Have you noticed, looks like lots more gymnasts are choosing the ponytail rather than the bun, like on the USA team and at Nationals, and World Championships. The bun can come out really easily. Plus, if your hair isn't that long, the pony tail is easier and lighter too! And stays in better. In any case, you have to be careful not to pull your hair too tight, so it doesn't cause your hair line to go back, and the front hair by your forehead get pulled, and then you have little growing hairs there. the ponytails!

I've never been a fan of buns myself, even when my hair was longer. it was uncomfortable with back extension rolls and such. Now my hair's short so it's a miracle it stays at all. For nationals I had someone else do two little french braids, but for practice I use two tiny elastics and separtate the back of my hair into two mini ponytails. Then I put the two together with a really nice big (no-slip grip) hairtie. Then I use a soft headband, 4 bobby pins, and a little hairspray. It's difficult, but it works! I like the way I look with short hair. Usu. i cut it then grow it out again, but I think I'll keep it short for quite awhile-it's much easier under pole vault helmets!

Here's the topic on different hair styles with photos too! http://www.gymchat.com/messageboards/viewtopic.php?t=364 Here are the two different hair styles Shawn Johnson uses, sometimes with the hair part: http://intlgymnast.com/image/johnson_shawn.jpg sometimes without the hair part, all hair just pulled straight back: http://a.abcnews.com/images/Sports/ap_johnson_070914_ms.jpg Shawn must like the ponytail style the best and changes it up by changing the part!

Topic: Different competition hair/make-up/glitter/hair spray styles URL: http://www.gymchat.com/messageboards/showthread.php?t=33272&highlight=hairstyle

Ponytails are easy to put on and I too prefer this hairstyle rather than a bun. There are also many who prefer getting to be able to put up a ponytail.