Keep your hair comfortable on a run.
Less swinging, pulling and catching on gear.

A long tail can swing and tug

A loose ponytail leaves the lengths free to swing. If it keeps hitting your face or tugging, try a loose braid to hold the lengths together. Short layers can stay out rather than being pulled tightly into the tie.

Hats and straps can press or catch

A tie beneath a hat band can press against your head. Loose lengths can catch under a vest strap or collar. Keep the tie clear of the band and bring hair out from under straps before fastening them.

Stop and loosen a pulling tie

• Stop somewhere safe before adjusting your hair. Support the gathered hair with one hand while the other opens the outer loop of the tie.
• Undo the wraps instead of dragging the tie down the hair. Regather more loosely if it was pulling.
• If one fit slips and the next squeezes, try a different tie size instead of adding another tight wrap. Take down a style that hurts.

Try the full kit before a long run

• Wear the hat, collar and vest you plan to use on a shorter training run. Check that the tail or braid stays clear of buckles and straps.
• Pack a familiar spare tie where you can reach it during a stopped break. Try a new fastener or style on a training day first.
• If hair catches, stop and release the strap or buckle before freeing it. Refasten the gear with the hair clear.

Check the roots when you finish

• After taking the style down, feel the roots at the crown and nape. Leave damp hair loose to dry where possible.
• Wash with shampoo and water when the scalp feels oily, dirty or coated. How often you need to wash can vary with the session and your hair.
• If you cannot shower yet, keep the hair comfortable and plan a wash when you can. A quick restyle does not remove buildup.

Shampoo when your scalp needs washing

Choose a shampoo that cleans your scalp comfortably at the frequency you need. Work it through the scalp and rinse well. A short run and a long, sweaty session may leave different washing needs.

Browse cleansing products. Bring the shampoos you are choosing between to the consultation, along with what you liked or disliked about them.

Conditioner for post-run tangles

On wash day, use rinse-out conditioner on wet lengths as its bottle directs. Detangle curls or coils gently while damp and conditioned, then rinse the conditioner out fully. For straight hair, let it partly dry after washing before gently combing the ends.

Browse rinse-out conditioners. Tell the consultation what you want from a conditioner and what you disliked about previous ones.

Find a tie that holds comfortably

For dry, loose hair, compare covered ties with smooth joins. Choose a size that holds without pulling. The full method shows how to add a wrap, check the fit and unwind it before removal.

Try a loose three-strand braid

If your dry hair reaches over one shoulder without pulling, a loose braid can keep the lengths together. Follow the illustrated method, then try it on a short training run before using it for a longer outing.