Warm weather is on its way and we already know what that means... it's time to hit the gym!

That's right loves, if we want to have that all-too talked about "summer bod", now is as good a time as ever!

And of course, with these new imposed expectations, there comes the typical struggle: how to keep your hair away from your face and neck without getting too elaborate with the hairstyle.

Well, lucky for you we've already scoured the Internet and narrowed it down to our top 5 favorite looks that prove to be as functional as they're aesthetically-pleasing!

Let's get it!

Funnily enough, most of us want to look pretty and stylish even though we're going to that strenuous pilates or kickboxing class and sweat away for an  hour straight. Even more curious is the fact that we tend to pick hairstyles that often get in the way or become undone halfway through class; anyone ever had their hair up in a bun , only to have it become loose whilst doing step jumps? (Yeah, I can attest this has happened wayyy too many times).

Resulting from this simple weekly "struggle", I have resorted to making a post entirely dedicated to it! I guess they were right when they say "you can always turn everything the other way round".

So here it is: my compilation of 5 practical hairstyles to hit the gym! Hope you enjoy reading it!

1st look: braid-and-ponytail hybrid

Undoubtedly this may take some time to master, but nothing like trying out this 'do in front of a vanity mirror a couple times won't do.

To get it as neat as shown in the picture, you want to start braiding at the back of your head and work your way upwards (think of a reverse French braid). You can choose to section off your hair pieces into 1 inch or go for thicker bands, depending on how much time you have available.

What I like about this particular updo is that, unlike the regular ponytail, it ensures that your back hair stays at a distance from your neck while you work out. It is incredible how much relief it gives me to have the mid-ends of my hair from coming into contact with my perspiring skin.

Moving on...

2nd look: side-braid starting from the hairline

Ok, so this may be a no-brainer! Super easy to do and, as you can see in the shot below, it can be as casual as you want it to be. Wear it to the gym, on the beach, after a swim, at home...basically wherever you think it's fitting!

If you have really long hair and feel like the dangling braid will become a nuisance on the treadmill, you can twist it and pin it into a bun. Just make sure to use ample bobby pins so it won't become undone!

A nifty alternative for those who rock bangs, this hairstyle will keep any front hairs away from your line of vision. If you find it easier, you can also spray them with water so those hard-to-get-at flyaways become a bit more malleable. And voilà!

3rd look: twisted low bun

The twisted low bun is a good option for those with fine and mid-length hair. I say this because the bun can get quite bulky if you happen to have thick, voluminous hair; it may also not work for those with short hair who lack length to pull it off. Longer hair may also pose difficulty as it'd require more twists and thus weaken the bun's overall structure. Hence,  fine and mid-length hair is the ideal type for this look.

Having mid-length hair myself, this hairdo is a personal favorite. It's such a classic and timeless style that will make you look put-together.

Every.

Time.

Plus, it has the added benefit of minimising hair damage in the long run, since the lower placement of the bun reduces tension on your hair strands.

Despite all of this, the real deal sealer lies in the fact that your bun will sit still on your head, as opposed to a high bun that will bobble around as you exercise. Can't  beat that. 

Further, the twist is a nice touch that not only improves the visual appeal of the style, but it also acts as a source of stability. In other words, even if you're doing high-impact exercises, the bun is less likely to become undone. However, we can't ignore the possibility of your bun untying in the middle of a high impact workout, such as a HIIT cardio. As a cautionary measure, I'd suggest you place lots of bobby pins around the center so the weakest link remains secure.

4th look:  Chunky standard braid

Also a timeless hairdo, I'm sure you've tried this one at least once growing up. For me, I remember going to elementary school wearing a single braid nearly every other day...It's so quick and  easy to do that it automatically became my mom's staple whenever she helped me get ready in the mornings.

I can't look at this picture and not think back of my childhood. I'm not going to lie, I'm feeling quite nostalgic right now...

5th look: Tiered ponytail

The various tiers make for an interesting look in this tiered ponytail. As with the twisted low bun, they add a very structured feel to it. So, if you're the type of person that enjoys practicality and intricacy, but don't want to spend too much time getting ready for the gym, this is a good option for you!

It also works for pretty much every hair type: fine hair, thick, mid-length, short, long...

Casual, stylish and low-maintenance, I guarantee you can't get much better than this!

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xoxo

Nádia.