25 Best Basketball Hairstyles for Women That Stay Put on the Court
Looking for hairstyles that can handle the intensity of basketball without constant adjustments?
The perfect basketball hairstyle combines security with style while keeping hair off your face during crucial plays.
Finding the right style can significantly impact your performance, eliminating distractions and allowing you to focus completely on your game.
From professional WNBA players to recreational athletes, these court-ready hairstyles provide practical solutions that look great while standing up to intense movement.
Ready to up your hair game while dominating on the court?
Check out these 25 basketball-friendly hairstyles that combine function and style!
1: Classic High Ponytail
Embrace this timeless athletic staple that keeps all hair securely pulled back and away from your face.
This simple yet effective style offers reliability throughout intense gameplay.
You’ll want to position the ponytail high on your head to prevent whipping against your neck during quick directional changes.
Secure with a thick, seamless elastic that won’t slip, and consider using a sweat-wicking headband for extra security along your hairline.
2: Double Dutch Braids
Create maximum security with these twin braids that follow your scalp closely before trailing down your back.
This protective style prevents tangles and stays put through aggressive plays.
You’ll appreciate how this style distributes tension evenly across your scalp rather than pulling from a single point like ponytails.
The close-to-head braiding pattern minimizes bulk while keeping every strand contained throughout even the most intense games.
3: Sweat-Resistant Bubble Ponytail
Transform a basic ponytail into a secure and stylish option by adding evenly spaced elastics down its length.
This segmented approach prevents hair from loosening during play.
You’ll place elastic bands every few inches, gently pulling each section outward to create “bubbles” that remain intact despite movement.
This eye-catching style offers both practical security and distinctive flair that stands out on the court.
4: Sleek Basketball Bun
Contain all hair in this high, tight bun that eliminates any possibility of strands falling into your eyes during crucial moments.
This no-nonsense style prioritizes function without sacrificing style.
You’ll want to use a donut or sock bun form for extra security, wrapping your hair smoothly around it and securing with multiple pins.
Add a colorful headband that matches your team colors for both practical sweat absorption and spirited style.
5: French Braid into Ponytail
Combine the security of a French braid at the crown with the simplicity of a ponytail for this hybrid style.
This versatile option works for various hair lengths and textures.
You’ll start with a center French braid from your hairline to your crown, then gather all hair (including the braid end) into a high ponytail.
This technique keeps front sections especially secure while allowing the ponytail to move freely without coming loose.
6: Cornrows with High Puff
Showcase sleek cornrows leading into a textured puff for this protective style that offers incredible security with minimal daily styling.
This long-lasting option saves precious pre-game time.
You’ll appreciate how the tight cornrows keep hair completely secure at the front while the puff allows natural volume and movement at the crown.
This low-maintenance choice works beautifully for textured and curly hair types that benefit from protective styling.
7: Braided Crown with Bun
Create a secure perimeter with a braided section that encircles your head before gathering remaining hair into a high bun.
This regal style offers both security and distinctive appearance.
You’ll start by French or Dutch braiding along your hairline, continuing around your entire head before securing the remaining hair in a bun at your crown.
This architectural approach eliminates any possibility of hair falling forward while creating a unique silhouette on the court.
8: Four-Strand Dutch Braid
Elevate your braid game with this advanced technique that creates a thicker, more secure plait down the center of your head.
This showstopper offers incredible security with distinctive appearance.
You’ll need to master the four-strand technique, which creates a more complex weave that resists loosening during intense play.
The resulting braid sits prominently down the center of your head, keeping hair controlled while making a statement on the court.
9: Space Buns with Braided Front
Secure your hair in twin buns positioned high on either side of your head with braided sections at the front.
This playful yet functional style offers excellent security with distinctive character.
You’ll create two or three mini-braids at your hairline before gathering all hair into two high buns positioned at the top sides of your head.
This fun approach provides serious functionality with personality that stands out during team photos and gameplay alike.
10: Pineapple Updo with Headband
Gather curly or textured hair into a high, loose pineapple secured with a wide elastic and reinforced with a sports headband.
This texture-friendly style maintains natural volume while staying secure.
You’ll simply gather your hair at the very top of your head, securing loosely enough to prevent tension but tightly enough for security during play.
The addition of a wide, sweat-wicking headband provides crucial edge control while preventing the updo from shifting during quick movements.
11: Twisted Mohawk Updo
Create dramatic height and security with this striking style featuring twisted sections secured along the center of your head.
This architectural approach offers both function and distinctive appearance.
You’ll divide your hair into multiple sections from front to back, twisting each tightly before pinning it securely to create a mohawk-inspired silhouette.
This eye-catching style keeps every strand contained while creating a bold look that intimidates the competition.
12: Boxer Braids with Baby Hairs
Modernize traditional double Dutch braids by keeping them ultra-tight with artfully styled baby hairs around your hairline.
This contemporary approach combines security with personalized style.
You’ll create two clean-parted, close-to-scalp Dutch braids while deliberately leaving out baby hairs to style with edge control for a finished look.
This popular style among professional players offers unmatched security with current aesthetic appeal that transitions from court to casual settings.
13: High Braided Ponytail
Combine the height of a high ponytail with the security of braiding for this hybrid style that prevents hair from loosening during play.
This versatile option works for various hair lengths.
You’ll first secure a high ponytail, then braid the length to prevent tangling and whipping during quick directional changes on court.
The elevated position keeps hair from slapping against your neck while the braid maintains control of longer lengths throughout intense gameplay.
14: Side-Swept French Braid
Create asymmetrical interest with this diagonal French braid that gathers all hair securely from a deep side part.
This stylish option offers both security and distinctive appearance.
You’ll start your French braid at a deep side part, working diagonally across your head to incorporate all hair into one secure plait.
This unique approach provides complete security while creating visual interest that distinguishes you on the court.
15: Half-Up Top Knot
Keep crucial front sections secured while allowing back length to remain free with this balanced style.
This compromise option works well for players who dislike full updos.
You’ll gather only the top half of your hair into a secure knot positioned high on your head, leaving the back section free.
The strategic half-up styling keeps critical front pieces from falling into your eyes while maintaining some free-flowing hair for those who prefer it.
16: Fulani Braids with Beads
Showcase this protective style featuring multiple thin braids adorned with lightweight beads for personalized flair.
This long-lasting option offers practical benefits with distinctive appearance.
You’ll appreciate how this traditional style keeps hair completely secure for multiple games without daily restyling.
The addition of team-colored beads on braid ends adds personality while the lightweight nature ensures they won’t interfere with your gameplay.
17: Twisted Headband Tuck
Create a secure style by twisting sections around a thick headband before tucking ends completely underneath.
This Greco roman inspired approach offers foolproof security during aggressive play.
You’ll start with a thick, non-slip headband, then wrap sections of hair around it, tucking ends completely beneath the band as you go.
This genius technique requires no elastics or pins while providing complete security that withstands even the most intense gameplay.
18: Lattice Braid Ponytail
Elevate your ponytail with this intricate technique featuring crisscrossed braids that create a lattice pattern before flowing into a standard ponytail.
This advanced style offers security with visual interest.
You’ll create multiple thin braids, then weave them over and under each other to form a secure lattice pattern at the back of your head.
This architectural approach ensures exceptional security while creating a distinctive look that stands out during team photos and games.
19: Slicked Back Low Bun
Create sleek, distraction-free minimalism with this tight, low bun secured at the nape of your neck.
This sophisticated option offers practical benefits with timeless appearance.
You’ll use strong-hold gel or pomade to eliminate flyaways before securing your hair into a tight, low bun reinforced with pins.
This understated style works beautifully for players with shorter hair or those who prefer minimal bulk and maximum security during play.
20: Bandana Wrap with Ponytail
Incorporate a practical bandana or head wrap to control edges and prevent sweat before gathering hair into a secure ponytail.
This practical approach combines multiple security elements.
You’ll wrap your hairline completely with a moisture-wicking bandana before securing remaining hair into a high ponytail.
This dual-security approach ensures maximum protection against sweat and movement while adding team spirit through your choice of bandana color.
21: Knotless Box Braids
Invest in this protective style featuring lightweight synthetic braids that offer weeks of security with minimal daily maintenance.
This long-term solution provides exceptional convenience for serious players.
You’ll appreciate how modern knotless installation techniques create lightweight braids that move naturally without heavy tension on your scalp.
Gather these braids into a high ponytail or bun during games for complete security that requires zero pre-game styling time.
22: Crown Twist with Ponytail
Create a secure perimeter with a twisted section that runs across your hairline before gathering remaining hair into a high ponytail.
This hybrid approach offers targeted security where it matters most.
You’ll twist a section of hair from ear to ear across your hairline, pinning it securely before gathering all remaining hair into your ponytail.
This strategic approach prevents those crucial front pieces from escaping while maintaining the simplicity of a classic ponytail.
23: Double Twisted Buns
Divide your hair into two sections, twisting each tightly before wrapping into secure buns positioned at either side of your head.
This balanced style distributes weight evenly for comfort during play.
You’ll appreciate how the twisted technique creates more security than simple wrapped buns, preventing hair from loosening during aggressive movements.
The symmetrical positioning balances weight across your head while keeping all hair completely contained throughout intense games.
24: Five-Strand Dutch Braid
Master this advanced braiding technique that creates an ultra-secure, thick braid perfect for basketball.
This show stopping style offers unmatched security with distinctive appearance.
You’ll need to practice the five-strand weaving pattern, which creates a complex structure that resists loosening even during your most aggressive plays.
The resulting braid creates a prominent, textured plait that keeps hair completely controlled while making a statement on and off the court.
25: Headband Braid with Bun
Incorporate a braided headband effect by French braiding a section along your hairline before securing all hair into a high bun.
This face-framing approach offers targeted security where needed most.
You’ll create a French braid that follows your hairline from one ear to the other, then gather all hair (including the braid end) into a high, secure bun.
This technique ensures exceptional security around your face—the most crucial area during gameplay—while maintaining a stylish, intentional appearance.
Conclusion
The perfect basketball hairstyle combines security, comfort, and personal style.
Choose an option that matches your hair type and game intensity, then focus on dominating the court without hair distractions!
