iRun - Issue 6 October 2016

STYLE
LOOK
FAST
FEEL
FAST
BE
FAST
Story by Karen Kwan Photographs by
Colin Medley Styling by Aylin C. Abraham
If your hairstyle is not a consideration on race day, you’re missing
out on a way to rock not only those photos, but to excel in your run.
A cool style will help you feel your best, both when it comes to your
confidence and for helping to keep you at ease; hair whipping into your
sweaty face, laying on your back or frozen in the winter, is distracting
and uncomfortable. Simply sweeping it into a ponytail works well for
keeping it out of your face, but with a little more effort, you can rock
a look that’ll have you totally feeling yourself. Toronto-based hairstylist
and runner Aylin C. Abraham has long been putting her hair up
in braids for her workouts, so she’s figured out what works and what
doesn’t. For amazing race hair, all you need are bobby pins (“to secure
flyaways”), ouchless hair elastics (she suggests the type without any
metal), a flexible hold hairspray (her fave is Bumble and Bumble Does
It All Hairspray), and a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair before
you let it air dry. Tip: Your hair will be easier to work into these hairstyles
if it’s a little damp. Here’s how to try a few styles.
1 BRAIDED CROWN Make a deeper, exaggerated part on the side of your
hair you usually part it on. Then start braiding similar to boxer braids,
except you’ll be working the braid around your head. Keep the braid as
close to the front of your head as you’d like it and keep working your
way around your head. When you have no more hair to add to the
braid, tie the end with a hair elastic. Wrap the remaining braid to the
top of your head and secure with bobby pins.
2 BRAIDED TOPKNOT Sit and lean over so that your hanging upside down.
Start a braid at the nape of your neck; Begin with three small strands
and cross the right strand over the middle, under the left. The strands
will have shifted slightly so add hair to the right strand and bring it over
the middle, and under the left. Work your way braiding up to the top
of your head and secure the end with a hair elastic. Create a ponytail
with it, and wrap the hair around the base and secure the topknot with
another hair tie.
3 HIGH PONYTAIL “This hairstyle is great for a quick 5K run, or yoga
class,” says Abraham. Brush your hair back into a high ponytail and
fasten it with a hair elastic. Work with your hair slightly damp so that
the ponytail can be held tightly.
4 DOUBLE BOXER BRAIDS Part your hair in two sections down the middle
of your head. You’ll be doing the same pattern over and over until the
very end. Starting on the right side, at the top of the head, grab three
small strands of hair and take the right strand, bring it under the middle
and over the left. Next, bring the strand on the left under the middle
and over on the right. Again on the right side, but adding a bit of hair
to the strand, cross it under the middle and over the left strand. Keep
adding hair as you braid down your head. Tie with a hair elastic. Repeat
on other half of your head.
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RACHEL HANNAH
ON A LIFETIME OF
RACE HAIR
My strategy for the best
running hairdo is simplicity.
I keep it short and get it cut
a few weeks out from the
most serious races. It hasn’t
always been this way though,
I ind that I have liked shorter
hair over time. In high school
and most of university we
would French braid our hair
as a pre-race ritual: ribbons,
braids, fake tattoos, eloquent
team cheers ... all part of the
XC team ritual (not that I’m
superstitious or anything,
haha). After university I
decided to grow my hair
long again with the goal
of donating it to kids with
cancer. It was nice to be able
to use hair for charity and I
encourage others to do the
same at least once in their
life. It makes one feel good
that there is a purpose where
you can help others.
Now I prefer my short
hair style since it’s fast and
easy. I haven’t gone full
Sinead O’Connor yet though.
Whether your hair is shaved
or spiked or a perfect afro,
go with what makes you feel
conident. Getting the hair
looking sharp, just like for
any big day, also works great
to get ready to run. Feeling
great helps you perform.
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32 2016 ISSUE 06 iRun because it’s my happy place. — Leslie Silbert, Orleans
iRun to spend time with good friends. — Julie Finkle, Ottawa
iRun.ca 33