21 Stunning Volleyball Hairstyles Easy Worth Bookmarking Today

21 Stunning Volleyball Hairstyles Easy Worth Bookmarking Today

If you’ve ever tried to spike a ball with hair flying in your face, you already know why volleyball players are obsessed with finding hairstyles that actually stay put. Between the diving, jumping, and sweating, your hair needs to survive a full match without turning into a distraction. That’s exactly why I put together this list of 21 stunning volleyball hairstyles easy enough to do in five minutes but secure enough to last through three sets.

Whether you’re a middle schooler heading to practice or a college athlete gearing up for tournament season, these looks are practical first and cute second. Let’s get into it.

Classic High Ponytail

This one’s a no-brainer for a reason. A high ponytail keeps hair completely off your neck and shoulders, which matters a ton when you’re constantly moving your head to track the ball.

It works on pretty much any hair type, though it holds best on straight or slightly wavy hair. Fine hair might need a little dry shampoo at the crown first for extra grip.

Maintenance is basically zero. Just wrap a strong elastic a couple of times and you’re done. For a sportier feel, wrap a small section around the base to hide the elastic.

Sleek Low Bun

A low bun sits close to the head, which makes it one of the more stable options when you’re diving for digs. It also tends to survive longer without frizzing compared to styles worn higher up.

This suits thicker or medium hair best since it needs enough volume to form a solid bun shape. Thin hair can work too with a bit of texturizing spray for grip.

Smooth it down with a boar bristle brush and a light gel for a polished, sleek finish that won’t budge.

Double Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are a volleyball favorite because they’re basically built-in headbands. They keep every strand secured against your scalp, so there’s nothing loose to whip around during a serve.

Wavy and curly hair actually braid up beautifully here, holding texture and staying fuller-looking than straight hair. It’s a bit more time-consuming to create but lasts through multiple practices without needing a redo.

Tie the ends into a low ponytail or bun for extra security during intense rallies.

Braided Ponytail Combo

This one combines a single braid running down the back with a high ponytail base. It gives you the sleekness of a ponytail with the added hold of a braid.

Medium to long hair works great here, and it’s especially good for players with layers since the braid pulls flyaway pieces into place. It’s a step up from a plain ponytail but still quick enough for pregame.

French braid the ponytail itself for a slightly more polished, competition-ready look.

Half-Up Space Buns

Space buns aren’t just for festivals. Worn half-up, they keep the top layer of hair secured while leaving the rest down or in a lower style underneath.

This is a fun pick for players who want something with a little more personality on the court. It suits medium to thick hair and works especially well with curtain bangs framing the face.

Keep the buns small and tight so they don’t bounce loose during jumps.

Tight French Braid Pigtails

Two French braids pulled tight against the scalp are about as secure as it gets. This style distributes tension evenly, which means less pulling and less chance of the braids loosening mid-match.

It’s ideal for straight to wavy hair and works on nearly any length past the shoulders. Younger athletes love this one because it’s cute without looking fussy.

For extra hold, braid all the way to the ends and secure with small elastics rather than stopping halfway.

Low Ponytail with a Wrap

A low ponytail sits at the nape of the neck, offering more stability than a high pony without sacrificing that clean, put-together look. It also tends to cause less tension headache during long games.

This works nicely for fine to medium hair since gravity helps it look fuller than it is. A hair wrap or ribbon around the base adds a nice team-spirit touch too.

Smooth flyaways with a bit of edge control before securing.

Fishtail Braid Pony

A fishtail braid gives texture and dimension that a regular braid doesn’t, plus it photographs really well for team pictures. It’s a slightly more advanced technique but worth learning.

Best suited for medium to long hair with some natural texture, since fishtails hold shape better on hair that isn’t bone straight. It’s a great choice for players who want something that looks intentional but stays functional.

Loosen the braid slightly at the end for a softer, more voluminous finish once it’s secured.

Braided Crown

A braided crown wraps hair around the head like a natural headband, keeping bangs and shorter layers pinned back completely. It’s one of the best options for anyone who struggles with pieces falling into their eyes.

This suits round and oval face shapes particularly well since it adds height without covering the face. Curly and coily hair textures hold this shape beautifully too.

Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color so they blend right in.

High Bubble Ponytail

Bubble ponytails use small elastics spaced down the length of the hair to create segmented “bubbles.” It looks more elaborate than it actually is to create, and it holds shockingly well through movement.

This works great on thick or long hair since the bubbles need volume to show up properly. It’s a fun option for tournaments when you want something a little different from the usual pony.

Gently pull at the edges of each bubble section to create a fuller, more voluminous look.

Twisted Half-Up Style

This look twists sections of hair back from each side and pins them at the crown, leaving the rest down or braided. It keeps hair out of your face without requiring a full updo.

It’s particularly flattering on heart and oval face shapes since the twists frame the cheekbones nicely. Wavy hair holds the twisted texture especially well.

For game days, secure the twists tightly and consider braiding the length underneath for added hold.

Low Braided Bun

Combining a braid with a bun gives you the security of both styles in one. The braid keeps hair controlled on the way down, and the bun locks everything into place at the nape.

This is a great pick for thick hair that tends to overwhelm a plain bun on its own. It also tends to last the longest of any style on this list through back-to-back matches.

Wrap the braided end around the bun base for a neat, finished look.

Sporty Slick Back Pony

A slicked-back ponytail with zero volume at the crown is about as streamlined as hairstyles get. There’s genuinely nothing for the wind or ball to catch onto here.

This works on straight and fine hair especially well, since there’s no texture fighting against the sleek finish. It’s the go-to for players who want function over flair.

A strong-hold gel and a fine-tooth comb are really all you need to nail this one.

Waterfall Braid Half-Up

A waterfall braid lets sections of hair “fall” out of the braid rather than being incorporated all the way through, creating a soft, layered effect while still pulling hair back from the face.

This style suits long hair with layers best, since the falling pieces show off natural movement. It’s a bit more decorative, making it a nice choice for senior night or team photos.

Curl the loose sections beforehand for extra dimension once the braid is finished.

High Pony with Braided Wrap

This takes the classic high ponytail and adds a thin braid wrapped around the elastic instead of a plain hair tie. It’s a small detail that makes the whole look feel more finished.

Any hair length past the shoulders works here, and it’s especially nice for players with highlights or balayage since the wrapped braid shows off the color shift.

Pin the end of the wrap braid underneath so it stays hidden and secure.

Double Braided Buns

Instead of two loose pigtails, braid each side first and then twist them into small buns. You get the security of braids with the compact, no-swing benefit of buns.

This is ideal for players with medium-length hair who find full pigtails too long and swingy during dives. Curly hair holds this shape with impressive staying power too.

Secure each bun with several bobby pins crossed in an X pattern for maximum hold.

Textured Low Pony

This isn’t about a perfectly smooth ponytail. Instead, it embraces natural texture and slight waves for a low pony that looks effortless but still stays functional on the court.

Wavy and curly hair types are the best fit here since the texture is already built in. It’s a great low-maintenance option for practice days when you don’t feel like straightening anything.

A texturizing spray at the roots gives it a little extra grip before you tie it back.

Braided Headband Ponytail

A single braid worn across the front like a headband, leading into a regular ponytail in the back, is a great compromise for players who want a style with a little more visual interest but don’t want to commit to a full braided look.

This works on most hair lengths and is particularly good for growing out bangs, since it pins the shorter pieces out of the way.

Pin the braid securely behind one ear before tying the rest into your ponytail.

High Bun with Twisted Base

A high bun with a twisted section wrapped around the base looks more elevated than a standard bun but takes only slightly more time. The twist also hides the elastic for a cleaner appearance.

This suits medium to thick hair best, giving the bun enough shape to hold its form through diving and jumping. It photographs really well for senior banners and team media days.

Secure with a mix of bobby pins and a small hair net if you want it to survive an entire tournament weekend.

Side Braid Ponytail

Rather than a centered braid, this style sweeps a single braid to one side before gathering everything into a low or mid ponytail. It adds asymmetry that feels a little more fashion-forward while staying totally practical.

This flatters square and oblong face shapes nicely, softening angular features. Straight to wavy hair works best for showing off the side-swept effect.

Tie off the ponytail tightly and tuck any loose ends underneath for a clean finish.

Braided Top Knot

A braided top knot takes a small section from the crown, braids it, and wraps it into a knot at the very top of the head, with the remaining hair left in a ponytail or braid below. It’s a fun hybrid that adds height and detail without a ton of extra effort.

This works well on any hair texture and is a great pick for players who want their hairstyle to stand out a bit in team photos. It also keeps the crown area completely secure, which helps during headers off the net or quick direction changes.

Pin the knot flat against the scalp so it doesn’t create a bump under a headband if your team wears one.

Whichever style you pick from this list, the goal is the same: keep your focus on the game, not on fixing your hair between plays. Try a few of these out during practice first so you know exactly how long they hold and how they feel once you’re moving fast. Once you find your go-to, it’ll become as much a part of your gameday routine as lacing up your shoes.