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Sports Hair · Volleyball

Volleyball HairstylesKeep the hair controlled without making game day more complicated.

The most useful volleyball hairstyles manage loose length so you are not repeatedly fixing your hair between points. Start with a banded ponytail, braid, bun or sectioned style that you already know is comfortable.

Watch the Volleyball Ponytail ↓See 10 Game-Day Styles
PonytailsBraidsBunsLong HairShorter Hair
Reviewed by: RaDona Ludlow, Licensed CosmetologistUpdated: October 29, 2026
Volleyball game-day banded ponytail inspired by a U.S. beach volleyball player
Exact volleyball videoMid ponytail + extra elastics through the tail.
Volleyball hair is a control problem, not a beauty contest.Choose a style that manages the length, stays comfortable and can be repeated reliably before practice or a match.
Game-day ideas10realistic options
Exact volley2verified videos
Highest proof601K+braid tutorial
RaDona25+ yrsbehind the chair
Choose by match need

What does your hair need to do during play?

Pick the constraint first. The best style for a long, thick ponytail may not be the best style for shorter hair or for someone who dislikes tight braids.

Fastest setupBanded or two-band ponytailLess loose lengthBraid, segmented ponytail, bunShorter hairLinked sections, simple ponyLong match dayUse the style you already trust
Best exact-match video

The simplest volleyball-specific idea: band the ponytail itself.

RaDona demonstrates the hairstyle worn by Kessy on the U.S. beach-volleyball team: a ponytail placed around the middle of the head, followed by additional elastics down the hanging length.

0:17: place the ponytail at mid-height—not especially high or low.
1:03: secure the main ponytail.
1:22: add colored elastics down the length.
1:48: the extra bands help keep the long tail together and away from the face.
Watch the Volleyball Ponytail →Compare All 10 Styles
10 game-day options

From simple ponytails to advanced braids.

Do not learn the complicated option five minutes before warmups. Use practice days to test braids and sectioned styles; keep match-day hair predictable.

Banded Mid-Height Ponytail volleyball hairstyleExact volleyball
Style 1

Banded Mid-Height Ponytail

The exact beach-volleyball style in the featured video. A mid-height ponytail is secured first, then extra elastics are placed down the tail to keep the long length together.

Long hairSimple
  1. Gather hair at mid-height.
  2. Secure the main ponytail.
  3. Add one elastic partway down the tail.
  4. Add another lower on the length if needed.
Watch the real hairstyle →
Two-Band Indoor Volleyball Ponytail volleyball hairstyleIndoor volleyball
Style 2

Two-Band Indoor Volleyball Ponytail

A second volleyball-specific video inspired by the U.S. indoor team. It uses a mid-height ponytail plus one additional elastic through the hanging length.

Long/thick hairVery simple
  1. Gather hair to the middle-back of the head.
  2. Secure the main ponytail.
  3. Add one more elastic through the tail.
  4. Adjust for comfort before play.
Watch the real hairstyle →
Athletic Loop Ponytail volleyball hairstyle98K+ views
Style 3

Athletic Loop Ponytail

This Olympic-gymnastics-inspired style starts as a high ponytail, but the final elastic pass stops halfway so less length hangs completely free.

Athletic styleMedium–long
  1. Gather a high ponytail.
  2. Secure with an elastic.
  3. On the last pass, pull hair only partway through.
  4. Add a soft scrunchie only if comfortable and permitted.
Watch the real hairstyle →
High Messy Sports Bun volleyball hairstyle86K+ views
Style 4

High Messy Sports Bun

The BGH video specifically calls this a style for sports and softball. A high ponytail becomes a loose bun, with a headband in the video to help control shorter flyaways.

BunLong hair
  1. Gather hair high.
  2. Leave part of the length looped on the final elastic pass.
  3. Shape the loop into a bun.
  4. Pin only where needed for comfortable hold.
Watch the real hairstyle →
Segmented Zigzag Ponytail volleyball hairstyle100K+ views
Style 5

Segmented Zigzag Ponytail

Multiple elastic sections feed into one side ponytail. It takes more setup than a plain ponytail but keeps many smaller sections connected.

SectionedMore prep
  1. Create the top and back sections.
  2. Cross/feed each secured section into the next.
  3. Continue the pattern through the back.
  4. Combine the finished sections into one ponytail.
Watch the real hairstyle →
Crossed Pigtails volleyball hairstyle18K+ views
Style 6

Crossed Pigtails

This style uses multiple secured sections that cross into pigtails. It is useful when you prefer two contained sides instead of one long swinging ponytail.

Two sidesMedium hair
  1. Part and secure the first sections.
  2. Cross sections toward the opposite side.
  3. Build the pigtails with the crossed pieces.
  4. Check both sides for comfort.
Watch the real hairstyle →
French Braids volleyball hairstyle601K+ technique
Style 7

French Braids

French braids incorporate loose hair as each outside strand crosses over the center. For volleyball, they can reduce loose side pieces when you already braid confidently.

BraidPractice first
  1. Divide the starting section into three.
  2. Add hair to the outside strand.
  3. Cross over the center.
  4. Repeat and finish the remaining length.
Watch the real hairstyle →
Dutch Braids volleyball hairstyle71K+ tutorial
Style 8

Dutch Braids

Dutch braids use the same add-hair rhythm but cross under the center, leaving the braid raised on top of the hair.

Raised braidPractice first
  1. Divide into three strands.
  2. Add hair to an outside section.
  3. Cross under the center.
  4. Repeat with consistent tension.
Watch the real hairstyle →
Side Dutch Braid to Fishtail volleyball hairstyle14K+ views
Style 9

Side Dutch Braid to Fishtail

A more decorative option for players who already braid confidently. It combines a side Dutch-style foundation with a fishtail finish.

Advanced braidLong hair
  1. Start the side braid foundation.
  2. Continue incorporating hair as it travels.
  3. Transition into the fishtail section.
  4. Secure the end and test comfort before play.
Watch the real hairstyle →
Linked Sections for Shorter Hair volleyball hairstyle375K+ views
Style 10

Linked Sections for Shorter Hair

For shorter hair that escapes one ponytail, small elastic sections can be linked around the head. The video is on a younger child, but the sectioning idea is adaptable.

Shorter hairAdaptable
  1. Create one small secured section.
  2. Make the next section beside it.
  3. Add the first ponytail into the next.
  4. Continue only as far as needed to control loose pieces.
Watch the real hairstyle →
Quick vs contained

Choose based on how much loose length you want to manage.

The simplest option is not always the most contained, and the most contained style is not automatically the most comfortable.

StyleSetupLoose lengthSkillWhy choose it
Banded mid ponyFastModerate, segmentedBeginnerEasiest exact volleyball-specific option.
Two-band ponyVery fastModerateBeginnerOne extra point of control without braiding.
Athletic loop ponyFastLess hanging lengthBeginnerPartially loops the pony instead of leaving all length loose.
High bunModerateMinimalBeginner–intermediateGets the long tail off the neck/back.
French/Dutch braidModerateContainedIntermediateUseful if you already braid confidently.
Linked sectionsModerateVariesBeginnerShorter pieces keep escaping one ponytail.
Match-day reality

Four decisions matter more than the hairstyle name.

Use the same logic for practice, league play and tournaments: comfort, repeatability, loose-length control and familiarity.

Can you reproduce it quickly?

A style you can do consistently is more useful than an elaborate braid that works only half the time.

Does it stay comfortable?

Secure does not mean painful. If the scalp hurts or the style creates strong pulling, loosen or redo it.

How much length is still swinging?

Extra elastics, braiding or a bun can reduce the amount of loose hair compared with one unbanded long ponytail.

Have you tested it before a match?

Practice is the best time to discover that a bun loosens, a braid pulls or a ponytail sits at an uncomfortable height.

Short hair & accessories

You may need less hairstyle—not more.

If the hair is too short for a long braid or bun, focus on controlling the front and side pieces rather than forcing every strand into a full-length sports style.

Soft elastics, simple linked sections or a comfortable headband may be enough. Check your team or league rules before using decorative or hard accessories.

Short bob: control only the front/side pieces if the back cannot reach an elastic.
Growing-out layers: small linked sections can catch pieces one ponytail misses.
Long thick hair: consider banding the tail, braiding it or turning it into a bun.
Curly/textured hair: choose a method that controls the hair without requiring unnecessary heat first.
Any length: comfort matters more than maximum tightness.
Indoor volleyball ponytail with extra elastic through the tail
Tournament day

Use the hairstyle you already know survives practice.

A tournament is not the best time to experiment with a complicated new braid. If a banded ponytail, braid or bun has already stayed comfortable through practice, that proven style is the logical tournament choice.

Pack spare elastics. If the style uses pins, a headband or another accessory, make sure it is comfortable and permitted for your team or league.

Watch the Indoor Volleyball Ponytail →Practice Braid Skills
Real volleyball ponytail tutorial from Boys and Girls Hairstyles
Real volleyball references

Built around actual volleyball and athletic hairstyle videos.

The primary video specifically demonstrates the beach-volleyball ponytail associated with Kessy on the U.S. team. A second BGH video demonstrates the mid-height ponytail worn by a U.S. indoor-volleyball player.

The remaining styles are included only where their construction makes sense for managing hair during activity: banded ponytails, braids, sectioned styles and buns.

Exact volleyball videos: 2
Primary technique: transcript verified
Site expert: RaDona Ludlow
Library: 1,500+ public videos
Meet RaDonaExplore the YouTube Channel
Volleyball Hair FAQ

Keep it practical, comfortable and tested.

There is no single hairstyle every volleyball player needs. Match the style to the player’s hair, comfort and skill level.

What is the best volleyball hairstyle for long hair?

A banded ponytail is one of the simplest volleyball-specific options in the BGH video library. The ponytail is secured at mid-height, then extra elastics are placed down the length so the tail stays more contained. Braids and buns are other options if they are comfortable for the player.

Should a volleyball ponytail be high or low?

There is no single required height for everyone. Both volleyball-specific BGH videos on this page use a mid-height ponytail rather than an extreme high or low pony. Choose a position that feels comfortable and keeps the hair out of the player's face.

How do I keep long hair from swinging during volleyball?

One option is to add extra elastics down a ponytail, which is exactly what the featured beach-volleyball style does. Braiding the length or turning the ponytail into a bun can also reduce loose movement.

Are braids good for volleyball?

Braids can be useful because they gather loose length into a more controlled shape. French and Dutch braids use different crossing directions, but either can work if the style is comfortable and familiar to the player.

What can a volleyball player do with shorter hair?

Shorter hair may not need a full braid or long ponytail. Small linked sections, a short ponytail, or a simple comfortable headband may help manage front pieces. Check team or league rules before using decorative or hard accessories.

Should volleyball hair be extremely tight?

No. A style needs to feel secure enough for activity, but it should not be painfully tight. If the scalp hurts, the style should be loosened or redone.

Game-day decision

The best volleyball hairstyle is the one you have already tested at practice.

Start with the banded ponytail if you want something simple. Move to braids, a bun or sectioned styles only if they are comfortable and familiar before match day.

Watch the Volleyball Ponytail →Review the 10 Styles ↑
Build the skillIf braids are your preferred game-day style, learn the French or Dutch technique separately before using it in a match.
Braid Tutorials →
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