Hairstyles for Hiking 2024: 31 Easy and Cute Styles for Women for Outdoors Adventures

Hiking offers an exhilarating escape into nature, providing not only physical exercise but also a mental refresh. As we gear up for 2024, choosing the right hairstyle can enhance your hiking experience, combining practicality with style. This article delves into 31 hairstyles for hiking in 2024, offering easy and cute solutions for women with different hair types and lengths. Whether you prefer short hair or want to keep your long locks in check, these styles are designed to withstand the elements while keeping you looking fabulous on the trail.

The Classic Ponytail

The ponytail remains a timeless choice for hiking, offering simplicity and practicality. This hairstyle keeps hair off your face and neck, making it perfect for warm weather hikes. It suits various face shapes and works well with both casual and sporty outfits. Whether you have a round, oval, or heart-shaped face, a ponytail can accentuate your features. This style is particularly flattering for those with a strong jawline or high cheekbones.

Creating a ponytail is straightforward: gather your hair at the desired height and secure it with a hair tie. For added flair, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the tie. To maintain this look, use a lightweight hairspray to tame any flyaways. For those with curly hair, a curl-defining cream can help keep your ponytail looking polished.

Braided Crown

For a more cute and romantic look, the braided crown is an excellent option. This style not only looks elegant but also keeps your hair secure, making it ideal for long hikes. The braided crown works best for women with medium to long hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces. It highlights your eyes and cheekbones, adding a touch of sophistication to your hiking attire.

To create a braided crown, part your hair down the middle and create two braids starting from the temples. Wrap each braid over the top of your head and secure them with bobby pins, creating a crown-like effect. To keep your braided crown in place throughout your hike, use a strong-hold hairspray and carry a few extra bobby pins for touch-ups.

The High Bun

The high bun is a simple yet chic option that keeps your hair completely off your neck and face, making it perfect for hot weather hikes. This style works well with all hair types and is particularly flattering for round and oval face shapes. The high bun draws attention to your facial features and elongates your neck, creating a sleek and sophisticated look.

To achieve a high bun, gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it around itself to form a bun. Secure the bun with a hair tie and bobby pins as needed. For a polished finish, smooth any flyaways with a bit of hairspray. If you have curly hair, consider using a curl-enhancing mousse before creating your bun to keep your curls defined and frizz-free.

Bandana Updo

Incorporating a bandana into your hairstyle can add both functionality and style. The bandana updo is perfect for keeping hair out of your face and absorbing sweat, making it a practical choice for long hikes. This style is versatile and works well with all hair lengths and types. It is especially flattering for square and oval face shapes, adding a touch of vintage charm to your look.

To create a bandana updo, start by tying your hair into a low bun or ponytail. Fold a bandana into a triangle and wrap it around your head, tying it at the top or side. Tuck the ends of the bandana under the knot for a neat finish. To maintain this style, use a lightweight gel to keep your hair smooth and the bandana in place. For added comfort, choose a breathable, moisture-wicking bandana.

French Braids

French braids are a classic choice for hikers, offering a stylish way to keep your hair secure. This hairstyle is perfect for long hikes, as it prevents tangling and keeps hair out of your face. French braids work well for all face shapes and hair types, adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor adventures.

To create French braids, start by parting your hair down the middle and dividing it into two sections. Begin braiding each section from the crown of your head, incorporating more hair as you go along. Secure the ends with hair ties. For a more relaxed look, gently pull on the braid sections to loosen them slightly. Maintain your French braids with a light hairspray to prevent flyaways and keep your braids intact.

Low Ponytail with a Twist

The low ponytail with a twist is a simple yet elegant style that adds a touch of sophistication to your hiking look. This hairstyle is suitable for all hair types and face shapes, making it a versatile option for any hiker. The twist adds an interesting detail that elevates the basic ponytail, making it suitable for both casual and more formal hiking occasions.

To create this look, part your hair to one side and gather it into a low ponytail. Before securing it with a hair tie, twist the ponytail around itself a few times to create a rope-like effect. Secure the end with a hair tie and wrap a small section of hair around the base to conceal the tie. Use a bit of hairspray to keep the twist in place. For those with curly hair, a curl-defining cream can help maintain the shape and texture of the twist.

Natural Waves

Embrace your natural texture with natural waves, a protective style that allows your hair to breathe while hiking. This style is ideal for women with wavy or curly hair and works well for oval and heart-shaped faces. Natural waves add a relaxed, carefree vibe to your hiking outfit, making it perfect for casual and laid-back hikes.

To enhance your natural waves, apply a leave-in conditioner and scrunch your hair with a microfiber towel to reduce frizz. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting. To keep your waves looking fresh throughout your hike, carry a small bottle of curl refreshing spray and a few hair clips to tame any unruly strands.

The Pixie Cut

For those with short hair, the pixie cut is a fantastic option that combines style and convenience. This low-maintenance hairstyle is perfect for active women who want to focus on the trail rather than their hair. The pixie cut suits various face shapes, particularly heart, oval, and square faces. It draws attention to your facial features and adds a touch of edginess to your hiking look.

Maintaining a pixie cut is simple: regular trims are essential to keep the shape, and a lightweight styling product can help define the texture. For added volume, use a volumizing mousse or spray at the roots. To protect your hair from the sun, consider wearing a hat or applying a UV-protectant spray.

Curly Top Knot

The curly top knot is an excellent choice for women with curly hair, offering a stylish and practical way to keep your hair off your face. This hairstyle is perfect for hikes, as it keeps your curls intact and adds a fun, playful element to your look. The curly top knot works well for all face shapes, particularly oval and heart-shaped faces, and highlights your eyes and cheekbones.

To create a curly top knot, gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with a hair tie and bobby pins. For added definition, apply a curl-enhancing cream before styling. To maintain your curls, carry a small bottle of leave-in conditioner or curl refreshing spray to keep your curls hydrated and frizz-free.

Half-Up Braided Style

The half-up braided style combines the elegance of braids with the practicality of keeping your hair out of your face. This hairstyle is ideal for women with medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. The half-up braided style adds a touch of romance to your hiking outfit, making it perfect for both casual and more formal hikes.

To create this look, part your hair down the middle and create two small braids on either side of your head. Gather the braids and the top half of your hair into a ponytail, securing it with a hair tie. For a bohemian touch, leave a few strands of hair loose around your face. Use a light hairspray to keep the braids in place and maintain the style throughout your hike.

Messy Bun

The messy bun is a casual and effortless hairstyle perfect for hikers who want to keep their hair off their face and neck. This style works well with all hair types and is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces. The messy bun adds a relaxed and carefree vibe to your hiking outfit, making it ideal for both short and long hikes.

To create a messy bun, gather your hair into a high or low ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with a hair tie and bobby pins. Allow a few strands to fall loose for a naturally tousled look. Use a texturizing spray to add volume and keep your bun in place throughout your hike.

Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is a beautiful and intricate hairstyle that keeps your hair secure while adding a touch of elegance to your hiking look. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. The fishtail braid is a great choice for those who want a more polished look on the trail.

To create a fishtail braid, divide your hair into two sections. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of one section and cross it over to the inside of the other section. Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of your hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie. To maintain your fishtail braid, use a light hairspray to prevent flyaways and keep the braid intact.

Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are a stylish and practical option for hikers, keeping hair secure and out of your face. This style is perfect for long hikes and works well for all hair types and face shapes. Dutch braids add a touch of sophistication to your hiking outfit, making them a versatile choice for any adventure.

To create Dutch braids, part your hair down the middle and divide it into two sections. Start braiding each section from the crown of your head, crossing the strands under instead of over. Secure the ends with hair ties. For a more relaxed look, gently pull on the braid sections to loosen them slightly. Maintain your Dutch braids with a light hairspray to keep them in place throughout your hike.

Space Buns

Space buns are a fun and playful hairstyle that keeps your hair off your face and neck. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. Space buns add a quirky and youthful touch to your hiking outfit, making them ideal for casual and adventurous hikes.

To create space buns, part your hair down the middle and divide it into two sections. Gather each section into a high ponytail and twist them into buns, securing them with hair ties and bobby pins. For added flair, wrap a small section of hair around the base of each bun to conceal the ties. Use a lightweight hairspray to keep the buns in place throughout your hike.

Low Braided Ponytail

The low braided ponytail combines the simplicity of a ponytail with the elegance of a braid. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. The low braided ponytail is a practical and stylish choice for long hikes, keeping your hair secure and tangle-free.

To create this look, gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Braid the ponytail and secure the end with another hair tie. For a more polished finish, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the tie. Use a light hairspray to keep the braid in place and maintain the style throughout your hike.

Headband Braid

The headband braid is a stylish and practical option for hikers, keeping hair off your face while adding a touch of elegance to your look. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. The headband braid is a versatile choice for both casual and more formal hikes.

To create a headband braid, part your hair to one side and create a small braid along your hairline. Secure the end of the braid with a small hair tie and tuck it behind your ear, securing it with bobby pins. Gather the rest of your hair into a low ponytail or bun. Use a light hairspray to keep the braid in place and maintain the style throughout your hike.

Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail is a fun and trendy hairstyle that adds a playful touch to your hiking look. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. The bubble ponytail is a great choice for those who want a unique and eye-catching hairstyle on the trail.

To create a bubble ponytail, gather your hair into a high or low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Add additional hair ties down the length of the ponytail, spacing them evenly apart. Gently pull on the sections between the ties to create a bubble effect. Use a lightweight hairspray to keep the bubbles in place throughout your hike.

Twisted Half-Up Style

The twisted half-up style combines the elegance of twists with the practicality of keeping your hair out of your face. This hairstyle is ideal for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. The twisted half-up style adds a touch of romance to your hiking outfit, making it perfect for both casual and more formal hikes.

To create this look, part your hair down the middle and take small sections from each side. Twist each section away from your face and secure them at the back of your head with bobby pins. For a bohemian touch, leave a few strands of hair loose around your face. Use a light hairspray to keep the twists in place and maintain the style throughout your hike.

Side Braid

The side braid is a classic and elegant hairstyle that keeps your hair secure while adding a touch of sophistication to your hiking look. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. The side braid is a versatile choice for any hiker, offering both practicality and style.

To create a side braid, gather your hair to one side and divide it into three sections. Begin braiding the sections, crossing them over each other, and secure the end with a hair tie. For a more relaxed look, gently pull on the braid sections to loosen them slightly. Maintain your side braid with a light hairspray to prevent flyaways and keep the braid intact.

In conclusion, choosing the right hairstyle for hiking in 2024 can enhance your outdoor experience by combining practicality with style. From classic ponytails to intricate braided crowns, these hairstyles are designed to keep you looking and feeling great on the trail. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your own favorite hiking hairstyles or try out the ones we’ve recommended. Happy hiking!