Skipping more wash days lately? Good. This is the key to a sporty updo, according to soccer pro Kelley O’Hara. “I like my hair a little dirty because it stays better in a ponytail and flyaways and baby hairs are kept down and back, out of my eyes,” she says. Two days before a game, she shampoos and conditions; then, after practice the night before, she’ll skip shampoo and only condition with Tame The Beast Caffeine Conditioner ($19, getbeast.com). This method leaves some sweat on strands for added texture.

It’s high time you embraced hair accessories. They’re cute, yes, but they can also be practical. Take it from basketball player Nneka Ogwumike, who always finishes her game-day high ponytail or bun with one. “I love wearing headbands to catch sweat and protect my edges,” she says, adding that the style is key. “I prefer them with a wide width—ones that either come as a circle or can be tied.” Try the Adidas solid tie headband.

Constantly throwing your hair up in buns or other low-maintenance styles can easily lead to knots. Smooth everything out by multitasking in the shower with the Wet Brush Shower Flex Brush . “I brush my hair under the water with conditioner so it’s easier to detangle,” says sprinter and hurdler Sydney McLaughlin. She does this after shampooing and applying Cantu Shea Butter Conditioner all over. Then she rinses and finishes with a microfiber towel wrap.

You don’t want to fuss with a new ’do every day, so figure out one you can keep in. Soccer player Crystal Dunn wears cornrows in the summer because they require less upkeep. “They protect my hair from the sun and sweat damage,” she says, adding that she favors microbraids for the same reason. “I wear my hair in a variety of braided styles because it still allows me to be creative and experiment.” To condition, she spritzes on a coat of The Mane Choice’s Daily Restoration Spray ($13.50, sally​beauty.com).

As a triathlete, Gwen Jorgensen is very familiar with fighting the elements. In the summer, that means a lot of UV rays beaming down and drying out her strands, in addition to their being parched from constant showering post-workout. “For conditioner, once a week, I’ll just use a simple coconut oil to rehydrate and smooth,” she says. “I apply that before bed, sleep with it in, then rinse out in the shower after my morning run.”

For a look that can withstand leaping over 15 feet in the air (or, you know, just a steamy outdoor jog), use Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray before putting in your pony, like pole vaulter Sandi Morris does. Another trick if you really need a don’t-move ’do? Use a teasing comb along the roots, right where the holder will go. (“My hair is very soft, and this makes it stay much better,” she says.) She also swears by using two ponytail elastics at the same time instead of one, for extra security.

Dye jobs are particularly vulnerable in summer months thanks to the sun and water. Yep, your backyard pool can be a major culprit, dulling hair: “Every time I’ve had highlights done, the chlorine and rays have made it feel even more parched than usual,” says swimmer Haley Anderson. “I use the mask Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3. It works so well to bring life back to my hair.” Adding to cart, now.