17 Easy Hairstyles for Volleyball Players

So, you’re heading to practice or maybe getting ready for a tournament, and the last thing you need is your hair swinging in your face when you’re trying to pass or serve. I’ve been there—spending more time pushing hair out of my eyes than actually focusing on the game.

The thing about volleyball is you’re moving constantly, jumping, diving, and hustling, so your hair needs to stay put through all of it. But you also don’t want to spend an hour in the bathroom before practice.

These hairstyles are all easy enough to do yourself, quick enough for busy mornings, and secure enough to survive multiple sets. Whether you’ve got long hair, short hair, thick hair, or fine hair, there’s something here that’ll work for you.

1. High Ponytail

The high ponytail is basically the unofficial hairstyle of volleyball. It keeps everything off your neck and face, and the height means it won’t bounce around too much when you’re moving. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it works for pretty much everyone.

What you need:

1. Strong elastic hair tie (the kind that won’t stretch out during a match)
2. Edge control or gel (to smooth flyaways)
3. Boar bristle brush (for a sleek finish)
4. Hairspray (light hold, optional)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Flip your head upside down and brush all your hair toward the crown of your head.
2. Step 2: Secure it tightly with a strong elastic, making sure it’s centered.
3. Step 3: Take a small section from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic, pinning underneath.
4. Step 4: Smooth down any flyaways with edge control and give it a quick mist of hairspray if needed.

2. Low Ponytail

Sometimes you just want something simple that won’t pull on your scalp. A low ponytail sits at the nape of your neck and keeps hair back without the tension. It’s great for players who get headaches from tighter styles.

What you need:

1. Satin or silk scrunchie (gentler on hair and less likely to cause breakage)
2. Smoothing serum (to control frizz)
3. Rattail comb (for a clean part if you want one)
4. Bobby pins (for any shorter pieces)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a center or side part with a rattail comb if you want some shape.
2. Step 2: Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck and secure with a scrunchie.
3. Step 3: Apply a small amount of smoothing serum to the ponytail for shine and frizz control.
4. Step 4: Use bobby pins to secure any shorter pieces that fall out around your ears.

3. Classic Braid

A single braid is one of the most reliable styles for volleyball. It keeps your hair completely contained, prevents tangling, and won’t come undone even after hours of play. Plus, it’s easy to do yourself.

What you need:

1. Detangling spray (to make braiding smoother)
2. Clear elastic (to secure the end)
3. Texturizing spray or dry shampoo (for grip, especially on clean hair)
4. Edge control (for the hairline)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Spray detangler through your hair and brush out any knots.
2. Step 2: If your hair is slippery, spray texturizer throughout for better grip.
3. Step 3: Braid your hair from the nape of your neck down to the ends, securing with a clear elastic.
4. Step 4: Smooth your edges with edge control and tuck any flyaways into the braid.

4. Double Braids

Double braids are practical and stay put really well. They keep hair completely off your face and distribute weight evenly, which can be more comfortable during long matches or tournaments. They’re also really cute.

What you need:

1. Rattail comb (for a clean center part)
2. Small clear elastics (two, to secure the ends)
3. Texturizing spray (for grip)
4. Bobby pins (to secure any shorter front pieces)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a clean center part from your forehead to your nape.
2. Step 2: Braid each section from the nape down to the ends, or start French braids at the crown for more hold.
3. Step 3: Secure each braid with a clear elastic.
4. Step 4: Use bobby pins to tuck in any shorter pieces around your ears or forehead.

5. High Messy Bun

When you need your hair out of your face right now and you’re short on time, a high messy bun is the answer. It’s quick, it keeps everything up, and the “messy” part actually helps it stay put better than a sleek bun.

What you need:

1. Thick scrunchie or elastic (for the base)
2. Bobby pins (to secure loose pieces)
3. Texturizing spray (for grip and volume)
4. Edge control (for flyaways)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Flip your head upside down and gather all hair into a high ponytail.
2. Step 2: Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base, but don’t try to make it perfect.
3. Step 3: Secure with bobby pins, letting some ends stick out for that “messy” look.
4. Step 4: Spray with texturizer for hold and smooth edges with edge control.

6. Low Messy Bun

A low messy bun is relaxed, comfortable, and still completely functional for volleyball. It sits at the nape and keeps hair off your face without the weight of a high bun. It’s great for players with longer hair who want a quick, secure style.

What you need:

1. Scrunchie or elastic (matching your hair color)
2. Bobby pins (to secure)
3. Texturizing spray (for grip)
4. Smoothing serum (for the edges)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather all hair at the nape of your neck into a loose ponytail.
2. Step 2: Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base, pinning as you go.
3. Step 3: Pull out a few pieces around the bun for a relaxed look.
4. Step 4: Apply smoothing serum to edges and around the hairline to control flyaways.

7. French Braid

A French braid is more secure than a regular braid because it’s woven into the hair from the crown down. It keeps everything flat against your head and won’t budge no matter how much you move. Perfect for intense matches.

What you need:

1. Rattail comb (for sectioning)
2. Clear elastic (to secure the end)
3. Texturizing spray (for grip)
4. Edge control (for the hairline)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Start at the crown of your head and take a small section of hair, dividing it into three parts.
2. Step 2: Begin French braiding by adding hair to each section as you cross them over.
3. Step 3: Continue braiding down to the nape, then finish with a regular braid to the ends.
4. Step 4: Secure with a clear elastic and smooth edges with edge control.

8. Dutch Braid

A Dutch braid is like the reverse of a French braid—it pops out away from your head instead of lying flat. It’s just as secure and looks really cool. Great for players who want something a little different.

What you need:

1. Rattail comb (for sectioning)
2. Clear elastic (to secure the end)
3. Texturizing spray (for grip)
4. Edge control (for the hairline)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Start at the crown and take a small section, dividing it into three parts.
2. Step 2: Begin Dutch braiding by crossing each section under instead of over, adding hair as you go.
3. Step 3: Continue braiding down to the nape, then finish with a regular braid.
4. Step 4: Secure with a clear elastic and gently pull the braid for more volume if desired.

9. French Braid Ponytail

This style combines the security of a French braid with the simplicity of a ponytail. You French braid the top section, then gather everything into a ponytail at the nape. It’s elegant and incredibly secure for volleyball.

What you need:

1. Rattail comb (for sectioning)
2. Clear elastic (for the ponytail)
3. Bobby pins (to secure the braid if needed)
4. Edge control (for the hairline)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Section off the top part of your hair from ear to ear.
2. Step 2: French braid that top section from your crown down to the nape.
3. Step 3: Gather the braid together with the rest of your loose hair into a low ponytail.
4. Step 4: Secure with an elastic and smooth your edges with edge control.

10. Dutch Braid Pigtails

Dutch braid pigtails are incredibly secure and keep everything off your face. They’re perfect for long tournaments because they won’t come undone, and they distribute weight evenly so they’re comfortable.

What you need:

1. Rattail comb (for clean parting)
2. Small clear elastics (two)
3. Texturizing spray (for grip)
4. Edge control (for the hairline)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a clean center part from forehead to nape.
2. Step 2: Dutch braid each section (braiding under instead of over) from the crown down to the ends.
3. Step 3: Secure each braid with a clear elastic.
4. Step 4: Smooth edges with edge control and gently pull the braids for more volume.

11. Half-Up Topknot

If you like having some hair down but need it off your face, the half-up topknot is perfect. The top section is pulled into a small bun, keeping hair out of your eyes while letting the rest flow. Great for players with layers.

What you need:

1. Small elastic (matching your hair color)
2. Bobby pins (to secure the knot)
3. Texturizing spray (for volume at the crown)
4. Smoothing serum (for the loose ends)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Section off the top part of your hair from ear to ear.
2. Step 2: Gather that section at the crown and secure into a small ponytail.
3. Step 3: Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a small bun, pinning to secure.
4. Step 4: Apply smoothing serum to the loose hair and texturizing spray at the crown for volume.

12. Headband Style

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. A good headband keeps hair off your face, absorbs sweat, and takes two seconds to put on. It works with any hairstyle—ponytail, bun, or even wearing your hair down.

What you need:

1. Athletic headband (terry cloth or sweat-wicking material)
2. Bobby pins (to secure if needed)
3. Edge control (optional)
4. Ponytail holder (if pulling hair back)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Start with your hair in your preferred base style (ponytail, bun, or down).
2. Step 2: Place the headband over your hair, positioning it behind your ears.
3. Step 3: Use bobby pins to secure the headband if it tends to slip.
4. Step 4: Smooth any flyaways at your hairline with edge control.

13. Braided Headband

This style uses your own hair to create a headband. You braid small sections from each side and pin them across the back. It keeps hair off your face, looks really polished, and stays put during play.

What you need:

1. Rattail comb (for sectioning)
2. Small clear elastics (two)
3. Bobby pins (to secure the braids)
4. Edge control (for flyaways)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a small section from above your left ear and braid it to the ends, securing with an elastic.
2. Step 2: Take a matching section from above your right ear and braid it similarly.
3. Step 3: Bring the left braid across the back of your head and pin it behind your right ear.
4. Step 4: Bring the right braid across and pin it behind your left ear, then smooth edges.

14. Space Buns

Space buns are fun, youthful, and surprisingly functional for volleyball. Two buns on top of your head keep all your hair up and off your neck, and they distribute weight evenly so they’re comfortable during long matches.

What you need:

1. Rattail comb (for clean parting)
2. Small elastics (two)
3. Bobby pins (for securing)
4. Edge control (for the hairline)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a clean center part from forehead to nape.
2. Step 2: Gather each section into a high ponytail on top of your head, one on each side.
3. Step 3: Twist each ponytail and wrap into a bun, pinning securely.
4. Step 4: Smooth your edges with edge control and make sure both buns feel secure.

15. High Ponytail with Braid Accent

This style adds a little something extra to a basic high ponytail. You braid a small section from the front and wrap it around the base or let it hang with the ponytail. It’s easy but looks like you put in effort.

What you need:

1. Strong elastic (for the ponytail)
2. Small clear elastic (for the braid)
3. Bobby pins (to secure the braid)
4. Edge control (for the hairline)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a high ponytail and secure with a strong elastic.
2. Step 2: Take a small section from the front of your hairline and braid it to the ends.
3. Step 3: Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic, pinning underneath.
4. Step 4: Smooth your edges with edge control and let the braid end blend into the ponytail.

16. Low Ponytail with Ribbon

This is a simple way to add a little personality to your volleyball hairstyle. Tie a ribbon or scrunchie around your low ponytail for a pop of color that matches your team uniform. It’s cute and takes two seconds.

What you need:

1. Elastic (for the ponytail)
2. Ribbon or decorative scrunchie (in your team colors)
3. Smoothing serum (for frizz control)
4. Bobby pins (for any shorter pieces)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape and secure with an elastic.
2. Step 2: Tie a ribbon around the base of the ponytail, covering the elastic, and tie it in a bow.
3. Step 3: Apply smoothing serum to the ponytail for shine.
4. Step 4: Use bobby pins to secure any shorter pieces around your ears.

17. Short Natural Hair with Sweatband

If you have short natural hair, you don’t need complicated styles for volleyball. A good sweatband keeps your hair off your face, absorbs sweat, and looks great. It’s low-maintenance and perfect for practice or matches.

What you need:

1. Curl refresher spray (to revive definition if needed)
2. Athletic sweatband (to keep hair off face)
3. Edge control (for the hairline)
4. Satin scarf (optional, for sleeping before game day)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: If needed, spritz curls with refresher spray and scrunch gently.
2. Step 2: Place an athletic sweatband over your hair, positioning it behind your ears.
3. Step 3: Smooth your edges with edge control for a polished look.
4. Step 4: Fluff your curls at the roots for volume and you’re ready to play.