Okay, let’s talk hoops and hair! I remember playing basketball in high school. It was always a struggle to find a hairstyle that would actually stay put through all the running, jumping, and maybe a little bit of sweat. I wanted something that kept my hair out of my face, felt secure, but also looked… well, cute! It felt like I was constantly having to fix my hair during timeouts, which was definitely not ideal. That’s why I got so interested in finding easy basketball hairstyles that actually work on the court.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with so many different looks. Some failed miserably (hello, loose strands everywhere!), and some became my go-to styles. Finding that sweet spot between court-ready and cute can be tricky, but it’s totally possible!
As the beauty editor here at TressNails.com, my goal is to help you feel amazing, whether you’re on the court or just living your life. I love sharing tips and tricks that make beauty easy and fun. I’ve put together a list of 19 easy basketball hairstyles that I think you’ll love. These are styles you can whip up in minutes, so you can focus on your game, not your hair.
19 Easy Basketball Hairstyles
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff! These are the 19 easy basketball hairstyles I’ve found that work wonders on the court. They’re all quick to do, so you won’t miss warm-ups. Whether your hair is long, short, curly, or straight, there’s a style here for you. We’ll start with some simple options and work our way up to my personal favorite for staying secure.
19. Simple Ponytail

The simple ponytail is a total classic. It’s super quick and keeps your hair right out of your face. This one works for pretty much any hair type. My tip? Always use a really strong hair tie.
18. High Ponytail

Raising that ponytail up adds a bit more lift and can feel more secure. It’s great for keeping your neck clear during the game. For a little extra style, wrap a piece of hair around the base.
17. Low Ponytail

A low ponytail is a more relaxed choice. It can feel less tight on your scalp. Just make sure you secure it tightly right at the nape of your neck.
16. Braided Ponytail

Braiding your ponytail gives it extra security and looks cute too. It also helps a lot with tangling. Braid it pretty tightly for the best hold.
15. Bubble Ponytail

This one is a fun, trendy option. You use multiple elastics down the length of the ponytail to create “bubbles.” Gently pull the sections to make them puff out a bit.
14. Half-Up Ponytail

If you like some hair down, this keeps the top section secure. It’s good for players who don’t mind a little hair around their face. Use a strong elastic for the half-up part.
13. Two Braids

Two simple braids are a great way to keep all your hair contained. They help distribute the hair’s weight evenly. Start braiding close to your scalp for a good hold.
12. French Braids

French braids are braided close to the scalp, which makes them super secure. They really help prevent little strands from coming loose. Try to keep your sections even as you braid.
11. Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are like French braids, but the braid pops out more. This gives you a more visible braid pattern. Remember to braid under instead of over for this look.
10. Boxer Braids

Boxer braids are just two Dutch braids. They are really popular for sports because they are so secure. Make sure your braids are tight and close to your head.
9. Braided Headband

Braid a section of hair along your hairline to create a braided headband. This is perfect for keeping those front pieces out of your eyes. Pin the braid securely behind your ear.
8. Two Buns

Two buns are excellent for getting all your hair off your neck and shoulders. You can do them high or low. Twist your hair tightly before you coil it into a bun.
7. High Bun

A high bun is a classic, secure updo. It keeps all your hair completely out of the way. Use plenty of bobby pins to tuck away any loose ends.
6. Low Bun

The low bun is a more relaxed choice. It can be easier to do quickly when you’re in a rush. Secure it well with a strong hair tie and some bobby pins.
5. Messy Bun

A messy bun is quick and looks effortless. Believe it or not, it can be quite secure if you do it right. Don’t worry about making it perfect; a little messy is fine!
4. Twisted Ponytail

Twisting sections of hair into a ponytail adds interest and some extra security. It also helps reduce tangling during play. Twist the sections tightly before gathering them.
3. Pigtails

Pigtails are a simple and effective way to manage hair. They distribute the hair on both sides of your head. Make sure you use strong elastics that won’t slip down.
2. Braided Pigtails

Braiding your pigtails adds extra security and prevents tangles. This is a really secure option for super active games. Braid them tightly right from the start.
1. The Top Knot

The top knot is my absolute favorite for staying secure and looking good. It keeps all your hair up and completely out of your face. It’s a go-to for so many athletes. Secure it with a good elastic and several bobby pins.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked a lot about how to keep these easy basketball hairstyles looking great and feeling secure. Here are some common questions I hear and my best answers to help you out.
What hair products are best for keeping basketball hairstyles in place?
For serious hold during a game, I always reach for a strong hold hairspray or gel. A good gel applied before styling can really help tame flyaways and keep braids tight. Hairspray is great for finishing and making sure everything stays put even when you’re jumping and running.
How can I prevent my hair from getting damaged while playing basketball?
Playing sports can be tough on hair. I recommend using satin scrunchies instead of regular elastic bands; they are much gentler and help prevent breakage. Also, try not to wear super tight styles every single day. Give your scalp and hair a break between games or practices. Deep conditioning regularly helps a lot too.
Are these styles suitable for all hair types?
Yes, mostly! These court-ready hairstyles can be adapted for different hair types. If you have really fine hair, you might need more product for hold. Thicker or curlier hair might need more elastics or bobby pins to stay put. With the right techniques and products, you can make these styles work for you.
Conclusion
Finding easy basketball hairstyles doesn’t have to be a headache! As you can see, there are so many court-ready and cute options you can do in just minutes. These styles are designed to keep your hair secure so you can focus on playing your best game.
I really encourage you to try out a few different ones from this list. See which one feels most comfortable and stays in place for your hair type and activity level. Remember, you absolutely can look cute while dominating on the court!
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