouts. Ho recently launched a new workout series called PIIT28 — a pilates intense interval training program that focuses on getting stronger and more confident. On top of all that, Ho has written multiple books, created a clothing line, and continues working on other side projects, like the badass #girlboss she is. Needless to say, Ho was more than excited to learn about hairstyles that could withstand her workouts and, with a little dry shampoo, take her to her next meeting and beyond.
Ho and I teamed up with Misty Darwin from Brighton Salon in Beverly Hills who taught us how to create four different long-lasting workout hairstyles. All you need is some dry shampoo, ponytail holders, and a brush.
Look 1: Dutch Braid Pigtails
Your hair isn't going to go anywhere with this sleek and tightly woven hairdo.
Step 1: Part Your Hair In The Middle
Use a comb with a pointed tip to part your hair down the middle and divide your hair into two sections.
Step 2: Apply Dry Shampoo To Your Hair
Spritz your hair with dry shampoo. This will make styling your hair easier!
Step 3: Create Two Dutch Braids
Create a dutch braid in each divided section, ending it above the nape of your neck.
Step 4: Secure With A Hair Tie
Secure each braid with a hair tie.
Final Look
If you want to get fancy, curl your pig tail ends with a curling iron or wrap them into mini buns after your workout.
Look 2: Braided Mohawk Ponytail
There's no way around it — this hairstyle will make you look and feel like a badass, wherever you are.
Step 1: Tease Your Hair & Apply Dry Shampoo
Your mohawk needs volume, so tease it a bit and apply dry shampoo for some extra oomph.
Step 2: Section Off The Middle Part Of Your Hair
Determine how much of your hair you'd like to use to create the braided mohawk.
Step 3: Start Braiding
After applying an extra spritz of dry shampoo, begin braiding.
Step 4: Loosen The Braid As You Go
To give the effect of a mohawk, loosen the braid as you go to give your braid extra height.
Step 5: Pull The Rest Of Your Hair Back To Create A High Ponytail
Want to hide your hair tie? Wrap a strand around it and secure it with a bobby pin underneath your ponytail.
Final Look
Get ready for the compliments to start flooding in.
Look 3: Knotted Ponytail
If braids aren't really your thing, a bubble pony looks equally as cool — and holds up just as well.
Step 1: Apply Dry Shampoo
By now, you should know that this step is mandatory for any hairstyle.
Step 2: Tease The Front Of Your Hair
Teasing might seem old school, but it's the secret to giving ponytails more depth and height.
Step 3: Pull Your Hair Into A Low Ponytail
Smooth out your strands with a brush and pull your hair back into a low pony.
Step 4: Create "Knots" By Breaking Your Ponytail Into Sections
Divide your ponytail into sections and tie small rubber hair ties around them to give the illusion of a knot. If you want an even more polished look, wrap a small strand of your hair around the rubber hair tie to hide them, and secure with a bobby pin.
Final Look
If that's not the prettiest ponytail you've ever seen, I don't know what is.
Look 4: Pompadour French Braid
French braids are a classic for a reason. They're simple to create and look stylish and clean. But if you're bored of your regular plait, add some edge by teasing the front part of your hair to give a little pouf.
Step 1: Tease Your Hair
In order to get that voluminous pouf at the front, you must tease your hair with a comb.
Step 2: Create A Pouf
Take a section of your hair in the middle, push it towards your forehead, and pin it to create a pouf.
Step 3: Begin Braiding
Take the rest of your hair and begin dutch braiding your ponytail.
Step 4: Secure Your Ponytail & Brush Flyaways To The Side
Use hairspray to keep the sides of your hair sleek.
Final Look
Get ready to tackle your down with one less worry because yes, your hair looks amazing.
Don't forget to try these hairstyles the next time you decide to go from the gym to the office.
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Images: Danelle Sandoval
