The Olympics are a celebration of the best of the best on the globe—but we’re not just talking about athletic skill. Rio 2016 has featured some elite-level hair that has fans at home cheering and getting inspired. And unlike that triple layout with a full twist, it’s absolutely OK to try these hairstyles at home!

Inspiration:

Photo Credit: The New York Times

The US women’s gymnastic team has been sporting some braids, buns and ponytails—and often a combination of two! This French braid leading to a high pony is a great look that keeps hair up and out of your face for a full day or play or school!

HOW-TO: First, prep hair with Cinch detangler to give it texture. Section hair across the top of the head from one ear to the other. Pull the back section into a high pony tail and secure with a hair tie. Then, French braid the front section from one side to the other, then complete the braid and tuck it into the ponytail. Secure any loose strands with bobby pins. Work a dab of Behave styling cream into your hands and smooth over hair to keep it secure.

This look would also work great with a twist instead of a braid. Check out our how-to video.

Inspiration:

Photo Credit: The New York Times

Sometimes called a “man bun,” this look from Britain’s gymnast Louis Smith is a great option for boys who enjoy a long top, but also want a cooler, out-of-the-face option during sports.

How-to: Prep hair with Cinch detangler to give it texture. Pull hair into a pony on the top of the crown and secure with a hair tie. Braid hair (or use our favorite twist braid), then wrap the braid around itself in a bun before tucking the end into the hair tie to secure it. Work a dab of Behave styling cream into your hands and smooth over hair to tackle any fly-aways and add a bit of sheen.

Inspiration:

Photo Credit: The New York Times

Bright, bold hair colors have made their debut in Rio. It’s a fun, unique way to express personality (and love of country). And while you may not want to permanently dye your kids’ hair neon yellow, it’s simple to add some bold, bright temporary highlights with some simple hair chalking using pastels.

HOW-TO:

Here’s what you’ll need:

-Soft Chalk Pastels
–Cinch Detangler
-Brush
–Cinch 3in1
-Flat Iron (optional)

Step 1: Prep the Hair
If your little one has dark hair you will need to wet the hair before chalking. We recommend spritzing the section of hair you want to chalk with Cinch detangler. If you don’t have any detangler on hand, a small spritz bottle of water will work. Wetting the hair before chalking will make the color pop on deeper strands.

If your little one has light-blonde hair DO NOT wet hair before chalking – this will cause locks to be stained by the chalk. It could take several washes to come out! For red hair, test out a small patch of hair – if color shows up on dry hair, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t, simply dampen hair with a little Cinch detangler or water.

Step 2: Prep Work Area
Chalking may produce dust that can stain clothes and surrounding areas. We recommend having your child wear an old t-shirt and chalking outside so you have as little of a mess as possible to clean up.

Step 3: Chalk it Up
Twist hair and swipe chalk from top of shaft down to the ends. Twisting the he hair helps more pigment from the chalk to be deposited on hair. Avoid running chalk in an up and down motion as it will create frizz and knots.

Step 4: Finishing Touches
If you wet your hair, wait for it to dry. You can speed up the process by using a blow dryer on low heat. Then, gently brush through hair to smooth out locks.

To “lock in” color you can finish by running a flat iron on low heat over locks.

We love incorporating colored strands into braids or up-dos for a pop of color.

Step 5: Removal
When you’re done taking a walk on the wild side – simply wash color out using Cinch 3in1. Use Cinch Detangler for a burst of extra moisture.

The post Gold Medal Hairstyles You Can Do Too appeared first on SoCozy.