Precision is everything in gymnastics. A stray hair or a loose bun can be a major distraction when performing on the beam or floor.
Competition hairstyles must be incredibly secure. They need to withstand high-velocity rotations, landings, and constant movement without budging an inch.
The right look boosts confidence. When the hair is tight and tidy, the focus remains entirely on the routine and technical execution.
1. The Classic High Bun
The classic high bun is a staple for a reason. It provides a clean silhouette that judges love and keeps hair completely off the neck and face during intense maneuvers.
To ensure it stays secure, start with a very tight ponytail at the crown. Use a hair donut or padding if necessary, then wrap the hair and secure it with a heavy-duty hairnet.
Finish the look with plenty of high-hold hairspray and U-shaped pins. This prevents the bun from wobbling or shifting during tumbling passes or vault landings.
2. Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids are among the most secure options for athletes with long or thick hair. By weaving the hair underneath, the braids sit tightly against the scalp.
These braids distribute the weight of the hair evenly across the head. This balance is crucial for maintaining spatial awareness during flips and complex aerial turns.
For a competition-ready finish, continue the braids all the way to the ends and secure them with snag-free elastics. You can also tuck the ends under for a more polished look.
3. Dutch Braid into a High Bun
This style combines the security of a scalp braid with the traditional look of a bun. It prevents shorter layers from falling out of the front during a routine.
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Start the Dutch braid at the hairline and work back toward the crown. Once you reach the desired height, incorporate the remaining hair into a high, tight ponytail.
Wrap the ponytail into a bun and pin it thoroughly. This hybrid style is excellent for keeping flyaways contained throughout a long day of multi-event competition.
4. Triple French Braid Bun
The triple French braid provides maximum surface-area control. By dividing the hair into three sections, you ensure that every strand is anchored firmly to the scalp.
Work three separate French braids from the forehead back to the crown. This technique is particularly effective for those with layered hair that often slips out of single braids.
Gather all three braid ends into one ponytail and form a bun. The multiple anchor points make this one of the most durable styles for high-impact gymnastics events.
5. The Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail offers a modern aesthetic while maintaining a very high level of security. It uses multiple elastics along the length of the hair to prevent fraying.
Start with a sleek high ponytail and place elastics every two inches down the length. Gently “bubble” the sections out for volume, but keep the elastics tight.
This style is perfect for athletes who prefer a ponytail but need extra insurance against hair getting caught in their face. It stays streamlined and controlled during movement.
6. Crown Braid with Low Bun
A crown braid wraps around the head, acting as a natural headband to keep hair away from the eyes. It is elegant and extremely functional for floor exercises.
The braid feeds into a low bun at the nape of the neck. This lower center of gravity can feel more stable for certain athletes during high-speed rotations.
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To keep this secure, use small clear elastics and a significant amount of hair gel. This ensures the crown section stays flat against the head even during vigorous activity.
7. Criss-Cross Dutch Braids
Criss-cross Dutch braids add a complex visual element while providing superior hold. Crossing the braids adds structural integrity to the hairstyle, preventing any loosening.
The hair is sectioned into four parts, with braids crossing over each other at the back of the head. This creates a web of hair that is virtually impossible to shake loose.
Finish by gathering the ends into two small buns or one central bun. This look is a favorite for high-level competitions where every detail of presentation matters.
8. Sleek Low Bun with Center Part
A sleek low bun provides a professional and mature look. The center part adds symmetry, which can be visually appealing to judges during a performance.
The key to security here is “wet-looking” hair achieved with high-shine gel. This glues the hair down, ensuring no wisps or flyaways appear under bright arena lights.
Secure the bun at the very base of the skull using a thick elastic and numerous pins. A hairnet that matches the hair color is highly recommended for added stability.
9. Upside Down Braid into Bun
The upside down braid is an ingenious way to secure the shorter hairs at the nape of the neck. These are often the first strands to fall out during a routine.
Flip the head over and French or Dutch braid from the neck up toward the crown. Once you reach the top, combine it with the rest of the hair.
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Form a bun at the top of the head. This style keeps the back of the neck clean and ensures the weight of the bun is supported from underneath.
10. Fishbone Braid into Top Knot
The fishbone (or fishtail) braid is tighter than a standard braid, making it excellent for keeping hair compressed. It creates a very sturdy base for a top knot.
Braid the hair tightly before twisting it into a bun. The intricate weave of the fishbone braid creates more friction, which helps the bun stay in place longer.
Use a light mist of water while braiding to keep the strands smooth. Once pinned into a top knot, this style becomes a solid unit that resists centrifugal force.
11. Pull-Through Braid
The pull-through braid is not actually a braid but a series of linked ponytails. Because each section is secured with its own elastic, it is incredibly secure.
This is the ideal choice for athletes whose hair typically slips out of traditional braids. If one section moves, the others remain locked in place by their individual elastics.
You can leave this as a long tail or wrap it into a large, textured bun. The “linked” nature of the style provides a unique look that stands out on the competition floor.
12. Segmented Twist Ponytail
The segmented twist uses a series of twists secured by elastics to manage hair length. It is a sleek alternative to the bubble ponytail for a more streamlined look.
Each segment is twisted tightly before the next elastic is added. This creates a rope-like effect that is very heavy-duty and stays behind the shoulders.
This style is particularly effective for bars, as it keeps the hair contained and prevents it from swinging into the athlete’s field of vision during transitions.
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13. Cornrow Accents with High Bun
Adding small cornrows to the sides or top of the head increases the security of the overall style. It anchors the hair firmly to the scalp at the most critical points.
The cornrows lead into a central high bun. This combination is excellent for athletes with thick hair who need to reduce bulk while ensuring the style remains tight.
This look is very durable and can often last through multiple days of competition if handled carefully. It provides a clean, athletic aesthetic that is very popular.
14. The Rose Bun (Braided Twist)
The rose bun involves braiding a ponytail and then twisting that braid into a flat spiral. The flat shape keeps the weight close to the head, reducing “bounce.”
By pinning the braid flat against the scalp, you create a low-profile bun. This is less likely to be hit or moved during rolls and floor work.
Use plenty of open-ended pins to “sew” the braid to the base hair. This creates a very strong bond that can withstand high-impact tumbling and landings.
15. Side French Braid Bun
A side French braid is perfect for keeping side-swept bangs or shorter face-framing layers secure. It pulls everything toward the back in a controlled manner.
The braid travels along the side of the head and joins a ponytail at the back. This asymmetrical start leads to a very symmetrical and secure bun.
This style is often used to add a bit of flair while maintaining the strict neatness required for gymnastics scoring. It is both functional and visually interesting.
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16. Double Buns (Space Buns)
Double buns distribute the hair’s weight into two separate locations. This can be more comfortable for some athletes and offers a very secure, balanced feel.
Each bun should be started with a very tight ponytail. Braiding the ponytails before pinning them into buns will provide the maximum amount of security.
Ensure the buns are placed symmetrically. This helps the athlete maintain balance and ensures the look remains tidy and professional for the judges’ evaluation.
17. The Wrapped Ponytail
The wrapped ponytail is a high-security version of the standard pony. By wrapping a small section of hair around the elastic, you provide extra reinforcement.
The wrap acts as a secondary “lock” for the main hair tie. For competition, use a small amount of hair glue or a hidden pin to keep the wrap in place.
This style is best for athletes who want a simple look but need to ensure their hair tie won’t snap or slide down during a high-energy routine.
18. Multi-Elastic Low Pony
This style uses several elastics at the base of the ponytail to create a rigid, secure anchor. It prevents the ponytail from sagging or loosening over time.
By stacking two or three elastics at the very base, you create a firm foundation. This is especially helpful for athletes with very heavy or long hair.
The rest of the hair can be braided or left sleek. The focus here is on the indestructible base, ensuring the hair stays exactly where it was placed at the start.
How do I prevent flyaways during a long competition?
The most effective way to prevent flyaways is to use a combination of water, strong-hold gel, and hairspray. Apply gel to damp hair before styling to “lock” the strands together, and finish with a heavy mist of high-hold spray once the style is complete.
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What are the best hair ties for high-impact gymnastics?
Look for “snag-free” or “no-slip” elastics that do not have metal joiners. Silicon-coated elastics are particularly good for gymnastics because they grip the hair more firmly than standard fabric ties, preventing the ponytail from sliding down during flips.
How many hairpins should I use for a competition bun?
There is no set number, but most secure competition buns use between 10 and 20 pins. Use a mix of “bobby pins” for gripping small sections and “U-pins” (hairpins) for anchoring the bulk of the bun to the base ponytail.
Is it better to style hair wet or dry for gymnastics?
Styling hair while it is slightly damp is generally better for security. Damp hair is more pliable and allows for tighter braids and sleeker buns. As the hair dries, the products used will set the style in place more firmly than if applied to dry hair.
How can I make my bun look professional for the judges?
Use a hairnet that exactly matches your hair color to contain any loose ends within the bun. Additionally, using a “donut” or padding can help create a perfectly symmetrical shape, which contributes to a neat, disciplined appearance that judges appreciate.
What should I do if my hair is too short for a bun?
For shorter hair, use multiple small Dutch or French braids to secure the hair close to the scalp. You can end these in small “pigtail” buns or use several small elastics to create a “segmented” look that keeps the hair away from the face and neck.