Volleyball Hairstyles: 15 Pretty Ideas for Game Day
Volleyball hair has to work harder than regular hair.
It needs to stay off your face through serving, diving, sweating, and celebrating.
These 15 styles keep things practical without losing the cute game-day feeling.
Mini Elastic Ponytail with Crown Sections
This ponytail is simple, but the little crown sections make it much more secure.
The small elastics catch the shorter top pieces that usually fall loose during a match.
It is a good option when you want hair down in the ponytail but need the front controlled.
Best for: Medium to long straight hair that slips out of one plain ponytail.
Keeps it in place: Use small snag-free elastics before adding the main ponytail holder.
Double Dutch Braids into a Ponytail
Double Dutch braids are one of the safest choices for volleyball hair.
They keep the top flat and secure, so there is less fixing between points.
Leaving the ends in a ponytail makes the style quicker than braiding all the way down.
Works great if: You need your hair to stay tight through a full game.
Holds better with: A little styling cream on the roots before braiding.
Side Braids into a High Team Bun
The two side braids pull the front pieces away from the face before the hair goes up.
A high bun keeps the length completely off the neck, which helps during hot indoor games.
The team ribbon adds spirit without getting in the way of play.
Best for: Long hair that feels too heavy in a ponytail during games.
Game-day tip: Tie the ribbon around the base, not through the bun, so it stays secure.
Double Braided Ponytail with Wrapped Base
This style uses two braids on top before joining everything into one ponytail.
The wrapped base gives it a cleaner finish and helps the ponytail feel more anchored.
It is useful when you want a sporty style that still looks polished from the back.
Good to know: The wrapped base works best with an extra elastic underneath for support.
Stays put through: Warm-ups, drills, and fast movement across the court.
Side Dutch Braid with Low Ponytail
A side Dutch braid gives this low ponytail proper grip around the crown.
It keeps the hair secure without needing every section pulled tight.
This is a nice choice for players who prefer a lower ponytail under a hoodie or warm-up top.
Comfortable all day: Keep the ponytail low enough that it does not press into the back of your head.
Quick styling: Braid only the front and side sections if you are short on time.
Loose Braid with a Low Scrunchie Ponytail
This one has a softer feel, but it still keeps the sides pulled back.
The loose braid adds grip while the low ponytail keeps the length easy to manage.
It is better for practice, travel days, or warm-ups than a very intense match.
Works great if: You want a sporty style that still feels relaxed.
Pro tip: Swap the soft scrunchie for a stronger elastic before game time.
High Ponytail with Front Braided Rows
The front braid rows make this high ponytail feel extra secure.
They stop the hairline pieces from moving, even when the ponytail swings.
A small braid through the ponytail adds detail without making the style heavy.
Best for: Long hair that needs strong control at the front.
Keeps it smooth: Brush the sides tightly upward before tying the ponytail.
High Bun with Front Braid Detail
A high bun is a practical choice when you do not want hair hitting your shoulders.
The small front braid helps hold the hairline in place during jumping and serving.
The scrunchie makes the bun look softer, but the base still needs to be tight underneath.
Game-day tip: Use a strong elastic first, then place the scrunchie over it.
Good to know: This works best when the bun sits high but not loose.
Simple High Bun for Practice
This is the no-fuss volleyball bun that always makes sense.
It keeps the neck clear and stops long hair from sticking to sweat during practice.
A slightly messy finish is fine here because the point is comfort and control.
Takes about: Two minutes when the hair is already brushed up.
Holds better with: Two elastics if your hair is thick or heavy.
Sleek High Ponytail with Curled Ends
This high ponytail looks clean from the sides and still has movement at the ends.
The smooth base keeps flyaways controlled, while the curled ponytail gives it a little bounce.
It is a good style for game photos when you want sporty but polished hair.
For that finish: Smooth the crown with gel or styling cream before tying the ponytail.
Works great if: Your hair holds a curl but still needs a tight base.
Headband Braid with Low Team Ponytail
The braid across the top acts like a built-in headband.
A real headband over it adds extra hold, which is useful for outdoor games or windy days.
The low ponytail keeps the rest of the hair simple and easy to retie if needed.
Best for: Fine hair that needs both braid grip and headband support.
Keeps it in place: Choose a no-slip sports headband instead of a loose fabric one.
Glitter Braid into a Low Bun
This low bun feels like a team-spirit version of a practical game style.
The side braid keeps the hair smooth across the top before it tucks into the bun.
Glitter adds fun for tournaments, senior nights, or team photo days.
Good to know: Use hair-safe glitter and keep it away from the eyes.
Stays put through: Matches where you want the hair completely off your neck.
Bubble Ponytail with Front Elastic Sections
This bubble ponytail is playful but still very practical.
The front elastic sections hold the hairline flat, while the bubble lengths stop the ponytail from tangling as much.
Star clips add personality for team events, spirit days, or younger players.
Morning hack: Use team-colour elastics to make the style feel match-ready.
Easy to maintain: Tighten each bubble gently before warm-ups start.
Messy High Bun for Match Days
This high bun is easy, athletic, and realistic for long tournaments.
It does not need to look perfect to do its job.
The lifted placement keeps hair off the face while still feeling comfortable between sets.
Quick styling: Pull the hair up, twist loosely, then secure with a strong elastic and pins if needed.
Comfortable all day: Avoid placing the bun too far back if you will be leaning against seats between games.
Sleek Side Braid with Low Bun
This sleek style gives a more polished take on volleyball hair.
The side braid adds hold through the top, while the low bun keeps all the length tucked away.
It is a good choice for team photos, banquet days, or players who prefer a very neat finish.
For that finish: Smooth the sides before braiding so the style looks clean from every angle.
Holds better with: A firm gel and plenty of pins through the bun base.