Top 5 Gymnastics Hairstyles for Your Next Meet-Up

January 9, 2014

One of the funniest parts in getting ready for a gymnastics meet-up is to make sure your hair is in tip-top form. Aesthetics is very important in gymnastics, but not when it gets in the way of form. Your hair do might go perfectly with your leotard in the pictures, but it’s pretty useless when it unravels seconds into the actual competition. And don’t forget to check the guidelines of the competition before picking a hairstyle too!

If you’re all clear, here is the list of 5 best gymnastics hairstyles preferred by gymnasts to show off their crowning glory while executing a spectacular routine.

1. The Straightforward Ponytail

Best for: Girls with mid length hair during practices, or meets that require standard ponytails.
What you need: Bobby pins, hairspray, hair elastics, a fine-toothed comb, curler or curling iron if needed.

● Step 1: Use the fine toothed comb to brush hair back into a mid length ponytail. Secure with elastic. Remember that your ponytail may not fall below shoulder length to allow for maximum movement without risking having your hair in your face
● Step 2: If your hair is long use the rollers or curling iron to curl the ends of the ponytail into tight curls to make it look shorter. Use the hairspray to secure the curls stay on.
● Step 3: If you have layers or bangs, use the bobby pins to keep them away from the face to minimize the distractions.

2. The Classic Bun

Best for: Straightforward gymnasts looking for a sleek, easy to do hairstyle. Buns are sometimes required when participating in compulsory levels and are also very popular in Rhythmic Gymnastics.

What you need: Bobby pins, a fine-toothed comb, hair product of choice (Hair Spray or Hair Gel is recommended, hair elastics. You can also put in optional decorative items such as color, glitter or the team scrunchie.

● Step 1: Work in a hair product all over the hair, so it’s easier to style. Remember some products such as hair gel dries very fast, so work quickly
● Step 2: Use the fine-toothed comb to brush hair back into a ponytail. Secure with an elastic.
● Step 3: Wrap hair around the base of the ponytail and hold it up with bobby pins. Remember there’s no such thing as too many bobby pins! Work in the team scrunchie and secure hairstyle with hairspray.

3. Crown Twist Braided Updo

Best for: Gymnasts looking for a glamorous but comfortable hairstyle.

What you need: Fine-toothed comb, paddle brush, hair elastics, bobby pins and hair product of choice.

● Step 1: Create a part on the left side of your hairline.
● Step 2: Select a small section nearest to your left ear, divide into two smaller sections and use the hair to form a rope braid by twisting both sections towards the right and crossing the front section over the back.
● Step 3: Continue twisting but remember to add hair to the front side of your hair while keeping the twists close to your face. Make sure to keep it as tight as possible to avoid loose hairs from unraveling.
● Step 4: Take the end of the twist and secure with an elastic, tuck it right under the original twist so it looks like one continuous braid. Secure with bobby pins and hairspray.

4. Low Braided Roll

Best for: Thick and long haired gymnasts looking for a quick gymnastics hairstyle.

What you need: Bobby pins, hairspray, hair elastics, paddle brush.

● Step 1: Divide wet hair into two equal sections and secure with elastics into two mid height pigtails
● Step 2: Braid each section and secure with another elastic at the end
● Step 3: Take the braided pigtails and tie them like you would a shoelace, and tuck the ends inside the roll. Secure with bobby pins and hair spray for a smooth finish.

5. Sophisticated French Braid

Best for: Gymnasts who have a bit more time to prepare and are looking to make an impact with their overall look during the routine.

What you need: Spray bottle with water, hair elastics, bobby pins, hair product and a fine-toothed comb.

● Step 1: Spray hair all over with water until it’s a bit damp; it’s easier and less painful to do tight braids with damp hair.
● Step 2: Take a mid-sized section of hair from the top of your head and use separate into three smaller sections. Use the smaller sections to execute a basic braid.
● Step 3: Gather a small section of hair from the right side of your head and add to the right side of the braid. Repeat for the left side and continue until you have no more hair to add on either end. Secure with an elastic and you can also use the bobby pins to secure your French braid into an updo. Use hair spray to keep your hairstyle sleek throughout your routine.

There you go, we hope this article coupled with little creativity and some hair products will help you find a perfect hair do for your next competition.

If you have your favourite hairstyle, please feel free to share them or the image links in the comments section below! 🙂


2 Comments

  • naomie says:

    i need something fast

  • josephina says:

    i love the hair styles my girl always is asking me to do her hair like the hairstyles every day for meets and and practice

  • Last Reply was 7 years ago