15 Quick & Easy Track Hairstyles for Athletes That Actually Stay Put

If there is one thing every track and field athlete knows, it is that you cannot crush your PR if you are constantly wiping hair out of your eyes. Whether you are sprinting the 100m, running cross-country, or stepping into the throwing ring, your hair needs to be completely locked down and secure.

The “gold standard” for track events has always been braids because they keep hair from tangling and lay flat against the head, reducing wind resistance and distraction. But even if you aren’t a braiding expert, there are plenty of high-stability styles to get you to the finish line.

Here are 15 easy track hairstyles to keep your hair secure, out of your face, and looking incredibly cute on race day!

1. Classic Double Dutch Braids

Widely considered the ultimate hairstyle for competitive track and field racing. Double Dutch braids are far more prominent and secure than traditional French braids.

They tightly grip your hair directly from the root to prevent any flyaways. This ensures absolutely no visual distractions while you are sprinting down the lane.

You can effortlessly leave the braided ends completely loose for a classic athletic look. Alternatively, tie them together into a single low ponytail for maximum locked-in stability.

2. The Trendy Bubble Braid

If you struggle with actual braiding, this is your ultimate beginner-friendly alternative. Bubble braids offer incredible race-day security while looking highly fashionable on the track.

Simply secure your hair in a tight, high, or low foundational ponytail base. Add small, heavy-duty athletic elastics every few inches down the length of the tail.

Gently tug or puff out each section between the elastics for massive volume. This creates a secure, rigid bubble effect that completely prevents wind-blown tangles.

3. The High Braided Ponytail

This highly functional hairstyle is an absolute game-changer for competitive sprinters. Pull your hair into a very high, extremely tight ponytail exactly at the crown.

Tightly braid the remaining ponytail tail all the way down to the very ends. Secure the bottom firmly with a heavy-duty, no-slip athletic hair elastic.

This simple step completely prevents your ponytail from violently whipping your face. It guarantees clear vision and zero shoulder distractions while you sprint for the finish line.

4. Low Braided Bun

If you participate in heavy throwing events or grueling long-distance running races. You absolutely need a style to minimize neck strain and heavy hair movement.

Secure your hair tightly at the very base of your neck using a strong-hold gel. Tightly braid the ponytail tail and wrap it firmly into a compact, low bun.

Use multiple bobby pins and a thick hair tie to completely lock it down. It stays completely out of the way and will never bounce around during heavy impact.

5. Half-Up, Half-Down Bun

This is a highly popular hairstyle choice for daily track practice and training sessions. It works perfectly for dynamic warm-ups or casual, low-impact running days.

Simply pull the top section of your hair directly above the tip of your ears. Secure this top section into a very tight, immovable top knot or messy bun.

Let the rest of your lower hair hang completely loose and natural down your back. It keeps the hair perfectly out of your eyes with minimal morning styling effort.

6. Slicked-Back High Ponytail

If you are in a massive rush before your starting heat officially begins. Focus entirely on building a solid foundation without dealing with complex braiding techniques.

Use a strong-hold athletic gel or wax to completely slick back all loose flyaways. Gather your hair into a perfectly smooth, extremely high ponytail at the crown.

Secure the ponytail with two or three thick hair ties stacked tightly together. This stacking method guarantees your heavy hair will never slide down while running.

7. Double Dragon Braided Messy Bun

Combine the incredible, locked-in security of Dutch braids with an effortless aesthetic. This trendy hybrid style keeps your hair locked down while looking incredibly cute.

Create two small, tight Dutch braids right at the top center of your forehead. Braid them tightly backward until they comfortably reach your upper crown area.

Gather the rest of your loose hair alongside the finished braided ends. Tie everything together into a high, secure, and voluminous messy top knot bun.

8. Front Mini Braids to High Ponytail

This trendy look completely secures those annoying, face-framing baby hairs effortlessly. Part your hair directly down the middle at the very front of your hairline.

Create two small, extremely tight three-strand braids perfectly framing your face. Pull those completed mini braids back along with the rest of your loose hair.

Secure everything tightly into a sky-high ponytail using a thick, reliable elastic. It adds incredible stylish detail to a basic pony while ensuring maximum racing security.

9. Double Braided Space Buns

This hairstyle is absolutely perfect for keeping heavy hair entirely off your sweaty neck. It is an absolute lifesaver during incredibly hot and humid summer race days.

Part your hair flawlessly straight down the middle from the front to the back. Dutch braid each side tightly from the nape of the neck upward toward the crown.

Once you reach the crown, twist the remaining hair into two rigid buns. Secure these space buns tightly with pins to prevent any bouncing during your event.

10. Ribbon-Laced Dutch Braid

Show off some serious school spirit by weaving a colored ribbon into your hair. Create a standard French or Dutch braid securely down the center back of your head.

Tie a bright ribbon in your specific team colors to the starting top elastic. Carefully weave this ribbon seamlessly through the hair sections as you braid downward.

Tie it off tightly in a cute, highly secure bow at the very bottom end. This impressive look is highly photogenic for big track meets and team photo days.

11. Side Accent Braid to Ponytail

If you have awkward front bangs or short layers that always fall out mid-race. This specific hairstyle completely eliminates that highly annoying hair-in-face distraction.

Create a tight, seamless French braid solely on one side of your head. Keep it directly above your ear, gathering all those pesky short facial layers.

Pull that finished accent braid seamlessly into your regular high athletic ponytail. This creates a chic, asymmetrical look that remains incredibly secure while aggressively running.

12. Classic Pigtail French Braids

You can simply never go wrong with the absolute basics for track and field events. Two tight French braids provide the ultimate, time-tested security for all female athletes.

Start them tightly at the front of the hairline and braid completely down the back. They automatically distribute the heavy weight of your hair perfectly across your entire head.

This flat, aerodynamic style fits flawlessly under an athletic hat or running visor. It protects your scalp and eyes perfectly if you are running in the blinding afternoon sun.

13. The Tiered Banded Ponytail

This hairstyle is visually similar to the trendy bubble braid but focuses purely on rigid security. It is the ultimate zero-braid solution for track runners with exceptionally long hair.

Instead of puffing the hair sections out for volume, pull them as tight as possible. Add small, heavy-duty elastics every two inches down your entire ponytail shaft.

This clever technique keeps the hair completely rigid and totally prevents painful tangles. It takes less than two minutes to achieve before confidently stepping onto the track.

14. The Inside-Out Topsy Tail Braid

This elegant style beautifully mimics a complex braid but requires zero actual braiding skills. Create a simple, tight low ponytail and split the hair directly above the elastic base.

Flip the entire ponytail tail up and pull it smoothly through the split hole. Tie another elastic a few inches down, and simply repeat the exact flipping process.

It creates a beautiful, faux-braided chain look that stays perfectly intact during heavy movement. It is incredibly fast to execute right before the starter pistol officially fires.

15. The Messy Top Knot with a Sweatband

When you have exactly sixty seconds before your highly competitive racing heat officially begins. Grab a thick, moisture-wicking athletic sweatband for maximum immediate hair security.

Throw your hair into a super high, aggressively twisted top knot messy bun. Secure it tightly with a thick athletic scrunchie and multiple crisscrossed bobby pins.

Track Hairstyle Guide: How to Keep Your Hair Secure on Race Day

A good track hairstyle is not just about looking cute. It should keep your hair controlled, comfortable, and distraction-free from warm-up to finish line.

The best race-day styles focus on three things:

1. Start With a Secure Base

Before creating any braid or ponytail, make sure your hair is properly prepared.

• Brush out all knots before styling.
• Use a small amount of gel or styling cream for flyaways.
• Choose strong athletic elastics that will not loosen during movement.

2. Match Your Style to Your Event

Different track events need different levels of security:

🏃‍♀️ Sprint Events
Choose tight styles like:

• Double Dutch braids
• High braided ponytail
• Slicked-back ponytail

These reduce movement and keep your focus on speed.

🏃‍♀️ Distance Running
Choose lightweight styles like:

• French braids
• Bubble braids
• Low braided buns

These stay comfortable during longer races.

🏋️‍♀️ Throwing Events
Choose locked-in styles like:

• Low buns
• Space buns
• Braided buns

They prevent hair movement during powerful movements.

3. Test Before Race Day

Never try a brand-new hairstyle right before a competition.

Practice your hairstyle during:

• Training sessions
• Warm-ups
• Longer runs

A style that looks secure may feel uncomfortable after 30 minutes of movement.

Pro Tips for Track Hairstyles

💡 Use the Right Hair Accessories

Choose:

• No-slip elastics
• Strong bobby pins
• Sweat-resistant headbands

Avoid accessories that can fall out or distract you during competition.

💡 Avoid Over-Tightening

A secure hairstyle should feel stable, not painful.

Too much tension can:

• Cause headaches
• Pull on the scalp
• Make long races uncomfortable

💡 Control Baby Hairs

Small front hairs can become distracting quickly.

Use:

• Light gel
• Edge brush
• Small front braids

Avoid heavy products that make hair stiff or greasy.

💡 Protect Your Hair During Training

Frequent tight hairstyles can stress your hair.

Try to:

• Change your hairstyle regularly
• Avoid pulling the same areas daily
• Use gentle removal when taking out elastics

💡 Pack a Race-Day Hair Kit

Keep these essentials in your bag:

✅ Extra hair ties
✅ Bobby pins
✅ Small brush
✅ Hair gel
✅ Sweatband
✅ Backup hairstyle option

Quick Race-Day Checklist

✔ Hair stays away from eyes
✔ Style feels comfortable
✔ No loose strands
✔ Accessories are secure
✔ You tested it before competing

The best track hairstyle is the one you forget you are wearing because your full attention stays on your performance.