When you’re running around the court to hit shots, the last thing you want is your hair getting in your eyes or sticking to your neck in the heat.
The ideal tennis hairstyle keeps your locks off your face and neck, absorbs sweat, and stays put without constant re-adjusting.
Tips are also included on choosing accessories like headbands that won’t slip around as you play.
Ready to find your new signature tennis ‘do? Let’s get started!
The Classic Ponytail
The ponytail is a tried and true hairstyle for tennis that keeps hair back and out of the way.
It’s a fuss-free option that works for all hair lengths and textures.
To create a sleek tennis ponytail:
– Pull your hair back tightly and evenly into a ponytail positioned at the crown of your head. Using a brush helps smooth out any bumps.
– Secure with an elastic designed for active wear, like a thick fabric-covered hair tie. This prevents breakage and slippage.
– Wrap a section of hair around the hair tie base to conceal it. Bobby pin the end underneath the ponytail.
– Set the ponytail with a mist of strong hold hairspray. This keeps flyaways and shorter layers in place.
The ponytail is a classic for good reason – it’s comfortable, adjustable and stays put during energetic play.
Choose a sleek, centered ponytail for a polished look or an off-center, looser ponytail for a casual vibe.
Braided Ponytail
Adding a braid to your ponytail amps up the style factor for tennis.
A braided ponytail contains all your hair neatly and prevents flyaways from escaping around your face.
To get this look:
– Part your hair deeply off to one side. Gather all your hair over your opposite shoulder.
– Split hair into 3 even sections and braid down towards your neck using a tight french braid technique.
– Once you reach the ends, secure the braid with a clear elastic.
– Pull your braided ponytail over to the opposite side and loosely tie it into a ponytail with a fabric hair tie.
– Pancake the ponytail a bit with your fingers to add fullness and width.
The braided ponytail is both sporty and chic. For extra control, use gel on slick, straight hair when braiding.
Those with wavy or curly hair can braid in their natural texture.
Low Bun or Chignon
Buns are a no-fuss hairstyle that contain long hair and keep it off the neck – perfect for staying cool on the tennis court.
The low bun positioned at the nape of the neck provides a sleek, sophisticated look.
Follow these steps to create a polished low bun:
– Pull your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic.
– Next, divide hair into 2 sections above the elastic and twist each section away from your face until they meet in the middle and form a twisted loop.
– Wrap the twisted hair into a circular bun shape.
– Tuck the ends under the bun and pin them in place with bobby pins.
– Mist with strong hold hairspray to lock in the shape.
The low bun works well for straight, wavy or curly hair. For added polish, wrap a section of hair over the elastic band.
The low bun is comfortable, casual yet contained enough for competition.
Double Braids
Double braids are a cute and sporty option to keep hair off your face during an intense tennis match.
Two braids help contain thicker or longer hair.
Follow these easy steps to double braid your hair:
– Part damp hair down the middle from forehead to nape. Then divide each side in half again so you have 4 even sections.
– Begin a tight french braid on each side of the part, adding in hair as you braid back towards the nape of your neck.
– Secure each braid at the end with a clear elastic. Make sure braids are even in size.
– For extra hold, mist braids with strong hold hairspray or gel and smooth down any flyaways.
Double braids contain all your hair and let your focus stay on the game. They also have a fun, youthful look.
Add mini elastics along the bottom for a decorative touch.
Fishtail Braids
For tennis players with long, thick hair, fishtail braids are a stylish solution.
The fishtail weaves hair into two pieces resembling a fish tail, keeping it neat and out of the way. Dual braids mean double the sporty style.
Here’s how to fishtail braid your locks:
– Part damp hair down the center. Divide each side into two even sections.
– Take a small piece of hair from the outside of one section and cross it over to the inside of the other section.
– Do the same on the opposite side, taking hair from the outside and adding it to the inside portion.
– Alternate sides, gradually adding hair in this pattern until you reach the ends.
– Secure each fishtail braid at the nape of your neck with elastics.
Fishtail pigtail braids add flair while containing even extremely long, thick hair. Use leave-in conditioner and finishing serum to smooth and detangle hair pre-braiding.
Slicked Back Bun
The slicked back bun pulls hair neatly off the face and neck for distraction-free play. It’s a polished yet sporty look, perfect for competition.
To get the slicked back tennis bun:
– Apply gel to damp hair and use a boar bristle brush to smooth hair straight back away from your face.
– Gather all your hair together at the crown of your head. Twist hair under to form a secure bun shape.
– Wrap an elastic snugly around the bun. Stick in bobby pins around the edges to keep slick hair in place.
– Mist with strong hold hairspray for extra security.
The tight, slicked back style keeps every hair contained. It works best on straight or wavy hair – allow hair to air dry smoothly before slicking back. Pull out a few face framing pieces in the front for a softer look.
Messy Topknot Bun
For relaxed practices or social matches, try the messy topknot bun.
This casual updo keeps hair back while allowing soft wispy pieces to frame your face.
Follow these simple steps:
– Pull your hair up like you’re making a ponytail on top of your head. Stop halfway, leaving hair loose underneath.
– Twist the ponytail into a messy bun shape without smoothing hair perfectly.
– Wrap an elastic around the bun. Stick bobby pins in towards the hairline to secure flyaways.
– Mist messy bun lightly with flexible hold hairspray for light hold.
The imperfect messy bun is cute yet still practical for play.
It works great with wavy, curly or straight hair textures. Allow pieces to naturally fall out around your face.
Topknot buns are casual and quick to create!
Dutch Braided Headband
Braided headbands are both stylish and functional for keeping hair off your face during tennis.
The Dutch braid technique weaves a pretty braided band across your forehead.
Follow these steps to Dutch braid a headband:
– Part damp hair down the middle. Take a 1-2 inch section of hair along your hairline on one side.
– Split section into 3 pieces. Begin a normal 3-strand braid but add hair only from the bottom side of the section as you braid backwards.
– Once you reach the back of that side, secure braid with an elastic.
– Repeat braid along other side. Pin braids together at back of head.
The Dutch braided headband slicks hair off your face without fully putting it up.
For added polish, crisscross the braids at the back of your head before pinning.
This braided headband works well with straight or wavy hair types.
Half Up Half Down Space Buns
Half up, half down space buns are a fun alternative to pigtail buns when playing tennis.
The half down styling is cooler at the neck than all-up dos.
Here’s how to do this creative pairing:
– Part clean, damp hair down the middle. Gather the top half into a high ponytail atop your crown, leaving the bottom half down.
– Divide the ponytail into two sections. Twist each section into a circular bun against your head and secure with bobby pins.
– Mist the finished look with medium hold hairspray to lock in the style.
The space buns allow you to put up only the top portion of hair getting in your face, leaving the rest long and loose. This works great for women with longer hair.
Add 90s-style thin headbands over the space buns for a colorful accent.
Sporty Box Braids
Box braids are a protective style that makes an excellent option for managing thick, textured hair on the tennis court.
The numerous braids keep hair contained and off the neck.
Have your stylist create uniform box braids across your whole head.
For extra security:
– Tip ends of braids with clear elastics to prevent unraveling.
– Mist braids lightly with hairspray or braid spray to smooth and add light hold.
– Cover the length of the braids with a soft headband to absorb sweat.
Medium length box braids allow free movement during play.
Keep them neat by re-braiding the new growth at your stylist every 6-8 weeks.
The box braids contain coarse, thick hair while maintaining moisture.
Boho Braids with Headband
Long, bohemian-style braids make a pretty style statement for casual matches or practices.
The multiple plaits keep thick or wavy hair under control.
Achieve this hippie chic look by:
– Parting hair into multiple, small sections. Creating small triangular parts works well.
– Tightly braiding each section down to the ends. Vary between french braids, fishtail braids or regular 3-strand braids.
– Secure each braid end with a clear elastic. Leave braid ends loose rather than tying together.
– Crisscross braids loosely at the nape of your neck. Top with a patterned headband.
These narrow boho braids work nicely on longer hair.
Mist braids with sea salt spray for added texture and volume. The variety of braid patterns creates visual interest while securing hair.
Low Curly Bun
Women with thick, curly hair can opt for a low curly bun to keep hair out of the way.
This stretches out tight curls so they won’t bounce into your eyes as you hit the ball.
Here’s how to create a polished low curly bun:
– Apply your favorite curl defining cream and comb through damp curls with fingers. Let air dry.
– Gather all your hair into a loose ponytail low at the nape of your neck.
– Twist curls into a messy bun shape and secure ends with bobby pins close to the head.
– Finish with a light mist of soft hold hairspray to tame flyaways.
The low curly bun keeps natural texture in place but stretched back for function.
Choose a loose, imperfect bun – oversmoothing tight curls will cause frizz. Pull out a few spiral ringlets to frame your face.
Braided Crown Updo
The braided crown updo adds regal elegance to your next tennis match.
Intricate braiding keeps all hair secured, while a top knot bun allows for freedom of movement.
Follow these steps to achieve this intricate look:
– Part damp hair down the center. Section out your hairline leaving a 1 inch border.
– Moving back from the hairline, neatly french braid each side to meet at the back crown of your head.
– Secure the two braids together and continue braiding down the nape as one braid. Tie off end.
– Twist remaining top hair into a topknot bun. Mist with hairspray to set.
The braided crown channels a warrior princess vibe while keeping hair practical for play with the topknot. Use gel to smooth hair before braiding for a sleek finish.
Your hairstyle can make a big difference in comfort and performance on the tennis court.
These top styles showcased here provide inspiration for looking stylish while keeping hair contained and sweat-free.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these tennis hairstyles your own!
