Running with Long Hair (for Guys and Gals) | Don't Get Bogged Down

Last updated on April 14th, 2021 at 05:28 pm

Whether a guy or a women the challenges of running with long hair are the same as they’ve always been, and in this post we take on these challenges.

I went most of my life with hair no longer than a centimeter. Then I decided to see what would happen if I let my hair grow. Ten years later, and I’ve fully embraced having long hair.

As an active guy, I quickly found out one of the downsides of long hair is it keeps getting in your eyes. This happens often, but specifically on runs. If continually neglected hair becomes a nuisance.

After taking my long hair on a decades worth of runs there are a few great ways to run with long hair.

Here is rundown on what I cover through this entire post: The best way to run with long hair, is by using:

Elastic Hair Ties
Snap Back Hats
Headbands
Bandannas
Wear it down

Throughout this post we go into a little more detail as to what can be done with your long hair on a run.

Running with Long Hair, (Whether Guy or Gal)

Below are some easy methods for keeping hair under control.

1. Elastic Hair Ties

Elastic hair ties quickly become a best friend when hair is being grown out to any significant length. These handy bands are simple, cheap, and sold everywhere. Even most gas stations have this hair holder on a rack somewhere.

On top of being readily available, elastic hair ties are usually sold in packs of ten or twenty. Going this route ensures there will be an elastic band nearby whenever needed.

These type of ties are great because they can hold hair in both a ponytail and a bun.

Above is an example of an elastic hair tie being used to put hair into a bun. Elastic hair ties help drastically in keeping hair out of your way… they are a huge help.

2. Wear a Snap Back Baseball Hat

Hats are a good way to hold hair. Snow caps, beanies, and baseball hats are all great for holding your hair on a run.

My personal favorite is a standard Snap Back style baseball hat. These types of hats are among the best ways to keep hair in order on a summer run.

Not just because the hat itself can hold the hair in place, but also because the back of the hat has a perfect size hole for your hair.

This is how I use a Snap Back Hat with my hair:

Put my hair in a bun with the elastic hair tie.
Slide the hat over my head while keeping the hole of the hat lined up with the bun in my hair.
Push the bun through the back of the hat.
Take the elastic band off the bun in my hair.
Let the hole in the back of the hat do the containment of my hair.

The added benefit of a snap back hat is it does two things really well. It not only keeps hair out of your eyes it keeps the sun out as well.

And while elastic bands all look pretty much the same, there is no similar limit for hats. Snap back hats can be found in a ton of different colors, and with a million different designs on them.

3. Using a Headband when Running with Long Hair

Headbands are a good option if you want to let your hair hang down a bit.

Yes… headbands became famous when tennis players started wearing them at grand slam tournaments on television, but those thick headbands made of fuzzy cloth aren’t the only athletic headband options available anymore.

The most popular head bands are now elastic head bands, and they are available at most stores, and operate in nearly the exact same way as elastic hair ties…they are just a larger diameter elastic band.

There are varying thicknesses and some have designs to their shape, but for the most part a simple elastic headband to contain the hair in the down position is all that is needed.

4. Bandanna

Bandannas aren’t for everyone, but they can get the job done if you’re looking for another option to cover your long hair.

Bandannas have the added benefit of being able to act as many different hair holders in one. For example, you can fold a bandanna over on itself to create a make shift headband, or you can do the same to create something that can tie your hair in a ponytail.

Versatility is the bandanna’s main benefit, but not far behind is its ability to absorb sweat.

Because bandannas are typically all fabric your sweat is completely absorbed. Keeping sweat out of your eyes will allow focus to be kept on the trail.

5. Wear Your Hair Down

Despite the fact that this post covers all the best ways to put your hair up or away, wearing your hair down is a real option for runs.

Running with your hair down isn’t likely something that makes sense in every situation, but doing it every once in a while won’t hurt anything.

If you are thinking of wearing your hair down on a trail run you may want to consider reading this post first, Keep Ticks Off While Trail Running or Hiking – Don’t Be a Meal.

If the plan is to run with your hair down it is likely really important where you’re running. For example, if you are going to run on a treadmill you should probably put your hair up since there won’t be forward motion keeping your hair flowing behind you. If you are going on a run outside you could drop your hair without much of an issue.

If opting for a hair-down run, keep in mind that it will bounce around a ton. It will likely smack your back and shoulders.

This isn’t a huge deal UNLESS you have decided to run without a shirt. Running 10 miles with hair flopping around without wearing a shirt can create a red, itchy, and irritated back for hours after a run (trust me…I know).

Easier When Taken Care Of

Before worrying about managing your hair on a run, take pause and evaluate if you’ve been taking care of your hair in general.

Poorly managed hair is difficult to work with, and run with. Hair that is washed every so often is usually knot-free. It is way easier to run with cared for hair than hair full of knots.

If you have some bumpy knots in your hair, it isn’t the end of the world. Make it a point to get those knots out and start with a clean slate.

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Image Credit Flickr Creative Commons Skinny Guy Lover (https://www.flickr.com/photos/154082794@N08/) Public Domain Mark 1.0, Kristian Thøgersen (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flottenheimer/) Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)