In gymnastics, hair rules may not seem as strict as uniform regulations, but they’re an important part of the sport. The wrong accessory can cause distractions, trigger deductions, or even create safety hazards.
Knowing what’s allowed, what’s questionable, and what’s off-limits can save gymnasts from unnecessary stress on meet day.
The Core Rule Across All Programs
Whether competing under USA Gymnastics (Development/Xcel), FIG (international), or NCAA (college), the baseline is the same:
- Hair must be secured away from the face.
- It cannot obscure a gymnast’s vision of the apparatus.
That’s the official wording. In practice, it means ponytails, braids, or buns, kept neat and close to the head. Judges don’t score for “style,” but they will step in if an accessory interferes with performance, poses a safety issue, or undermines presentation.
✅ Allowed Hair Accessories
Examples: Soft elastics, scrunchies, bobby pins (small and flat), flat-coated clips, bun nets.
Why they’re allowed:
These are safe, effective, and universally accepted. Elastics and scrunchies hold hair firmly without risk of injury. Bobby pins and flat clips are fine as long as they lie flush against the head. Bun nets are optional but popular at higher levels and international competitions for keeping buns secure throughout long routines.
Rule references:
- USAG: Permits elastics, ribbons, soft decorations, and flat clips.
- FIG: Requires tidy hairstyles with minimal, non-excessive accessories.
- NCAA: Teams often coordinate scrunchies with leotards for a polished, unified look.
In practice:
These are the “safe zone” items every judge expects to see. Most gymnasts, no matter the level, rely on scrunchies, pins, and elastics as their foundation.
⚠️ Use With Caution
Examples: Hard plastic headbands, large barrettes, decorative ribbons sewn into scrunchies, sparkly clips or rhinestone grips (if small and secure).
Why they’re risky:
They fall into a gray area. A hard headband can slip or break mid-routine. Oversized barrettes or loose decorations may distract or even be considered unsafe. Sparkly clips are sometimes permitted if flat and tightly secured, but if they dangle, bounce, or look oversized, they risk drawing a deduction.
Rule references:
- USAG: Hair must not block vision; unsafe elastics (like ones with hard balls) are forbidden. Incorrect attire or jewelry can earn a 0.20 neutral deduction.
- FIG: Enforces tidy, minimal accessories—bulky or flashy items are frowned upon.
- NCAA: More lenient, with glitter and subtle sparkle occasionally appearing, but everything must be firmly secured.
In practice:
Some judges ignore minor decorative touches, while others ask gymnasts to remove them before warm-up. Coaches typically advise keeping these items for practice or photos, not for competition.
❌ Not Allowed (or Strongly Discouraged)
Examples: Dangling ornaments (combs, sticks, oversized bows with metal parts), jewelry woven into braids (charms, beads), chains, rigid bows.
Why they’re banned:
These items create clear safety risks. They can strike the gymnast, block vision, or catch on apparatus. Jewelry woven into braids still counts as jewelry, and anything beyond a single pair of stud earrings is prohibited. Chains, beads, and rigid bows violate both safety standards and uniform requirements.
Rule references:
- USAG: Only stud earrings are allowed. Unsafe hair items (like rigid bows or elastics with hard parts) are banned. Penalty: 0.20 neutral deduction if not corrected.
- FIG: Prohibits unsafe or excessive accessories; emphasizes professional appearance.
- NCAA: Same rule—referees will require removal before an athlete competes.
In practice:
You won’t see these items at sanctioned meets. While they might show up in dance or cheerleading, they’re considered unsafe and unprofessional in gymnastics. Using them could mean deductions—or even disqualification if not fixed.
Common Program-Specific Notes
USA Gymnastics (Development Program & Xcel)
The expectation here is clear: hair must be secured away from the face and never block vision. If hair or accessories become a distraction, judges can issue a 0.20 neutral deduction after a warning. That deduction is only applied once per meet if corrected, so most coaches address the problem quickly. Jewelry rules are equally strict—only stud earrings are permitted.
FIG (International Competitions)
The International Gymnastics Federation takes a broader approach: hair must be tidy, secure, and free from excessive decoration. While there’s no line item for a “hair penalty,” untidy or flashy styles can affect overall impression, especially on beam and floor where artistry counts.
NCAA (College Gymnastics)
College gymnastics mirrors FIG standards but places added emphasis on a professional, uniform team look. Teams often coordinate scrunchies or ribbons with leotards. Subtle glitter spray or rhinestone pins may appear, but only if they’re understated and secure. Deductions for hair are rare, but coaches still prioritize a sharp, media-ready presentation.
Practical Meet Checklist
- Test Your Hairstyle in Advance
Practice with your competition hairstyle. If elastics or clips slip during tumbling, adjust until it’s secure. - Always Pack Backups
Bring extras: scrunchies, elastics, pins, hairspray, and a bun net. One broken elastic shouldn’t ruin a routine. - Leave Risky Items at Home
Big bows, dangling ribbons, and decorative combs are for practice or photos—not meets. - Check With Your Coach
Unsure about an accessory? Ask before warm-up. Coaches know what’s acceptable under your program’s rules. - Do a Final Mirror Check
Right before competing, make sure nothing falls in your face or sticks out awkwardly. - Match the Team Look
If your gym uses matching scrunchies or headbands, bring the right one. A consistent team style shows polish and professionalism.
For athletes and parents, the simplest approach is best: keep hair neat, functional, and polished.
Source: USA Gymnastics, Gymnastics Sport
