Cross country running is an exciting and challenging sport that requires endurance, speed, and mental toughness.
While performance depends mostly on training, there is no doubt that how you look and feel can also impact your motivation and confidence on race day.
Finding the right hairstyle for your cross country meet or race is crucial. You want a style that is secure, comfortable and enhances your athletic appearance.
I’ll also recommend which hair type and race length these styles work best for.
Choose awesome hairstyle inspiration for your next cross country competition!
Messy Ponytail
The ponytail is a go-to athletic hairstyle for good reason.
It keeps your hair back and out of your face so you don’t have to worry about it as you run. The ponytail is a great option for any hair length and type.
To create a ponytail, simply gather your hair at the back crown of your head and secure with a hair elastic. Make sure to smooth out any bumps or lumps in the hair to keep it neat.
For extra security, tease the crown first before gathering into a ponytail.
This creates more volume so the ponytail is tighter. If you have layered hair, keep the ponytail loose rather than super tight to prevent shorter layers from sticking out.
Ponytails are ideal for 5Ks, but can come loose on longer distances. Slicking down flyaways with gel helps keep it in place.
Ponytails work well with headbands and braids woven into the hair for extra style. For races, use flashy hair elastics and ribbons to look festive as you run!
Single Braids
Braiding keeps hair secure for long runs and adds a cute style element. For cross country, single braids along the part line are a great option.
They help pull back face-framing strands and bangs out of your eyes.
Part your damp hair down the center.
Take a section about 1-2 inches wide along the part and braid down towards your neck. Secure with a small elastic.
Repeat on the other side. Make sure both braids are equal in size. For a slicked-back look, add gel along the part before braiding.
Single braids contain flyaways and are comfortable for any race length. They distribute weight better than a ponytail, preventing neck tension.
The style suits straight, wavy or curly hair. Adjust the part placement to complement your face shape. Part too far side to side and the braids may overlap awkwardly.
Double French Braids
Want to take your braid game up a notch? Go for double French braids. They look gorgeous for races and keep every strand in place.
Part damp hair down the center and across the back crown to create even sections.
Start French braiding along the part line on one side, incorporating more hair as you braid back.
Secure ends with elastics when you run out of hair. Repeat on the other side.
Double French braids are very secure for long or short hair and won’t come loose. Keep them tight against the head to prevent bouncing as you run.
This style can get heavy when wet with sweat, so it’s ideal for short to middle distance races like 5Ks to 10Ks. The look is sporty yet feminine for cross country events.
Bun
For a professional athletic look, you can’t go wrong with a bun.
A bun keeps hair firmly in place without any loose or moving parts. It works with all hair textures and densities to create a smooth polished finish.
Pull damp hair tightly into a ponytail at the back crown of your head.
Twist the ponytail into a spiral bun, tucking in ends and securing with bobby pins as needed.
For a sleek ballerina bun, use gel to slick back hair before wrapping the ponytail into a bun shape against the head.
Buns are comfortable and balanced for running any race distance from 1 mile to marathons.
They contain thick, heavy hair and prevent overheating.
The high placement helps avoid bumping during strides. Customize your bun for cross country with fun scrunchies, headbands and hair sticks. This classic style will also photograph well at the finish line!
Half Up Style
Half up, half down styles are cute and functional for cross country.
Pulling back just the top section controls frizz and keeps hair from blowing into your face as you run.
But leaving the bottom half down prevents too tight of a look.
Use a comb to part the top half of dry or damp hair straight back. Gather the top section and tie into a ponytail or bun, adjusting the positioning to your liking.
Let the bottom half air dry or style the ends with curls, braids or leave straight.
The half up style works with all hair lengths from short to long. It provides the stability of an updo but maintains a loose, free-flowing aesthetic.
This look is great for 5Ks when you want controlled yet carefree hair. Use a pretty barrette or bow to jazz it up.
Low Bun or Braid
Contrary to the tight high bun, a low bun or braid is relaxed and cute for cross country.
Keeping hair down around your shoulders and neck helps regulate temperature on hot race days.
To create a low bun, gather damp hair into a loose ponytail near the base of your neck.
Swirl the ponytail into a messy bun and pin in place.
For a low braid, Dutch braid damp hair across the back of your head toward one shoulder. Prevent flyaways with a light gel or cream.
The low placement helps air circulate so you don’t overheat. Loose styles like this work for short races where bouncing isn’t an issue.
Make sure to test it out on training runs first – you don’t want your hair coming totally undone mid-race! Add a fun headband for style and to catch wispies.
Fishtail Braids
Fishtail braids are a gorgeous choice for cross country races or meets.
They look intricate but are easy to do yourself at home! This style excels at keeping hair neatly secured and off your neck.
Part damp hair down the center and on both sides above the ears. Split a section at the back crown into two even pieces.
Take a small strand from the outside of one piece and cross it over into the opposite piece. Repeat, alternating pieces and incorporating more hair as you braid down. Finish with an elastic.
The fishtail motif helps contain flyaways within the braid pattern.
Having two smaller braids instead of one big one distributes weight evenly around your head. Fishtails stay put well for 5Ks to half marathons. They give you a elegant, competitive look.
Bandana
Bandanas make excellent athletic hair accessories to manage frizz and soak up sweat.
They also give you a cool style boost for cross country with minimal effort!
Place a rectangular bandana folded diagonally over your head, with the middle part at your forehead.
Tie the ends together at the back of your neck, then tuck the knots under the bandana.
You can wear it tied behind your hair, or use it to hold hair back in a ponytail or bun.
Cotton bandanas absorb moisture to keep sweat and humidity from ruining your hairstyle. The compression helps eliminate annoying wispies and shorten recovery time from wet hair.
Bandanas work with any race distance and most hair types besides extra short cuts. Get some cool racing stripes or patterns!
Low Pigtail Braids
Pigtail braids take you back to childhood but also make great athletic hairstyles.
Placing them low on your neck provides a youthful look while keeping your locks controlled.
Part damp hair down the center and behind each ear.
Make two or three strand braids starting above each ear and angling down toward the base of your neck. Secure ends with elastics. For volume, tease the crown first.
The pigtails stay put without needing to be extremely tight.
They are comfortable for long distances and bounce less than high pigtails. It’s an easy way to manage long thick hair.
Add fun colored elastics or braid ribbons for meets. Low pigtails work well for holding back short layered hair too.
Laidback Ponytail
If you have natural texture or curls, show them off with a laidback ponytail for cross country. Embrace your hair’s movement while keeping it back.
Apply curl cream and let hair air dry or diffuse upside down for volume.
Gather hair into a loose low ponytail and secure with a scrunchie to prevent dents. Pull out face framing pieces in the front.
This ponytail provides a cool, carefree look for races.
The scrunchie won’t tug on curls or waves like tight elastics can. Let the length and body of your hair flow while preventing it from blowing into your face mid-run. Use this style for races 5K to 15K in length.
Short Braids
Don’t think you need long locks to rock braids? Think again!
Braids work great for maximizing short to medium length hair too. They maintain your natural texture while securing flyaways.
Part damp hair on the side.
Make two small Dutch or French braids along the part line, starting at the front and angling back diagonally. Secure ends then repeat on the other side. For short hair, braid back as far as you can.
Small braids are comfortable, light and sleek for running.
They allow you to evenly distribute your hair and won’t leave your neck feeling weighed down. Braids also cut down on wind resistance.
Pair them with a headband for extra security. This style shines for 5Ks.
Sleek High Ponytail
Lastly, a sleek high ponytail is perfect for showing off your face and keeping hair strictly in place. It’s all-business for cross country!
Smooth damp hair back with a fine comb, adding gel for hold. Pull into the tightest, highest ponytail you can handle at the back crown of your head.
Wrap a thin piece of hair around the elastic to hide it if desired.
This pony keeps every strand under control for any race length.
It’s ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair. The tightness prevents your ponytail from bouncing and disturbing your pace. Look focused and on point with this powerful style at your next cross country meet!
With cross country season approaching, don’t neglect your hairstyle on race day! Your hair deserves just as much preparation as the rest of your look and gear.
French Braid Updo
For an elegant and secure updo, try a French braid twist. This style keeps all of your hair in place while looking polished and put-together.
Start by parting dry hair down the center. Beginning at the crown of your head, French braid one side tightly angling down toward the nape of your neck. Secure the end with a hair elastic. Repeat the braid on the other side.
Next, twist the two braids together into a bun shape and tuck the ends under. Pin the twisted braid bun securely to your head. You can also leave the braid ends loose for a messier look.
The French braid updo is great for managing long thick hair for cross country.
The double braids distribute weight evenly around your head so you can run unencumbered.
This style stays put perfectly no matter the distance or terrain. The elegance of the braided bun is also nice for team photos and the award ceremony!
I hope these TOP styles give you creative ideas for comfortable and cute hairstyles that will perform well during your next run.
Remember to practice new looks on training runs first.
Prepare hair properly by washing and drying well in advance. Use gels, creams or oils to smooth and contain flyaways.
Secure styles tightly but not to the point of headache or pulling. Find your go-to look that fits your hair type, race distance and style personality!
Your hair should make you feel confident and accentuate your hard work and talents as a runner.
Keep these tips in mind to cross the finish line with both your hair and your sanity intact.
Show off your fast foot speed and your fabulous hair! Good luck and have an amazing cross country season!
