18 VOLLEYBALL HAIRSTYLES THAT STAY PUT THROUGH EVERY RALLY

Every volleyball player knows the feeling you’re mid serve, hair falls across your face, and suddenly you can’t see the ball coming at you. Or you’ve got a ponytail that bounces into your eye every time you go up for a spike. Or your braid is unravelling before the second set even starts. Sound familiar?

These volleyball hairstyles exist specifically to solve those problems. We’ve rounded up 18 of the best styles for volleyball players  ranked by how well they hold during intense play, how comfortable they are under a headband, and yes, how good they look on the court and off it. Let’s go.

The High Ponytail

The reigning champion of all volleyball hairstyles. Pull everything to the crown of your head, wrap twice with a spiral hair tie, and add a second elastic lower down for extra hold. High enough to clear your neck and collar, tight enough to not move, and quick enough to do in the locker room with two minutes to warmup. Nothing beats it for daily practice.

The Dutch Braid

An inverted French braid where the sections cross underneath rather than over the Dutch braid sits raised and prominent off the scalp, grips every strand, and doesn’t budge during two hours of intense play. One single Dutch braid straight down the back is one of the most reliable volleyball hairstyles for players with fine or slippery hair.

Double Dutch Braids

Two Dutch braids running parallel from hairline to nape the athletic volleyball hairstyle that every court player should have in their rotation. They keep every strand completely secured, don’t interfere with headbands, and the symmetry means no weight pulling to one side during lateral moves. Serious game day energy.

The High Bun

Twist or coil your hair into a bun at the very crown of your head and secure with bobby pins and an elastic. Unlike a ponytail, there’s no swinging tail to distract you everything is compactly contained. The high bun is especially effective as a volleyball hairstyle for players with very long or thick hair that creates drag in a ponytail.

The French Braid

The classic athletic braid gathered from the hairline, adding hair in sections, braided all the way down to a secured end. French braids work exceptionally well as volleyball hairstyles because they grip from the scalp, keep flyaways contained, and lie flat enough to not interfere with headgear or headbands. A true game-day staple.

Cornrows

Braided flat against the scalp in any pattern straight back, curved, or in a design. Cornrows are arguably the most secure of all volleyball hairstyles: nothing moves, nothing slips, and they can last days without needing to be redone. For multi-day tournaments, cornrows are the strategic choice.

Boxer Braids

Two tight Dutch braids worn close to the scalp basically double Dutch braids but even tighter and more streamlined. Boxer braids as volleyball hairstyles originated in combat sports for exactly the same reason athletes need them on the volleyball court: nothing, and we mean nothing, gets loose during play.

The Braided Ponytail

Pull hair into a high ponytail, then braid the tail all the way down and secure at the end. The braided ponytail is one of the most popular volleyball hairstyles because it combines the quick setup of a pony with the security of a braid the tail doesn’t flap around, and it looks intentionally styled rather than just functional.

The Fishtail Braid

Split your hair into two sections and alternate pulling small pieces from each side the result is a beautiful, intricate-looking braid that’s actually easier than it looks. Fishtail braids as volleyball hairstyles look impressive, photograph incredibly well, and stay secure during play when tightened properly.

Space Buns

Part down the middle, bun each half high on each side space buns are the fun, team-spirited volleyball hairstyle that’s increasingly popular at every level of play. They keep hair completely off the face and neck, they’re completely symmetrical so there’s no uneven weight, and they look incredible in team photos.

Half Up Bun

Gather just the top section of your hair into a tight bun at the crown, leaving the rest down or in a low pony. The half up bun works beautifully as a volleyball hairstyle for players with medium-length hair that’s not quite long enough for a full updo but too long to leave loose. Adaptable, cute, and secure where it counts.

The Bubble Ponytail

A high ponytail with elastics placed every 2–3 inches, each section gently puffed outward into a “bubble.” The bubble ponytail is having a major moment as a volleyball hairstyle because it’s fun, it photographs beautifully from the sidelines, and the multiple elastics actually make it more secure than a regular pony.

Low Bun With Sport Headband

Gather whatever length you have into the lowest possible bun at the nape, secure with pins and an elastic, then add a wide sport headband to catch any layers or face-framing pieces that won’t reach. This volleyball hairstyle makes short and medium hair completely court-ready the headband is doing the heavy lifting so your hair doesn’t have to.

Twisted Updo With Pins

Section your hair into two or three parts, rope twist each section, then pin them all up against the back of the head. For players with medium-length hair, this twisted updo volleyball hairstyle is a lifesaver it works with layers, with shorter lengths, and requires no braiding skill whatsoever. Just twist, pin, and play.

Sleek Slicked Back

For short hair that can’t be tied up apply a strong hold gel or edge control, slick everything flat against the head, and add a sport headband across the hairline. It’s sleek, it’s aerodynamic, and it works. Some of the most iconic volleyball players in the world rock this look on the court. Short hair is not a disadvantage.

Turban Headband Style

A wide turban-style headband worn across the forehead for players with very short, pixie, or bob-length hair, this volleyball hairstyle accessory keeps every strand back without needing to tie anything. Paired with a slick-back technique, it’s a complete solution. Comes in every team colour and looks genuinely cool courtside.

The Knotted Ponytail

Pull into a high ponytail, split the tail in two, tie them in a knot, secure below the knot with an elastic, and repeat down the length. The knotted ponytail is one of the most creative volleyball hairstyles that still performs at the highest hold level. It stands out on the court without any additional tools or skill requirements.

Pigtail Braids

Two braids French, Dutch, or simple worn in pigtails at each side. Pigtail braids as volleyball hairstyles are a team favourite because they’re symmetrical, they keep hair completely away from the face, and when the whole team wears them, it creates an unmistakable unified look in photos and on the court. Coordination is underrated.