15 Volleyball Hairstyles That Won’t Quit Mid-Match

Volleyball asks a lot of your hair. You dive, you jump, you whip your head around for every dig, and most hairstyles give up somewhere in the second set. These 15 court-tested styles are built to stay locked in from the first serve to the final point, so you can stop fixing your hair and start winning rallies.

Double French Braids That Lock Down

Two French braids parted down the middle are the court classic for a reason. The hair lies flat from forehead to nape, so dives and jump serves cannot shake anything loose, and the ends tuck under or wrap with elastics to keep them from whipping across your face. This suits thick hair best since each braid spreads the weight evenly, though it works on medium lengths too. Braid damp hair with a little gel at the hairline, and cross two bobby pins in an X at the crown before warmups so the first rally never loosens a thing. If braids are your game-day favorite, these braided hairstyles offer more intricate ideas.

The High Power Ponytail

A high ponytail pulled tight at the crown is the fastest game-day fix there is. All the length sits up and away from your neck so serves and spikes never get tangled, and the swing of it actually adds momentum to your movement instead of dragging you back. It flatters long hair most, and layered cuts blend right in. Use a strong elastic, then wrap a strand of your own hair around the base and pin it for a polished finish. A spritz of hairspray along the part line keeps flyaways down through all three sets.

Bubble Braid Ponytail

The bubble braid turns a basic ponytail into a style that refuses to unravel. You start with a regular high ponytail, then add elastics every few inches and puff each section out into a rounded bubble that absorbs movement instead of loosening from it. It is made for long hair that normally slips out of ordinary ties mid-match. Stretchy fabric elastics grip best and hurt less coming out. Tease each bubble lightly from underneath for fullness, and mist the whole thing with flexible-hold spray before you step on the court.

The Slicked-Down Bun

A tight high bun is the closest thing to wearing a helmet without wearing one. Everything gets brushed up, twisted, and pinned flush against the head, so there is nothing for the net or your own arms to catch on during blocks and digs. Round faces look especially balanced with the height at the crown. Work a smoothing serum through damp hair first, twist in the same direction, and anchor the coil with large bobby pins pushed deep into the base. A scrunchie over the top adds a second layer of insurance. For everyday updos with the same stay-put polish, these easy medium length updos are worth saving.

Single Dutch Braid

One Dutch braid down the back gives you braid security without the center part. Because the braid sits on top of the hair rather than woven inside it, the plait looks fuller and stays tighter through long rallies, ending in a tail you can tuck under your jersey collar. It suits medium to long hair and fine textures that slip out of French braids. Keep even tension from the hairline to the nape, and dab a pea-sized drop of pomade on the finished braid to seal flyaways before the first serve.

Fishtail Braid Over the Shoulder

A fishtail braid draped over one shoulder looks intricate but behaves like a team player. The alternating thin sections lock together tighter than a three-strand braid, so the tail stays in one piece through dives, and resting it forward keeps it clear of your hitting arm. This one rewards longer hair, though extensions blend in seamlessly if yours is short. Start braiding just below the ear instead of at the nape for the draped effect, and loosen the edges with your fingertips for that full, effortless width.

Boxer Braids with a Headband

Boxer braids paired with a wide headband double up on security. The two Dutch braids keep the sides and back locked flat, while the headband catches sweat and pins down baby hairs along the forehead before they can fall into your eyes during a block. It is ideal for anyone with lots of flyaways or layers growing out. Braid each side tightly from the hairline, then slide the headband a finger’s width behind the hairline so it grips instead of sliding. Choose a non-slip athletic band with silicone strips inside.

Sleek Low Tucked Ponytail

A low ponytail tucked into itself at the nape is the quiet overachiever of court hairstyles. It sits below headband lines, stays out of your peripheral vision, and the tucked loop means there is no swinging tail to hit your face when you whip around for a dig. Shorter hair that cannot hold an updo works beautifully here. Gather hair low with a soft brush, loop it once through the elastic without pulling through, and fan the loop flat. A few crossed pins keep the loop from popping out in set three. For a polished off-court version, these low ponytail hairstyles keep things elegant.

Braided High Bun

A high bun wrapped in a woven braid gives you the best of both worlds. The braid circling the base acts like a built-in hair tie that grips the coil from every angle, so the bun survives jump after jump without the slow sagging a plain bun gets. Thick, heavy hair that usually drags buns downward finally stays put. Braid a small section first, coil the rest into the bun, then wrap the braid around the base and pin it in place. Finish with strong-hold spray aimed at the base, not the top.

Cornrows into a Low Ponytail

Cornrows braided straight back into a low ponytail are practically indestructible. Every section is anchored to the scalp from front to back, so nothing shifts during floor dives or scrambles, and the ponytail at the nape is short enough to stay clear of everything. This is the top pick for textured hair worn natural or with extensions. Keep parts neat and even, braid with consistent tension to avoid pulling, and moisturize the scalp the night before. Tie the ponytail with a snag-free band to protect the ends.

High Side Ponytail

A high side ponytail looks playful but plays serious defense. Shifting the base just off center keeps the tail clear of your hitting shoulder so serves fly clean, and the asymmetry actually balances the ponytail’s weight so it swings with you instead of against you. It suits heart-shaped faces and medium to long hair. Brush everything toward one side at the temple level, secure with two stacked elastics for extra grip, and curl the ends lightly so the tail reads polished rather than rushed.

Half-Up Topknot with a Braid

The half-up topknot with a braided tail splits the difference between up and down. The top section twists into a secure knot that keeps hair off your forehead, while the remaining length hangs in a braid that cannot tangle around your arms mid-play. Girls growing out bangs or layers love this one since every short piece gets swept up. Twist the top half into a knot at the crown, pin it firmly, then braid the loose hair straight down the back. Tug the knot outward slightly for volume that still holds.

Ribbon-Tied Dutch Pigtails

Two Dutch pigtails tied with ribbon bring team spirit and staying power in one look. The braids lock each side flat from temple to nape, and the ribbon knots at the ends add friction that stops elastics from sliding off during long rallies. Pick ribbon in your team colors for instant uniform coordination. Braid from the front hairline back with firm, even tension, then weave the ribbon through the last few crosses of each braid before tying it off. A dot of clear nail polish on the ribbon ends stops fraying.

Slicked-Back Short Hair with a Headband

Short hair does not need length to stay locked in. Brushing everything straight back with a strong-hold product and topping it with a wide fabric headband keeps even pixie cuts and bobs completely clear of the face through every dive. The sleek finish also reads sharp and intentional rather than gym-messy. It suits fine hair that slips out of pins and anyone in the awkward grow-out phase. Apply gel to damp hair, comb it back smooth, and set the headband an inch behind the hairline. Carry a spare band for back-to-back tournament matches.

Twisted Rope Braid Chignon

A rope braid coiled into a low chignon is the most elegant option that still survives a match. Twisting two sections around each other creates a braid that tightens on itself under movement instead of loosening, and pinning the coil at the nape keeps it clear of everything above. It flatters oval faces and works on medium hair that slips out of buns. Twist both strands in the same direction, coil them against each other, then pin the chignon with U-pins pushed into the base from four sides. Mist lightly with flexible spray so the twist keeps its shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my hair from coming loose during a volleyball match?

Braid it or pin it close to the scalp. Braids anchor the hair along its whole length, and buns or tucked ponytails remove loose ends that unravel during dives. Always start on slightly damp hair with a little gel or serum, and use fabric-covered elastics plus crossed bobby pins at stress points like the crown and nape.

What is the best hairstyle for thick hair in volleyball?

Double French braids or a braided high bun. Both spread heavy hair across the scalp instead of letting it hang from one point, which stops the slow downward drag that loosens ponytails. If your hair is very long, a bubble braid also works because the sectioned elastics share the load.

Can I play volleyball with short hair?

Absolutely. Slick it back with gel and add a wide athletic headband with silicone grip strips. Even pixie cuts stay put this way, and the headband catches sweat that would otherwise push hair into your eyes. Keep a spare band in your kit bag for tournament days.

Should I wear a headband with braids?

It helps, especially along the hairline. Braids lock the back and sides, but baby hairs and sweat still creep forward during long rallies. A non-slip headband worn a finger’s width behind the hairline handles both without undoing your braids.

How do I stop flyaways and baby hairs mid-game?

Prep is everything. Smooth gel or edge control along the hairline before you braid or tie up, and finish with a light mist of strong-hold hairspray. During breaks, a quick swipe with a spare toothbrush sprayed with hairspray tames anything that pops up without wrecking the style.

What should I avoid wearing in my hair for volleyball?

Skip hard plastic claws, metal barrettes, and anything with sharp edges. They can hurt you or a teammate on contact and many leagues ban them. Stick to soft fabric elastics, scrunchies, ribbon, and bobby pins with rounded tips.

Conclusion

The best volleyball hairstyle is the one you forget about the moment the whistle blows. Whether you go for locked-down braids, a slicked bun, or a headbanded short cut, pick a style that matches your hair length and texture, prep it on damp hair, and pin the stress points. Do that, and your hair will last every set as long as you do.