21 Volleyball Hairstyles For Curly Hair Perfect for Your Next Salon Appointment

21 Volleyball Hairstyles For Curly Hair Perfect for Your Next Salon Appointment

If you play volleyball and you’ve got curls, you already know the struggle. Between the jumping, diving, and sweating, your hair needs to survive a full match without turning into a frizzy cloud or falling in your face mid-serve. The good news is that curly hair is actually pretty versatile once you find styles built for movement. Here are 21 volleyball-ready hairstyles that keep your curls secure, cute, and out of your eyes, whether you’re headed to practice or your next salon appointment for a fresh cut.

High Curly Ponytail

This is the classic for a reason. Gathering your curls up high on the crown keeps them off your neck and shoulders while you’re diving for digs. It works beautifully on medium to thick curls and holds up through an entire tournament. A silk scrunchie helps prevent breakage, and a few bobby pins at the hairline will tame any flyaways before you even step on the court.

Double Dutch Braids

Braided pigtails are a volleyball staple because they’re secure and they actually look adorable with a jersey. Dutch braids in particular sit close to the scalp, so there’s nothing loose to get in your face during a spike. This style suits shoulder-length to long curly hair and can last two or three days if you sleep with a bonnet.

Braided Ponytail Combo

Take a couple of small braids on either side of your part and pull them back into your ponytail. It’s a simple twist on the usual pony but adds a sporty detail that photographs really well for team pictures. Curly hair holds the braided texture nicely without needing much product.

Low Bun with Curly Bangs

If you like keeping some curls framing your face, a low bun paired with loose curly bangs is a sweet option. It works especially well for players with fine to medium curls who want a softer look that’s still functional. Just make sure to pin the bangs back during actual play so they don’t distract you.

Space Buns

Space buns are having a moment, and they’re genuinely practical for sports. Splitting your curls into two buns distributes tension evenly, which means less scalp pulling than one giant ponytail. This look suits younger players and anyone who wants a little extra personality on game day.

French Braid Crown

A braided crown pulls your curls back completely while leaving the rest loose or tucked into a low pony underneath. It’s a gorgeous option for team photos and keeps hair fully off your face for serious rallies. Curly hair with some length works best here since you need enough to weave.

Curly Half-Up Top Knot

Half-up styles are great when you want your curls to keep some volume but still need your face clear. Twist the top section into a small knot and secure with pins. This works on all curl patterns, though tighter coils may need a bit of gel to smooth the base.

Twisted Side Braid

Instead of a straight-back braid, sweep it to one side for a slightly more relaxed, off-duty feel. It’s a nice choice for warmups or team travel days when you’re not quite in full game mode yet. Medium curls hold twisted braids especially well without slipping loose.

Cornrows into a Ponytail

Cornrows going straight back into a ponytail are one of the most secure options out there, and they genuinely last through the sweatiest matches. This protective style is ideal for players with coily or tightly curled hair who want low daily maintenance for a week or more. A stylist can customize the parting pattern to whatever feels comfortable.

Curly Afro Puff

For natural curls and coils, a single high puff is bold, comfortable, and completely functional for sports. There’s no tension pulling at the edges the way tight braids sometimes do, and it looks fantastic under a headband. Add a satin-lined headband to reduce friction and keep the puff neat between sets.

Twist-Out Ponytail

If you love the definition of a twist-out, pull it back into a ponytail once your twists are unraveled. You get gorgeous, defined curls at the crown with all the practicality of hair that’s secured away from your face. This is a great weekend-tournament look since twist-outs can be prepped the night before.

Two French Braids into One Ponytail

This one’s a favorite among club teams. Two French braids meet at the nape and combine into a single low ponytail, creating a clean, athletic look that stays put no matter how many times you dive for a ball. It suits longer curly hair and holds for multiple days of practice.

Curly Bubble Ponytail

Wrap small hair ties every few inches down your ponytail to create a bubble effect. On curly hair, this creates a really fun textured look, and it adds a little extra security since the ties keep everything bunched close together. It’s playful without being fussy, perfect for younger athletes.

Slicked-Back Bun

For players who want zero movement whatsoever, a fully slicked bun with gel is the way to go. Every curl gets smoothed back into a tight, sleek bun that won’t budge through even the most intense five-set match. This works on any curl type, though you’ll want an edge brush and light-hold gel to avoid buildup.

Curly Fishtail Braid

A fishtail adds texture and interest without being complicated to maintain during a game. On naturally curly hair, the braid looks fuller and more textured than it would on straight hair, which is a nice bonus. It’s a great in-between option when a regular braid feels too plain but space buns feel like too much.

Ponytail with Wrapped Hair Tie

Take a small piece of your ponytail and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic completely. It’s a small styling trick that instantly makes your look feel more polished for team photos or senior night. This works with any of the ponytail styles above and takes less than a minute.

Curly Pigtail Braids with Beads

Adding a few beads to the ends of pigtail braids brings a fun, personalized touch, especially popular with younger club and school players. Beads also make it easy to spot your kid across a crowded gym, which parents will appreciate. This look works great on coily and curly textures and can hold for about a week with proper care.

High Bun with Curly Baby Hairs

A high bun keeps things simple and secure, while leaving your natural curly edges out for a soft, finished look. This is a favorite for players who want something between “fully done” and “totally practical.” Set the baby hairs with a light gel so they curl nicely instead of frizzing under stadium lights.

Curly Mohawk Braid

For players who like standing out, a mohawk-style braid running down the center of the head is bold and completely secure. The sides get braided or twisted flat while the center strip stays voluminous with natural curl. It’s a striking option for tournament days when you want a statement look.

Curly Ponytail with Scarf Wrap

Wrapping a thin scarf or bandana around the base of your ponytail adds team spirit or just a pop of color to an otherwise simple style. It’s an easy way to dress up a basic pony for senior day or a big match without changing your actual hair routine. Any curl type can pull this off since the scarf sits at the base, not on the curls themselves.

Low Curly Bun with Face-Framing Curls

This one leans a little more glam, ideal for banquet nights or team dinners after a tournament. A soft low bun with a few curls left loose around the face feels dressed up without much extra effort. It works especially well on longer curly hair with natural shine.

Whichever style you land on, talk to your stylist about which cuts and lengths make these looks easiest to maintain between matches. A good curl-specific cut, along with the right leave-in and gel combo, makes all the difference in how your hair holds up from warmups to match point. Bring a photo of the volleyball hairstyle you love most to your next salon appointment, and don’t be afraid to ask your stylist for a version that’s customized to your curl pattern and hair length.