If you only have one go-to look when you want a sporty hairstyle, we’ve got news: you have plenty of other great options!
Whether you’re hitting the gym to break a sweat, running errands, or heading in to work, there are plenty of ways to style your hair for comfort while still looking put-together.
From colorful box braids, messy buns, twists, and even hairstyles you can wear with a visor, get ready to screenshot these sporty ‘dos!
Comfortable Sporty Hairstyles and Haircuts
The best hairstyles for sports and physical activity like gymnastics, softball or dancing are the ones that feel comfortable, stay secure, and keep hair out of the way. But that never means they can’t be stylish!
Take a look at the list below for sporty hairstyles that are easy to do and let women look great while performing at their best.
1. Long Straight Ponytail
A sporty hairstyle doesn’t have to be short, and this long classic ponytail can create a fashionable look that is also perfect for athletic pursuits.
Tie it up high with elastic hair ties, or even off to the side, to allow movement while keeping hair securely off the face and neck.
2. Braided Ponytail
One cool way to give a sporty hairstyle some detail and flair is by braiding it. This high braided ponytail is super easy to do no matter your hairstyling skill level.
3. Visor Hat for Short Hair
Short or shoulder-length hair doesn’t need much taming to keep it out of your way. A simple visor hat makes a sporty hairstyle perfect for getting your locks off your face for your next game of tennis.
4. Messy Bun Updo
There’s a reason a messy bun is such a favorite for women’s hairstyles. It’s universally flattering, great for short and long hair, and can be styled up for special occasions or used for gym sessions.
5. Cornrow Braids and Bangs
Instead of gathering your hair straight back into a ponytail, dress it up with a couple of cornrow braids. Leave your bangs out to cover your forehead, or blend them into the braids.
6. Long Boxer Braids
This long sporty hairstyle, known as a boxer braid, allows movement while keeping hair securely off the face and neck. To get this goddess-looking but sporty style, make four thick braids in your long hair.
Give them a little height and shape by teasing your locks with hairspray first. Big hoops and bold eye makeup will complete your look.
7. Afro Curls with Headband
Black women with short afro-textured hair will love the way a colorful headband accentuates their beautiful locks. Opt for light pink for a softer look, or bold red or blue for a more vibrant look.
8. A-Line Bob Updo
Who says you have to wear your hair up when you’re working out? This chic A-line bob proves how stylish women can be with the right haircut.
You can still keep hair out of your face by taking two sections at the front and twisting them back to secure them together.
9. Blonde Pixie
For women with very short hair, use color to make a sporty hairstyle stand out. This bold pixie pops in very light blonde.
You can choose to maintain one length all around, or keep it longer on top and shorter on the sides.
10. Curly Half Updo
We get it, you love your curls. So don’t hide them! Instead, get the sporty look with an easy half-updo.
Make a half ponytail or messy bun in the top half of your hair for the best of both long and short hair worlds.
11. Box Braid Bun
Box braids are one of the most popular hairstyles for Black women. They can be worn in a variety of ways, including this half updo bun, which makes for a beautiful sporty look at the gym.
12. Orange Dreadlock Ponytail
To give your hair an eclectic vibe, why not consider boho dreadlocks? This type of long sporty hairstyle is suitable for sports like volleyball, soccer, and more.
The extensions come in many lengths and colors and look even cooler worn in a thick ponytail and wrapped in a braid instead of a hair tie.
13. Curly Black Ponytail
Do you have a big game coming up? There’s no need for a slicked-back boring old bun. Let your curly black hair flow wild and free in a super high ponytail that flops forward toward your forehead.
14. Half Pixie Fade
An edgy half-pixie cut will get you noticed, whether you’re running weekend errands or breaking a sweat during your daily workout.
Keep it smooth and sleek, and maybe even consider some bold silver highlights.
15. Blunt Bob with Side Bangs
For an easy morning yoga class, you don’t need a complicated hairstyle to keep locks at bay. This blunt bob with wispy side bangs is short enough that simply tucking it behind your ears will do.
16. Ponytail with Shaved Sides
You don’t have to have short hair to pull off faded or shaved sides. If you have long hair, we highly recommend shaved sides to give your look a sporty vibe and reduce sweaty hair.
17. Colorful Cornrow Braids
Set your workout hairstyle apart instantly by rocking long, thick cornrow braids in a mix of two colors, like this blonde and light blue combination.
18. Short Spiky Red Pixie
If you have short hair and bold color is your thing, opt for a spiky pixie cut! Dark red highlights the fun texture and pointed sides. Plus, the low-maintenance style of the cut is a major bonus.
19. Short Afro Twists
Another hit hairstyle for Black women with afro-textured hair is twists. You can wear them long or short.
However, these short twists are ideal for women who want an easy, breezy workout hairstyle without too much styling time involved.
20. Messy Pony with Braid
Short on time and can’t braid your entire ponytail? Braid one small section of your hair for a quick pop of detail, then finger-comb your hair together and secure it at mid-height. A thin stretchy headband is perfect for keeping flyaways in place.
21. Two Low Buns
How cute are these two buns? They’re a softer take on the very popular space bun hairstyle and take only a minute or two to style.
You can even twist back two small strands of hair near your temples and secure them above the buns for an attention-grabbing detail.
22. Low Pigtails
For both medium and long hair, there’s nothing cuter than two low pigtails. Part your hair down the middle, comb it over your ears, and secure it with colorful hair ties to give your sporty hairstyle a playful touch.
23. Three Knotted Buns
Separate your hair into three sections before turning each section into a little knotted bun. Line the bottom two up right under the top one for a fresh look.
24. Pull Through Braids
Pull-through braids aren’t just for fancy occasions anymore. Make two high ponytails and transform your long hair into these beauties to feel like a goddess all day.
25. Sectioned Ponytail
If you struggle to tame your long hair and need some inspiration, liven it up by making a sectioned ponytail.
Separate the hair into three or four sections and secure each one with a hair tie. For more texture, tighten each section.
26. Long Bob
Don’t want your hair getting in the way of your game? Opt for a simple and straight hairstyle like this long layered bob.
It’s the right length, not too short or long. Not only that, its fine texture is perfect for wearing a sun visor.
27. Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail is one of the most common hairstyles done by lady golfers. There’s no better fuss-free way to get your hair away from your face than the ever-reliable ponytail. If it seems too plain, you can easily braid it up. This simple tweak can instantly make your hair look more stylish and extra feminine.
28. Long Wavy Hair + Side-swept Bangs
Who says you can’t wear your hair loose and wavy out on the golf course?
You can definitely do that. You can even add side-swept bangs if you want to. Just keep the face-framing bangs above your eyebrows so they won’t obstruct your vision.
29. Ponytail + Curtain Bangs
A trusted ponytail is one of the easiest golf hairstyles you can do. But if you’re conscious of your large forehead or your big cheeks, add a beautiful face-framing feature: curtain bangs.
30. Layered Bob
What’s the best hairstyle for women who play golf? One that’s short, sweet, and simple, just like this layered bob. With its short length, you’ll feel fresh and cool even after being under the sun the entire day.
On the other hand, the layers and side part are just what you need to spice up this simple look.
So, pick a functional sporty hairstyle that’ll help you achieve your goal in style. Most of them are flexible enough that you can try them whether your hair is long or short.