Feb 12, 2024

Hair Hacks for Marathon Runners

If you're a marathon runner, you've been training for months to get ready for the race. It's a big commitment. You've conquered countless miles and gone through a few pairs of shoes to increase your endurance. You've altered your diet, schedule, and routine to prepare yourself body and mind.

But, have you thought about what you're going to do with your hair?

After all this, the last thing you need is for your hair to come loose while you're in the zone. Don't let race day hair drama steal your thunder! TIY is here to share our best hair hacks to get you to the finish line. We've been supporting runners for years with our customizable, colorful, strong hair ties. Our mission is to empower women and athletes to perform at their best every day, especially on the big days in their lives.

Start here, and we'll see you in 26.2 miles!

Prepare Your Hair For Race Day

Training for a marathon is not just physically demanding for your body, but it can also stress your hair. Running every day with your hair up can do some serious damage if you're using traditional elastic hair ties. The wrong hair ties cause breakage and damage, make creases, and give you hair headaches. Plus, if you've ever had a hair tie break in the middle of a run, you know it's going to wreck your focus.

Read more: The Power of a Good Hair Tie.

TIY hair ties won't break. Designed and engineered for professional athletes, they'll hold strong all run long without damaging or denting your hair. Here are some other ways to keep your hair healthy while you live your runners' life.

Deep condition weekly
Maintain a hair care routine
Get regular trims
Shampoo only every few days
Stay hydrated

Pssst... here's our CEO's hair mask recipe!

For more hair care tips for runners, check out this article from Women's Running.

Make Your Hair Your Marathon Hero

If there was ever a time to make sure your hair was set firmly in place, this is it. On race day, you're thinking about the challenge ahead, not whether your hair is styled just right. This is as it should be, but you can show off your personality with your clothes and hair.

Many marathon runners even have lucky pieces of clothing they always wear. They might sport certain colors to make them feel more confident and energized, or show belonging to a group. Here are some hair styles for marathon runners to keep your hair looking great and out of your way for the long run.

Double dutch braids - a little patience is required, but this style is an awesome addition to a well put together race day look. TIY hair ties at the ends won't fall out no matter how fast you run.
Braided bun - a polished, practical style, use a braided bun to keep your hair off your neck and back to keep you cooler during your race. Use TIY hair ties to secure the braid, then the bun.
Slicked back ponytail - a classic that never disappoints, this ponytail is tight, clean, and simple. TIY hair ties will stay put all through the race.
Bubble ponytail - super popular these days, the bubble pony will add a fun pop to your look. TIY hair ties come in many colors to coordinate with your race day outfit.

If you've got little flyaways that get in your face and on your nerves but are too short for a ponytail, try a TIY headband! Just braid three strands together, tie the ends, and you've got a functional, fun addition to your marathon day look.

Revive Your Hair After the Finish Line

After you cross the finish line, you and your hair both deserve some TLC. When you get home, the first thing you might want to do is take a hot shower and let the water relax your sore muscles. Keep your hair out of the heat, especially if you've been in the sun the whole time.

Use a gentle shampoo to remove the sweat and buildup from your sun-protective sprays.
Do a deep condition to repair any damage from sun, wind, and friction.
Rinse with cool water only to seal the cuticle and boost shine.
Apply a leave-in conditioner to prevent frizz and hydrate.
Air dry your hair while you relax and drink some water.

How did it go? Did you achieve what you set out to do? How are you feeling now?

We're so proud of you! Whether you made your best time yet, just barely crossed the finish line, or made it as far as possible, we know you did amazing.

Read more: Best Hair Ties for Running.

See You at the 2024 Austin Marathon

This year, TIY Products has been invited to the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Our team will be doing a braid bar for the runners, helping them get their hair squared away for the race. Our CEO, Andrea Nucete-Elliott would love to see you there! We can't wait to share TIY hair ties with these inspirational people.