So here’s the thing about volleyball hair — it needs to work as hard as you do.
I’ve tried basically every hairstyle imaginable during games, and some just don’t cut it when you’re diving for balls.
These 20 cute and easy volleyball hairstyles? They’re the ones that actually stayed put through my entire tournament season.
No joke, I used to show up with what I thought were secure styles, only to finish the first set looking wild.
But these styles? Total game-changers. Let me walk you through my absolute favorites that’ll keep you looking cute and feeling confident on the court.
The Hairstyles That’ll Change Your Game
1. High Ponytail
This classic never fails me during intense games. It keeps everything off your neck and face, which honestly feels amazing when you’re sweating.
Perfect for anyone with medium to long hair who wants maximum movement without the hair drama. I always double up my hair ties for this one.
And actually, the higher you go, the less it’ll swing and hit you in the face when you’re serving.
2. Braided Ponytail
Okay, this one’s my go-to for tournament days. You braid the ponytail itself after securing it high, and it literally doesn’t budge.
I won’t lie, it takes an extra five minutes, but it’s so worth it. The braid adds texture and keeps flyaways under control.
My teammate actually convinced me to try this after I complained about my regular ponytail coming loose. Best decision ever, honestly.
3. French Braid
To be fair, this takes some practice if you’re doing it yourself. But once you nail it? It’s perfect for all-day tournaments.
The French braid volleyball hairstyle keeps every single strand secure from your hairline to the ends. Works beautifully for thick hair especially.
I remember my first attempt was a disaster — super lumpy and uneven. Now I can do it in under ten minutes before practice.
4. Dutch Braids
These are basically inside-out French braids, and they sit flatter against your head. Super practical when you’re constantly moving and jumping.
Perfect for players with longer hair who want everything completely locked down. I do two Dutch braids down the sides, and they last through hours.
Honestly thought these would look too “little girl” on me, but they actually look really athletic and put-together on the court.
5. Double Braids into Ponytail
This style combines the security of braids with the classic ponytail vibe. You braid two sections from the front, then gather everything into a ponytail.
It keeps those annoying front pieces from falling out during games. Works great for medium to thick hair types, and it looks super cute.
My coach actually complimented this one once, which like, never happens. So you know it’s good when even coaches notice your hair game.
6. Messy Bun
Don’t let the name fool you — this volleyball hairstyle is actually really secure when done right. I twist my hair and wrap it tight.
Then I use about four bobby pins and a hair tie to lock it in place. Perfect for those early morning practices when you’re running late.
Honestly saved me so many times when I overslept. Takes literally two minutes, and it stays put through the entire practice session surprisingly well.
7. Low Ponytail
Sometimes simple really is best. The low ponytail sits at the nape of your neck and doesn’t swing around as much as high ones.
I love this for casual practices or when my scalp’s feeling sensitive from wearing high ponytails all week. It’s gentle but still super functional.
And actually, it works amazing under baseball caps if you’re practicing outdoors. My hair doesn’t get caught or pulled weird at all with this placement.
8. Half-Up Ponytail
This style keeps the top section secured while letting the rest flow naturally. Great for shorter hair or layered cuts that won’t fit in regular ponytails.
I use this when I want to feel a bit more relaxed during practice but still need my face clear. Works perfectly for fine hair too.
My best friend with shoulder-length hair swears by this style. She can’t do full ponytails, so this gives her that same secure feeling without forcing anything.
9. Fishtail Braid
This braid looks way more complicated than it actually is. It’s just two sections weaving over each other, and it holds incredibly well during games.
Perfect for anyone who wants something that looks special but stays functional. The texture keeps it from slipping out even when you’re diving constantly.
I wore this to our championship game last year, and it literally didn’t move. Still looked good in all the team photos afterward too.
10. Bubble Ponytail
Okay, this one’s super fun and surprisingly practical. You create “bubbles” down your ponytail by adding hair ties every few inches and gently pulling sections.
It distributes the weight of your hair differently, so you don’t get that ponytail headache. Plus it looks really unique on the court.
Honestly wasn’t sure about this at first — thought it might come undone. But the multiple hair ties actually make it more secure than regular ponytails.
11. Braided Bun
This combines the elegance of a bun with the hold of a braid. I braid my ponytail first, then wrap it into a bun shape.
Perfect for thick hair that feels heavy in regular buns. The braid makes it more compact and way more secure with less bobby pins needed.
I remember doing this for a tournament in humid weather, and while everyone else’s buns were falling apart, mine stayed perfect. Total win.
12. Side Braid
This casual style sweeps everything to one side and braids it down. Super comfortable and keeps hair completely off your shoulders during games.
I love this for practices when I want something easy but still secure. Works great for all hair types, and you can make it tight or loose.
And actually, it doesn’t pull on your scalp the same way center braids do. So if you get headaches from tight styles, try this instead.
13. High Bun
The ballerina-style high bun sits right on top of your head and gives you complete freedom of movement. Nothing touches your neck or shoulders at all.
Perfect for hot gym days when you need maximum airflow. I wrap my hair super tight and secure it with a thick hair tie and bobby pins.
My volleyball coach used to wear this back in her playing days, and now I totally understand why. It’s functional and stays put through everything.
14. Cornrow Braids into Ponytail
These tight braids along your scalp lead into a ponytail at the back. Absolutely nothing moves with this style — it’s locked down completely.
Great for textured hair and anyone who wants a style that lasts multiple days. I’ve seen teammates wear this for entire tournament weekends successfully.
Honestly, this is the most secure volleyball hairstyle on this list. If you need something that won’t budge no matter what, this is it.
15. Ponytail with Headband
Adding a sports headband to your ponytail catches those baby hairs and shorter layers that always seem to escape. Total game-changer for flyaway control.
I use the grippy kind that actually stays in place instead of sliding back. Perfect for anyone with layers or bangs growing out awkwardly.
And it adds a cute pop of color to match your uniform. I’ve got like five different colors now to coordinate with our team gear.
16. Boxer Braids
Two tight braids going straight back — super sporty and incredibly practical. This volleyball hairstyle is everywhere on courts right now for good reason.
Everything stays flat against your head, so there’s zero distraction during plays. Works amazingly for thick, long hair that feels heavy in other styles.
I wore these to a beach volleyball tournament once, and they handled wind, sand, and sweat like absolute champions. Didn’t have to fix them once.
17. Twisted Ponytail
Instead of braiding your ponytail, you twist it tightly and wrap it around the base. Sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly secure and elegant.
Perfect for when you want something different from your usual braid. Takes about the same time but gives you a completely different look on court.
I actually discovered this by accident when I was too tired to braid my hair properly. Turns out the twisted version holds just as well.
18. Low Braided Bun
This sits at the nape of your neck and feels super comfortable during long practices. You braid first, then coil it into a low bun.
Great for anyone who gets headaches from high styles or just wants something gentler on their scalp. Still completely secure for intense games though.
My teammate with really thick hair loves this because it doesn’t create that heavy pulling feeling. She can wear it all day without discomfort.
19. Sleek Ponytail
This polished version uses gel or smoothing cream to slick everything back perfectly. Not a single bump or flyaway — just smooth, secure hair.
Perfect for anyone who wants to look really put-together on the court. I use this for important games and tournaments when photos are happening.
To be honest, it takes a bit more prep time than other styles. But the way it looks and how well it holds? Totally worth those extra minutes.
20. Double Space Buns
Two buns sitting high on your head — fun, playful, and surprisingly practical. They distribute your hair’s weight evenly and keep everything completely off your neck.
Great for thick hair that feels too heavy in one bun. Plus they look super cute and add personality to your volleyball look.
I wasn’t sure about these at first — thought they might look silly. But honestly, they’re adorable and functional, which is the perfect combo for volleyball.
Final Thoughts
So those are my 20 favorite volleyball hairstyles that actually work during real games and practices.
Each one’s been tested through tournaments, practices, and those brutal conditioning sessions where everything gets sweaty and intense.
Honestly, finding the right hairstyle makes such a difference in how confident you feel on the court.
Which one are you thinking of trying for your next game? I’d genuinely love to hear which styles work best for you!
