20 Soccer Hairstyles for a Sporty, Confident Look
On the pitch, your hair has one job: stay out of the way for ninety minutes. The best soccer hairstyles keep every strand secure through sprints, headers and tackles, while still looking sharp in team photos. This list gathers 20 match ready styles for every hair type and length.
Most of these looks are braids, ponytails and buns tightened with gel, strong elastics and a few pins. Hair that is washed, conditioned and healthy holds these styles better and breaks less, so the healthy hair tips from the American Academy of Dermatology are worth following through the whole season.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our guides to hairstyles for women, browse these chic hairstyles, or find fresh haircut ideas for your next salon visit.
Classic Soccer Ponytail
The classic soccer ponytail sits high and tight, brushed smooth so nothing escapes during a run. Gather the hair at the crown, secure it with a strong elastic and wrap a thin strand around the band. A little gel along the hairline keeps baby hairs flat from kickoff to the final whistle.
This is the style most players learn first because it works on almost every hair type and takes three minutes. For long hair, add a second elastic halfway down so the tail stays in one line and does not whip across your face when you turn.
Braided Headband Style
- Braid a thin section along the front hairline
- Work from one ear toward the other
- Pin the braid end behind the ear
- Pull the rest of the hair into a ponytail
The braided headband does the job of a sports band without slipping or squeezing. It holds the front and baby hairs flat, which matters most when you head the ball. The rest of the hair can go into any ponytail or bun you like for matches.
Double Braided Ponytail
Quick Tip:
Braid each side fully before joining them. If you join first and braid after, the ponytail twists and loosens during the game.
Two braids that meet in one ponytail share the weight of long hair and stop it swinging as one heavy tail. The braids also keep the sides flat against the head, so nothing comes loose near the ears. It is a strong pick for midfielders who run all game.
Sleek Low Ponytail
BEFORE: A loose low ponytail that slides down and drops strands by half time.
AFTER: The same ponytail, gelled smooth and double tied, stays neat for the full match.
The sleek low ponytail suits players who dislike the pull of a high style. Brush the hair straight back with gel, tie it at the nape and add a second elastic an inch lower for grip. It sits flat, works under training bibs and never blocks your view.
Loose Fishtail Braid
- Gather the hair to one side at the nape
- Split it into two sections
- Cross small pieces from each side into the middle
- Keep the braid snug, not tight
- Secure the end with a small elastic
A fishtail is one of the prettiest soccer hairstyles you can wear, and it is stronger than it looks. The crossed pattern locks the hair in place while the slight looseness keeps it comfortable. It works best on long hair and survives a full game with one quick re-tie at half time.
High Messy Bun
| Feature | High Bun | Low Bun |
|---|---|---|
| Heading comfort | Clear of the forehead | Can press at the nape |
| Best for | Strikers and fast play | Calm, controlled games |
| Setup time | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
The high messy bun looks relaxed but holds firm when it is pinned well. Twist the ponytail, wrap it into a bun and cross two pins through the base. A sports headband over the front catches any short layers. It keeps all the hair off the neck on hot days.
Sporty Double Buns
DO:
- Part the hair evenly down the middle
- Keep both buns the same size and height
- Pin each bun flat with crossed pins
DON’T:
- Make the buns big and loose
- Skip gel on the part line
- Leave the ends sticking out
Double buns split the hair into two light, balanced buns that do not bounce as one heavy lump. They suit medium hair best and feel cooler than a single bun in summer tournaments. Young players love them because they look fun in team photos too.
Crown Braid Ponytail
Best For: Long hair on match day | Time: 15 minutes | Skill Level: Medium | Holds: Full match
A braid that starts at the front hairline and wraps like a crown gives the ponytail a locked base that cannot slide. Braid around the top, gather everything at the back and tie the ponytail under the braid end. The front stays flat for headers and set pieces.
Twisted Top Ponytail
The twisted top ponytail starts with two twists at the front that meet at the crown and flow into one high tail. The twists grip the front hair better than a plain brush back, so the hairline stays clean even in wind and rain. Gel the twists lightly so no wisps escape during play.
It is a good middle ground for players who find braids slow but want more hold than a plain ponytail. The style takes about seven minutes, works on medium and long hair, and the twists add a neat detail that stands out in photos.
Mini Braids Front Style
- Part three or four small sections at the front
- Braid each one back toward the crown
- Secure the tiny braids with small elastics
- Gather everything into a bun or ponytail
Mini braids at the front are a smart fix for short layers and growing out bangs that never stay back. Each tiny braid locks its section down, and the rest of the hair ties up as usual. The braids can stay in for several days of training.
Slicked High Ponytail
Quick Tip:
Apply gel in layers: brush, gel, brush again. Layering gives the slick finish that lasts, instead of one thick coat that flakes by half time.
The slicked high ponytail is the sharpest look in this list: hair gelled flat to the head, tail high and swinging free. It suits confident players who like a bold, clean line. Use a boar brush for the smoothest finish and tie the tail twice for security.
Single French Braid
BEFORE: A single braid started loose at the crown, slipping lower every sprint.
AFTER: One French braid started tight at the hairline, flat and firm to the very end.
The single French braid is a classic among soccer hairstyles because it spreads tension across the whole head. Nothing pulls at one spot, nothing hangs loose, and the braid stays in through extra time. It suits long hair best and can be done the night before a morning match.
Bubble High Ponytail
- Tie a smooth high ponytail
- Add a small elastic every two inches
- Pull each section gently into a bubble
- Keep the bubbles even in size
- Gel the front and edges smooth
Bubbles keep a long ponytail in short, controlled sections, so it cannot tangle or whip around as one loose tail. The style looks playful but plays serious. Match the elastics to your kit colors for tournaments and photo days with the team.
Half Up Sporty Twist
| Feature | Half Up Twist | Full Ponytail |
|---|---|---|
| Front hold | Twists lock the front | Relies on gel alone |
| Comfort | Less pull on the scalp | Firmer pull |
| Best for | Training and friendlies | Full competitive matches |
The half up twist pulls the front and top back into a small twist, then joins a low ponytail or bun for the rest. It is gentler on the scalp than a full tight style, which suits long training weeks. Add gel on the twist so it holds through drills.
Braided Space Buns
DO:
- Braid each side before wrapping the buns
- Keep the braids tight to the scalp
- Pin the bun ends underneath
DON’T:
- Wrap loose hair into the buns
- Place the buns too far back
- Forget elastics at the braid ends
Braiding each side first makes space buns far stronger: the braids control the hair, and the buns just hold the ends. Nothing unravels during play, and the style survives headers better than plain buns. It is a favorite for youth tournaments and team photo days.
Low Braided Bun
Best For: Defenders and goalkeepers | Time: 10 minutes | Skill Level: Easy | Holds: Full match
Braid the hair first, then wrap the braid into a low bun: the braid stops the bun from slipping, and the low position keeps it clear of headers at the front. Pin it flat and add a net or band if your league allows one. Calm, neat and very secure.
Pinned Back Sporty Style
The pinned back style is for short to medium hair that is too short to tie. Smooth the hair back with strong gel and pin the sides flat behind the ears with flat clips that sit close to the head. The front can be swept back or parted in the middle for a clean line.
Keep spare pins in your kit bag, because one lost pin is easy to replace at half time. This style dries fast after rain, never blocks your view and takes under five minutes. Many defenders with shorter hair rely on it all season.
Side Swept Braid
- Start a French braid behind one ear
- Braid across the back toward the other side
- Keep adding hair evenly as you cross
- Finish in a side braid or small bun
A braid swept across the back keeps the hair off the neck and spreads the hold from ear to ear. It looks a little different from the usual center styles, which makes it a fun pick for photo days. It suits medium and long hair of most types.
Wrapped Ponytail Base
Quick Tip:
Pin the wrapped strand under the ponytail, not on top. Hidden pins hold longer and keep the wrap smooth for the whole game.
Wrapping a strand of hair around the base of a ponytail hides the elastic and adds a little grip where the tail meets the head. It takes one extra minute and makes any ponytail in this list look more finished. Use it on high or low styles.
Curly High Puff
BEFORE: Curls left loose, falling forward at every sprint and header.
AFTER: The same curls gathered into a high puff, edges gelled smooth, curls free on top.
The high puff is the go to style for curly and coily hair on match day. Gather the curls high with a soft band, smooth the edges with gel and let the curls sit full on top. It protects the curl pattern, keeps the face clear and looks great.
Styling Tips for These Soccer Hairstyles
Whichever of these soccer hairstyles you pick, test it in one full training session before a real match. Sprint, head the ball and stretch in it, and fix any spot that loosens while you still can. Keep spare elastics, pins and a small gel in your kit bag so a quick repair at half time is never a problem.
Conclusion
Good soccer hair is simple: secure at the front, flat at the sides and tied so well you forget it is there. Braids give the strongest hold, high ponytails give speed, and buns keep everything clear for headers. Pick the soccer hairstyles that suit your hair type, practice them once at training, and walk onto the pitch focused on the game, not your hair. Save this list in your kit bag notes for the whole season, and share it with a teammate whose hair never survives the second half. Good luck this season, and enjoy every match.
