How should I do my hair for gymnastics competition?
Daniel Foster
Updated on August 27, 2026
For gymnastics competitions, we require a gymnasts hair to be neat, pulled back out of the face, and secure enough that it will not have to be redone. We also request that the hair be up off the back (long hair should not touch the floor when doing handstands or cartwheels).
Do gymnasts do their own hair?
Most, if not all, Olympians participating in the Japan-hosted games are doing their own hair and makeup. "Yes, we do. So if we're looking busted mind your business LOL," Biles, 24, joked on her Instagram Story during a fan Q&A session.
Can you wear braids in gymnastics?
Ensure your gymnast's hair is not a distraction.
So choose a style that is comfortable for your gymnast. If she will be distracted by a tight braid, go with a classic bun.
Do all gymnasts shave?
"We are told not to shave all season long to let the hair grow out on your legs. Then when you to get a big swim meet you have shaving parties and shave your whole body so you feel more sleek in the water when you dive in."
Can gymnast have colored hair?
Are Olympians allowed to dye their hair? Well, signs definitely point to yes. It's not as common as, say, the ubiquitous sparkly stud earrings for the gymnasts, or the even-more ubiquitous Olympic five-ring tattoos for swimmers, but brightly dyed hair is still something that happens during the Games.
34 related questions foundDo the Olympic gymnasts do their own hair?
In response to a question posted on her Instagram Stories during the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 Olympic Games, the four-time Olympic Gold medalist revealed that all athletes participating in the Tokyo Games are doing their own hair and makeup.
Can gymnasts wear ponytails?
Your hair should be neatly pulled back in a bun or a ponytail. A ponytail will work if your hair is short enough that the ponytail won't be flopping in the way while you compete. If it isn't short enough, you can either curl your hair in the pony to make it shorter, or you will need to choose a different hair style.
Why do gymnasts wear hair so tight?
Fans see a parade of tight braids, buns, and ponytails, for example, because hair has to be pulled away from the face lest it obstruct views of an apparatus necessary for spotting precarious landings—although there's no quantitative limit spelled out on bobby pins and elastic bands.
Why do gymnasts wear hair in a bun?
While other gymnasts have their hair in perfectly tidy or intricate designs, Raisman's bun is utilitarian. The bun doesn't serve as an embellishment; the bun is what Raisman has to do to compete. In that way, the Aly bun is like the athlete herself.
What are bubble braids?
"A bubble braid is one or more ponytails that are tied with hair ties continuously down the ponytail, with about an inch or two of space in between them," says Richman. "As you secure each section with an elastic, you can spread the hair gently with your fingertips between the two elastics causing a bubble effect."
How do you do a bun without a donut?
Secure ponytail = secure bun. Brush hair back into a tight ponytail right above the ears. Split the ponytail into 2 even sections. Twist one section (it doesn't matter which direction you twist) then start circling around the ponytail, bobby pinning as you go.
How do you make a scrunchie bun?
Split your hair down the middle and pull each side up into a bun at the nape of your neck. Secure your buns with a scrunchie to keep them in place all day. You can try low space buns for a more chic and sophisticated look, or put the space buns high on the crown of your head for a more modern style.
Why do gymnasts have messy hair?
The hair is the way it is because gymnastics culture still prioritizes aspects of physical appearance that should be irrelevant (and that are in sports such as track and field).
Do female gymnasts have to wear makeup?
Some Olympic athletes, like gymnasts and ice skaters, often wear makeup while competing. Others typically go barefaced while playing, like soccer star Carli Lloyd. On Instagram, however, many athletes have shown themselves with and without makeup. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
Does Simone Biles have a relaxer?
I've done it through relaxers, natural hair, and weaves.
Can you wear nail polish in gymnastics?
The International Gymnastics Federation allows gymnasts to perform in socks, and some opt for it to help them with their turns and prevent sweating. They can also wear nail polish, but mostly neutral colours to avoid creating distraction for judges.
Can you have tattoos in gymnastics?
It's a fair question, given the elite competition's notoriously strict regulations — but as evidenced by the picture above, yes — Olympians are permitted to sport tattoos, and many athletes over the years have taken advantage of that.
What do you wear to a gymnastics meet?
Gymnasts should be outfitted in the team uniform – official “leo” (leotard) and warm-up suit. Ready to Roll (Twist, Tuck & Flip): The girls warm up as a team with some cardio and dynamic stretches. They do not practice on each apparatus until they move through the stations during the meet.