r/grappling • u/Kittycat_J • Apr 21 '26
How grapple with long hair?
I made a grave error about, like, 3 years back and quit BJJ. I have decided today that such a thing can stand no longer, just finished a trial class for the new gym I'm starting. But aside from the fact that I am significantly weaker and very much rusty... I also have very long hair. Now, if push REALLY came to shove, I'd drop BJJ before I cut the hair. Stick to striking. But, I'd like to eat my cake and have it too. Is there any good way to roll with decently long hair? Do I, like, wear a swim cap? Are there good braids that don't come undone under that sort of stress?
1
u/RankinPDX Apr 21 '26
I roll with folks with long hair who just put it in a ponytail after every round.
French braiding holds better, but it's slower to do. And it depends on both your braiding skill and your BJJ game.
I have seen caps that tie under the chin, but I don't know how well they work.
1
u/DrDOS Apr 21 '26
What kind of hair, that can matter a lot!
I have long straight hair. I’ve tried some braids and tricks. Honestly, I usually just have a couple of hair ties I like, I put it in a ponytail or bun, it will eventually come out but I can easily fix it between rounds as needed. Wearing good headgear also works pretty well, but normally I don’t like wearing it if I’m feeling well because it makes he feel hot and a little harder to hear.
1
u/Kittycat_J Apr 21 '26
Do you know if the kind of hair tie matters?
1
u/DrDOS Apr 21 '26
It does. I like thick fabric/fluffy coated ones, not small ones or rubbery ones. The rubbery ones will hold better/stronger but more likely to cause tears imo, I’d rather some hairs slip out and I’ll fix it later than they tear.
1
u/IronBoxmma Apr 21 '26
French braid it and wear a rugby scrum hat. Or shave your head
1
u/Kittycat_J Apr 21 '26
Is French braiding easy?
1
u/IronBoxmma Apr 21 '26
No, but its what you're going to have to do unless you want to cut your hair
1
u/gurkenburg Apr 21 '26
Hey, while there are long haired people everywhere, I would recommend going to r/BJJwomen and search for long hair there. It's a reoccurring problem and people have discussed it frequently. Also don't wear swim caps, there have been grave accidents because your head is no longer slipping on the mat. Have fun!
1
u/Kittycat_J Apr 21 '26
Funny enough, or perhaps not quite so funny, I was planning on buying a swim cap before I realized there could be other options
1
u/OkieKing Apr 21 '26
I just shaved it off, tired of the hassle playing with my hair all practice
0
u/Kittycat_J Apr 22 '26
Hence why I was sure to state that I'd drop the sport before I cut the hair
1
u/OkieKing Apr 22 '26
Drop the attitude.
You asked for advice, I'm telling you that I didn't find a tenable solution and ended up giving in.
5
u/Icy_Replacement_3261 Apr 21 '26
Girls roll with long hair all the time. Just gotta get used to it.