13 Cute Hairstyles for Volleyball That Won't Quit

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1. The Upgraded Power Ponytail

A classic for a reason, but we’re taking it to the next level. A simple, low ponytail will whip around and loosen. A high, tight power pony is the foundation of many great hairstyles for athletes, keeping your hair locked down and away.

How to Perfect It:

Step 1: Get Some Grip: Start with day-two hair or add a bit of texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots. This prevents the hair tie from slipping.

Step 2: Find the Sweet Spot: For maximum security and a "snatched" look, align the base of your ponytail with the top of your cheekbones. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth out all bumps.

Step 3: Double Up on Security: Use two hair ties. The first one gets the ponytail tight, and the second one locks it in place. For even more hold, try a bungee cord hair tie.

Pro-Tip: Take a small, half-inch section of hair from the underside of your ponytail, wrap it around the base to hide the hair ties, and secure it with a bobby pin. It’s a small detail that looks incredibly polished.

2. The Undefeated Dutch Braid Duo

When it comes to braids for volleyball, two tight Dutch braids (also known as boxer braids) are the gold standard for a reason. They distribute the weight of your hair, stay completely flat against your head, and look undeniably fierce.

Why It’s a Game-Changer:

Total Lockdown: Nothing is getting out of these braids. Every strand is woven in securely, meaning zero hair in your face.

Comfort: Unlike a single high pony that can pull on one spot, these braids distribute the tension, reducing the risk of a mid-game headache.

The Method:

Part your hair cleanly down the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck.

Working on one side at a time, take a small section at your hairline and begin a Dutch braid (crossing the strands under the middle piece, not over).

Continue braiding down, grabbing small, even sections of hair and adding them to the outer strands before you cross them under. Keep the braid tight to your scalp.

Secure the end with a small, clear elastic. Repeat on the other side.

Pro-Tip: Gently tug on the edges of the braids before you start playing to give them a fuller, more "pancaked" look without sacrificing security.

3. The Bubble Braid Ponytail

Want the security of a ponytail but with way more style? The bubble braid is your answer. It's one of the easiest and fastest ways to upgrade your look while keeping flyaways completely under control. This is a top-tier game day hair choice.

How to Create the Bubbles:

Start with a high, tight power ponytail (see style #1).

About two inches down from your main hair tie, add another small, clear elastic.

Gently pull the hair between the two elastics apart to create a round "bubble."

Continue adding elastics every two inches down the length of your ponytail, creating more bubbles as you go.

Pro-Tip: For extra team spirit, use elastics that match your jersey colors!

4. The French Braid to Ponytail Combo

This hybrid style gives you the best of both worlds: the sleek, secure top of a French braid and the free-swinging movement of a ponytail. It’s perfect for keeping the hair at your crown and hairline completely locked down.

The Execution:

Section off the top part of your hair, from your hairline to your crown.

Start a French braid (crossing strands over the middle) at your hairline.

Continue the braid until you reach the crown of your head (where you’d normally place a high ponytail).

Stop braiding and gather all your hair—the braided section and the loose hair—into a high ponytail. Secure it tightly.

Pro-Tip: Use a smoothing cream on the ponytail portion to tame frizz and add shine. [link to internal post about taming frizz during sports].

5. The Sleek High Bun

For players who want absolutely zero distractions, the high bun is an elegant and powerful choice. When done right, it won’t budge, no matter how many times you dive for the ball. This is a truly secure hairstyle for sports.

Steps for a No-Slip Bun:

Step 1: The Foundation: Start with a very tight, very high power ponytail. This is non-negotiable for a secure bun.

Step 2: Twist and Wrap: Tightly twist the ponytail into a rope. Then, wrap this rope around the base of the hair tie.

Step 3: Secure Everything: Don't rely on just one hair tie. Use another hair tie over the entire bun. Then, use 4-6 sturdy bobby pins (try spin pins for incredible hold) and push them into the base of the bun to secure it to the hair on your head.

Pro-Tip: Finish with a light mist of a strong-hold, humidity-resistant hairspray to lock in any flyaways around your hairline.

6. The Braided Headband

Don't want to commit to a full-on braid? A braided headband is the perfect accent to keep bangs and front layers out of your eyes while wearing the rest of your hair in a ponytail or bun.

How to Weave It:

Create a deep side part.

On the side with more hair, take a one to two-inch section along your hairline.

French or Dutch braid this section along your hairline, heading towards your ear.

Once you pass your ear, continue with a regular three-strand braid until the end.

Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic, then pull it back and incorporate it into your main ponytail or bun.

Pro-Tip: If your hair is on the shorter side, you can just braid to your ear and then pin the end of the braid securely underneath the rest of your hair.

7. The Fishtail Braid Ponytail

The fishtail braid looks incredibly intricate and stylish, but it's surprisingly simple to create. It offers a different texture than a standard braid and is fantastic for keeping hair contained and looking sharp.

The Technique:

Start with your classic high ponytail.

Split the ponytail into two equal sections.

Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section, cross it over to the right, and join it with the right section.

Now, take a small piece from the outside of the right section, cross it over to the left, and join it with the left section.

Repeat this pattern all the way down and secure the end. The smaller the pieces you cross over, the more intricate the braid will look.

Pro-Tip: Don’t worry about perfection. A slightly messy, "undone" fishtail can look even cooler and more athletic.

8. The Sporty Half-Up for Shorter Hair

For athletes with lobs, bobs, or shoulder-length hair, a full ponytail might not be an option. This is where the sporty half-up, half-down style becomes a cute hairstyle for volleyball lifesaver.

How to Secure It:

Gather the top half of your hair, from your temples to your crown.

Instead of just a simple tie, give it a twist or a small French/Dutch braid at the top for extra security before securing it with an elastic. This prevents it from slipping.

Use snap clips or a stylish headband to catch any shorter layers around your face that didn't make it into the half-pony.

Pro-Tip: This is one of the best short hair volleyball styles. Using a wide, sweat-wicking athletic headband with this style can keep the bottom half of your hair from sticking to your neck. [link to authoritative external review of best athletic headbands].

9. The Braided Top Knot

This is the next-level version of the sleek high bun. It's virtually indestructible and adds a beautiful, textured detail that will stand out on the court.

Building the Braid:

Start with that super-high, super-tight power ponytail.

Braid the entire ponytail into a standard three-strand braid and secure the end.

Now, treat the braid like a rope. Wrap it around the base to form a bun. The braided texture will give it more volume and visual interest.

Secure with another hair tie and plenty of bobby pins, just like a regular bun.

Pro-Tip: After creating the braid but before you wrap it, gently pull on the edges to "pancake" it. This will make your final bun look much fuller and more intricate.

10. The Pull-Through Braid

This style looks like a complex braid but uses zero braiding skills! It’s created with a series of small ponytails, making it incredibly secure and voluminous. It’s a guaranteed "How did you do that?!" look.

The Ponytail Method:

Start with a small ponytail at your crown.

About an inch below it, create a second ponytail.

Split the top ponytail in two, and pull the bottom ponytail up through the split. Clip the bottom ponytail on top of your head to keep it out of the way.

Release the two halves of the top pony. Create a new ponytail by grabbing them and adding another section of hair from the sides.

Now, release the pony you clipped up. This is now your "top" ponytail. Repeat the process of splitting it and pulling the new bottom pony through.

Continue all the way down your head and secure.

Pro-Tip: This is another great style for using team-colored elastics to show your spirit.

11. The Faux Hawk Ponytail (or Braid)

For a seriously edgy and fierce look, the faux hawk is unbeatable. It concentrates all the detail and volume along the center of your head, looking both stylish and aggressive.

How to Style It:

Section off a two-to-three-inch-wide panel of hair down the center of your head, from hairline to crown.

You can either create a tight Dutch or French braid within this section or create a series of interconnected "pull-through" sections.

Once you reach the crown, gather the rest of your hair with the end of the braided/detailed section into a high ponytail.

Pro-Tip: Tease the roots in the center panel before braiding to create even more height and volume for a dramatic faux hawk effect.

12. Double Buns (Space Buns)

Fun, youthful, and surprisingly secure. Space buns keep all your hair off your neck and distribute the weight evenly, just like double braids. They’re a fantastic choice for practice or tournaments.

How to Keep Them in Place:

Part your hair down the middle. Create two high pigtails, making sure they are even.

For each pigtail, twist the hair and wrap it into a small bun, securing each with an individual hair tie.

Use bobby pins to lock each bun in place against your head.

Pro-Tip: Braid the pigtails before you twist them into buns for an even more secure hold and a cool, textured look.

13. Headband and a Low Ponytail

Sometimes simplicity wins, especially when you’re short on time. For players with flyaways or bangs, pairing a reliable headband with a simple low pony is a classic volleyball hair strategy.

Making It Work:

The Headband is Key: Don't use a flimsy fashion headband. Opt for a wide, athletic headband with a silicone grip on the inside. This will not slip.

The Ponytail Placement: A low ponytail at the nape of your neck is less likely to interfere with diving or floor work than a mid-level pony.

The Tie: Use a spiral hair tie (like an Invisibobble) for a low ponytail. It holds securely without creating a massive ponytail headache or leaving a harsh crease. [link to an external study on hair-friendly hair ties].

Pro-Tip: Place the headband first, then pull your hair into the ponytail. This helps lock the headband in place under your hair for the entire match.

Conclusion

Your focus on the court should be on your game, not your hair. With these 13 cute hairstyles for volleyball, you never have to choose between looking great and playing your best. From indestructible braids to powerful ponytails, there's a style here that matches your personality and can withstand your intensity.

Now you have the playbook for perfect game-day hair. You can walk onto that court feeling confident, secure, and ready to dominate, knowing your hair is the last thing you'll have to worry about.

Which hairstyle are you going to try for your next practice or game? Did we miss your go-to style? Let us know in the comments below!