With all my love for hiking, I always run to into hair problems. Too long and it gets really unruly and too short, stray hair strands fall all over!

For me, the best hiking hairstyle is something that’s effortless, looks pretty and doesn’t get stuck in roots, twigs and mud whenever I am hiking!

Weather and my mood play a significant role in deciding what hiking hairstyle I should opt for.

I thought it will be really handy to share with you what’s my go-to hiking hairstyle that’s effortless and really easy peasy!

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The Best Hiking Hairstyles for Medium To Long Hair

1. The Hiking Ponytail

One of the best and easy hiking hairstyle, a ponytail!

My hair has gotten really long where it hits my lower back and while gearing up for hikes, I do like to keep it simple and go along with the classic ponytail!

You can always switch it up with plain bands or colourful scrunchies and there’s really no explanation for having the classic hiking ponytail!

It’s the perfect low-key hairstyle for those days when you want your tresses to speak their own language!

Pair it with:

2. Beanies

Wearing a beanie when hiking in the Himalayas!

Beanies when hiking are perfect to keep you warm when you’re out there hiking and fighting the elements.

I have worn beanies as my go-to hiking hairstyle when trekking in India -30 degree temperatures.

The classic Himalayan knitted beanies made by the Zanskaris kept me really warm and protected my ears, forehead and my hair — the added bonus of having long hair is that the nape of my neck was kept warm.

Pair it with:

3. Headband

Here’s me before heading for a hike and run where I am wearing a thin headband with braided hair.

I am wearing a heandband but it can’t be seen very clearly.

If you’re undecided between a scuff and a headband, the best way is to pick those extra wide headbands that keeps your hair from your face.

You can don a low ponytail as you scramble through trails and rocks to keep it together.

I like switching it up between a thin headband for forest tropical trails in the Asian heat and the thick ones for super frigid temperatures.

It’s versatile, super effortless and adds a dash of colour to your hiking expedition.

Pair it with

4. Braids

Effortless hiking hairstyle like braids are really nice and easy to keep it neat!

Braids are effortless and one of the best hiking hairstyle when you don’t want your hair becoming messy on the trail! It really keeps it nice and neat especially if you have long hair.

There are so many types of braided hair — the side braid, the french braid, the fishtail braid and the regular plain jane braid.

All depends on how much time you have, your preference and the weather we’re dealing with!

Pair it with:

5. The Cool Cap

I really like keeping the flyaways off my face and a cap is a great way to keep my tresses in control!

You can finger comb your hair on bad days and put on a cool cap to head to your favourite trail.

The cap has added versatility that you could even match with a ponytail and if it is really hot or if it pours, atleast you won’t have to deal with hair problems.

Pair it with:

6. Messy Bun

The messy bun hair updo is one of the best and most versatile hiking hairstyle for those lazy days.

There are days where I simply don’t care and this is when I’ll pile up my hair in a messy bun.

If i don’t have the luxury of products, messy bun is a great way to not fuss about your hair and enjoy the trails!

I’ll also change my hairstyle three times while hiking especially if there’s a waterfall stop.

Sometimes I’ll opt for a messy bun and other times it is a ponytail or a braid. It’s completely OK to have more than one hairstyle in one single trek like what I do!

Pair it with:

That’s about it. What about you? What’s your favourite hiking hairstyle? Share with me in the comments below.

For more detailed guides and references, read my other hiking posts:

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