As the track season rolls around, girls of all colors show up at the track with confidence and pride in their individuality and their athletic abilities. For the Black girl track athletes, there's no doubt - hair plays a vital role in the experience. You need to find a style that's secure throughout your race days, protects your natural hair, and still looks great in your pre-race photos. Inspired by some of the most prominent track girls and athletes out there, we bring to you eight incredible hairstyles that your next season’s track meets can feature.
What Makes a Good Track Hairstyle?
Look for a good track season hairstyle that will:
- Stay in place while racing and moving around the track
- Hold up through the heat and sweat
- Offer protective benefits for natural hair
- Comfortable to wear all day while racing
- Looks great in track meet photos
Now, let's get into the tracksuits and track hairstyles, specifically the best for Black girl athletes!
Braided Pony Energy
Image source: Pinterest
A simple ponytail might be the go-to for many athletes - but not for these girls! A low braid adds an elevated touch to a sleek, secure hairstyle perfect for the track days ahead.
Braids have always remained a protective style for Black women, girls, and athletes of all ages. A sleek low ponytail works perfectly for those racing on the trace - keeping the hair secure without it bouncing into your face.
Reasons girls love braid styles:
- Less tension on hair than a high ponytail
- Protective and help your hair grow longer
- Don't interfere with your pre-race warm-up
- Look good from every angle
The High Puff Era
Image source: Pinterest
For girls with natural braid hair, the afro puff is the go-to hairstyle. This hairstyle highlights the natural beauty of your hair. For those with type 4 natural hair, the high puff is a confident hairstyle that works wonderfully for all-day racing performances.
High puffs are a popular hairstyle choice for girls because they are easy to create, showcase natural hair texture, and boost confidence. They are particularly suitable for natural hair types 3 and 4, keep curls off the shoulders, and complement medium-length hair.
Double Bun, Double Energy
Image source: Pinterest
Space buns somehow make every athlete look fun. They're sporty but playful and photograph ridiculously well. They distribute weight evenly and keep hair secure during movement.
Bonus: they don't smack your back while running like long ponytails sometimes do.
The Natural Curls on Display
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Natural curls are one of the most beautiful hair types out there. Not all athletes want their hair pulled back so much - and for good reason! If done correctly, natural curls work great for track days.
A style with curl highlight cream and a flexible hold gel will give you the best look that defines your natural hair color and type. For the Black girl who loves her natural curls, this is the best style to rock on your next track day!
The Wig Moment
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For the past several years, Jamaican sprinting star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has shown off her colorful race-day hair that turns heads wherever she races. With bright green, pink, and even blonde and orange highlights in her hair, one of the most dominant female sprinters in the world refuses to hide her personality or athletic excellence from the public.
Fans of the athlete love how she combines her racing success with her personality in how she shows off her hair.
For years, athletes and wigs were seen as two separate entities. Many felt that wearing a wig while racing just didn’t work. With today's anti-slip, glueless wigs like the UNice Bye Bye Slip Wig, this is fast becoming a reality. These secure wigs work for girls of all ages with active lifestyles.
Track athletes of all colors and backgrounds should be allowed to express themselves however they'd like - whether it’s through their sprinting performances or how they race into history with their personalities!
The Long Ponytail
Image source: Pinterest
A long ponytail offers a unique look for the track. Girls of all colors have sported a slick ponytail to show off their longer hair and athletic abilities - but it's the perfect match for the track athlete!
Why girls love long ponytails:
- Elongates their face
- Adds that sleek, athletic look
- Creates movement in their hair
- Works with both extensions and natural hair
Bonus: This look continues to be one of the most popular for school track meets, awards, and even post-competition selfies!
The Cute Pigtails
Image source: Pinterest
Pigtails are having a moment once again - without the elementary school vibes!
Pigtails bring fun and energy to the track - and the best part is that they're secure all day and don't smack your back while racing!
The Twisted Look
Image source: Pinterest
Perhaps one of the most underrated hairstyles for the track athlete is the twist.
Twist styles are lightweight, protective, and one of the most versatile track season hairstyles you can own. It’s also one of the easiest-to-maintain styles.
For the Black girl athlete who has to juggle school, sports, and life, a twist is the perfect style for her next season!
FAQs about Track Hairstyles
What hairstyle is best for track meets?
Some of the best styles for track seasons include protective styles like braids, twists, and ponytails. These styles will protect and keep your natural hair healthy and strong while racing on the track and throughout the meet days. It also depends on your natural hair color and length. Some girls prefer protective styles while others may prefer their natural curls or colorful hair!
Can athletes wear wigs while running?
Wigs can be worn while running on track for casual events but not for competitions or high-level races. Many girls and athletes have started wearing glueless, secure anti-slip wigs for track season, and they work wonderfully for casual competitions. However, during high-level races, some wigs may slip while racing - thus the use of braids and protective styles.
Are braids good for track season?
Braids are great for track season because they protect your hair. They also last you through races, practices, and more - without needing to style your hair every day!
Can I wear my natural curls to a track meet?
Girls of all colors and hair types can rock their natural curls - especially at track meets! Some styles include a half-up hairstyle, defined wash and goes, or half-braided curls that work for all track meet days!
Final Thoughts
Track season goes beyond just the track, your hairstyle defines your confidence and your personality. Whether you're rocking natural curls, buns, twists, or even colorful race-day wigs like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's, your best track meet hairstyle should let you focus on your competitions and performances as you race into history with your own unique style!
