29 Cute Volleyball Hairstyles to Try in 2026
Playing volleyball is fast, physical, and full of jumping, diving, and quick turns. The last thing you want mid game is hair falling into your face or a ponytail coming loose during a serve. That’s why picking the right hairstyle matters just as much as picking the right shoes. A good volleyball hairstyle needs to stay put through every spike and dive, feel comfortable under a headband or visor, and still look cute for team photos.
In this post you will find 29 hairstyles built specifically for volleyball players, from young kids just starting out to teens and adults playing competitive club or school games. Each one is simple enough to do before practice, holds up through a full match, and looks great whether you’re at the gym or heading straight to school after.
Why Your Hairstyle Matters On The Volleyball Court
Before jumping into the list, it helps to understand what actually makes a hairstyle work for volleyball.
Movement and safety. Loose hair can block your vision right when you need to track the ball. A missed dig because of a stray strand is a completely avoidable mistake.
Sweat and heat. Games can run long, and a style that traps heat against your neck gets uncomfortable fast. Styles that lift hair off the neck feel much better during long tournaments.
Hold through impact. Diving for a ball, jumping for a block, and quick head turns all put stress on a hairstyle. A style needs strong pins, tight elastics, or braids that won’t slip.
Team spirit. Many players like to match their teammates with ribbons, bows, or braid patterns in team colors. It’s a small touch that builds a sense of togetherness before a big game.
With that in mind, here are 29 hairstyles that check every box.
1. The High Ponytail
The high ponytail is the most popular choice for a reason. Pulled up near the crown, it keeps hair completely off your neck and out of your eyes. Use a strong elastic and wrap it twice for extra grip.
2. The Sleek Low Ponytail
For players who find a high ponytail pulls too tight or gives them a headache, a low ponytail at the nape of the neck is a gentler option that still keeps hair contained.
3. Bubble Ponytail
Add a few small elastics down the length of a regular ponytail to create fun bubble sections. It looks playful in photos and adds a bit of extra grip along the way.
4. Ponytail With A Twisted Base
Instead of a plain pull through, twist small sections at the base of the ponytail before securing it. This adds texture and helps the style hold its shape even after diving on the floor.
5. Looped Ponytail (Bow Tie Ponytail)
Split the ponytail near the elastic, loop the tail through the middle, and pull it snug. It creates a neat bow shape at the base and adds one more layer of security.
6. Single French Braid
A single French braid down the back keeps every strand locked in place for hours. It’s a favorite for tournaments that run all day since it barely needs touch ups.
7. Dutch Braid
A Dutch braid sits on top of the hair rather than underneath, giving it a slightly raised, textured look. It holds just as strong as a French braid and adds visual interest for team pictures.
8. Double French Braids
Two braids instead of one spread the pulling pressure more evenly across the scalp, which many players find more comfortable during long practices.
9. Braided Ponytail
Start with a small braid at the crown and pull the rest into a ponytail. You get the polished look of a braid without braiding the entire head.
10. Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid looks a little fancier than a regular braid but is still sturdy enough for game day. It’s a nice option for tournament days when photos matter.
11. Braid Into A Bun
Braid the hair first, then coil the braid into a bun at the base of the neck. This combination keeps hair extremely tight and is close to impossible to shake loose.
12. Half Up Braided Crown
Braid two small sections from each side of the head and pin them together at the back. The rest of the hair stays down or in a low ponytail, giving a soft look while still keeping hair out of the face.
13. Classic High Bun
A high bun sits close to the head, doesn’t bounce around during jumps, and stays neat from warm up to the final point.
14. Low Bun
For a more relaxed feel, a low bun at the nape works well under a cap or visor and puts less strain on the scalp.
15. Space Buns
Two buns, one on each side of the head, are a fun and youthful option for younger players. They also naturally split the weight of the hair, which some players find more comfortable.
16. Braided Bun
Braid the hair into a ponytail first, then wrap the braid around itself to form a bun. It combines the strength of a braid with the tidy shape of a bun.
17. Twisted Bun
Twist the ponytail tightly before wrapping it into a bun shape. The twist adds grip so pins have less work to do.
18. Donut Bun
Using a foam or fabric bun maker gives a rounder, fuller bun shape in seconds. It’s an easy trick for players who want a neat bun without much practice.
19. Half Up Half Down Ponytail
Pull the top half of the hair back into a small ponytail and leave the rest down. This style clears hair from the face while feeling lighter on the scalp than a full ponytail.
20. Half Up Space Buns
Take the top sections of hair and twist them into two small buns, leaving the rest of the hair loose or in a low ponytail underneath.
21. Half Up Braid
Pull back the top section of hair into a small braid instead of a plain ponytail for a bit more texture and grip.
22. Half Up Twist
Twist two sections from the front of the head back and pin them together. It’s quick to do and keeps front pieces from falling forward during play.
23. Two Braids Into One Ponytail
Braid each side of the head separately, then join both braids together into a single ponytail near the back. This keeps front pieces locked down while still finishing in a simple ponytail.
24. Cornrow Style Braids Into A Ponytail
Small, tight braids running along the scalp lead into one ponytail at the back. This look is extremely secure and popular among players who want zero loose strands during a match.
25. Waterfall Braid Ponytail
A waterfall braid across the crown releases small sections as it goes, then the remaining hair is tied into a ponytail. It looks detailed but takes only a few extra minutes.
26. Crisscross Braided Ponytail
Two thin braids cross over each other at the crown before joining the main ponytail, adding a decorative touch without sacrificing hold.
27. Simple Bun With A Scrunchie
When time is short, a quick bun secured with a thick scrunchie is fast to do and gentle on the hair compared to thin elastics.
28. Ponytail With A Headband
Pair a basic ponytail with a stretchy headband to keep short front pieces from falling out during play. It’s one of the fastest options for a quick warm up.
29. Braided Headband Ponytail
Take a thin section of hair from one side, braid it, and wrap it across the head like a headband before securing the rest into a ponytail. It adds a stylish detail without any extra time spent.
Tips To Make Any Volleyball Hairstyle Last Longer
A few small habits go a long way toward keeping any of these styles in place for a full match.
- Use bobby pins that match your hair color so they blend in and stay hidden.
- Spray a light hold hairspray on flyaways before the game starts.
- Choose elastics without metal parts, since metal can snag and pull hair.
- Braid or tie hair slightly tighter than feels normal at rest, since movement loosens a style over time.
- Keep a small kit with extra pins, elastics, and a travel size hairspray in your bag for quick fixes between sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hairstyle for volleyball games? A high ponytail or a French braid are the two most reliable choices since both keep hair fully off the face and hold up well through jumping and diving.
How do I keep my ponytail from falling out during volleyball? Wrap the elastic twice, twist the base before securing it, and add a few bobby pins around the hairline to lock down shorter pieces.
Are braids good for volleyball players with short hair? Yes, small braids near the front combined with a low ponytail or clips work well for shorter hair and still keep it out of the eyes.
What hairstyle works best for tournaments that last all day? Braided styles like the single French braid, Dutch braid, or braid into a bun tend to hold the longest without needing a touch up between matches.
Final Thoughts
Picking a hairstyle for volleyball doesn’t have to be complicated. With 29 options ranging from a simple ponytail to detailed braided combos, there’s something here for every hair type, skill level, and amount of time you have before warm ups start. Try a few of these styles at practice first so you know exactly how they feel once the game gets moving, and stick with the ones that keep you focused on the ball instead of your hair.
