18 Cute Softball Hairstyles for Game Day

So, game day is here, and between packing your gear, lacing up your cleats, and making sure you’ve got enough snacks for the whole team, the last thing you want to stress about is your hair. I’ve spent plenty of games pushing flyaways out of my face while trying to catch a pop fly, and let me tell you, it’s not ideal.

The perfect softball hairstyle needs to do a few things: stay put under your helmet, keep hair off your neck in the sun, survive warm-ups and post-game celebrations, and still look cute when you take that team photo.

Whether you’ve got long hair, short hair, thick hair, or fine hair, these 18 styles are practical, secure, and actually cute. No more helmet hair disasters.

1. High Ponytail

The high ponytail is a softball classic for a reason. It keeps every single strand off your neck and face, fits easily under a helmet, and takes about thirty seconds to do. It’s simple, it works, and it’s perfect for those early morning tournament games when you’re still half asleep.

What you need:

1. Strong elastic hair tie (the kind that won’t stretch out during warm-ups)
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 and not pulling to one side.
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 during a long doubleheader. 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 Braids

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

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, secure, and look really cute with a softball uniform. They keep hair completely off your face, distribute weight evenly, and fit nicely under a helmet. They’re also great for second-day hair when you don’t have time to wash.

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. 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, which means it fits perfectly under a helmet and won’t budge no matter how much you run the bases.

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.

6. 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. The raised braid creates a nice shape that still fits under most helmets.

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.

7. High Messy Bun

When you need your hair out of your face right now and you’re running late for warm-ups, a high messy bun is the answer. It’s quick, it keeps everything up, and it fits under a helmet surprisingly well. 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.

8. Low Messy Bun

A low messy bun is relaxed, comfortable, and still completely functional for softball. 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 that won’t interfere with their helmet.

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.

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, incredibly secure, and works great under a helmet.

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 tournament days because they won’t come undone, and they distribute weight evenly so they’re comfortable. Plus, they look really sharp with a uniform.

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 for batting or fielding, 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 or medium-length hair.

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 athletic 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—and it’s perfect for those quick games when you don’t have time to do much.

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. Plus, no extra headband needed.

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. Bubble Ponytail

A bubble ponytail takes a regular ponytail and makes it more fun (and more secure) by adding elastics down the length. The “bubbles” prevent the ponytail from swinging around too much when you’re running, and they look playful and intentional.

What you need:

1. Small clear elastics (at least 4-5)
2. Rat-tail comb (to gently puff the bubbles)
3. Strong-hold hairspray (to keep flyaways down)
4. Edge control (for the hairline)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a high or low ponytail and secure with a strong elastic.
2. Step 2: Add another clear elastic an inch or two down the ponytail.
3. Step 3: Gently pull the section between the elastics to create a rounded “bubble” shape.
4. Step 4: Repeat adding elastics and creating bubbles all the way down, then smooth edges.

15. Low Ponytail with Ribbon

This is a simple way to add a little team spirit to your game day look. Tie a ribbon or scrunchie in your team colors around your low ponytail. It’s cute, takes two seconds, and shows off your team pride without getting in the way of your play.

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.

16. Helmet-Friendly Low Bun

This style is specifically designed to fit comfortably under a batting helmet. It’s a low, flat bun at the nape that won’t create a bump or shift around when you put your helmet on. It’s simple, secure, and perfect for players who spend a lot of time at the plate.

What you need:

1. Strong elastic (for the ponytail)
2. Bobby pins and U-shaped pins (for securing)
3. Edge control (for flyaways)
4. Smoothing serum (for shine)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather hair into a low ponytail at the nape.
2. Step 2: Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a flat bun, keeping it close to your head.
3. Step 3: Secure with U-shaped pins, making sure no large bumps are created.
4. Step 4: Smooth edges with edge control and test with your helmet to ensure comfort.

17. Side Braid

A side braid is a little different from your average center-back braid. Sweeping all your hair to one side and braiding it keeps it off your face and neck while adding a touch of softness. It’s romantic, practical, and works well under a helmet.

What you need:

1. Texturizing spray (for grip)
2. Clear elastic (to secure)
3. Bobby pins (to secure any loose pieces)
4. Shine spray (for finishing)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Brush all your hair to one side (your dominant side or the side opposite your batting stance).
2. Step 2: Braid the hair from the nape down to the ends.
3. Step 3: Secure with a clear elastic.
4. Step 4: Use bobby pins to tuck in any shorter pieces around your ear and finish with shine spray.

18. Short Natural Hair with Sweatband

If you have short natural hair, you don’t need complicated styles for game day. A good sweatband keeps your hair off your face, absorbs sweat, and looks great. It’s low-maintenance, comfortable under a helmet, and perfect for hot summer tournaments.

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.