I play volleyball with curly hair and I’ve learned the hard way that pretty styles won’t last a game. I’ll walk you through practical looks—think wrapped-high ponytails, double braids, and slicked low buns—that actually stay put and protect your curls.
I’ll also share quick prep tips and what to pack for match day, so you can focus on the court…
High Ponytail With a Wrapped Base
If you want a game-ready look that still shows off your curls, I love a high ponytail with a wrapped base — it keeps hair out of your face, looks polished, and adds a little style without fuss.
I twist a small section around the elastic for a seamless finish, secure with bobby pins, and spritz for hold. It’s quick, comfy, and stays put. For an easy variation, try a half-up, half-down approach that still keeps the top section secure and showcases your curls half-up half-down.
Double Dutch Braids Into a Low Bun
Want something just as secure as that high pony but a bit more protective? I love double Dutch braids into a low bun—keeps curls tucked, sweat-proof, and cute.
I braid close, wind ends into a neat bun, then pin tightly. Quick tips:
- Use gel for flyaways
- Secure with sturdy pins
- Spray light hold
Game-ready and totally me. Braided styles like this are perfect for active days because they combine control with protective styling.
Pineapple With Headband for Warmups
For warmups, I toss my curls into a pineapple—high, loose, and crowned with a soft headband—so my ringlets stay bouncy without getting in my face. It’s quick, keeps heat off my neck, and lets me spot the ball.
I tuck stray pieces under the band, scrunch a tad for definition, and feel ready to move without fuss or frizz. A simple routine also helps maintain curl definition during activity.
Twisted Halo Braid
I love keeping my pineapple for warmups, but when I want something a bit sleeker for game time I braid a twisted halo around my head—it’s snag-free, stays put through dives, and still shows off my curls.
I tuck ends and secure with pins.
Quick tips:
- Use light gel for flyaways
- Braid loosely to preserve volume
- Pin every few inches for security
This style is a variation of the popular half-up, half-down braided look often used for effortless styling and added security.
Slicked-Back Low Ponytail
I love a slicked-back low ponytail for games because it keeps my curls controlled and out of my face.
I prep with a good gel, smooth everything back, and secure it low with a snug elastic.
Then I tidy the edges so they stay slick without looking greasy.
A slicked-back low ponytail is a classic look that benefits from proper smoothing to achieve a polished finish.
Prep With Gel
Grab your gel and let’s get this slicked-back low ponytail looking competition-ready. I smooth product through damp curls, raking from roots to ends so flyaways behave.
Keep it light—no crunchy helmet—just hold and definition. Try these quick steps:
- Finger-comb for even distribution
- Apply extra at the hairline
- Tame baby hairs with a toothbrush and gel
Secure With Elastic
Next, I’ll loop an elastic around the base and pull the ponytail through just once—too many wraps can kink curls and kill bounce.
I smooth the sides gently, gather hair low at the nape, and secure without tugging.
That single loop holds during dives and sprints but still lets curls spring.
Quick, neat, and comfy—game-ready without frizz drama.
Keep Edges Slick
Once the ponytail’s secure and bouncy, I’ll slick the edges to keep flyaways locked down and give the whole look a polished, game-ready vibe.
I grab a tiny amount of gel and a soft brush, then smooth and set.
Quick steps:
- Light gel for control
- Soft brush for precision
- Bandana or scarf to set for a minute
Ready to serve!
French Braid Crown
I love how a French braid crown keeps curls off my face while still looking cute and effortless.
First I make sure to detangle and moisturize so the braid stays smooth and frizz-free.
Then I wrap the braid around my head and secure it with pins for a comfy, game-ready hold.
Prep: Detangle and Moisturize
I’ll start by gently working through knots so your curls sit smooth in the braid—detangling first makes everything else easier and helps the crown look neat all game long.
Then I moisturize to tame frizz and add slip.
- Finger-detangle with leave-in
- Apply lightweight cream for hold
- Smooth edges with gel
You’ll be ready to braid confidently and comfortably.
Secure Crown With Pins
After prepping your curls, I start the French braid crown by grabbing a section at one temple and braiding back toward the other—keeping the braid tight at the roots so it steals control of any flyaways.
I pin as I go with bobby pins tucked flat, crossing them for grip, then secure ends and tuck loose curls. It feels cute, comfy, and game-ready.
Pull-Through Ponytail for Volume Control
Grab a few elastics and let’s tame that bounce: I use the pull-through ponytail when I want to keep curls controlled without flattening them.
It lifts roots, keeps hair off my face, and still looks full. Quick steps I love:
- Create a low ponytail, loop and split
- Add elastics down the length
- Tug sections for instant volume and grip
Side Braid With Elastic Intervals
If you want a cute, secure style that keeps curls out of your face and still feels playful, try a side braid with elastic intervals—I use it when I want movement without mess.
I section hair, braid loosely along one side, adding small elastics every few inches. It holds texture, prevents snags, and looks adorable under a visor. Quick, sporty, and fuss-free.
Two-Strand Twists Into a High Bun
I love doing two-strand twists into a high bun for games because they keep my curls tamed and bounce-free.
First I prep and detangle so the twists glide smoothly, then I use a few technique tips—think consistent tension and smaller sections—for neat, long-lasting twists.
To finish I wrap them into a secure high bun, pin well, and add a little edge control so nothing pops loose during a serve.
Prep and Detangle
Starting with clean, damp hair makes detangling way less of a headache, so I always wash or mist my curls before I twist them into a high bun.
I prep quickly, keeping things simple and fun:
- Finger-detangle gently, then use a wide-tooth comb.
- Apply a lightweight leave-in for slip.
- Section hair to manage tangles and speed.
Twist Technique Tips
While my hands work, I talk you through the two-strand twists so they stay neat and fast for game day — no frizz explosions allowed.
I twist small sections, keep tension gentle, and coat strands with lightweight cream so twists hold without crunch.
Wrap twists clockwise into a high bun, tucking ends under.
Quick, tidy, and bouncy—perfect for rallies and smiles.
Secure and Finish
Because game-day hair has to survive sprints and celebrations, I finish my two-strand twists into a high bun with a few smart moves that keep everything snug and bouncy.
I tuck, coil, and secure with minimal fuss:
- Secure twists at crown with an elastic
- Coil into a compact bun, tucking ends
- Pin strategically, mist with gel for hold
It lasts through every set.
Low Sock Bun With Secure Pins
I love the low sock bun for game days because it keeps my curls tucked low and out of my face without feeling stiff or overdone.
I gather hair at the nape, use a donut to shape a neat bun, then pin strategically with bobby pins crisscrossed for rock-solid hold.
It feels comfy, looks tidy, and survives dives and sprints.
High Twisted Ponytail With Geled Edges
When I want something high-energy and totally game-ready, I go for a high twisted ponytail with geled edges — it’s sleek, secure, and has just enough attitude to match my spikes.
I twist for hold, gel edges for polish, and play up bounce. Try this quick checklist:
- Twist tightly for longevity
- Gel edges for smoothness
- High placement for impact
Double French Braids Into Space Buns
Twist two neat French braids from my part to the crown, then coil each into space buns for a look that’s equal parts sporty and fun — great for keeping curls contained and bounce-friendly during long matches.
I love how they stay secure without constant fuss; a few pins and light spray, and I’m game-ready. They’re playful, comfy, and actually stay put.
Braided Ponytail With Elastic Spacing
Grab a few clear elastics and let’s make a braided ponytail that actually stays put—elastic spacing keeps the braid neat, distributes weight, and looks slickly sporty. I’ll braid, add elastics every few inches, then fluff for bounce.
Quick tips:
- Secure base tightly
- Space elastics evenly
- Tame stray curls with gel
You’ll have a sporty, secure look that lasts.
Tight Cornrows Along the Hairline Into a Bun
I love how tight cornrows along the hairline keep every curl locked down so you’ve got flawless hairline control during every serve.
They feed neatly into a bun that stays put through long, sweaty matches, so you won’t be fussing on the bench.
Stick with a snug, neat pattern and you’ll get serious staying power without sacrificing style.
Secure Hairline Control
Keep your edges locked and your game face on with tight cornrows along the hairline that feed into a sleek bun; I love this look because it’s both fierce and functional, keeping curls tucked away from your eyes during every serve and dive.
- Sleek edges for distraction-free focus
- Low-profile bun that won’t wobble
- Quick to refresh between sets
I swear it’s my go-to.
Long-Lasting Sweat Resistance
When sweat starts to build, I reach for tight cornrows along the hairline that feed into a snug bun—they hold everything in place so I can dive, sprint, and celebrate without wiping curls out of my face.
They resist slippage, stay sleek through long sets, and cut down on frizz. Quick to do, low maintenance, and they feel secure—game-ready every time.
Half-Up Top Knot With Defined Curls
I often grab the top section of my curls and twist it into a messy knot because it keeps hair out of my face without sacrificing shape or bounce.
I love how it’s quick, sporty, and cute—perfect for games.
- Secure with a snag-free elastic
- Define loose curls with a bit of cream
- Pin flyaways for lasting hold
You’ve got this—curly hair and volleyball are a perfect match when you choose styles that actually stay put. Mix secure foundations (braids, wrapped ponytail bases, cornrows) with curl-friendly products and clever pinning, and you’ll feel confident serving, diving, and celebrating.
Try a few from the list, tweak them to your curl pattern, and keep a mini kit courtside. Play hard, flip that hair when you want, and enjoy every point—your curls are game-ready.
