Curly girls, this one’s for you! Having natural curls can feel like both a blessing and a curse at times, and anyone with wavy or curly hair knows just how much effort goes into maintaining them. When it comes to working out with curly hair, it can be a special kind of ridiculous as you try to preserve them as well as get them out of the way. So, if you love to hit the gym or the outdoors but don’t want to ruin those curls that take so much work, we’re bringing you our best hairstyle tips!

The pineapple

This one is particularly great for those with short, tight ringlets. It’s the best way to keep all of your hair out of the way while you work out, without altering your curls too much. All a pineapple involves is piling your curls on top of your head and securing them with a tie or scrunchie. To refresh afterwards, you can spray with a little water to add moisture and a curl cream if needed.

The Top Knot

If your curls are too long for a pineapple, a top knot is the best way to go for working out with curly hair. Again, it will keep everything up and out of the way and will still protect your curls. Using no-kink hair ties and silk scrunchies will help with preserving those waves as best as possible. A bonus to the top knot? It looks cute even after the gym, if you decide you don’t want to let your hair back down. However if you do, a little water and scrunching to refresh is all you need.

A loose plait

This is a great tip if your hair is more on the wavy side of curly – a loose plait won’t ruin what you’ve got going on! Since your hair has a natural bend to it anyway, keeping it secured in a loose plait while working out won’t affect it too much. Plus, it can really help to prevent tangles and knots as all the strands are woven and secured together.

Dry shampoo will be your best friend when it comes to working out with curly hair. Because you will more than likely work up a sweat, dry shampoo can help to refresh your hair post-workout (especially around the nape of your neck). Reviving your curls after your exercise session is all about adding moisture back in. Keeping a spritz bottle and your curl cream handy is a great idea, as well as some anti-frizz serum for those pesky flyaways. If your curls need some extra love put back into them, give them a good soak with water and use a diffuser to dry. Don’t let your curls get in the way of a good sweat session!