Cowgirl style is all about embracing your inner country spirit with laidback, rustic flair.
What better way to achieve that downhome look than with a hairstyle to match?
Cowgirl hairstyles range from cute and casual to glammed up and dramatic, giving you lots of options to showcase your western chic.
These cowgirl hair ideas are fun, feminine and full of personality.
With a combination of braids, waves, ponytails and updos, you’ll find trendy yet traditional inspiration ideal for the rodeo, country concert, or just a day out on the homestead.
Channel favorite cowgirls of the past and present while making each hairdo your own. Join me now as we explore 13 cowgirl hairstyles to elevate your country style!
Braided Pigtails
Braided pigtails are a cowgirl classic with a youthful, playful vibe.
For this look, divide your hair evenly down the center into two sections. Braid each section into a basic plait down to the ends.
For extra flair, wrap colorful ribbons into the braids. Braided pigtails work on all hair lengths and textures, looking cute and casual on straight, wavy or curly hair.
The style is perfect for keeping hair out of your face on a busy day at the ranch, county fair or music festival. For occasional wear, extensions can add length and thickness to your pigtails.
This girly style pairs well with a bandana, cowboy hat or similar country accouterments. Simple yet so fun, braided pigtails are a go-to cowgirl updo.
Loose Braid
For a soft and romantic cowgirl hair idea, try a loose braid.
This look involves braiding all your hair over one shoulder in a relaxed, imperfect manner that leaves pieces falling out for a windswept effect.
Use your fingers rather than a comb when gathering and braiding for a tousled, undone finish.
Wrap a leather cord around the bottom and leave shorter face-framing layers loose.
This style works great on medium to long hair, adding dreamy movement and texture. Pair your loose braid with a floral dress for a prairie-inspired vibe.
The laidback braid embodies cowgirl chic.
Half-Up Pigtails
Half-up pigtails blend cute and practical, keeping hair out of your face while leaving some strands free. Part your hair down the middle and gather the top half into two sections.
Braid each top section into a pigtail, securing with a hair tie, then let the rest of your hair hang loose.
This works well on medium to long locks, but extensions can add fullness and length if needed.
Half-up pigtails exude a youthful, girly cowgirl spirit.
Plus, the style allows you to show off pretty hair accessories like bandanas, flowers and hats. For an on-trend take, create bubbled half-up pigtails by teasing the roots before braiding.
This fun summer style is great for a music festival or county fair.
Side Braid
For a sophisticated, elegant spin, try an over-the-shoulder side braid. Part your hair to one side and gather it over your opposite shoulder.
Form the hair into a neat Dutch braid or fishtail plait down the length. Pancaking the braid creates width and definition.
Leave a few face-framing pieces loose and sweep them back for a polished touch. This side braid works on all hair types when kept neat.
Or make it more relaxed on second-day curls or waves. A sleek side braid can take you from the ranch to a western wedding or date night. Adorn it with pretty clips, flowers or barrettes.
Braided Top Knot
Combining a braid and top knot, this updo adds interest while keeping your neck feeling cool. Start by parting your hair down the center.
On each side, braid a section of hair along the hairline towards the crown. Meet the two braids in the back and join them into one larger braid.
Twist into a top knot, securing with bobby pins and finishing with a spray.
Braided top knots work on various hair lengths, with extensions helping add fullness on shorter hair.
The style also allows you to highlight fun hair accessories like cowrie shell clips. It’s great for active days out at a horse show or country concert. A braided updo takes your cowgirl look up a notch.
French Braided Mohawk
Make a bold western statement with a french braided mohawk.
Section your hair into three parts—left, center, and right.
Braid the left and right sides into inverted french braids, drawing them back tightly to meet at the nape of your neck. Bring all the hair together and bind into a low ponytail or bun.
Leave the middle strip loose as your faux mohawk.
This edgy style works best on longer hair to achieve dramatic braids, but extensions can help add length.
The french braided mohawk epitomizes cowgirl edge with its shaved-sides illusion. Pair it with distressed denim and leather for a ranch hand vibe.
Ribbon-Wrapped Braid
Incorporate some western flair into your hair with this ribbon-wrapped braid. Start with a basic three-strand plait down the back of your hair.
Choose ribbons in complementary colors and use them to wrap around and conceal the braid inside, leaving just a peek of hair showing.
Tie the ribbons off at the end in a cute bow or knot.
For a country luxe look, opt for satin ribbons. This braided hair concept works on all lengths and textures—straight, curly, short or long.
The ribbon-wrapped style adds instant cowgirl appeal while keeping hair controlled. Use it to pretty-up your pony before a day at the fair or rodeo.
Boho Braids
Channel your inner flower child cowgirl with free-spirited boho braids. Start by parting your hair down the center into two even sections.
On each side, divide hair into multiple small strands and braid each one down to the ends.
You can opt for fishtail braids or three-strand plaits—any small braids will do.
The key is leaving lengths loose and uneven between the braids for an untamed finish.
Use elastics to tie off each braid end. Scrunch and tousle the braids with your fingers for extra volume and texture.
Boho braids work great on wavy or curly hair. Accessorize with floral clips or headbands.
This style pairs perfectly with flowy dresses and cowboy boots for a modern cowgirl vibe.
Southern Curls
Big bouncy curls evoke an ultra-girly southern belle style.
Start by curling thick sections of hair with a large barrel curling wand, leaving the ends out for that coveted ribbon effect.
Flip your head upside down and use your fingers to gently arrange the curls, shaking hair into place at the roots for extra volume.
Finish with a firm yet flexible hold hairspray, scrunching the curls to set them in place. Pancake pieces as needed for a fluffy effect.
The base for this style is getting curls and texture, which works on all hair types and lengths. But longer locks help achieve that dramatic tumbling curl look.
Soft face-framing curls paired with western wear give you an unforgettable bombshell cowgirl moment.
Braided Crown Updo
This braided crown updo exudes rodeo queen elegance.
Part your dry hair down the center and section out a strip of hair along the part on each side.
Braid both pieces back towards the nape of your neck, pancaking the braids for fullness. Join the braids and continue braiding down the rest of your hair into one long plait.
Coil the braid into a bun, using bobby pins to secure flat against the head. Leave a few curved pieces down around the face.
The braided crown effect is gorgeous for prom or weddings. Or dress it down with jeans and boots for a day at the stables.
This commanding upstyle works best on longer hair but extensions can add fullness and length. Top off with a cowboy hat for a true cowgirl crowning glory.
Ponytail with Bandana
An easy go-to, the ponytail instantly becomes cowgirl chic with the addition of a bandana.
Gather your hair high or low with an elastic, depending on your preference.
Take a bandana (traditional patterns like paisley or cowprint work well) and fold it diagonally into a triangle.
Tie the folded bandana around your ponytail, adjusting it to cover the elastic and create a pretty accent. Leave the bandana ends loose for a casual vibe or tie them up high on the ponytail.
This functional style keeps hair out of the way while adding western flair.
It works on all hair types and lengths. Toss your ponytail in braids, curls, or leave it straight. The options are endless for customizing your cowgirl ponytail.
Glam Waves
Get ready to turn heads with these va-va-voom Hollywood waves. Start by curling mid-length strands away from your face, leaving the roots and ends straight.
Then flip your head over and lightly backcomb the crown for major volume. Gently arrange your hair, combing the top layers forward and sweeping sides back.
Finish the look by lightly misting hairspray over the waves, which helps set the style while still keeping hair touchable and movable.
A little teasing at the top adds serious height.
The voluminous retro waves are glamorous and sexy. Pair them with red lips and cat eyes for a sultry cowgirl style. Use amedium barrel iron to achieve those soft yet defined curls.
Braided Half Pony
The braided half pony puts a western spin on the everyday ponytail.
Leaving the bottom half of your hair down, gather the top section. Split this top part in two and braid each side into a basic plait.
Meet the braids in the back, combine them together into one, and continue braiding down into a ponytail.
Tie it off with a fun country-inspired hair tie like a cowrie shell or leather strap.
Leave some pieces down in the front to frame your face.
The half-up style works well on all hair types and lengths. For shorter hair, small individual braids along the hairline create the look. This practical look with a braided twist embodies casual cowgirl chic.
Braids, ponytails, waves and updos all reflect different aspects of country style.
Hair accessories like bandanas, ribbons, flowers and clips add even more personality.
So next time you need hair inspiration with some cowboy flair, try these fun and feminine looks.
With the right outfit, makeup and attitude, these hairstyles will have you ready to hit the country music festival, rodeo or barn dance and elevate your cowgirl cred.
So embody that independent spirit and rustic charm. Saddle up and get ready to turn some heads y’all! What will your signature cowgirl hairstyle be?
