If there’s one thing Team USA doesn’t have time for while they’re competing in Tokyo right now, it’s hair getting into their eyes. So we talked to three Olympic pros—track and field gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin, women’s sport climbing finalist Brooke Raboutou, and beach volleyball gold medalist Alix Klineman about their favorite hair products to use so they can keep their heads in the game.
Sydney McLaughlin, USA Track and Field
Styler Professional Styling Gel
“I like my hair out of my face because I want to focus on running, so I wear it in a ponytail and use Eco Style Olive Oil Gel ($12) on competition days. While my hair is still damp, I use a firm hairbrush to get the shape. Then I go in with the gel, putting a palmful into my hands, rubbing them together, and using my fingers to work it through my hair. I brush it one final time, then put the elastics in. Although the gel is really strong and keeps my hair in place, I also like that it’s made for curls and has a little bit more moisture.” – @sydneymclaughlin16
Brooke Roboutou , USA Sport Climbing
BOING Curl Leave-In
“I like to wear my hair in two Dutch or French braids for competitions because it’s fun and feels a little more done up. I use Unite Boing Curl Leave-In Conditioner ($28) every time I shower, and sometimes in the mornings, to define and smooth my really long hair. I’ll spray it all over when my hair is wet, then shake my hair to help [define] the curls. I’ll also reapply it when my hair is in braids if I have a lot of flyaways. I like that it’s a spray because I can’t have residue on my hands when I’m climbing.”-@brookeclimbs
Alix Klineman, USA Beach Volleyball
Tres Two Extra Firm Control Aero Unscented Hairspray
I’ve played with my hair in a high ponytail for as long as I can remember. My hair is [naturally] thick and curly, so I like to use TRESemmé TRES Two Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray ($6) because I need a strong hair spray that can hold up to the sweat, wind and movements of beach volleyball. At the end of a game, I’m always surprised that my ponytail is still in decent shape.” –@alixklineman
Starr Savoy
Starr Savoy is a fellow at ELLE.com, where she writes about celebrity, culture, beauty, and fashion.
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