Volleyball is one of those sports where your hair can genuinely get in your way if you are not careful. Between diving for balls, jumping at the net, and spinning around to track every play, your hair needs to be completely out of the picture. Not just tied back loosely and hoping for the best, but actually secured and locked in from the first serve to the last point.
The good news is that some of the best volleyball hairstyles are also the cutest ones. Whether you have long hair that needs to be fully controlled, short hair that barely reaches a ponytail, natural curls, or medium length hair that sits awkwardly in between, there is a style on this list that was made for you. These are 16 volleyball hairstyles that players actually wear, love, and can pull off before an early morning practice without spending forever in the bathroom.
1. Classic High Ponytail
The high ponytail is the ultimate volleyball hairstyles ponytail option because it is fast, reliable, and keeps every strand completely out of your face during play. Pull everything up to the crown of your head, wrap a thick strong elastic around it twice, and you are done in under two minutes.
The trick to making a high ponytail last through a full match is using the right elastic. Thin ones snap and slide. Go for a thick sports elastic and wrap it an extra time if your hair is heavy. A little dry shampoo at the roots before you pull it up gives extra grip and keeps the whole thing from sliding down during long rallies. This is also one of the most popular volleyball hairstyles for long hair because all that length gets completely out of the way.
2. Dutch Braid Into Ponytail
If you want something that looks like you put real effort into it but functions perfectly on the court, the Dutch braid into a ponytail is exactly that. Start the braid right at the hairline, work it tightly down to the nape of the neck, and let the rest of the hair fall into a ponytail. Every strand is anchored, nothing slides, nothing falls forward.
This is one of those volleyball hairstyles braids players love because it combines the hold of a braid with the simplicity of a ponytail. It works especially well for medium to long hair and holds up through the most intense matches without any touching up. If you want to get comfortable with braid techniques before trying this, our braids hairstyles guide breaks everything down step by step.
3. Two French Braids
Two French braids are one of the most functional volleyball hairstyles for long hair because they lay completely flat against the head, create zero bulk under a headband, and last all day without any maintenance. There is genuinely no better style for a player who does not want to think about her hair at all once the match starts.
Start on one side at the crown, braid tightly all the way down, and secure with a strong elastic. Repeat on the other side. Run a little edge control or light gel along the parts before braiding if your hair tends to frizz. The tighter you braid from the root, the longer the style holds.
4. Sleek Low Bun
The sleek low bun is one of the cleanest volleyball hairstyles bun options available and it works beautifully for both practice and match day. Brush everything back smoothly, apply a small amount of gel to keep any flyaways down, pull it into a low ponytail, twist it into a bun, and pin it flat at the nape of the neck.
It stays completely out of the way during play, looks polished and intentional, and is comfortable enough to wear through a long tournament without the bun digging into your head. Players with medium and long hair both love this one for its simplicity and reliability.
5. Space Buns for Volleyball
Space buns on the volleyball court bring energy and personality to your game day look while being genuinely practical. Two small buns sitting high on either side of your head stay completely out of your face, sit low enough that a headband goes on easily, and hold up through the whole match without loosening.
Divide your hair down the center, twist each half into a bun, and pin securely. They are one of those volleyball hairstyles simple enough to do in five minutes but cute enough to stand out in team photos. Players with medium to long hair get the best results with this style.
6. Cornrow Braids Back
Cornrows are one of the most practical volleyball hairstyles for any player who wants a style that requires absolutely zero maintenance during the match. They lay completely flat against the scalp, they do not interfere with headbands or hats, and they hold up not just for one game but for days without any touching up.
Whether you go straight back, at an angle, or in a pattern, cornrows are a long-lasting solution that protects your hair while keeping it completely under control on the court. Our detailed cornrow hairstyles guide covers different patterns and techniques if you want inspiration before your next appointment.
7. Braided Pigtails
Braided pigtails are the perfect volleyball hairstyles tutorial style for beginners because the technique is simple, the results are reliable, and the whole thing takes about five minutes from start to finish. Split your hair down the center, braid each side from ear level down, and secure with elastics. That is genuinely the whole tutorial.
This is one of the most popular volleyball hairstyles pigtails options for younger players especially because a parent can do it quickly before an early morning match with zero experience. It works on medium and long hair and holds up through an entire match without any adjusting. For more braid variations to try once you have this one down, our braids hairstyles collection is worth exploring.
8. High Bun with Headband
The high bun with a headband is one of those volleyball hairstyles easy enough to become your default match day style. Pull your hair up into a high bun at the crown of your head, pin it securely, and add a wide athletic headband over the top to catch any shorter pieces or baby hairs that would otherwise fall forward during play.
The headband does the extra work of keeping the front completely clear while the bun handles everything at the back. It is fast, it is comfortable to wear for hours, and it gives you the security of knowing nothing is going to end up in your eyes mid-rally.
9. Curly Puff Ponytail
For players with natural hair, the curly puff ponytail is one of the most comfortable and practical volleyball hairstyles for curly hair on the market. Gather your curls at the back or crown of your head, secure with a soft elastic, and add a wide headband at the front to keep your edges smooth and any shorter pieces from falling forward during play.
Apply a little leave-in conditioner or curl cream before styling to keep the puff defined and frizz-free even in a sweaty gym. It celebrates your natural texture rather than fighting it and holds up through the most intense matches.
10. Slicked Back Bun for Short Hair
Short hair players often feel like their options are limited but the slicked back bun proves otherwise. If you have enough length to gather even a small amount of hair at the nape of your neck, this style works. Use gel to smooth everything completely back, gather whatever length you have, twist it into a small bun, and pin it flat.
This is one of the sharpest volleyball hairstyles short hair can pull off. Lay down any edges with a small brush for a really clean finish and add a sweatband at the temples if needed to keep any shorter pieces in place during play.
11. Half Up Twisted Knot
The half up twisted knot is a great solution for players with medium or short hair who cannot quite get everything into a full ponytail. Take the top half of your hair, twist it back toward the crown, and pin it into a small knot. Let the bottom layers sit naturally.
It is one of the best volleyball hairstyles for medium hair because it keeps the front and top completely clear of your face during play while still looking intentional and put together. A few bobby pins in a matching color are all you need to keep it locked in place through the whole match.
12. Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid looks more complicated than it actually is and once you get the technique down it becomes one of your go-to volleyball hairstyles for long hair. Split your hair into two sections, take a small piece from the outer edge of one side and cross it over to join the other section, then repeat on the opposite side all the way down.
It sits neatly down your back during play, does not interfere with any headband or visor, and holds up well through the whole match. Players who want their hair to look a little more interesting than a standard ponytail tend to love this one.
13. Boxer Braids
Boxer braids are tight Dutch braids on either side of the head that lay completely flat against the scalp and are one of the most secure volleyball hairstyles braids options you can choose. They do not budge, they do not loosen, and they keep every single strand anchored throughout the entire match.
They are especially popular for tournament days when you need a style that holds up through multiple matches in a row without any touching up between games. The tighter you braid from the root, the longer they last. These are also a great choice when you want your game day look to have a little extra edge and intention to it.
14. Simple Low Ponytail for Short Hair
A simple low ponytail is one of the most straightforward volleyball hairstyles simple options for players with shorter hair who want everything pulled back without fuss. Gather whatever length you have at the nape of your neck and secure it with a strong elastic. If your hair is on the shorter side, add a couple of bobby pins near the elastic to keep it from slipping out during play.
It is quick, reliable, and completely comfortable to wear for a full match. Pair it with a headband at the front if you have shorter layers or baby hairs that need extra control. For more short hair style ideas beyond the court, our short haircuts for older women post has plenty of cut inspiration that works beautifully with shorter lengths.
15. Twist Out Puff for Curly Hair
For natural hair players who want volleyball hairstyles for curly hair that celebrate their texture while keeping everything controlled, the twist out puff is a beautiful option. Do your twist out the night before, let it set completely, then gather all your defined curls into a high puff at the crown the morning of the match.
The twist out gives your curls more definition and length than a regular wash and go, and the puff keeps everything secure and out of your face during play. It is one of those styles that looks like you spent real time on it but is genuinely simple once you have the twist out done.
16. Easy Braid and Bun Combo
The braid and bun combo is the best of both worlds and one of the most complete volleyball hairstyles tutorial styles to learn because once you can do it, you will use it constantly. French braid from the front hairline all the way back, then instead of letting the braid hang down, twist it into a bun at the crown or nape and pin it firmly in place.
It is secure from every angle, keeps hair completely away from your face and neck, and looks polished enough for picture day too. Players with medium to long hair get the best results with this combination. For more updo ideas that you can adapt for the court and beyond, our updo hairstyles guide has plenty of inspiration to work with.
Final Thoughts
The right volleyball hairstyle is the one that stays in place from the first serve to the match point without you thinking about it once. Braids hold the longest and work for almost every hair type. Buns are the most secure option for keeping everything contained. Ponytails are the fastest choice when you are running late for practice.
Whatever your hair type or length, the styles on this list have been proven on the court by real players who need their hair to actually work for them. Start with the simplest option that suits your hair, get the technique down before game day, and then experiment from there.
For more hairstyle ideas for every occasion beyond the court, browse our full women’s hairstyles collection and find your next favorite look.
