Keep your hair off your face and tangle-free during workouts with this sweat proof hairstyle tutorial on How To French Braid.
One of the biggest questions I get from my friends is what do I do with my hair while working out? My hair is long and thick. Re: Heavy. If I’m running or moving around a lot during a workout (which one tends to do), a basic pony just wont’ do. My hair will fall down in minutes, leaving me with hair all up in my face sweat.
I have a few go-to workout hairstyles to remedy this, and they all involve some form of braid. Since I received so many questions about workout ‘do’s, I’ve decided to start a Sweat Proof Hairstyle series, starting with a classic: How To French Braid.
The French Braid is my tried-and-true go-to. I rock a French braided pony so often, I can whip my hair into shape without a mirror. This workout-approved ‘do helps keep my hair in place, off my face and keeps it from getting all tangled. Here’s the step-by-step on how to get this sweat-proof style.
- Brush out any tangles and brush your hair back, away from your forehead.
- Gather a big chunk of hair (1-2 inches wide) from the top-center of your head. Divide that chunk into three equal-sized pieces.
- Begin by starting a regular braid. Hold two strands in your left hand and the third your right hand. Pull the right piece over the middle piece, so that it becomes the center piece. Then pull the left piece over new middle piece. Repeat 2x.
- Now it’s time to start incorporating new pieces. The next time you pull a right piece over the middle, add an extra piece of hair from the right side. Likewise, the next time you pull a left piece over the middle, add an extra piece of hair from the left side to braid along with it. The less hair you grab (and the more times you cross pieces over) the more intricate the braid will be. It’s best to pull pieces from near your face and neck vs. pieces that are already close to the braid.
- Continue Step 4 until all of your hair is incorporated into the braid. This should occur by the time you reach the nape of your neck.
- You can tie the braid at the nape of your neck, or continue with a regular braid all the way down.
Before you do it up, French style, be sure to join the Fit & Fashionable Friday Link Up (full rules here).
Let’s Chat:
What do you do with your hair during workouts?
Is there a type of braid you’d like to see in this series?
I know how to french braid someone else’s hair… but my hands just don’t work from my own head! I blame stumpy fingers. Oh and that lack of coordination bit…
I usually have my hair in a messy bun (by default LOL)m but if not the MB, I usually go with a braid of some sort. I can’t stand to have my hair sliding across my sweaty back….and my hair is only a fraction of what you have. 😉
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…It’s not a Race, it’s a Training Run
I’m terrible at French Braiding, you make it look easy!!!
I can definitely up my hair game thanks for the tips
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Friday Favorites Spring Edition
I have been braiding my hair before going on runs and it makes SUCH a huge difference with my big mane!!!
Annmarie recently posted…Naturally Sweetened Mocha Granola {Gluten Free, Vegan}
Tangle free’s the way to be!
French braids are beautiful on you! My teenager taught herself via Youtube videos to do all kind of crazy, French, Dutch, you name it, she braids it. styles. I’m a simple pony or messy bun girl.
Marcia recently posted…Things That Make You Go…
such a cute hairstyle! I usually just put my hair in a regular ponytail or bun, but this is way cooler!
Kimberly G recently posted…5 Ways to Pamper a Runner
When I was in high school I LOVED having my hair french braid by my hairdresser or friend and never learned how. I was always sad my mom didn’t know how. This was before I could use the internet to watch a video and figure it out. Now my hair is short but I really want to try this-I love the braided pigtails look for races!
Braided pigtails are one of my faves, especially with a hat!
I love the french braid! I was pretty good at it in school but have not tried in awhile. I have had it done- 2 braids, then after the race add a little dry shampoo – shake out and add a fun headband- viola!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Why do we Run- the 2016 Running USA facts
You have amazing hair! Back in the day when I had long hair, I could do french braids. I felt so skilled! Now my hair is just long enough for a nub.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Book Review: The Road to Sparta by Dean Karnazes
Cute post! I can braid and sometimes wear my hair that way for real he but the French braid… now that’s talent!! 😉
Gina recently posted…Eagle Creek Pack-It Sport Review
I was literally just thinking about googling ‘running hairstyles’ – and then I saw you posted this! I’m in desperate need of a haircut, but until I get motivated to actually make an appointment (lol) I need something besides a ponytail right now since mine keep falling out. Going to try the french braid!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers recently posted…5 English Muffin Recipe Ideas + Bays English Muffin Sweepstakes!
Let me know how it turns out!
I used to be able to french braid my own hair. I haven’t tried in a long time! I wonder if I could still do it. I bet a french braid would be a really good way to keep your hair out of your face during a workout.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…5 Ways For Runners To Relax (Plus a Visualization Exercise)
Your hair is super cute. Can you come braid mine? 😉
Rachel recently posted…How to Pamper Yourself During Racing Season
Anytime!
I never learned how to French braid! I have short hair but my daughter has longer hair ….
Coco recently posted…Five Reasons I Love The GW Parkway Classic
Love the look of a french braid but never learned how to do it. I pretty much default to a basic ponytail or messy bun.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…5 Benefits of Planking
Wish I knew how to do it when you were little
Les recently posted…Wait, Didn’t We Just Put Away Our Halloween Costumes?
I’m patiently waiting for my hair to get long again so I can do braids again. Although, I have always been bad at braiding my own hair. My arms get so tired haha! You make the French braid looks so easy!
Katie @HungryRunner recently posted…NYC, It’s Been Real
Its perfect hair style in summers i must try this on my hairs.
Your hair and hair style so beautiful.I would like to try this..