How to Style Your Hair For Running

 

I wasn’t born a runner. In fact, until about 2 years ago I hated it. But I continued to run regularly to keep my belly at bay. Now, I’m absolutely addicted to it. If I don’t get at least 3 runs in a week, I feel off balance and out of sorts. Thanks to all the cool new running apps, I realized that the run I have been doing is 4 miles (compared to the 2.5 I thought I was running) and I have been improving my run through competing with myself. One of the challenges (other than hip pain and all that jazz) is how to style your hair for running – because there is nothing worse than feeling motivated and then not being able to keep your hair out of your face!

How to Style Your Hair For Running

My goal is to have another baby and then start training for my first major marathon (I ran a 5k over the summer). Since the big NYC Marathon is coming up this weekend, I thought it was only appropriate to share with you all some tips I’ve learned over the years, and if you are running the marathon, these products will have you looking great at the finish line!

Add Texture

I always find that my hair stays put best during my morning runs whenever I haven’t showered yet and the product from yesterday is still in my hair. (Check out #4 below for an awesome product to easily add texture.) Avoid anything that adds texture through a dry shampoo or promises beachy hair, because as soon as your start to sweat it will create major discomfort running into your eyes.

Have new hair ties on hand

I always end up using the same hair ties over and over and then forget to take notice that the elastic is getting more and more stretched out. I HATE having to stop running to re-do a falling ponytail, especially whenever I am keeping track of my pace. So make sure to keep some new, thick, ponytail ties handy for your runs or marathon day.

Braids!

This is the prettiest way to style your hair for running and a truly certain way to keep all those loose locks out of your face, but just make sure those braids are nice and tight! If you are just going for a daily run, there probably isn’t much need to do anything elaborate. But if you are running a marathon, it’s a great way to pull everything out of your face and know it will stay in place. (HINT: I’m giving away the most amazing hair product for braids below!) I’m not talented whenever it comes to braiding, so I often find someone to help me, but you can easily do simple pigtail braids or braid the front part to pull hair out of your face and bring it back to a ponytail. I also rounded up some great YouTube tutorials HERE.

For short hair

A headband is a great option for short hair that isn’t long enough to pull back – or for anyone who wants to keep the sweat out of their eyes. Use a little spritz of hairspray (my favorite below), to tame any loose pieces, and you are ready to hit the ground running.

The Products

1. I love the Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo because it is only lightly scented, so the fragrance won’t drive you nuts while running. It works on all hair types and is great for cleansing the night before the race or your run. 2. If you want to spray back any flyaways before your run, keep Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Hairspray on hand – but just use a quick spray! 3. Redken Braid Aid 03 Braid Defining Lotion is amazing for running and beyond to keep your braids looking defined and in place! I was SO excited to find this product because I have long, but really thin hair, so it’s an extra help for that. Plus, braids are so perfect for running as they keep everything pulled back out of your face. 4. This Redken Move Ability 05 Lightweight Defining Cream Paste is great for both men and women alike! It’s so easy and effective – just add a little drop in your hair whenever it’s damp and then blow dry to add some easy texture so your ponytail won’t slip and slide.