Volleyball Hairstyles for Long Hair
That Stay Put All Game

Watch: Braid Tutorials That Form the Foundation of These Styles

Best Long Hair Volleyball Styles (Ranked by Hold)

1. 1
   Double Dutch Braids (Boxer Braids) — The Gold Standard

   The single most reliable volleyball hairstyle for long hair. Dutch braid each half of the hair from the temple down to the nape, secure each braid with an elastic. The under-crossing technique creates a raised braid that lies flat against the head — no flyaways, no drag, no loose sections. It survives every position: serving, spiking, diving, blocking. If you only learn one volleyball hairstyle, make it this one. Takes 10 minutes to put in; stays for 3 hours.

   Best holdLong hair3 hr hold
2. 2
   French Braid into a Low Bun

   French braid from the crown down, incorporating all scalp hair, then coil the remaining length into a secure low bun at the nape and pin with criss-crossed bobby pins. This two-part style eliminates the problem of a regular bun that shifts or rides up during play — the French braid anchors the top section to the scalp, and the bun controls the length. The bun can be wrapped inside a fabric scrunchie for extra security.

   Excellent holdLong hairGame-length secure
3. 3
   High Ponytail with Dutch Braid Base

   Start a Dutch braid at the crown incorporating only the top section of hair, stop when you reach the crown bone, and then gather ALL the hair (including the remaining loose hair) into a high ponytail, securing right where the braid ends. The Dutch braid provides scalp-anchored hold at the top while the ponytail controls the length. Unlike a straight ponytail, this doesn't shift during jumping because the braid holds the back of the head.

   Strong holdLong hairUnique technique
4. 4
   Tight High Ponytail (Double-Banded)

   A regular high ponytail with one important upgrade: use two elastics placed 1 inch apart at the base. The first elastic secures the ponytail; the second one, placed just above it, prevents the first from slipping down during play. Wrap a small piece of hair from the ponytail around both elastics to cover them and secure with a pin. This double-band technique converts a regular ponytail from a 45-minute hold to a full-game hold.

   Quick optionLong hair2 min setup
5. 5
   Competition Bun (Ballet Bun)

   Pull all hair into a high ponytail, divide into two sections, twist each section tightly and simultaneously wrap them around each other and the base, then pin with 8–10 criss-crossed bobby pins placed throughout the bun rather than just around the perimeter. A hairnet over the finished bun and a final pass of strong-hold spray makes this volleyball match-proof. Takes 8–10 minutes, holds for a full day.

   Maximum securityLong hairTournament-ready
6. 6
   Half-Up French Braid into Ponytail

   French braid just the top half of the hair (from crown to ear level), secure with an elastic, then add the remaining loose hair into the same elastic to create a ponytail that falls from the braid's end. The braid keeps the top section sleek and anchored during overhead play, while the ponytail controls the length. This looks more polished than a straight ponytail and holds much better during serving.

   Polished lookLong hairGame-day style

The Pre-Game Hair Setup: What to Do 10 Minutes Before Warmup

1. 1
   Apply dry shampoo to roots (not the day of — the night before)

   Dry shampoo applied the night before a match and slept on provides texture that makes every style hold significantly longer. Applied the morning of, it's still useful but less dramatically so. This single habit change is the most impactful thing athletes can do for all-game hair hold.
2. 2
   Apply edge control or light gel to the hairline

   The hairline is where sweat breaks hold first. Running a small amount of edge control or strong-hold gel along the hairline and nape before putting the style in creates a sweat-resistant barrier that keeps these anchor points holding when the rest of the style might slip.
3. 3
   Build the style, then go over every elastic and pin point

   Once the style is set, run your fingers over every elastic and pin and give each one a firm press. Feel for any loose sections. This 30-second check catches every potential failure point before the game starts rather than during set 2.
4. 4
   Finish with strong-hold spray held 12 inches away

   One pass over the entire style from 12 inches away. Don't get too close — concentrated spray creates stiff, wet spots that actually break down faster than an even coat. Two light passes are better than one close, heavy one.

Products That Make Volleyball Hair Last

• ✓
  Sweat-resistant sport elastics: Regular fabric ties slip when wet. Athletic or sweat-resistant elastics maintain their grip through the sweatiest conditions — a genuine game-changer for serious athletes
• ✓
  Strong-hold hairspray (not flexible hold): For sport situations, use a firm-hold spray rather than a flexible one — the activity level requires hold that doesn't move
• ✓
  Edge control gel: Applied to the hairline and nape before styling; the most effective way to prevent sweat from loosening the style at its anchor points
• ✓
  Criss-cross bobby pins (matching hair color): Two crossed pins in an X hold three times as much hair as a single straight pin. Keep 20 in the volleyball bag at all times
• ✓
  Hair net (for bun styles): A fine-mesh hair net over a competition bun provides a physical barrier that holds the bun together regardless of what happens during play