19 Volleyball Hairstyles That Stay in Place

Volleyball hairstyles need to be cute, secure, and practical enough to survive every serve, jump, dive, and rally. The best styles keep hair away from the face, stay comfortable under movement, and still look good for team photos, tournaments, and game-day confidence.

Whether your hair is short, medium, long, curly, or braided, the right hairstyle can make playing feel easier.

For Pinterest-inspired volleyball hair, think strong ponytails, braids, buns, bubble styles, headbands, and sleek details that hold through intense activity.

These hairstyles are perfect for practices, matches, tournaments, school games, and club volleyball days. Save these ideas when you need sporty hairstyles that stay in place and still look stylish.

1. High Braided Ponytail

A high braided ponytail is one of the best volleyball hairstyles because it keeps hair lifted, controlled, and away from the face. The high placement feels sporty and energetic, while the braid prevents the ponytail from swinging too wildly during movement.

This style works especially well for long hair because it controls length without sacrificing a cute game-day look.

To create this hairstyle, brush the hair into a high ponytail and secure it tightly with a strong elastic. Braid the ponytail all the way down and tie the end with another elastic.

A little gel or hairspray around the hairline can help control flyaways. This hairstyle is perfect for volleyball players who want a practical look that stays neat through warmups, games, and photos.

2. Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids are a classic volleyball hairstyle because they keep every section of hair secure. The braids sit close to the scalp, which helps prevent hair from falling into your face during fast plays.

This style is great for long or medium hair and works especially well for practices, tournaments, and long game days when you need serious hold.

To style it, part the hair down the middle and create a Dutch braid on each side, crossing sections under instead of over. Keep the braids snug but not painfully tight.

Secure the ends with strong elastics and add a headband if you have shorter front pieces. This hairstyle is perfect when you want sporty hair that looks cute, clean, and fully locked in.

3. Low Braided Bun

A low braided bun is perfect for volleyball players who want hair completely off their neck. The braid adds structure before the bun is wrapped, which helps the style stay secure during jumping and diving.

This look is especially useful for thick or long hair because it reduces swinging and keeps everything compact. It feels neat, practical, and polished.

To create it, pull the hair into a low ponytail, braid the length, then wrap the braid into a bun at the nape. Use pins and an extra elastic to keep it secure.

A little hairspray can help smooth loose pieces around the sides. This hairstyle is ideal for players who want a no-distraction look that stays in place through an entire match.

4. Bubble Ponytail

A bubble ponytail is a fun volleyball hairstyle that looks cute while keeping hair controlled. The elastic sections prevent long hair from flying everywhere, making the ponytail easier to manage during quick movement.

It is a great choice if you want something more interesting than a basic ponytail but still need the style to stay secure during practice or games.

To create this look, pull the hair into a high or mid ponytail, then add elastics every few inches down the length. Gently pull each section outward to form soft bubbles.

Use strong elastics so the bubbles do not slide during play. This hairstyle is perfect for volleyball players who want a sporty, trendy look that keeps long hair contained.

5. Sleek High Ponytail

A sleek high ponytail is simple, sporty, and always reliable for volleyball. It pulls hair away from the face and keeps the overall look clean during movement.

This style works well for straight, wavy, or slightly curled hair, especially when you need something fast before practice. It is a classic option that looks good with uniforms and team accessories.

To make the ponytail stay in place, use a strong elastic and secure it tightly at the crown. Brush the front smooth and apply a little gel or hairspray if your hair slips easily.

For extra hold, use two elastics instead of one. This hairstyle is perfect for players who want quick game-day hair that feels comfortable, clean, and easy to redo.

6. French Braid Ponytail

A French braid ponytail combines the security of a braid with the movement of a ponytail. The braid starts at the crown and keeps the top section controlled, while the ponytail adds a sporty finish. This style is great for players who struggle with front pieces falling loose during a match. It works well for medium and long hair.

To style it, French braid the top section from the hairline toward the crown, then gather the remaining hair into a ponytail. Secure everything tightly with an elastic and smooth the sides with a brush. You can braid the ponytail too if you want extra control. This hairstyle is perfect when you want hair that feels secure at the roots but still has movement.

7. Braided Headband Ponytail

A braided headband ponytail is perfect for keeping small front pieces away from your face. The braid acts like a built-in headband, while the rest of the hair stays pulled into a ponytail. This hairstyle is especially useful if you have layers, bangs, or shorter pieces that usually escape during volleyball. It looks cute but still works hard.

To create it, braid a small section along the front hairline and pin or tie it near the side. Then gather the rest of the hair into a high or mid ponytail. Add a real headband for even more security if needed. This hairstyle is perfect for players who want a practical style with a pretty detail that holds through movement.

8. Double Braided Ponytails

Double braided ponytails are cute, sporty, and secure for volleyball. The two-braid style keeps hair balanced on both sides and prevents one heavy ponytail from pulling at the scalp. This hairstyle works well for medium and long hair, especially for younger players or anyone who likes a playful athletic look. It is practical and easy to recreate.

To style it, part the hair down the middle and secure each side into a ponytail before braiding the lengths. You can place the ponytails high for a fun look or lower for comfort. Use strong elastics at the top and ends so the braids stay tight during play. This hairstyle is perfect for practices, tournaments, and team spirit days.

9. Boxer Braids

Boxer braids are one of the most secure hairstyles for volleyball because they keep hair close to the head. The tight braids reduce movement, prevent tangles, and keep the face clear during intense games. This style works especially well for long hair or thick hair that can become distracting in a regular ponytail. It feels strong, sporty, and confident.

To create boxer braids, part the hair down the middle and braid each side tightly from the hairline to the ends. Use gel around the front if you want a cleaner finish. Make sure the braids are secure but not too tight at the scalp. This hairstyle is perfect for volleyball players who need maximum hold for long tournaments or competitive matches.

10. Half-Up Braided Ponytail

A half-up braided ponytail is great when you want the top section controlled but still prefer some softness in the style. The braid keeps the front from falling into your eyes, while the ponytail holds the rest of the hair securely. This look works well for medium-length hair, layered hair, or styles that do not fit perfectly into one braid.

To style it, braid the top section back from the hairline and secure it into a ponytail with the rest of the hair. Use a strong elastic and add bobby pins if any pieces feel loose. You can keep the ponytail straight, wavy, or braided for extra hold. This hairstyle is perfect for volleyball players who want a balanced mix of cute and practical.

11. Low Sporty Ponytail with Headband

A low sporty ponytail with a headband is simple, comfortable, and great for volleyball practice. The low ponytail keeps the hair controlled without pulling too hard at the crown, while the headband holds shorter front pieces in place. This hairstyle works well for short, medium, and long hair, especially when you need something quick before heading to the court.

To make it stay secure, use a strong elastic at the nape of the neck and choose a no-slip athletic headband. Smooth the hair back with a brush and add a little hairspray if needed. This style is not overly fancy, but it is reliable and easy. It is perfect for players who want a comfortable hairstyle that stays neat during drills and games.

12. Dutch Braid Bun

A Dutch braid bun is a strong choice when you want hair fully secured and off the shoulders. The Dutch braid adds hold through the top, while the bun keeps the ends tucked away. This style is perfect for volleyball because it reduces distractions and keeps hair from swinging during fast plays. It also looks neat for tournaments and team photos.

To create it, Dutch braid from the front of the head toward the back, then gather the remaining hair into a bun. Use pins, elastics, and hairspray for extra hold. The braid can be centered or slightly angled depending on your preference. This hairstyle is perfect for players with medium or long hair who need a secure style with a polished athletic finish.

13. High Bun with Braided Wrap

A high bun with a braided wrap is cute, secure, and perfect for keeping hair off the face and neck. The bun keeps everything lifted, while the braid around the base adds detail and extra hold. This hairstyle is great for long hair because it prevents the ends from swinging during jumps and dives. It looks sporty but still polished.

To style it, pull the hair into a high ponytail, leave one small section out, and twist the rest into a bun. Braid the loose section and wrap it around the bun base before pinning it securely. Use extra bobby pins if your hair is thick. This hairstyle is perfect for volleyball players who want a secure updo that still looks cute.

14. Cornrow Ponytail

A cornrow ponytail is a great volleyball hairstyle because it keeps the hair secure, neat, and protected. The cornrows stay close to the scalp, which helps prevent loose pieces from falling during movement. The ponytail adds length and style while still keeping the look practical for games. This style works beautifully for natural hair and protective styling.

To make this hairstyle game-ready, the braids should be firm but comfortable. The ponytail can be braided, curly, or left straight depending on preference. A satin scarf at night can help keep the braids fresh between practices. This hairstyle is perfect for volleyball players who want a protective style that holds well, looks polished, and stays out of the way.

15. Short Hair Mini Braids

Short hair can still be styled securely for volleyball with mini braids. Small braids at the front or sides help control shorter pieces that might fall into the face during play. This style is especially helpful for bobs, lobs, pixies with length, or layered short hair. It keeps the look sporty while adding a cute braided detail.

To create this hairstyle, braid two or three small front sections and pin them back with bobby pins or small elastics. Add a no-slip headband if your layers need extra control. The rest of the hair can be left natural, tucked back, or lightly clipped. This style is perfect for short-haired volleyball players who need a secure option that still feels stylish.

16. Rope Twist Ponytail

A rope twist ponytail is a sleek and secure alternative to a regular braid. The twist creates a polished shape while keeping long hair controlled during volleyball. It is quicker than a detailed braid but still prevents the ponytail from flying around too much. This style works best for medium to long hair and looks especially clean with a smooth base.

To style it, pull the hair into a ponytail, divide the length into two sections, twist each section, then wrap them around each other. Secure the end tightly with an elastic. Add gel or hairspray to smooth the front if needed. This hairstyle is perfect for volleyball players who want a simple, athletic look that feels sleek, strong, and easy to do.

17. Secure Claw Clip Twist

A secure claw clip twist can work for light volleyball practice or warmups when you want hair quickly off your neck. It is best for lower-intensity drills, stretching, or casual play because it may not hold as strongly as braids or buns during heavy diving. Still, it is a useful style for medium and thick hair on busy practice days.

To make it more secure, twist the hair tightly upward and use a strong athletic claw clip with good grip. Add bobby pins around loose sections if needed. Avoid loose decorative clips that can slide out during movement. This hairstyle is perfect when you need a quick volleyball-ready option before practice, especially if you plan to change into a tighter style later.

18. Braided Pigtail Buns

Braided pigtail buns are cute, secure, and great for keeping hair balanced during volleyball. The hair is divided into two sections, braided, and wrapped into buns on each side. This style keeps the hair compact and prevents one heavy bun or ponytail from pulling too much. It works well for medium and long hair, especially during active practices.

To create it, part the hair down the middle, braid each side, then wrap each braid into a low bun. Secure the buns with elastics and pins so they do not loosen during play. A headband can help keep front pieces controlled. This hairstyle is perfect for volleyball players who want a fun, sporty look that stays in place and keeps hair fully tucked away.

19. Sleek Braided Low Ponytail

A sleek braided low ponytail is simple, secure, and great for volleyball players who prefer a lower style. The low placement feels comfortable, while the braid keeps the length controlled. This style works well for long hair because it prevents tangling and reduces movement during play. It also looks clean enough for team photos and game-day uniforms.

To style it, smooth the hair into a low ponytail and braid the length tightly. Secure the end with a strong elastic and use gel or hairspray to control flyaways around the hairline. For extra hold, wrap the base with another elastic or a small braid. This hairstyle is perfect for players who want reliable volleyball hair that feels neat, comfortable, and easy to maintain.

Conclusion

Volleyball hairstyles need to stay secure, feel comfortable, and keep hair away from your face during every play. Braids, ponytails, buns, headbands, and twist styles are all great options because they reduce distractions and help hair hold through movement. The best style depends on your hair length, texture, and how intense the game or practice will be.

For maximum hold, choose double Dutch braids, boxer braids, braided buns, or cornrow ponytails. For quick practice days, try a sleek ponytail, low ponytail with a headband, or rope twist ponytail. With the right elastics, pins, and smoothing products, volleyball hair can stay in place and still look completely Pinterest-worthy.