Pilates of all variations, especially Reformer Pilates, has become a popular workout, so much so that the aesthetic people attribute to the exercise is having a moment of its own. “Pilates has become more than just a workout. It's viewed as a social symbol. Just like the ‘gym girl’ has her own aesthetic and identity, women are creating the same for Pilates,” says Pilates instructor Callie Gualy.
Kira Jones, founder of Cacti Wellness, agrees, noting that “although Pilates has been around for over a century, being a ‘Pilates girl’ has definitely become an identity and community. So, just like a matching set or cute grip socks, ‘Pilates hair’ has become a visual shorthand for ‘I’m part of this.’”
Drybar reports that searches for “Reformer Pilates hair” have surged by 2,549 percent over the past year. We asked Pilates pros and hair experts what Pilates hair means to them and got their top recommendations for the best styles and products to achieve the look.
Featured Experts
- Callie Gualy is a Pilates instructor
- Kira Jones is the founder of Cacti Wellness
- Nicky Lal is a Pilates instructor and the founder of Fuerza Pilates
- Johanna Ricouz is a Pilates instructor with Peloton
- Margaux Mahoney is the marketing director at Drybar
What Is Pilates Hair?
“Pilates has evolved from a workout to a lifestyle with Pilates hair as part of the Pilates aesthetic,” says Gualy. “Think of it as a functional-meets-put-together hairstyle.” Furthermore, “Since Pilates is a low-impact workout that's not cardio-heavy and doesn't involve jumping around, your hairstyle can actually hold up during class,” says Jones, making it “possible to walk into class with clean, styled hair, and walk out with it still looking relatively intact.”
“Pilates hair refers to hairstyles worn for reformer and mat Pilates that keep your hair out of your face while still looking neat and put together. It grew out of the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic—the slicked-back bun, hair that wouldn’t move and always looked clean and polished,” Jones continues. “Doing my hair has never been my expertise, so having so much inspo of hairstyles that are comfortable and cute to wear during class is a win-win,” she adds.
“When I hear the phrase ‘Pilates hair,’ I immediately picture the sleek, slicked-back look that's become popular on social media. It's beautiful, but I think that's more of an Instagram trend than a reflection of what happens in a Pilates session,” says Nicky Lal, Pilates instructor and founder of Fuerza Pilates. “My clients often show up with their hair perfectly styled, and more often than not, we end up changing it halfway through class because it gets in the way. The best Pilates hairstyle is the one you don't have to think about while you're moving.”
Lal notes that the right hairstyle for your practice ultimately depends on what style of Pilates you’re doing. “If you're taking a heated mat class, a bun can make sense, but in Pilates we can spend a lot of time lying on our backs, whether on the mat or on equipment, so a low bun becomes uncomfortable. That's why I always reach for a claw clip. It lets me put my hair up or take it down so quickly without stopping my workout,” she says. “In the studio, practicality matters much more than how it looks on camera.”
Realistically, any hairstyle you wear while doing Pilates is Pilates hair. The idea of Pilates hair has become somewhat of a marketing concept, influencer tagline, hashtag or fun way to connect within the practice. “While I appreciate trends and enjoy seeing how people express themselves through fashion and beauty, I believe the heart of Pilates has very little to do with appearance,” says Johanna Ricouz, a Pilates instructor with Peloton. “For me, the best Pilates hairstyle is one that allows you to move confidently, feel comfortable and show up as your authentic self. Pilates isn't about fitting into a particular aesthetic—it's about celebrating movement and strength,” she adds.
“Hair has always been a deeply meaningful topic within the Black community. For many of us, it's more than just a hairstyle—it's an expression of identity, culture, history and pride,” says Ricouz. “Throughout my career, I've been intentional about wearing my hair in its natural state because representation matters. As a woman of color, I want people to see themselves reflected in the wellness space, especially in Pilates, where that representation has historically been limited.”
The Best Reformer Pilates Hairstyles, According to Pros
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High Bun or High Ponytail
High buns and high ponytails seem to be the most practical option for many pros. “From a practical standpoint, Pilates involves spending a significant amount of time lying on your back in a supine position. Because of that, low buns and low ponytails can become uncomfortable very quickly,” says Ricouz. “When I wear my hair up, I almost always choose a high bun or a high ponytail so nothing is pressing against the back of my head or restricting my movement during class.”
Drybar marketing director Margaux Mahoney notes that low buns “can create a hard pressure point that props the head up when lying flat, affecting your form and causing more tension in your neck during an activity that should be correcting and easing it.” She recommends a classic top knot to keep the bulk of the hair at the top of the head, away from the neck and shoulders.
“Practically speaking, Pilates hair for me has almost always been a bun or a ponytail. As a former ballerina and a heated Pilates instructor, I naturally adopted the same functional hairstyles I wore throughout years of dance training. They allowed me to move freely without distraction,” says Ricouz.
Courtesy of Johanna Ricouz
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Braids
Jones loves wearing a low braid or a braided high ponytail during Pilates. “For those with long or thick hair, low French braids or Dutch braids are the best option as they can sit perfectly flat against the head through exercises and transitions,” says Mahoney. “Because the hair is plaited close to the scalp rather than left loose, braids hold up far better through movements that involve lying on your back or side, without shifting or coming loose halfway through a class.”
Courtesy of Kira Jones
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Headband
A headband is always a good idea. Jones loves wearing her hair down with a soft headband for Pilates, although you could also pair a headband with poytails, braids and buns as well. The headband helps keep hair out of your face while still allowing your strands to shine.
Courtesy of Kira Jones
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Protective Braids
“As a woman of color with naturally curly hair and an oily scalp, I often alternate between protective braids and wearing my natural curls,” says Ricouz. Protective braids can be worn down or swept into a ponytail or bun. “Finding styles that support both movement and hair health is just as important as choosing something that looks good.”
Photo by Chalo Garcia on Unsplash
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Claw Clip
One of Jones’ go-to hairstyles is wearing her strands twisted into a claw clip on the crown of her head so it’s out of the way. Lal says she usually begins with her hair down, but always has a claw clip ready to go. “As soon as I need it out of my face, I can clip it up quick,” says Lal. “By the end of class it might not look perfect, but I'd rather spend my 50 minute workout focused on movement than fixing my hair.”
Kira Jones x RPZL
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Looped Low Ponytail
Think of this look as the infamous Amanda Batula pony-bun but placed by the nape of the neck. “Looped ponytails are a good middle ground for anyone whose hair isn’t quite long enough for a secure braid but still moves around too much in a standard tie,” says Mahoney. “The loop keeps the tail short and tucked, rather than dangling loose against the mat or catching underneath you during rolling or seated exercises.”
Photo by Mohammad reza Razmpour (maMazii)
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Bandanas
Ricouz says she’s recently incorporated bandanas and scarves into her hair routine. She notes that “they help absorb sweat and provide an extra layer of protection during heated workouts.”
Courtesy of Johanna Ricouz
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Slicked-Back Ponytail
This slicked-back style is probably one of the classic looks you picture when you think of Pilates hair. “I'm a huge fan of a slicked-back pony when I teach or take Pilates,” says Gualy, who points to her step-by-step tutorial for beginners.
Photo by Gabriel Martin on Unsplash
The Best Products for Pilates Hair, According to Pros
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Flyaways are a problem of the past with this magic wand, which won a 2025 NewBeauty Award. Jones loves using this product to help slick back hair and lock flyaways in place before Pilates.
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“They come in so many fun, vibrant colors and are perfect for keeping my hair out of my face without sacrificing style,” says Ricouz.
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Jones turns to this sweat-resistant dry shampoo to help with oil control. She loves that it’s a mist so you don’t get any sort of cast.
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RPZL offers a wide range of claw clips—no seriously, like dozens with new ones launching constantly. It's no wonder Jones swears by this sturdy yet chic option.
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Ricouz says these are a must-have after heated Pilates classes. She uses them to refresh her scalp between wash days.
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“If you’re heading straight from class to something that requires a polished look and have styled beforehand, secure your hair in a loose top knot with a silk scrunchie to help prevent creases, dents or friction while you move through your workout,” advises Mahoney. “After class, let your hair down and give your roots a quick freshen with dry shampoo at the roots beforehand to absorb sweat and add volume. Fluff and style as needed and your blowout will be preserved!”
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“I'm all about products that make movement easier while helping me care for my hair,” says Ricouz. She dubs this her favorite curl cream for hydration, definition and keeping her curls healthy.
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Gualy recommends this affordable wax stick for helping to keep hair in place through class. It provides the clean, slicked-back look without breaking the bank.
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“I've been using the Olaplex Bond Shaper for my curls, and it's been so great for me. It helps control frizz while keeping my curls defined, even after a Pilates workout,” says Lal. “It's one of the few products that still leaves my hair looking good after class.”
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Ricouz says this is her go-to for edge control. “It smells incredible and keeps everything in place.”
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Gualy trusts this viral styling cream to help her hairstyle stick through Pilates. The lightweight formula smooths, calms frizz and defines curls. In addition to the signature citrus scent there’s a limited-edition vanilla option right now.
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For a comfortable yet chic headband to perform Pilates in Jones turns to RPZL. These headbands come in a variety of colors and you can even buy a set of two or seven, and save money.
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Jones uses this bonding oil to smooth, shine and hydrate the ends of her hair before Pilates. “I love that it’s lightweight and not greasy,” she adds.
