10 Volleyball Hairstyles With Braids Ideas

Playing volleyball requires agility, focus, and quick reflexes, but long or thick hair can sometimes get in the way. The perfect solution? Braided hairstyles. Braids keep hair secure, prevent distractions, and reduce sweat-related tangling during intense matches. They also add style, giving athletes a Pinterest-worthy sporty look while being functional on the court.
Volleyball hairstyles with braids range from tight Dutch braids to braided buns and ponytails, balancing practicality with aesthetics. These hairstyles are ideal not only for games but also for practice, training sessions, and casual sports events. Braids also protect hair from damage, keeping strands neat, even under helmets, headbands, or sweat.
This blog post shares 10 volleyball hairstyles with braids that are easy, stylish, and functional, with detailed how-to instructions, materials used, and Pinterest-style visual descriptions. Each style keeps hair secure and looks great for photos or social media posts.
1. Double Dutch Braids
How-to:
Double Dutch braids are a classic volleyball hairstyle because they hold hair tightly in place. Part hair down the middle. Starting near the hairline, braid under instead of over to create Dutch braids on both sides. Continue to the nape, securing each braid with a strong elastic. Pull slightly at sections for added volume if desired.
This style ensures hair stays off the face and neck during fast movements and jumping. It’s ideal for long or thick hair, keeping it secure for an entire match.
Materials Used:
- Comb
- Hair elastics
- Hair clips (optional)
- Hair gel or serum (optional for sleekness)
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Visualize two tight, symmetrical Dutch braids running from the crown to the nape, glossy and neat. Thick hair gives volume and holds the braids perfectly. Functional yet stylish, this is Pinterest-ready for sporty photos.

2. Fishtail Ponytail
How-to:
Start with a high ponytail secured with an elastic. Divide the ponytail into two sections and create a fishtail braid by alternating thin strands from each side. Secure the end with a hair tie. Loosen slightly for volume if needed.
This braid keeps hair tight during spikes and jumps while maintaining a stylish, sporty look. It works well for both casual practice and competitive matches.
Materials Used:
- Hair elastic
- Hairbrush
- Bobby pins (optional)
- Texturizing spray (optional)
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Picture a high ponytail transformed into a long fishtail braid, thick hair adding fullness. Sporty, polished, and Pinterest-ready for volleyball athletes.

3. Braided Bun
How-to:
Gather hair into a high ponytail. Braid the ponytail into a standard braid, then twist it into a bun and secure with pins. This tight braided bun prevents hair from moving during intense activity.
Perfect for indoor volleyball or long matches. The bun keeps hair away from the neck and shoulders while remaining stylish.
Materials Used:
- Hairbrush
- Hair elastics
- Bobby pins
- Hair spray (optional)
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Imagine a sleek braided bun on top of the head, tightly secured for sports. Functional yet chic, perfect for Pinterest athletic hairstyle inspiration.

4. Side Dutch Braid
How-to:
Brush hair and create a side part. Starting at the temple, braid under in Dutch style toward the nape. Secure with an elastic and let the rest of the hair flow naturally or into a low ponytail.
This style keeps hair out of your eyes during play while adding a feminine twist to sporty looks.
Materials Used:
- Comb
- Hair elastic
- Hair clips (optional)
- Light hair spray
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Visualize a thick side Dutch braid cascading over the shoulder, sporty yet elegant. Loose strands give a casual, Pinterest-ready vibe.

5. Crown Braid
How-to:
Take small sections from each side near the temples and braid along the hairline, meeting at the back. Pin securely to form a crown. Leave remaining hair in a ponytail or braid for added security.
Ideal for keeping hair secure and protected from sweat while looking stylish. Perfect for practice or social media photos after a match.
Materials Used:
- Hairbrush
- Bobby pins
- Hair elastics
- Hair gel or hairspray (optional)
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Picture a crown braid encircling the head, neat and voluminous. Remaining hair in a ponytail enhances functionality while looking sporty-chic and Pinterest-worthy.

6. Boxer Braids
How-to:
Part hair down the middle and create two tight French or Dutch braids from hairline to nape. Secure ends with elastics. Smooth flyaways with gel or serum for sleek, high-intensity gameplay.
Boxer braids are perfect for keeping hair in place during fast-paced volleyball movements.
Materials Used:
- Comb
- Hair elastics
- Hair gel (optional)
- Bobby pins (optional)
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Imagine two sleek boxer braids hugging the scalp, glossy and functional. Perfect for competitive sports, athletic photos, and Pinterest aesthetics.

7. Half-Up Fishtail Braid
How-to:
Take the top half of your hair and secure it with an elastic. Braid this section into a fishtail braid and leave the rest loose. Slightly pull braid sections for volume.
This style balances sporty practicality with style, keeping hair partially secured while allowing free movement.
Materials Used:
- Hairbrush
- Elastic hair tie
- Bobby pins (optional)
- Texturizing spray
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Visualize a top fishtail braid cascading into loose hair, creating volume and movement. Casual, functional, and Pinterest-ready for volleyball athletes.

8. High Ponytail with Braided Accent
How-to:
Secure hair into a high ponytail. Take a small front section and braid it tightly along the scalp toward the ponytail. Wrap it around the ponytail base or leave as accent.
Adds a stylish edge while keeping hair secure during jumps, spikes, and sprints.
Materials Used:
- Hair elastic
- Hairbrush
- Bobby pins
- Hair gel or hairspray
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Picture a high ponytail with a small braid wrapped around or along the base. Sporty, chic, and functional, perfect for Pinterest inspiration.

9. Braided Pigtails
How-to:
Part hair down the middle. Create two three-strand braids or Dutch braids on either side, secured with elastics. Ideal for young athletes or casual volleyball practice.
This style is playful, sporty, and keeps hair firmly in place during matches.
Materials Used:
- Comb
- Hair elastics
- Hair clips (optional)
- Light hairspray
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Imagine two thick braids hanging down from the crown, neat and glossy. Functional and cute, Pinterest-ready sporty hairstyle.

10. Messy Braided Bun
How-to:
Create a loose braid with all hair, twist into a bun, and secure with pins. Leave a few strands out for casual style. This combines the security of a braid with the comfort of a bun.
Perfect for casual games, practice, or post-match photos while maintaining a stylish vibe.
Materials Used:
- Hairbrush
- Hair elastics
- Bobby pins
- Texturizing spray
Pinterest-style Pattern Description:
Picture a messy bun braided and twisted on top, with loose strands for softness. Sporty, casual, and Pinterest-ready.

Conclusion
Volleyball hairstyles with braids combine functionality, style, and Pinterest-ready aesthetics. From Dutch braids to fishtails, buns, and half-up styles, these 10 hairstyles keep hair secure during games while looking stylish on and off the court. Whether for competitive matches or casual practice, these braids make hair manageable, protective, and photogenic.