21 Best Basketball Hairstyles For Women
Finding the perfect hairstyle for basketball combines practicality with personal style.
You need something that stays put through intense gameplay while keeping you cool and comfortable on the court.
Whether you’re playing recreationally or competing at a high level, these 21 hairstyles will keep your hair secure and out of your face without sacrificing your unique look.
1: Classic High Ponytail
The high ponytail remains a basketball staple for good reason.
This simple style keeps hair completely off your face and neck while staying secure through quick movements and direction changes.
Secure your ponytail with a thick, snag-free elastic positioned at the crown of your head. For extra security, consider using two elastics spaced slightly apart.
Add a sweat-wicking headband at your hairline to catch perspiration before it reaches your eyes during intense gameplay.
2: French Braid
The French braid distributes tension evenly across your scalp while keeping every strand perfectly contained.
This classic style works especially well for longer hair during competitive games.
Start your braid high on the crown and work downward, keeping tension consistent throughout. Secure the end with a covered elastic that won’t catch on your jersey.
This style stays intact throughout your game and transitions perfectly to post-game activities without needing adjustment.
3: Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids (inverted French braids) offer maximum security for high-impact movements.
The inverted technique keeps hair flatter against your head for a streamlined feel.
Create a center part and braid each side downward, tucking hair under rather than over. Secure ends with covered elastics that won’t snag.
This symmetrical style distributes hair weight evenly, preventing the distraction of a swinging ponytail during lateral movements on court.
4: Braided High Puff
This style combines the security of braiding with the ease of a puff, perfect for textured or curly hair.
The braided front section keeps hair from falling into your eyes.
Create three to five cornrows from your hairline back toward the crown, then gather all hair into a high puff secured with a thick elastic.
The style maintains its integrity through an entire game while showcasing your natural texture in a controlled, athletic-friendly way.
5: Slicked Back Low Bun
The sleek low bun offers a professional, fuss-free option that works beautifully with all hair types.
This style sits comfortably under team headgear when required.
Apply a strong-hold gel at your hairline and brush hair back into a low ponytail. Twist and wrap into a bun, securing with pins throughout for maximum hold.
This streamlined style eliminates all distractions, allowing you to focus completely on your game without hair adjustments.
6: Space Buns
Space buns provide a playful yet practical option that distributes hair weight evenly while keeping your neck cool.
This style works for medium to long hair lengths.
Part your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails. Twist each ponytail and wrap it around its base, securing it with pins or small elastics.
The balanced weight distribution prevents neck strain during long tournaments while expressing your personality on the court.
7: Half-Up Box Braids
This protective style offers versatility for players with box braids who want to keep their hair partially up.
The style remains secure through aggressive gameplay while looking stylish.
Gather the top half of your box braids and secure them with a thick, covered elastic.
Leave the remaining braids down or gather them into a low ponytail for extra security.
This style allows for air circulation while keeping hair away from your face during critical game moments.
8: High Bun with Headband
The high bun creates a secure anchor point for your headband while keeping all hair completely contained.
This combination works perfectly for players who prioritize zero hair distractions.
Gather hair into a high ponytail, then twist and wrap into a bun secured with pins throughout.
Add a wide athletic headband that covers your hairline completely.
This no-nonsense style stays put through intense gameplay while complementing your team uniform for a cohesive look.
9: Cornrows into Ponytail
This hybrid style offers the security of cornrows with the simplicity of a ponytail.
It works beautifully to keep shorter layers contained during fast-paced games.
Create cornrows from your hairline back toward where your ponytail will sit. Gather all hair, including the ends of the cornrows, into a secure ponytail.
This style prevents sweaty strands from escaping during crucial game moments while transitioning perfectly to post-game activities.
10: Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail adds style to function while keeping hair completely secured.
This eye-catching look works well for team photos while performing flawlessly during gameplay.
Create a high ponytail, then add clear elastics every two inches down its length. Gently pull the hair between elastics outward to create “bubbles.”
This secure style prevents hair from swinging into your face during quick direction changes while showcasing your personality on the court.
11: Crown Twist with Ponytail
This elegant yet practical style keeps hair off your face using twisted sections while securing length in a ponytail. The technique works for various hair textures and lengths.
Take two-inch sections from each temple and twist them back, securing where they meet with a small elastic. Gather all hair, including the twists, into a ponytail.
The front sections stay completely secure even during aggressive gameplay, while the ponytail keeps the rest of your hair controlled.
12: Pineapple Updo
Perfect for curly-haired athletes, the pineapple gathers curls high on the head, allowing natural volume while keeping hair contained during play.
This style celebrates your texture while staying practical.
Flip your head upside down and gather curls at the highest point of your head. Secure loosely with a satin scrunchie to prevent breakage and frizz.
This style keeps curls off your neck and face while minimizing manipulation that could cause frizz during your post-game routine.
13: Sleek Low Ponytail
The sleek low ponytail offers a sophisticated option that works perfectly under team hats or visors. This style transitions seamlessly from court to team events.
Apply a strong-hold gel from hairline to nape, then gather hair into a low ponytail secured with a snag-free elastic. Wrap a small section around the elastic for a polished finish.
This streamlined style eliminates distractions during gameplay while maintaining a pulled-together appearance throughout tournaments or competition days.
14: Fulani Braids
This protective style features neat braids with unique patterns that keep hair completely secure during gameplay while showcasing your personal style.
The technique works for many hair textures.
Create your preferred Fulani braid pattern, incorporating beads only at the back, where they won’t interfere with vision or movement. Secure any loose ends completely.
This low-maintenance style stays intact through multiple games and practices, allowing you to focus completely on your performance rather than hair adjustments.
15: Twisted Crown Updo
This secure style creates a braided or twisted crown that anchors hair completely against your head. The technique prevents any movement or distraction during crucial game moments.
Create a circular braid or twist around your crown, then pin any remaining length underneath. Secure with additional pins throughout for maximum hold.
The completely anchored style eliminates all hair distractions while creating a distinctive look that stands out in team photos.
16: Side-Swept French Braid
This asymmetrical style offers a fresh take on the traditional French braid while providing the same security during high-impact movements.
The side placement adds visual interest.
Create a deep side part, then French braid diagonally across your head, incorporating all hair as you go. Secure the end with a covered elastic.
This style stays put through aggressive play while expressing your personality within the functional constraints of athletic hairstyling.
17: Braided Headband with Ponytail
This style creates a natural headband using your own hair while securing the rest in a ponytail.
The technique keeps shorter layers and bangs completely contained during play.
Take a two-inch section of hair from behind one ear and braid it across your hairline to the opposite ear. Pin securely, then gather remaining hair into a ponytail.
This functional style prevents sweat-soaked hair from falling into your eyes during crucial game moments while creating a polished, intentional look.
18: Flat Twists into Bun
This protective style keeps hair completely secured against your scalp with ends tucked safely into a bun.
The technique works beautifully for textured hair during intense gameplay.
Create flat twists from your hairline toward the crown, then gather all ends into a neat bun secured with pins throughout. If desired, add a thin headband.
This low-manipulation style stays intact through multiple games and practices while protecting your hair from the constant friction of gameplay.
19: Topknot with Bandana
This simple yet effective style secures hair in a high bun while using a bandana to add both style and sweat protection.
The combination creates a functional yet distinctive court look.
Gather hair into a high ponytail, then twist and wrap it into a knot secured with pins. Fold your bandana into a triangle or strip and tie it around your hairline.
This practical style prevents sweat from dripping into your eyes during intense plays while expressing your personal aesthetic on the court.
20: Four-Strand Braid
This secure braid creates a flatter profile against your head compared to traditional three-strand braids.
The technique results in a distinctive look that stays put during aggressive play.
Divide your ponytail into four equal sections and create a four-strand braid by weaving outer strands over and under inner strands. Secure it with a covered elastic.
The unique pattern stays intact throughout the game, creating a distinctive style that transitions well to post-game activities.
21: High Ponytail with Wrapped Base
This elevated ponytail style creates a secure anchor by wrapping hair around the base.
The technique prevents the typical loosening that happens during high-impact movement.
Create a high ponytail secured with a snag-free elastic. Take a small section from the ponytail, wrap it around the base to hide the elastic, and secure with a bobby pin.
This reinforced style stays put through your most aggressive plays while creating a clean, polished look for team photos and competition days.
Conclusion
The perfect basketball hairstyle balances function with your personal style.
Experiment with these options to find what works best for your hair type, game intensity, and personal preference. Game on!
