The ultimate guide to gym hair

Not to hate on the old-school pony, but sometimes it's about as boring as a two-hour run on the dreadmill. Instead, pull hair back into a pony like you normally would, then wrap two-inch sections of your tail around a curling wand or thirty seconds each. When all your hair is curled and feels cool to the touch, use a wide-tooth comb to brush it out.

Try this funky twist on a ballet bun. Spritz roots with a texturizing spray and rub your scalp with your fingers to add volume. Using your fingers, pull hair back into a pony and secure it at your crown, then back-brush your pony until it's pouffy. Grab the ends, then roll them up toward the elastic until you have a loop the size of a tennis ball and pin it to your head. If you're feeling especially girly, throw a ribbon around the base. Now pulse!

Just because you live and die for no-nonsense CrossFit doesn't mean you need to rock a boring 'do. Instead, flip your head forward and French braid from the nape of your neck all the way to the crown. Pin the braid in place, then sit upright and twist strands into a bun. Unpin the braid (it should stay put on its own now), spray all over with a flexhold hair spray to keep things steady. Then, look H-O-T during your W-O-D.

Getting an early start on your bikini bod with boxing? Comb a middle part into hair, then mist a texturizing spray to keep strands from slipping. Pick up a half-inch section of hair on the left side of your part, then twist toward your scalp starting at your hairline and working toward the back of your head. As you twist, pull in new pieces like a French braid to help keep the twist close to your head. When you get to your crown, secure ends by criss-crossing two mini bobbies. Repeat until all the hair on one side of your hair is twisted, leave the rest loose. Then go kick ass.

Try this look next time you Zumba: Pull your hair to one side and split it into two sections (one in front of your ear, one behind). Pull a small piece from the back of the front section, loop it around, and add it to the other section. Repeat in the other direction and again until you are three-quarters of the way down your hair. Secure with a funky ponytail holder, then use your fingers to gently pull apart so the braid looks tousled.

Prep hair with a volumizing mousse to give flat strands a little oomph. Starting with a side part over your left eye, begin French braiding behind your left temple and work down and around your head until you reach the nape of your neck (don't worry if pieces are left out). Then, pull the hair from the right side of your head behind your ear and begin braiding it normally with French-ed hair. Secure the bottom of hair with a tiny elastic, then loop the braid over itself until it looks like a long bun sitting low behind your right ear. Pin it in place, then gently pull any loose pieces around your head, pin 'em into the bun and clip into your bike!

It's simple, but a pony-braid combo keeps hair safe when you go for a swim. Get it in seconds: pull your hair into a pony just below the curve of your head and secure it with a rubber band. Coat the pony in a restorative hair oil, then braid as tightly as you can to the bottom and secure with a tiny elastic.

Ditch your old-school sweatband and rock a braid-band instead. Not only is it super chic, it'll keep short strands from plastering to your forehead while you run. Here's how: Comb a side part into hair, then rub a pea-size dot of pomade between fingers until it feels smooth, not pasty. Then French braid the two inches of hair nearest your face, starting at your part and working toward the opposite side of your head. Continue along your hairline until you hit the top of your ear and tuck the remaining pieces behind your ear. Pin 'em in place with two no-slip bobby pins (criss-cross for extra grip), repeat the braid on the other side of your part, then lace up your sneaks.

Get your hair off your neck during your next Vinyasa marathon—even if you can't pull off a high pony. Comb a side part that sits over the arch of your eyebrow, then separate hair into two sections. With one section in each hand, wrap the two sections around each other twice (more if you can) at the nape of your neck, tuck the ends under the twist and pin everything in place with mini, no-slip bobby pins. So zen!