How to Do a Five Minute Sports Hairstyle

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Keeping your hair in place while you play sports can be a hassle. You want to look good, but you don't want to worry about whether or not your hair is falling out of place. With these easy hairdos, you’ll be able to keep your mind on the game, rather than on your wild bangs and loose ponytail.

Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Classic Bun

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  1. If you have shorter hair, a classic bun will quickly become messy. [1]
  2. [2] There are a lot of smoothing serums out there, but it doesn't really matter which one you buy. Get one that suits your hair type (this is usually written on the bottle), but don't worry too much about brand names.
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  3. Twist your hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, forming a bun shape.
  4. If the ends are sticking out, tuck them into an elastic, or secure them with bobby pins.
  5. You can also use hair wax, or allow strands of hair to fall out naturally. Just remember that the more you allow loose strands to fall out, the more likely it is that your hairstyle will become messy.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Slicked-back Ponytail

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  1. Make sure to distribute the wax evenly on your hands, and don't use too much-- there is no way to get it out other than washing your hair.
  2. Secure your hair with a strong ponytail holder. It is important to tie your hair as tightly as possible, otherwise some strands may come undone while you play sports.
  3. You can use one, or add a second for extra hold. Put one half an inch from your hairline, and the second about an inch behind the first. The headbands also add an element of style and color to your sports look.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Side French Braid

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  1. It's a little fancier, but french braids are resilient, and still look good when they get a little messy.
  2. French braid the side of your head opposite the part until just below your ear. Make sure that the braid is very tight to your head so that it won’t come undone while you play.
    • French braiding your hair is the same as normal braiding, except instead of braiding straight down, you add a section of hair every time you cross over the center. Begin by crossing the right and then the left side of the braid over the middle. Then, add a small section of hair to the right side and cross it over. Do the same with the left. Continue doing this until you reach a point just below your ear. [3]
  3. Secure the ends of the hair with bobby pins (if your sport allows them) and apply hairspray to keep flyaways in place. [4]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Braided Bangs

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  1. It's good for keeping your bangs out of your face without forcing you to put your hair into a ponytail.
  2. You will be braiding your bangs so that they follow the left side of your head.
    • Take three chunks of hair from your bangs closest to your side part and braid them once: left chunk under center, then right chunk under center. [5] When it comes time to braid the left side again, add a little bit of hair from your bangs before braiding.
    • It will help to keep your head tilted to the left side. This way, the braid will follow the curve of your head.
  3. Spraying your hair with hairspray will also help to secure the braid. If you have short hair, you can let your hair fall naturally around it. Otherwise, pull the rest of it into a low bun.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Pigtail Buns

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  1. They sit well at the base of your neck, even with very short hair. [6]
  2. If you have longer hair, you can pull your hair up to the middle of your head, just behind your ears. If you have short hair, pull your hair closer to the base of your neck.
  3. On the third wrap, pull the ponytail into a bun. Pigtail buns will jostle when you run, so be sure to tie them tightly with elastic.
  4. Regular small pigtails are just as cute as buns, and you won't have to worry about them falling apart. Pair this with a headband to prevent hair from falling into your face.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Sideswept Pixie

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  1. It will also work for hair that is in-between lengths. It is a messy look with a bit of edge, but works very well with the look that sports naturally give short hair.
  2. Sometimes one side will look better than the other, so try one and then the other. Don't be afraid to create a dramatic part. A dramatic side part is what makes this style windswept and casual.
  3. Working from your new part, use a mousse or styling wax to push your hair away from your part to the opposite side of your head.
    • Use a small amount of mousse or wax and distribute it evenly over your hands. Take chunks of hair of varying lengths into your fingers and pull up on them to distribute the mousse or wax. You can get more mousse or wax as needed, but don't use too much, or else you will need to shampoo your hair.
    • If you have longer hair, you can use a straightener, but it's not necessary, especially if you're going to be running around. [7]
  4. The trick with short hairstyles is to add dramatic elements, so don't be afraid to push your hair far up and make it messy.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My hair has a lot of flyaways. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You could try using oil, such as coconut, almond or olive oil. Or, you could use hairspray or gel.
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    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 43
  • Question
    My hair gets so many flyaways, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    You could try taking a can of hairspray and smoothing your hair down between games. Otherwise, use skate wax. It dries really hard and prevents flyaways.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 30
  • Question
    I want a really catchy and sporty hairstyle for medium length hair. Any advice or hairstyles?
    Community Answer
    A fishtail braid is a good idea, or a waterfall braid into a ponytail. Any braid is a good idea.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • To get your hair into a high ponytail, hang upside down on your bed and brush it smooth before securing it.
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      • Make sure if you use the bobby pins that you hide them very well. In most sports, they make sure you have nothing in your hair before you can play.
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        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
      • If your hair is wet, put a bit of gel or mousse in first for extra hold.
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        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you don't have wax, use hairspray. I normally put it on my hairbrush and then use it to make my ponytail for the best results!
      • If you are playing softball, put your hair in a low ponytail so your helmet doesn't hurt your head.
      • When you want a high ponytail and want to keep it that high, lean back while you're putting it up.
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      Things You'll Need

      Classic Bun

      • Smoothing serum
      • Two elastic ponytail holders
      • Bobby pins (if your sport allows them)
      • Hairspray

      Slicked Back Ponytail

      • Hair wax
      • Ponytail holder
      • One or two elastic headbands.

      Side French Braid

      • Comb
      • Ponytail holder
      • Hairspray

      Pigtail Buns

      • Two elastic ponytail holders
      • Optional headband.

      Braided Bangs

      • Elastic
      • Bobby pins

      Sideswept Pixie

      • Hair wax or mousse
      • Comb

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      References

      1. ↑ Danielle Chiz. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.
      2. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/tips/g8160/best-hair-straightening-products/
      3. ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/tools-techniques/french-braid-hair
      4. ↑ Danielle Chiz. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N58DET-ig-Y&feature=youtu.be&t=17s
      6. ↑ http://www.brit.co/pigtails-for-adults/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXUPl9XHwcY&feature=youtu.be&t=3m

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      • Alana F.

        Mar 24, 2023

        "These hairstyles are amazing and really work (easy too). I would recommend using these hairstyles for sports (last ..." more
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