1. The Classic High Ponytail:
* Pros: Simple, effective, and keeps hair out of your face. Allows for good visibility.
* Cons: Can be uncomfortable if pulled too tight. Needs to be very secure to prevent flyaways.
* How-to:
* Start with freshly brushed hair to remove tangles.
* Tilt your head back and gather all of your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
* Use a strong hair tie to secure the ponytail. Consider a spiral hair tie for better hold and less damage.
* Smooth down any flyaways with hairspray or gel.
2. The Gymnast Bun:
* Pros: Extremely secure, minimizes distractions, looks neat and professional. A very common and reliable option.
* Cons: Can take some practice to perfect. May require multiple products and tools.
* How-to:
* High Ponytail Foundation: Start with a high ponytail, secured tightly.
* Twisting: Twist the ponytail tightly until it starts to coil around itself.
* Wrapping: Wrap the twisted ponytail around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. Keep it tight and close to the head.
* Securing: Use hairpins (bobby pins) to secure the bun in place. Lots of them! Place pins around the entire circumference of the bun, making sure to catch the hair underneath.
* Nets (Optional but Recommended): Place a hairnet over the bun to keep flyaways contained and add extra security.
* Finishing Touches: Apply hairspray to smooth down any stray hairs.
3. Braids (French Braids, Dutch Braids, or a Single Braid):
* Pros: Keeps hair contained, can be stylish. Distributes the tension on the scalp better than a ponytail.
* Cons: Can take longer to do, especially complex braids. May require more skill to execute neatly.
* How-to:
* French or Dutch Braids: Start at the front of the head and braid back towards the nape of the neck. Secure the end with a hair tie. These are great for keeping shorter layers out of the face.
* Single Braid: Gather all hair into a ponytail or start at the nape of the neck. Braid the hair to the end and secure with a hair tie.
* Hairspray: Use hairspray to control flyaways.
4. Half-Up, Half-Down (Use with Caution):
* Pros: Can be a good option if you have bangs you want to keep out of your face.
* Cons: More difficult to secure completely. The loose hair can still be distracting and potentially dangerous.
* How-to:
* Gather the top section of your hair and secure it into a high ponytail or bun.
* Make sure the ponytail or bun is extremely secure.
* Consider braiding the loose section of hair to keep it out of your face.
* Use hairspray liberally.
* Only recommended if the loose hair is very long and out of the way of the mat. Talk to your coach before using this option.
Important Considerations for all Styles:
* Security: The most important thing is that your hair is SECURE. You don't want to have to stop in the middle of a routine to fix your hair. Test it out by doing jumps, turns, and rolls.
* Comfort: Make sure your hairstyle is comfortable. If it's too tight, it can give you a headache.
* Flyaways: Tame flyaways with hairspray, gel, or wax.
* Bobby Pins: Use plenty of bobby pins to secure buns and braids. Choose bobby pins that match your hair color.
* Hair Nets: Hair nets are great for keeping buns neat and secure, especially for competition.
* Practice: Practice your chosen hairstyle so you can do it quickly and easily before practice or competition.
* Coach Approval: Always check with your coach to make sure your hairstyle is appropriate and doesn't pose any safety concerns.
* Length and Texture: The best style will depend on your hair length and texture. Shorter, layered hair is harder to keep up, so French braids or a very secure bun are best. Thicker hair will need more pins.
Recommended Products:
* Strong Hold Hairspray: Essential for taming flyaways and keeping hair in place.
* Hair Gel or Wax: Can be used to smooth down flyaways and add extra hold.
* Bobby Pins: Get a good supply of bobby pins in a color that matches your hair.
* Hair Ties: Use strong hair ties that won't break easily. Spiral hair ties are a good option.
* Hair Nets: Choose hair nets that match your hair color.
In summary, the ideal gymnastics hairstyle is secure, comfortable, and out of your face. The gymnast bun is often the most reliable and preferred choice, but a high ponytail or braids can also work well. Always prioritize safety and practice to ensure your hairstyle doesn't interfere with your performance.