13 Cute Volleyball Hairstyles for Curly Hair to Try Today

Playing volleyball with curly hair can be tricky when loose strands keep falling into your face or a tight style crushes your curl pattern.

The best volleyball hairstyles should feel secure, comfortable, and easy to fix between games while still looking cute.

These styles keep curls controlled during serves, jumps, and quick movements without requiring you to completely flatten your natural texture.

1. High Curly Ponytail With Braided Front

This high ponytail combines a smooth, secure base with two small front braids that stop shorter curls from falling into the eyes. It works especially well for thick or layered curly hair that tends to escape from a regular ponytail. The lifted position also keeps the curls away from the neck during warm practices and long matches.

How to style it

1. Separate two narrow sections along the front hairline and braid each one toward the crown.
2. Gather the braids and remaining curls into a high ponytail just behind the crown.
3. Secure the ponytail with a strong snag-free elastic, wrapping it twice if needed.
4. Fluff the curls lightly and smooth loose hairs around the temples with a small amount of gel.

Quick tip

Position the ponytail slightly behind the top of the head so it does not bounce directly against your scalp when you jump.

2. Double Dutch Braids Into Curly Puffs

These Dutch braids keep the hair firmly controlled from the forehead to the nape before opening into two soft curly puffs. The style is ideal for short to medium curls that may not stay inside one long braid. It remains secure through diving, jumping, and quick direction changes while still showing off the natural texture.

How to style it

1. Divide the hair evenly down the middle from the forehead to the nape.
2. Dutch-braid each side close to the scalp, adding small sections as you move backward.
3. Stop braiding at the nape and secure each side with a snag-free elastic.
4. Fluff the two curly puffs and smooth any loose pieces around the hairline.

Quick tip

Keep the puffs low enough that they do not press against the floor during warm-up stretches.

3. Curly Bubble Ponytail

This bubble ponytail controls long curls by dividing them into smaller sections that move less during a game. It is helpful for dense or very long curly hair that becomes tangled when left in a loose ponytail. The rounded sections make it playful while still feeling practical for training or a casual match.

How to style it

1. Gather the curls into a firm mid-height ponytail and secure the base tightly.
2. Add small snag-free elastics several inches apart down the ponytail.
3. Gently pull each section outward to create soft, even bubbles.
4. Check that the elastics feel secure and smooth any loose hairs around the crown.

Quick tip

Keep the bubbles fairly compact so the ponytail does not swing heavily while you move.

4. Low Braided Curly Ponytail

This low braided ponytail keeps long curls gathered into one controlled shape without pulling tightly at the crown. It is a comfortable option for players who dislike high ponytails or experience scalp tension during long practices. The braid also helps prevent the ends from knotting while you run and jump.

How to style it

1. Brush the curls gently toward the nape while keeping a middle or soft side part.
2. Secure the hair in a low ponytail with a strong elastic.
3. Braid the ponytail loosely to the ends and secure it with a second elastic.
4. Smooth the sides and tuck away any short pieces that could fall forward.

Quick tip

Keep the braid firm near the base and slightly looser through the ends to avoid unnecessary tension.

5. Half-Braided Curly Space Buns

These curly space buns begin with secure front braids and finish in two compact buns positioned above the ears. They work well for medium-length curls that are too short for a long ponytail but still need to stay off the face and neck. The double-bun shape feels fun without getting in the way during play.

How to style it

1. Create a centre part and divide the hair into two equal sections.
2. Braid each front section backward until you reach the upper side of the head.
3. Gather the remaining curls into two ponytails and wrap each one into a compact bun.
4. Secure loose curl ends with pins and check that both buns feel firm.

Quick tip

Place the buns toward the upper sides rather than directly behind the head so they remain comfortable during floor exercises.

6. Wide Headband Curly Puff

This high puff uses a wide athletic headband to keep shorter curls, sweat, and flyaways away from the face. It is a quick option for short to medium natural curls and is easy to refresh between games. The puff keeps the style cute and full while the band provides practical control around the hairline.

How to style it

1. Refresh the curls lightly and use your fingers to lift the roots.
2. Gather the hair into a high puff with a stretchy band or soft elastic.
3. Place a wide sports headband around the hairline and slide it back slightly.
4. Shape the puff evenly and make sure no front curls are hanging near the eyes.

Quick tip

Choose a headband with a non-slip lining so it stays in place when you sweat.

7. Cornrow Crown With Low Curly Bun

This hairstyle uses several neat cornrows to secure the front and sides before gathering the curls into a low bun. It is a strong choice for thick natural hair because it keeps shorter layers firmly contained during intense games. The compact bun also reduces tangling and keeps the curls away from the shoulders.

How to style it

1. Divide the front and crown into four or five even sections.
2. Cornrow each section backward until all the braids meet near the nape.
3. Gather the loose curls into a low ponytail and shape them into a compact bun.
4. Secure the bun with pins and smooth the hairline with a small amount of edge gel.

Quick tip

Avoid making the cornrows painfully tight, as the hairstyle should remain comfortable through a full practice or tournament.

8. High Curly Bun With Sporty Headband

This high bun gathers every curl above the neck while a slim sports headband controls shorter pieces near the forehead. It is a dependable choice for long or thick curls that feel heavy in a bouncing ponytail. The bun stays compact and reduces distractions during serving, blocking, and diving.

How to style it

1. Gather the curls into a high ponytail near the crown and secure them firmly.
2. Twist the ponytail loosely around its base to create a rounded bun.
3. Pin the curl sections in place and add another elastic around the bun if extra hold is needed.
4. Slide on a slim sports headband and tuck any loose pieces underneath it.

Quick tip

Use flat pins rather than large decorative clips that could become uncomfortable if you fall or roll.

9. Two Low Curly Braided Buns

These low braided buns keep the curls divided into two compact sections at the nape. They are especially useful for very thick hair because splitting the weight can feel more comfortable than wearing one heavy bun. The style stays close to the head and holds up well through extended practices.

How to style it

1. Create a clean centre part and divide the curls into two low ponytails.
2. Braid each ponytail down to the ends and secure it with a small elastic.
3. Wrap each braid around its base to form a compact bun.
4. Pin the buns securely and smooth any flyaways around the part.

Quick tip

Keep the buns slightly behind the ears so they do not rub against your neck while you play.

10. Side Braids Into High Curly Ponytail

This high ponytail uses two side braids to secure shorter curls around the temples while leaving the top smooth and lifted. It works well for layered curly hair that tends to escape around the ears during quick movement. The braids add a cute detail while making the ponytail more reliable for practice or game day.

How to style it

1. Separate one narrow section above each ear and braid both sections upward toward the crown.
2. Gather the braids with the remaining hair into a high ponytail.
3. Secure everything firmly with a strong elastic and wrap it an extra time if needed.
4. Fluff the ponytail curls and smooth the crown without flattening the natural texture.

Quick tip

Angle the side braids upward so they naturally meet the ponytail instead of pulling against the ears.

11. Curly French Braid Ponytail

This style keeps the crown secure with a French braid while leaving the lower curls in a soft ponytail. It is helpful for medium-length curls that slip out of a plain ponytail around the top and sides. The braid reduces movement near the scalp while the loose ends preserve the natural curl pattern.

How to style it

1. Take a section from the top of the head and begin a French braid toward the nape.
2. Add hair evenly from both sides until all the curls are included.
3. Stop braiding at the nape and secure the remaining curls in a ponytail.
4. Fluff the ponytail and tuck any loose sections back into the braid with small pins.

Quick tip

Keep the braid snug but not overly tight so it remains comfortable when bending and jumping.

12. Stacked Curly Ponytail

This stacked style uses two ponytails placed above one another to distribute the weight of long, thick curls. It creates the appearance of one full ponytail while feeling more secure than gathering all the hair into a single elastic. The style is useful for players whose heavy curls cause ordinary ponytails to loosen during practice.

How to style it

1. Divide the hair horizontally into an upper and lower section.
2. Secure the lower section in a mid-height ponytail.
3. Gather the upper section into a second ponytail directly above the first.
4. Blend the curls from both ponytails together and smooth the sides.

Quick tip

Place the two ponytails close together so the separation remains hidden beneath the curls.

13. Braided Mohawk Curly Ponytail

This creative style braids the sides close to the scalp and gathers the remaining curls into a strong central ponytail. It is a bold but practical option for thick curly hair because the side braids stop the hair from spreading across the face and ears. The raised centre gives the hairstyle personality while remaining secure enough for a full match.

How to style it

1. Separate narrow sections along both sides of the head and braid them backward toward the crown.
2. Gather the loose centre section and both braids into a high or mid-height ponytail.
3. Secure the ponytail firmly with a strong elastic and add a second elastic if the hair is very thick.
4. Arrange the curls into a full central shape and smooth any loose hairs around the sides.

Quick tip

Keep the braided sides flat and free from beads or hard accessories that could become uncomfortable during play.