15 Best Tennis Hairstyles for Matches and Practice

So, you’re heading to the court—maybe for a serious match, maybe for a Saturday morning practice with a friend. Either way, the last thing you want to think about is your hair flopping in your face or sticking to your neck when you’re trying to focus on your serve. I’ve been there, digging through my bag for a spare ponytail holder while my doubles partner waits.

The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. The best tennis hairstyles keep everything off your face, stay put through all the running and jumping, and actually look cute when you walk off the court.

Whether you’ve got long hair, short hair, curly hair, or straight hair, this list has options that will work for your next match or practice session.

1. High Ponytail

The high ponytail is the classic tennis hairstyle for a reason. It keeps every single strand off your neck and face, and the height gives you a sporty, energetic look. It’s simple, quick, and works for almost all hair types and lengths.

What you need:

1. Strong elastic hair tie (to keep it secure through movement)
2. Edge control or gel (optional, for flyaways)
3. Boar bristle brush (for smoothing)
4. Hairspray (light hold, optional)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Flip your head upside down and brush all hair toward the crown of your head.
2. Step 2: Secure 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 or a light mist of hairspray.

2. Low Ponytail

Sometimes you want something a little more chill but still completely functional. A low ponytail sits at the nape of your neck and keeps hair back without the tension of a high ponytail. It’s perfect for players who get headaches from tighter styles.

What you need:

1. Satin or silk scrunchie (gentler on hair, less breakage)
2. Smoothing serum (to control frizz)
3. Rattail comb (for a clean part, if desired)
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 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 tennis. Whether you do a standard three-strand braid, a French braid, or a Dutch braid, it keeps your hair contained and prevents tangling between points. 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 day-old 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 undeniably cute. They keep hair completely off your face and distribute weight evenly on both sides, which can be more comfortable during long matches. This style is also great for second-day hair.

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 Bubble Pony

This style takes a regular high 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 and look playful.

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 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.

6. Low Bubble Pony

The low bubble pony is a more subtle take on the trend. It sits at the nape and keeps hair contained without the height of a high ponytail. It’s perfect for players who want something different but still super functional.

What you need:

1. Small clear elastics (at least 4-5)
2. Smoothing cream (to reduce frizz between bubbles)
3. Rat-tail comb (for puffing the bubbles)
4. Light-hold hairspray (for finishing)

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather hair at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic.
2. Step 2: Add another elastic an inch or two down, then gently puff the section.
3. Step 3: Continue adding elastics and creating bubbles to the ends.
4. Step 4: Apply smoothing cream to each bubble for shine and frizz control.

7. High Messy Bun

When you need your hair out of your face right now, a high messy bun is the answer. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it keeps everything up and off your neck. 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 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. 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 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 of your hair, then gather everything—braid and all—into a low ponytail at the nape. It’s elegant and incredibly secure.

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 the inverse of French braids—they pop out away from the head, creating a 3D effect. They’re incredibly secure, keep everything off your face, and look sharp and intentional.

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 love wearing your hair down but need it off your face, the half-up topknot is perfect. The top section is pulled into a small bun on top of your head, while the rest flows freely. It keeps hair out of your eyes while letting length move.

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 best. A good headband keeps hair off your face, absorbs sweat, and adds a pop of color to your tennis outfit. 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 gives you the look of a headband using your own hair. You braid a small section from each side and pin them across the back, creating a natural headband that keeps hair off your face. It’s elegant and stays put.

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 playful, youthful, and surprisingly functional. 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. Short Natural Curls with Headband

If you have short natural hair, you don’t need complicated styles to play tennis. A cute headband or sweatband keeps your curls out of your face, and a little refresher spray keeps them defined. It’s low-maintenance and looks great.

What you need:

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

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Spritz curls with refresher spray and scrunch gently to revive definition.
2. Step 2: Place an athletic headband 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 go.