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Yoga hairstyles aren’t just about your outward appearance—they can also enhance your physical practice. Hear us out: As with a yoga ensemble that emphasizes comfort and props that support your body, mat-ready styling ensures that your hair remains out of the way rather than in your face.
“You don’t want your hair to become a distracting element in your practice, taking you out of mind-body connection,” says yoga teacher and hairstylist Avian King.
An updo can also protect your hair from undue damage. “Consistent practices mean you’re creating habitual strain on your hair,” she says. For tighter natural curl patterns or consistently braided lengths, hairstylist Kiyah Wright recommends maximizing your style’s protection by reaching for Nairobi Mousse to help secure twists and sets, along with a rich and natural oil like Batana Oil to keep braids healthy and hydrated.
“Our hair holds within it deep energy and expression,” says King. With this in mind, she (and we) invite you to take a moment to be mindful each time you tie your hair back.
Here, 16 yoga hairstyles that help you honor your mane while keeping your focus on the practice.
Low Ponytail
We’ll kick things off with a classic. A low-slung ponytail secured at the nape of the neck is an effective means of keeping your hair sans any discomfort. The updo is timeless, chic, and easy—a foundational updo for any practitioner.
Single Plait
Weaving your low pony into a simple plait provides would-be loose strands with some simple structure. “Braids are always a great style to protect your hair when working out,” says King. “They are also very easy to maintain.”
Topknot
When in doubt, twist it up. A knot worn high on the head is your BFF—easy, cute, and contained. Well, until it’s time to come into headstand!
Crown of Knots
Why limit yourself to a single topknot? Wright recommends opting for as many as you want, creating a natural crown of smaller twists or traditional Bantu knots. “This style is versatile and also gives you a cute unique way to style your hair,” she says.
Fishtail Braid
In general, King gravitates toward braids for her practice. “It is a low-tension way to gather hair off the face and neck without creating an awkward hair position for Savasana or inversions,” she says. A fishtail offers elevation and gains romance from loosened sections and flyaways, making post-class wear a messy must.
Low Bun
“A low bun at the base of the nape is another good option,” says King, who suggests applying organic jojoba oil to dry hair, twisting, and securing with a scrunchie. Wright is also a fan of the cuteness factor that comes with a well-chosen accessory.
Side Ponytail
“A key factor for your yoga hairstyle is that it is not in the middle back of your head,” says King. “When you lay down on your mat, you want your head to rest gently, and your hair to not be being pulled in a way that could cause breakage.” Whether worn high or low, a side ponytail is a playful take on a classic. Plus, this style can be adjusted to your needs and allows for a midi wear that you can’t do with knots and ponies.
French Braid
For fine hair that tends to fall out of standard braids, or simply to increase the protective nature of your plait, a French braid is an upgraded option.
Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid takes the aforementioned French and reverses it. The 3D nature of the braid means you won’t get the same flat lay that comes with a standard or French braid, but the slight sacrifice in comfort is alleviated by the striking aesthetic.
Half Topknot
“For the days you have a slower practice, a half top knot pulling the front off the face is an effortless hairstyle for your flow,” says King. Some baby braids woven throughout further the bohemia.
Double Dutch
Two Dutch braids may be even better than one! Donning the plait in pairs takes the braids toward the face, allowing for a far more restful Savasana.
Headband Wig
For those looking to tuck their lengths away entirely during practice, hairstylist Wright suggests opting for a headband wig. “It allows you to fully put all of you hair away and protect your natural hair when working out.”
Satin Scarf
If you’re looking for wholesale hair protection throughout your practice, Wright suggests wrapping lengths in a satin scarf. In addition to acting as a styling accessory, scarves can serve as a cover for a conditioning application of argan oil or a pinned hair preset (all the better to preserve the integrity of your curls throughout your practice).
High Ponytail
This bouncy yoga hairstyle has major staying power. It’s simple but makes a fun and spirited statement that’s easily augmented with scrunchies and headbands (a must for those with bangs).
Plaited Ponytail
Take your high or low pony up a notch by braiding and binding the loose tail. As with previously mentioned braids and buns, this shielding style plays well with nourishing oils.
Left Loose
Though pulling your hair back leads to less distraction and, potentially, less breakage, there’s something to be said for the primal feeling of letting your mane loose to flip around and fall in your face. Should the mood strike you or you simply ran out of time, take a chance and let your hair down—you may discover a new sense of flow.
