Best Hairstyles for Athletic Black Women

Athletic Black young women often have a difficult time finding the perfect hairstyle or cut that can withstand the sweat and heat of their intense physical fitness regimen. For this reason, you will find extremely active Black women avoiding trips to the hairdressers more often than their less active peers do. Rarely, do you come across those financially able to handle visits to the salon three to four times per week. In many cases, they decide on economical, low maintenance styles that won't put a strain on their wallets. Here are four of the best hairstyles for athletic Black women.

Short Cuts
Just like their male counterpart, many ladies opt for short hairdos. Short cuts and styles hold a very clean, uncomplicated look that requires little effort in transitioning from out of sporty to a fashionista diva. Although short cuts are the most manageable styles for female athletes, damage to the hair can also occur depending on specific hair types. There are tips to avoid further damage to short locks with dry or fine texture types. People with a dry, coarse, brittle texture should consider applying a thin layer of moisturizing serum or crème on the hair before working out. Make sure the solution is completely worked in and be careful not to over saturate the hair with the product. Then, tie your head down with a scarf. As you work out the heat in the body rises to the head, promoting better absorption of the hair treatment product. If the scarf is tied properly, it soaks up the sweat and prevents all other leakage from the hair and scalp.

Pigtails/ Ponytails
This is an old favorite, pulling the hair away from the face into pigtails and or ponytails. However, like all hairstyles, one should be cautious not to add more stress to the hair and scalp. Actually, avoid using rubber bands completely. Try to purchase ponytail holders instead. The difference is that these come wrapped in a fabric protecting your hair from the pull of the elastic. In addition, reconsider this style if you are playing rugby, basketball, soccer or any other contact sport.

Braids/ Extensions
Braids are especially great for ladies whose coarse, curly hair is difficult to maintain once dampened from overheating. It takes a little more that 8 to 12 hours to obtain the style, but it will last up to two months. Braids can be washed, conditioned every week. Tennis athletes, Venus and Serena Williams, wore this style.

Buns
Like the ponytail, the bun look pulls the hair completely away from the face. If your hair is long, little to no hairpins are required. Just place it in a ponytail. the take the loose hair and wrap tightly around the base where holder. hold in place with a hairpin.

Dread/ Locks
Like braiding, this is a great way for black young women to maintain manageability of their hair under any circumstance. However, unlike braiding this is a lifetime commitment. Once some locks their hair, it is very difficult, not to mention expensive to straighten. Usually this requires completely shaving the head.