Best running hairstyles

Any runner with long hair has had problems. You know, those days when your elastic falls out, or your hair sticks to the nape of your neck or keeps getting in your eyes. We’ve rounded up some easy, effective (and attractive) running hairstyles.

Fishtail braid

A fishtail braid is tighter than a regular braid, making it less likely to loosen up and fall out on a run. To fishtail braid:

1. Divide hair into two sections.
2. Take a small section of the outside of one of the two sections and cross it over to the inside of the other section (it is now a part of that section). The smaller the pieces you cross over, the better the braid will be.
3. Repeat, alternating on each side.
4. Braid until the sections become too small. This will likely be two to three inches from the bottom of your hair.

Braided ponytail

If you find that your hair gets tangled on runs with just a regular pony, try this style.

1. Put hair in ponytail (high or low is your preference) and secure with elastic.
2. Braid the ponytail to the bottom and secure with elastic.

Upside down french braid pony

This hairstyle is the perfect solution for anyone that gets annoyed by wisps of hair tickling their neck while they run.

1. Flip your head upside down, letting hair hang.
2. Start at base of the neck and take three small pieces.
3. French braid, adding to each section as you pass to the next.
4. Once you’ve reached the desired level, pull remaining hair into a pony and secure with an elastic.

Dutch braid

I had a teammate who used to frequently show up to runs with her hair done like this.

1. Start with three small sections at the top of your head.
2. Instead of crossing over, like you would in a regular braid, instead cross under the middle section.
3. Add small sections from each side as you go, like you would in a french braid.
4. Continue to the bottom and secure with an elastic.

Braided headband

No more hair in your eyes with this hairstyle.

1. Start with three small sections behind one ear.
2. Use the dutch braiding technique explained above and move upwards towards the top of your head.
3. Continue braiding until you reach the other side and then pull into a pony and secure with an elastic.