You’ve committed to a workout to tone up for summer, bought your leggings and trainers and are all set to go. But one issue remains… what do you do with your hair?

The challenge is, you need a hairstyle that will look good, but also one that won’t get in your way while exercising. It needs to be off your face, resilient enough to not unravel when you’re on push up number 52, and it can’t start coming undone when the sweat is trickling down your face.

We’ve asked three top hairdressers from around the country to talk us through three hard-working looks.

Sporty braids

Danny Pato, co-owner of D&M salon:

Step 1: Prep hair with an oil like Davines OI Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion, $52.

Step 2: Using a tail comb, part hair in the centre from the forehead to the nape.

Step 3: Secure one side with a clip to keep out of the way.

Step 4: On the other side, take a 3cm section of hair (and the front of the fringe, if you have one) at the centre part.

Step 5: Split this section into three smaller ones. Cross the back section (closest to the centre part) over the top of the middle section, then the front piece (closest to the ear) over the middle section, working in a high path back over your head.

Step 6: Take small sections from the front and side as you go, incorporating them into the braid piece by piece. Keep the braid tight and arms high.

Step 7: Once you get behind the ear, work your way to the nape, continuing to the end. Secure with a hair tie, then repeat on the other side.

Expert tip: Pre-braiding, prep hair with a salt spray like Davines This Is A Sea Salt Spray, $43. Post-exercise, shake out the braids and work a dry shampoo like Davines Hair Refresher, $30, into your roots for sexy beach texture.

Power pony

Grainne McGlade, senior stylist at Rodney Wayne:

Step 1: Prep hair with a heat-protecting lotion, such as Kérastase Forme Fatale, $42.

Step 2: Lightly spray hair all over using a hairspray like Redken Forceful 23, $36, to get more hold and grip on the hair; this will prevent it from feeling too soft and slippy.

Step 3: Pull hair into a ponytail just above the middle of the back of your head. Use a tail comb to smooth away any bumpy bits.

Step 4: Run a smoothing serum, such as Redken Diamond Oil, $45, through the ponytail and use some around the base.

Expert tip: For a more polished look, take a small section of hair from your ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie. Secure with a bobby pin at the base of your ponytail.

READ: Sportswear to inspire your workout

No-nonsense top knot

Wayne Richardson, Ktizo Hair & Spa:

Step 1: Tie a tight pony on the top centre of your head. This works with damp or dry hair. For a slick result apply mousse to roots. Try L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Full Volume Extra, $34.

Step 2: Split pony in two. Backcomb each section.

Step 3: Take the ends of one section and pin down at the base of the pony to create a loop. Repeat with the second section.

Step 4: Take the loop of one pinned section, wrap it clockwise around the base of the pony, and clip into the head. Take the remaining section and wrap it, anti-clockwise, clipping it in behind the first wrap of hair to hide the ends.

Step 5: Use a comb to tidy any stray hair and spray all over with L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium Hairspray, $23, to secure.

Expert tip: To get a higher ponytail, tip your head forward and use a comb to gather up hair.