17 Yoga Class Hairstyles That Stay Out of Your Face
You’ve unrolled your mat, set your intention, and are ready to flow. But as soon as you move into your first Downward Dog, a cascade of hair falls forward, blocking your vision and sticking to your sweaty neck. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. The right hairstyle isn’t just about aesthetics for your yoga practice; it’s a functional necessity for maintaining focus, comfort, and hygiene.
The Foundation: Why Your Yoga Hairstyle Matters
Before we dive into the styles, let’s understand why this is so important. A distracting hairstyle can pull you out of your mindful state, forcing you to break your flow to fix it. Loose hair can also trap heat and sweat, leading to skin irritation. More practically, in inverted poses, hair can completely obscure your view, affecting your balance and alignment. Choosing a secure ‘do is an act of self-care that sets you up for a successful, focused practice.
Quick & Classic: The No-Fuss Favorites
These styles are your go-to for when you’re rushing to class but still need guaranteed hold. They require minimal time and tools but deliver maximum results.
1. The High, Tight Ponytail: The classic for a reason. The key is height and texture. Pull your hair to the crown of your head. For extra grip, lightly backcomb the base or use a texture spray before securing. This placement keeps hair off the neck and minimizes swing during dynamic movements.
2. The Low, Thick Ponytail: Ideal for those who find high ponytails heavy or who will be spending a lot of time lying on their backs. Keep it snug at the nape of your neck. Use a second hair tie a few inches down for a sleek, double-secured look.
3. The Top Knot or High Bun: The ultimate all-rounder. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it, and wrap it around the base, securing with pins and a final hair tie. It’s completely off the face and neck, and it lays flat in Savasana.
4. The Low Bun or “Yoga Teacher Bun”: Chic and practical. A neat bun at the base of the skull stays secure and looks polished. Twist the ponytail tightly before coiling, and criss-cross bobby pins through the center for an unshakeable hold.
Braided for Security: The Ultimate Hold
Braids are the gold standard for keeping every strand in place. They distribute hair evenly, prevent tangles, and add a beautiful, intricate element to your look.
5. The Classic French Braid: Starts at the crown and incorporates all hair, leaving zero flyaways. Perfect for long practices and hot yoga, as it keeps hair tightly woven and close to the head.
6. The Dutch Braid (Inside-Out French Braid): Similar to the French braid but the sections are crossed under instead of over, creating a beautiful 3D braid that sits on top of the head. It’s exceptionally secure and stylish.
7. Twin Braids: Not just for kids! Part your hair down the middle and create two simple or Dutch braids. This balances weight, prevents a heavy single braid from swinging, and is incredibly functional.
8. Braided Ponytail or Bun: Add security to the classics. Create a regular ponytail or bun, then braid the length before wrapping it. This tames the ends and adds an extra layer of style.
9. The Crown Braid: A gorgeous choice for longer practices. It involves creating two braids (French or Dutch) and pinning them around the head like a crown. It’s completely off the face and neck and stays put for hours.
For Short to Medium Hair: Creative Solutions
Shorter lengths can be just as pesky. These styles are designed to manage layers, bangs, and hair that’s too short for a full ponytail.
10. Headband Hero: A wide, non-slip fabric headband or a terry cloth sweatband is a short-haired yogi’s best friend. It pushes hair back and absorbs sweat at the hairline. Look for ones with silicone grips on the inside.
11. The Half-Up Twist: Gather the top section of your hair, twist it back, and secure it with a small clip or pin. This keeps the front pieces out of your eyes while letting the rest flow freely.
12. Pin & Tuck Magic: Use bobby pins strategically. Sweep hair to one side and pin, or create small pin-back sections on both sides. For a sleek look, dampen the front sections slightly before pinning.
13. Short Hair Pouf or Mini-Top Knot: If you have enough length on top, gather it into a small, high ponytail or bun. It’s playful and keeps the hair off your forehead completely.
Accessorize & Innovate: Tools of the Trade
Sometimes, you need a little help from some clever tools. These accessories can upgrade any basic style.
14. Spiral Hair Ties (Coil Ties): These create zero crease, are gentle on hair, and provide an incredibly strong hold without snagging. Perfect for creating tight, secure buns and ponytails.
15. The Scrunchied Ponytail: The scrunchie is back and better than ever. The fabric provides more grip than a standard elastic and is much kinder to your hair. Opt for a silk or satin one for reduced breakage.
16. Hair Claws & Jaw Clips: For thick hair, a large claw clip can secure a twisted-up style in seconds. It’s easy to remove and reposition and holds a massive amount of hair comfortably.
17. The Banded Ponytail: This trendy look involves placing multiple hair ties down the length of a ponytail. It’s not just stylish; it functionally weighs down and segments the hair, preventing wild swinging during jumps or fast transitions.
Pro Tips for Unshakeable Hold
Knowing the styles is half the battle; mastering the technique is the other. Apply these tips to ensure your hair survives the entire class.
Create Texture: Slightly dirty hair or hair with a bit of dry shampoo or texturizing spray has more grip. Slick, freshly washed hair is more prone to slipping.
Secure Strategically: When using bobby pins, always insert them with the wavy side down against your scalp for maximum grip. Criss-cross them for security.
Double Up: For thick or heavy hair, never rely on one hair tie. Use two for a ponytail, or combine a tie with pins for a bun.
Mind the Material: Cotton hair ties can snap and lose elasticity. Opt for elastic wrapped in fabric or coil ties for durability.
Find Your Flow, Forget Your Hair
Your yoga practice is a sacred time to connect with your body and breath. The last thing you need is a constant battle with your hair. By investing a few extra minutes before class into one of these 17 secure yoga class hairstyles, you grant yourself the gift of uninterrupted focus. Experiment with different looks throughout the week—maybe a quick top knot for a busy Monday and an intricate Dutch braid for a leisurely weekend session.
The perfect yoga hairstyle is the one that makes you forget you even have hair. It stays secured, feels comfortable, and allows you to move freely into your practice, both on and off the mat. Now, take a deep breath, tie it up, and flow on.
