13 Hiking Hairstyles That Are Sporty & Stylish In 2023 -

Looking for the best hiking hairstyles?

Imagine waiting for the perfect hiking day; your gear is ready, and your hair lets you down. This article is for you if you’re going on a hiking trip soon and looking for the best hiking hairstyles that cross between sporty and elegant.

A good hairstyle can make or break your hiking trip, so here are some of the best hiking hairstyles for long hair that have been tried and tested.

Each hiking hairstyle is categorized into three sections; hiking hairstyles for long hair, medium hair, and short hair for easier reference.

This is a list of the 13 best hiking hairstyles we’ll be talking about in this article:

1. High Ponytail

2. Low Ponytail

3. Up-Do Bun

4. Classy Low Bun

5. Claw Clip & Hair Twist

6. Cap Ponytail

7. Braids

8. French Braids

9. Braided Bun

10. Headband

11. Kerchief

12. Beanie

13. Bobby pins

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Hiking Hairstyles for Long Hair

1. The Hiking High Ponytail

If you’re in a rush and can’t figure out what to do with your hair, a high ponytail is a hiking hairstyle default.

This cute hiking hairstyle is a staple and easiest to do in less than a minute. If you have long hair that reaches beyond your shoulders, the high hiking ponytail is the best hairstyle for hiking.

Pro tip: Ensure your elastic hair tie is thick and sturdy to hold your hair in its weight without flopping around or coming loose.

What you need

2. Low Ponytail

Another excellent hiking hairstyle for long hair is the low ponytail. If you don’t prefer your hair swinging from side to side while hiking, you can opt to tie your hair in an effortless low ponytail. You can quickly turn this into a braid or a bun during the hike.

Pro Tip: Always ensure you’re using a high-quality hair elastic to secure your hair to avoid it from getting loose during your hike.

This hairstyle works best for medium hair too.

What you need

Strong elastic hair ties
Bobby pins (optional)

3. Up-Do Bun

Try the up-do bun if you don’t want any hair dangling to ensure you don’t get any hair on your face while hiking. This hiking hairstyle is another popular hiking hairstyle for long hair.

An up-do bun is perfect for keeping your hair away from your face to ensure the bun is not too tight on your head, or it can cause headaches. It is suggested to tie your bun anywhere between the middle or slightly lower than the top of your head.

This hiking hairstyle ensures your hair does not get caught on any branches on the top.

May your bun be as high as the mountains you hike.

Pro tip: Using a strong and thicker hair tie or a hair scrunchie is recommended to enable maximum grip of your hair. If your hair is prone to flyaways, spray them with any spray.

What you need

A secure rubber hair tie or a claw clip
Bobby pins (optional)
Hair spray

4. Classy Low Bun

The other alternative to an up-do bun is a classy low bun, easy on the head and low effort. This hiking hairstyle is perfect for those looking for hiking hairstyles for curly hair.

This is a really cute hiking hairstyle, and it gives you the opportunity to accessorize with clips or hair bands as well.

This hiking hairstyle will keep you looking put together, even after a long treacherous hike. You might be able to go straight to a brunch with your girls right after a good hike.

What you need

A secure rubber hair tie or a claw clip
Bobby pins

Hiking Hairstyles for Medium Hair

5. Claw Clip & Hair Twist

If you’re looking for 5-second hairstyles that are extremely easy to do, get a claw clip with a good grip and secure your hair in a bun. This hiking hairstyle is recommended for low-effort hiking trails with less resistance.

There are many types of claw clips now available in the market, depending on your hair type. You can choose your preferred size, material, grip, and functionality.

Choose something you’ve already tried and tested for a few days to know it is durable for movement.

Pro Tip: Investing in a strong, high-quality claw clip suited for your hair weight is highly recommended. Low-quality or small claw clips will lose grip and eventually fall off during your hike.

What you need

Claw clip
Bobby pins (optional)

6. Cap Ponytail

The best of both worlds? Shield your face from the sun while rocking a cute hiking hairstyle?

If you said yes, here’s the cap ponytail; you can even do it with medium or short hair.

All you have to do is do a ponytail and string it through your cap’s opening from the back.

This is one of the best hairstyles for hiking as it secures your hair and shields your face from the sun.

If you can’t be bothered with how you look or if you had a long night before, wear a cap.

Bad hair day? No problem, cap it on. Were you out drinking last night? Cap it on. Your cat messed up your hair? Cap it on. When in doubt about anything, wear a cap.

Pro Tip: When shopping for a cap for your hike, ensure you test it out on your head first and swing your head around. The cap must be fitted on your head nicely, ensuring it is not too tight or loose.

What you need

7. The Braid

A braid is where sporty meets elegance. Whether you have medium or long hair, this hiking hairstyle is beloved amongst experienced hikers. It keeps the hair in one place and lessens the tightness around your head when you put your hair up.

Ensure you secure the end of your braid with a small elastic hair tie.

Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself to just the classic braid. Here are some braids for hiking that you can try: the fishtail braid, the rope braid, the lace braid, or the ladder braid.

What you need

Elastic hair tie
Bobby pins (optional)

8. The French Braid

A french braid allows you to weave your bangs or front hair pieces into your braid. This helps keep everything in place, and you’ll look super chic. You can use a few bobby pins to secure the hair at the back of your neck.

This will keep your hair in place and keep it off your neck.

If you’re unsure how to do the french braid, there are numerous videos available online that teach you a step-by-step tutorial on how to get the perfect french braid.

Pro Tip: This hiking hairstyle can be done in one braid or two braids depending on your preferences.

What you need

Rubber bands
Bobby pins (optional)

9. The Braided Bun

Transform your braid into a bun for the ultimate cute hiking hairstyle. This is great if you have long hair, want to secure everything in place, and are out of your way on a high-activity hike.

All you have to do is follow hiking hairstyles, The Braid or The French Braid above, and twist that into a high bun or low bun of your choice.

Alternatively, you could do two braided buns on either side, and you’ll give off major Princess Leia vibes. The force is in your buns.

Pro Tip: This is a great hiking hairstyle for medium hair or thinner hair. It might weigh down your head if you have longer or denser hair.

What you need

Elastic hair tie
Bobby pins (optional)

Hiking Hairstyles for Short Hair

10. The Headband

Headbands are not a thing of the 80s; they have become a popular hiking hairstyle among hikers and workout enthusiasts. The best part is that it comes in various sizes, colors, and patterns, so you’re bound to find something in your style.

Hikers or climbers prefer the thick-width headbands as it holds and pushes back the hair while preventing pesky fly-aways from escaping during the hike.

Pro Tip: Ensure the headband fits nicely around your head. It shouldn’t be too tight or loose, as it can cause discomfort during the hike. This is great if you are looking for hiking hairstyles for short hair.

What you need

Multiple-use Headband (elastic cloth)
Elastic hair ties (optional)

11. The Kerchief

This hiking hairstyle is a fun twist to the headband. Here you get to play with a range of styles with just one kerchief or bandana.

This method can keep your scalp clean and protected from the heat as you hike. The scarf or bandana is excellent for absorbing sweat from your hairline.

The kerchief or bandana is one of the most versatile hair accessories. You can use it as a hair band, wristband, or neck scarf. If you want more uses out of your cute hiking hairstyle, the kerchief or bandana is the way.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a crunch of time, you can cut a square out of your old t-shirts and use it as a scarf or bandana. Just ensure the type of cloth used is cotton.

What you need

Scarf or bandana
Bobby pins (optional)

12. The Beanie

If you’re hiking during the winter, a beanie will be your best hiking hairstyle. Did you know that your ears are the first areas to get cold and that you lose most of your body heat through your head? This is why it is essential to own a beanie.

Especially one that not only keeps your hair in place but also keeps your head and ears warm without the risk of overheating.

Beanies come in many different sizes, colors, and functionalities to choose from nowadays. You can select a beanie based on the weather of your hike, the waterproofing ability, the material, the reflectiveness, and more.

What you need

Beanie
Elastic hair tie (optional)

13. The Bobby Pin/Hair Clip Hairstyle

If you’re going on a nice short hike in an Insta-worthy area, you might want to let your hair down or up but still keep it positioned out of your face. You can choose to secure your hair with bobby pins or hair clips for a chic sporty look.

This is one of the cute hiking hairstyles that allows you to be the most creative with your hair clips and bobby pins. Depending on your needs, you can customize your hiking hairstyle with bobby pins and hair clips.

You can find some in your style depending on the size, material, type, colors, functionality, grip, and more.

Pro Tip: This is a great trick for those looking for hiking hairstyles for short hair as it keeps everything in place depending on where you use the bobby pins.

What you need

Hair clips or bobby pins
Hair elastic (optional)

What Do You Do With Your Hair While Hiking?

So, what do you do with your hair while hiking?If you want to guarantee a fuss-free and mess-free hike, braids are one of the best hiking hairstyles to go for, especially if you have long hair.

How Do You Hike with Bangs?

Here’s how you can hike with bangs neatly if you have bangs. First, ensure that you pack a fine-tooth comb in your backpack. You can pin them back to ensure that your bangs are not disturbing your vision.

What Is Camp Hairstyle?

Ever wondered what is camp hairstyle? A camp hairstyle can be narrowed down to trendy and neat hiking hairstyles. You can try the following hairstyles: an up-do bun, french braids, high ponytails, messy buns, or fishtail braids.

Taking care of your hair is equally as important as finding the best hiking hairstyle for your hair type. If you’re an avid hiker, your hair can get dried out or over-soggy from sweat.

So here are some extra tips for caring for your hair while you’re on a hike.

Hiking isn’t always glamorous, but that does not mean you can’t look great while breaking a sweat. Follow these best hairstyles for hiking, and we can guarantee you’ll enjoy your hiking trip and still get that perfect Instagram shot.

Bonus Tip: If you’re in a rush and want something versatile, I recommend the ponytail or the bun, simple and clean hiking hairstyles you can do on the go.

So there are the best hiking hairstyles for your next hiking trip.

Have you tried any of these hiking hairstyles before? Comment below your favorites, or share this article with your friends and family!

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13 Hiking Hairstyles That Are Sporty & Stylish In 2023