Playing volleyball means being in constant motion, diving for the ball, jumping, and executing powerful serves. Your hair? It needs to be the least of your worries. A hairstyle that can withstand this level of activity without unraveling is key. It’s not just about keeping hair out of your face; it’s about ensuring that your vision and focus remain unimpeded by stray strands.
The Basics: Secure and Stylish
Let me take you through some of my go-to hairstyles, designed to keep you looking good and playing great:
High Ponytail: It’s classic for a reason. Gathering hair at the crown of your head not only keeps you cool but also ensures your hair moves with you, not against you.
Braided Ponytail: Starting with a French braid at the crown that transitions into a ponytail is a great way to add an extra layer of security.
Bubble Ponytail: For a playful yet functional twist, incorporating small elastics down the length of your ponytail creates a fun, bubbly effect that’s as secure as it is cute.
Braids: The MVP of Volleyball Hairstyles
Braids aren’t just beautiful; they’re practical. They distribute the weight of your hair evenly, preventing discomfort and keeping every strand in place.
French Braid: This classic braid starts at the forehead and incorporates strands as you move back, ensuring a snug, uniform fit.
Dutch Braid: Also known as the “reverse French,” this braid stands out by sitting atop your head, providing an even tighter grip.
Fishtail Braid: For those seeking a bit more detail, the fishtail braid offers a complex, textured look without sacrificing hold.
Buns: Not Just a Last Resort
When it comes to active play, buns are about more than just getting hair out of the way; they’re about making a statement.
High Bun: By twisting and pinning your ponytail at its base, you create a look that’s both elegant and efficient.
Sleek Bun: Applying a bit of product to smooth your hair into a tight bun offers a sleek, no-nonsense look perfect for the court.
Space Buns: Why settle for one bun when you can have two? This quirky style adds personality while keeping your hair secure.
Short Hair? No Problem
Short hair offers its own set of styling challenges and opportunities on the volleyball court. Here’s how I tackle them:
Bobby Pins: Ideal for keeping bangs or layers out of your face, bobby pins can be both functional and decorative.
Headbands: A stylish way to keep even the shortest hair in check, adding both color and control to your look.
Advanced Techniques: Combining Forms
One of my favorite challenges is combining different styles to create a unique look that’s as secure as it is stylish. Imagine a double Dutch braid that seamlessly transitions into a ponytail, or intertwining twists and braids for a half-up, half-down style. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always game-ready.
Accessorizing: The Final Touch
Accessorizing your volleyball hairstyle is about striking the perfect balance between form and function. Weaving colorful scrunchies or elastics into your braids or fastening a vibrant headband can tame flyaways while adding a splash of personality to your look.
The right hairstyle not only keeps your hair secure during the most intense plays but also expresses your personality and style, making you feel unstoppable on the court. Remember, the best accessory you can wear is confidence, and with these hairstyles, you’ll have it in spades.
This style sports a slick back with tight cornrows that keep hair out of the face, perfect for a volleyball player who needs no distractions. The long, raven-black hair flows freely from the braids, offering both style and function. I like how the sleek look complements athletic intensity.
This hairstyle showcases a creative blend of braids on top, transitioning into a single braided ponytail with mixing textures and layers. The vibrant reddish hues bring a pop of color, which I personally like for its boldness. It's both functional for play and flashy for personality.
#3 Caramel Dutch Braids Meet Soft Waves
Here, we see double Dutch braids that merge into flowing waves, giving a soft yet secure feel. The caramel tones add a warm vibe, which I think makes it look inviting. I’m a fan of how it marries sportiness with a touch of elegance.
#4 Edgy French Braids for Athletic Chic
This look features two tightly woven French braids that stay snug against the head, ensuring nothing gets in the way during a game. The tattooed backdrop adds an edge to the hairstyle, although it's unrelated to the cut. I'm all for this style's practicality and neatness.
#5 Simple Straight-back Braids for Game Time
We have a classic pair of long, straight-back braids that work well to manage longer hair during an active match. The dark red color is consistent throughout, giving a natural and polished appearance. I appreciate the simplicity and low maintenance of this design.
#6 Golden Crown Braid with Sporty Elegance
This braid starts at the crown and works its way down into a neat plait, keeping hair secure and out of the way. I admire the golden blonde color, it shines nicely when out on the court. It's a classic choice that's both practical and stylish for a volleyball player.
#7 Playful Double Dutch Curls for the Field
Here we've got playful half-up, half-down double Dutch braids that flow into loose curls, giving a fun twist to a sporty look. I love how the light brown highlights catch the light. This style mixes neatness on top with free-spirited waves below, perfect for players who want to express their style.
#8 Sleek Ponytail Braid Signals Focus
This hairstyle features a smooth, tight ponytail braid that's all business and no fuss, ideal for keeping your focus during a match. The glossy black hair looks really sleek, which I always think is sharp. It’s a strong look that says you mean business.
#9 Trendy French with Front Accent Braid
You'll see a unique take on the French braid here, with an accent braid across the front that adds a touch of flair. The dark roots fading into lighter ends create a cool contrast. It’s a trendy look that adds personality to a volleyball uniform.
#10 Relaxed Braid-Waves Combo for Easy Style
This style combines a snug braid starting from the front, flowing into waves that bring a relaxed vibe to the game. The mix of braiding and waves in the blonde hair is a winner in my book. It's a great way to keep hair managed while looking effortlessly chic.
#11 Sporty Chunky Pull-through Braid
We've got a chunky pull-through braid here that gives a strong and sporty vibe, perfect for players. The blonde highlights add a cool touch to the look, which I think is super stylish. It's secure for sure, and I'm digging the volume it adds to the hair.
#12 Bubble Ponytail with a Playful Edge
This style features a bubble ponytail that's sleek at the top and playful down the back. I love the contrast between the polished top and the more relaxed, segmented ponytail. It's a fun twist on a classic that keeps hair out of your face when you're serving the ball.
#13 Unique Twist on Classic Volleyball Braid
Here's a braid that starts with slicked-back roots, making sure hair stays in place during the game. The braid transitions to a twist, which adds an unexpected element. I like how it's both neat and a bit different – great for someone who wants to stand out.
#14 Sporty Low Pony with Elastic Accents
The hair is pulled back in a low ponytail, which is great for keeping it secure during a volleyball game. What stands out is the accessory - a series of elastic bands spaced out down the length, adding a playful touch. I think the simplicity of the style, with its straight texture, makes it both practical for sport and stylish for hanging out afterwards.
#15 Minimalist Sleek Ponytail for Pure Focus
We're looking at a super sleek ponytail that shines with its cinnamon brown tone. It's straight and smooth, a no-nonsense style for someone who likes a minimalist vibe. This one’s about as straightforward as it gets, but sometimes, simple is the best way to go.
#16 Classy Low Ponytail with Soft Wave
This style boasts a silky low ponytail that flows into a gentle wave at the end, giving off a sleek yet relaxed vibe. The blend of ash blonde and brown hues is quite eye-catching, offering a nice contrast. I'm fond of its simplicity and elegance, perfect for a classy look on or off the court.
#17 Fun Half-Cornrow with Wavy Drama
We've got a playful side here with a half-cornrow leading into a long wavy ponytail, accented with cute, colorful elastics. The dark, luscious waves offer a dramatic contrast to the sporty braided top. I really like how it's both fierce and fun; it’s a vibrant choice for anyone who wants to bring some personality to their game.
#18 Carefree Messy Bun with Sunny Highlights
This one's a messy bun sitting high on the head, with a few loose strands for a carefree touch. The blonde highlights give it a sunny feel, which I always think looks great. It's a relaxed, easygoing style, ideal for a quick updo that's stylish without trying too hard.
#19 Twisted Half-up Ponytail with Ombre Waves
A smooth, twisted half-up ponytail that cascades into soft waves, it's a hybrid that works for action or chilling out afterward. The ombre from dark to light brown gives it depth and warmth. I appreciate its versatility and the way it keeps hair out of your face with a bit of flair.
#20 Playful French Braid with a Sweet Bow
This hairstyle showcases a French braid with a loose twist, pinned with a sweet, satin bow at the end for a soft finish. The mix of tight and loose braiding creates an interesting texture that's practical yet pretty. I like the added charm of the bow – it’s a whimsical touch for someone with a playful spirit.
#21 Graceful Loose French Braid for the Match
This hairstyle features a loose French braid starting at the top and cascading down, which combines both control and grace. I'm a fan of the dimensional brown shades that give depth to the braid. It's a style that's functional enough to keep hair tamed during a volleyball match and stylish enough for post-game hangouts.
Amy is an hairstylist and the editor-in-chief at Snazzy Lair, where her expertise and leadership are instrumental in shaping the direction of the publication and ensuring its continued success. With over a decade of experience in the hairstyling industry, Amy has honed her craft to perfection. She possesses an innate talent for transforming hair into works of art, and her dedication to her clients' satisfaction knows no bounds.