17 Best Long Hair Volleyball Hairstyles That Stay Secure
Long hair looks great, but on a volleyball court it can feel like a lot to manage. It gets caught under straps, whips across your face when you turn, and soaks up sweat during a long match. The good news is that long hair also gives you more styling options than anyone else on the team. In this guide, you will find 17 long hair volleyball hairstyles, from neat braids to sleek buns, all picked because they stay secure through serves, dives, and long rallies.
Some are volleyball hairstyles for long hair easy enough to finish in five minutes, while others are better saved for tournament days. These are volleyball hairstyles for girls first, but they also work for long hair volleyball men, because a neat bun or braid does not care who wears it. If your hair is a bit shorter, you can also look at our ideas for volleyball hairstyles for short hair and volleyball hairstyles for medium hair. Grab your elastics and bobby pins, and let’s start.
1. Crown Braid
A crown braid wraps around your head like a headband made of hair, and it keeps long hair secure from every angle. Part your hair down the middle and make a Dutch braid on each side, starting behind your ears. Bring both braids up and over the top of your head, tuck the ends under the opposite braid, and pin them flat with plenty of bobby pins. Because all your hair is held inside the braids, nothing swings around when you dive. It looks lovely for tournaments and team photos. Plan on about ten minutes, and use pins that match your hair color so the braid looks clean.
2. Heart Braid
The heart braid is a fun game day look that is also surprisingly secure. Start at the top of your head, split a section into two parts, and make a Dutch braid on each side that curves outward and then down toward the center of your head. When the two braids meet at the back, tie them together with the rest of your hair in a ponytail, which forms a heart shape. It looks complicated, but it is just two braids joined together. This is a great pick for long hair volleyball girl players who like a bit of personality. It takes about eight minutes. Use a strong elastic so the heart keeps its shape.
3. Triple Dutch Braids
Triple Dutch braids give you maximum hold for long, thick hair. Make one Dutch braid down the center of your head, from your forehead to your crown, and one on each side. Then gather all three braids and the remaining hair into a high ponytail, and tie it tightly. The braids pull everything snug against your scalp, so the ponytail will not slip, even after hours of play. This is one of the best volleyball hairstyles for long hair when you have a full weekend of games, because it holds up through sweat and constant movement. Give yourself about twelve minutes, and spray a little hairspray over the braids at the end.
4. French Fishtail Braid
A French fishtail braid combines a French braid at the top with a fishtail braid below, and the mix looks clean and detailed. Start with a French braid at your crown, adding small sections from both sides until you reach the nape of your neck. Then split the remaining hair in two and finish with a fishtail braid, crossing thin strands from the outside of each half to the inside of the other. Tie it off with a small elastic. The tight weave keeps long hair from tangling, and the braid sits flat down your back. It takes about ten minutes. Pull the sides slightly for a fuller finish.
5. Mohawk Braid
The mohawk braid is a bold style that keeps the top of your head neat while the rest of your hair stays flexible. Section off a wide strip down the center of your head, from the front hairline to the crown, and make a French or Dutch braid along it. Pull the braid into a high ponytail with the rest of your hair, or leave the sides loose for practice. The braid holds the hair that would normally fall into your face, which makes this a good option if you hate bangs in your eyes. It takes about seven minutes, and a bit of gel along the braid keeps flyaways down.
6. Inverted French Braids
Inverted French braids start at the bottom of your head and work upward, which gives a neat, modern look. Flip your head upside down, part your hair down the middle, and make a French braid on each side, starting at your neck and moving toward the crown. Then stand up, join the braids with the remaining hair, and tie them into a high bun or ponytail. Because the braids start low, they lift all the hair off your neck. This style stays strong during dives and jumps, and it is great for very long hair. It takes about ten minutes, and a friend can help you get a smoother finish.
7. Ribbon Braid
A ribbon braid is a cute way to add team colors to your hair without making it less secure. Tie a long, thin ribbon around the base of your ponytail, hold the ribbon alongside one of your three hair sections, and braid the ribbon together with that section as if it were one piece of hair. Keep the braid tight, then tie off the end with the ribbon in a small bow. The ribbon also adds a little grip, so the braid holds nicely. It works well for long hair volleyball girl players who want to match their jersey. Choose a satin ribbon for a smooth finish, and expect it to take about six minutes.
8. Stacked Ponytails
Stacked ponytails are two ponytails, one above the other, and they are a smart fix for very long hair that swings too much. Split your hair into a top half and a bottom half. Tie the top half into a high ponytail, then gather the bottom half with a second elastic just below the first. The two shorter tails move less than one long ponytail, and they look neat from the back. This is an easy style that takes about three minutes, and it works for thick hair too. Use two strong elastics, and smooth the top section with a brush so there are no bumps.
9. Wrapped Ponytail
The wrapped ponytail is a quick upgrade to a simple high ponytail. Tie your hair up as usual, then take a thin section from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic until the elastic is hidden. Pin the end under the wrap with a bobby pin. The wrapped section adds extra grip and keeps the elastic from slipping down. It is also a favorite for long hair volleyball men, since it looks neat and takes under two minutes. This style works with low or high ponytails, so it is one of the best volleyball hairstyles for long hair easy to repeat every game day. If your hair is slippery, spray a little texture spray before you wrap so the strands hold together.
10. Side Ponytail
The side ponytail is a relaxed style that keeps long hair away from your back. Gather your hair at one side, just below your ear, and tie it with a strong elastic. Because it sits to the side, it does not hit your back or neck when you bend over for a low ball. It also works well for medium hair, so it is handy if you are growing out a cut. Wrap a thin strand around the elastic for a neat finish. It takes about two minutes, and it is one of the volleyball hairstyles easy enough for a quick warm-up. Add a few pins on the heavy side for security.
11. Teased Crown Ponytail
The teased crown ponytail adds a little volume while still keeping things secure. Lift the hair at the top of your head, gently backcomb the roots with a fine comb, and smooth the surface so it looks clean. Then gather everything into a high ponytail and tie it tightly. The light backcombing gives the elastic something to grip, so the ponytail stays in place even if your hair is very silky. It looks polished, and it is a nice choice for tournaments or photos. It takes about four minutes. Do not tease too much, since you want volume, not a messy bump.
12. Knotted Ponytail
A knotted ponytail looks cute and cuts down the length of your hair at the same time. Tie a high ponytail, split it into two equal sections, and tie them together in a loose knot, like tying a shoelace. Pull the ends through and secure them with a second elastic at the bottom. The knot shortens the ponytail, so it does not swing around, and it adds a bit of style. It is a good pick if you want something different from a plain ponytail but do not have time for braids. It takes about three minutes. Keep the knot snug so it does not slide down.
13. Sock Bun
A sock bun gives long hair a neat, round shape with very little effort. Cut the toe off a clean sock, roll it into a donut, and set it around your ponytail. Spread your hair evenly over the donut, then pull a second elastic over the top to hold everything in place. Wrap the remaining ends around the base and pin them down. The sock adds bulk, which helps if you want a bigger bun, and it also holds the shape firmly. It is a favorite among volleyball hairstyles bun fans and works for guys with long hair too. It takes about five minutes.
14. Ballerina Bun
The ballerina bun is a smooth, high bun that looks sharp and keeps all your hair off your neck. Brush your hair up into a high ponytail, using a little gel to smooth the top. Twist the ponytail into a rope, wrap it around the base in a neat circle, and pin it down with bobby pins. Add a thin elastic around the bun to hold it tight. This style is great for long hair that tends to loosen a messy bun, since it is firm and compact. It takes about five minutes. Press the pins in from different angles, so the bun stays put when you jump.
15. Cinnamon Roll Buns
Cinnamon roll buns are two coiled buns that look like little rolls, and they are a fun, trendy look. Part your hair down the middle and make two high pigtails. Braid or twist each pigtail, then coil it around its base in a spiral and pin the end underneath. Because each bun is made from a braid or twist, it stays firm and does not unwind during play. They look sweet for team spirit days, and they work well for long, thick hair. Plan on about eight minutes. Keep the buns small and tight, so they do not bump into each other when you turn your head.
16. French Twist
The French twist is a sleek, polished style that works well for tournament days. Gather your hair at the back of your head, twist it upward in one smooth roll, and tuck the ends inside the twist. Secure it with bobby pins pushed in along the length of the twist, from the bottom to the top. It keeps long hair compact and off your neck, and it looks very neat in team photos. Because it relies on pins, it is better for lower-contact matches or warm-ups. It takes about five minutes. Use plenty of pins, and add a bit of hairspray for extra hold.
17. Claw Clip Twist
The claw clip twist is the easiest style on this list, and it is perfect for before and after the game. Twist your hair into a rope, fold it up toward the back of your head, and clamp it with a large claw clip. In a few seconds, your hair is up and off your neck, which feels great when you are warming up or cooling down. A claw clip is not the best choice for hard dives, because it can shift or press into your head. Use it for sidelines and practice drills, and switch to an elastic for matches. It takes about one minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a pretty female volleyball player?
Beauty is a matter of opinion, so there is no single answer, but many players are loved by fans for their skills and their great hairstyles.
How should I wear my hair for volleyball?
Keep it tied back and off your face with a secure style like braids, a high ponytail, or a tight bun.
What to do with long hair when playing sports?
Brush it first, tie it up with strong elastics, and use pins or a headband to catch loose pieces, since braids and buns are the most secure.
Can you wear your hair down in volleyball?
You can for casual play, but it is not a good idea in a real match, because loose hair falls in your face and can tangle with other players.
Final Thoughts
Long hair does not have to be a problem on the court. With the right style, strong elastics, and a few bobby pins, you can keep every strand in place from the first serve to the final point. Try a few of these long hair volleyball hairstyles at home before game day, and see which ones feel comfortable when you jump and dive. Save your favorites, share them with your teammates, and keep a spare elastic in your bag. Once you find your go-to look, you can forget about your hair and focus on the game.
