Some soccer hairstyles look great in photos but take too long or fall apart as soon as you start running.
This guide is for the practical ones: quick ponytails, simple braids, bubble ponytails, buns, headbands, and soccer hairstyles that stay in place during practice, school games, tournaments, and full matches.
For the full soccer hair collection, visit Soccer Hairstyles.
Want to check how a style might look on you first? Upload your photo to RightHair AI and preview different soccer hairstyles before changing your real hair.
Best Easy Soccer Hairstyles for Players and Game Day
For players, the best easy soccer hairstyles are styles that keep hair controlled during running, warm-ups, headers, and full matches:
- Double Dutch braids
- Double French braids
- Braided ponytail
- Bubble ponytail
- Pigtail braids
- Low braided bun
- Athletic pre-wrap ponytail
For game day, school spirit, or watching a match, slightly softer styles can also work:
- High ponytail
- Low ponytail with headband
- Side braid
- Half-up soccer hairstyle
- Top knot
- Curly ponytail with headband
If you are playing, choose braids, buns, or pre-wrap styles that control the hair in sections. For photos, school events, or a casual match day outfit, a ponytail, side braid, or half-up style is usually enough.
18 Easy Soccer Hairstyles for Practice and Game Day
1. High Ponytail
A high ponytail is the fastest option when you need your hair up before practice. It keeps hair off your neck during warm weather, indoor soccer, summer games, and busy school mornings.
How to do it:
- Brush the hair upward toward the crown.
- Gather it into a ponytail.
- Secure it with a strong elastic.
- Smooth the front pieces back with your hands or a headband.
Best for:
- Medium to long hair
- Straight or wavy hair
- Warm weather
- Quick school mornings
How to keep it in place:
Use two elastics if the ponytail slides down. Add a non-slip headband if you have bangs, layers, or short front pieces.
2. Low Ponytail with Headband
A low ponytail with a headband is a simple choice when you want less pulling at the crown. It sits near the nape and helps control bangs, layers, and small front pieces.
How to do it:
- Brush the hair back or part it naturally.
- Gather the hair at the nape.
- Secure it with a soft elastic.
- Add a non-slip headband slightly behind the hairline.
Best for:
- Layered hair
- Shoulder-length hair
- Bangs
- Players who dislike tight ponytails
How to keep it in place:
Use a headband that grips without squeezing. If the ponytail loosens easily, use a second elastic or turn the ponytail into a braid.
3. Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail is a good choice when a regular ponytail feels too loose or swings too much. The small elastics down the length control the hair in sections, so the style feels more secure while running.
How to do it:
- Make a high, mid, or low ponytail.
- Add a small elastic every few inches.
- Gently pull each section outward.
- Keep the bubbles smaller for practice.
Best for:
- Long hair
- Thick hair
- Straight or wavy hair
- Game day and practice
How to keep it in place:
Start with a strong ponytail base. If your hair is slippery, use smaller elastics and keep the bubbles tighter.
4. Simple Three-Strand Braid
A simple three-strand braid is one of the easiest soccer hairstyles to learn. It works well when your hair is long enough to get in the way but you do not want to spend time on a full French or Dutch braid.
How to do it:
- Gather the hair at the back or to one side.
- Divide it into three sections.
- Braid to the end.
- Secure with an elastic.
Best for:
- Long or medium-long hair
- Thick hair
- Beginners
- Practice days
How to keep it in place:
If your hair slips, make a ponytail first and then braid the ponytail. This gives the braid a stronger base.
For more braid ideas, explore Braided Hairstyles.
5. Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail is one of the strongest easy soccer hairstyles for long hair. The ponytail base keeps hair off the face, while the braid controls the length.
How to do it:
- Tie your hair into a ponytail.
- Divide the ponytail into three sections.
- Braid the length.
- Secure the end with a small elastic.
Best for:
- Long hair
- Thick hair
- Outdoor games
- Windy weather
How to keep it in place:
Use a strong elastic at the base. For heavy hair, use two elastics before braiding.
6. Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids are one of the most secure soccer hairstyles for active play. They sit on top of the hair, divide the weight into two sides, and work well for full matches and tournament days.
How to do it:
- Part the hair down the middle.
- Start one braid near the front hairline.
- Cross the sections under instead of over.
- Add hair as you braid backward.
- Repeat on the other side.
Best for:
- Long or thick hair
- Full matches
- Tournament days
- Hair that falls forward
How to keep it in place:
Keep the first few braid sections tight near the crown. The lower sections can be softer, but the top needs to stay secure.
7. Double French Braids
Double French braids give you a flatter, smoother version of double braids. They sit closer to the head than Dutch braids, which can feel more comfortable for players who prefer less raised texture.
How to do it:
- Part the hair into two sections.
- Start one braid near the front.
- Cross the sections over each other.
- Add hair as you braid backward.
- Repeat on the other side.
Best for:
- Medium-long or long hair
- Fine hair
- Straight or wavy hair
- A flatter braided style
How to keep it in place:
Use a little water or leave-in spray if your hair is too clean and slippery. Tie the ends firmly.
8. Low Braided Bun
A low braided bun is a good option when you want long hair fully tucked away. It is more secure than a loose messy bun because the braid gives the bun structure.
How to do it:
- Make a low ponytail.
- Braid the ponytail length.
- Wrap the braid around the base.
- Secure it with another elastic.
Best for:
- Long hair
- Thick hair
- Hot weather
- Hair off the neck
How to keep it in place:
Start with a tight low ponytail. If the bun feels loose, use a second elastic around the finished bun.
9. Quick Low Bun
A quick low bun is useful when you have almost no time. It is fast, comfortable, and easy to fix for light practice, warm-ups, school soccer, or after-game hair.
How to do it:
- Gather the hair at the nape.
- Tie it into a low ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail around the base.
- Secure it with another elastic.
Best for:
- Medium to long hair
- Light practice
- Warm-ups
- After-game hair
How to keep it in place:
Do not make the bun too loose. If your hair is long, braid it first, then wrap it into a bun.
10. Top Knot
A top knot keeps hair off the neck and face on hot days. It is faster than a detailed braid, but it needs to be secure so it does not loosen during sprints.
How to do it:
- Gather the hair into a high ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail around the base.
- Secure it with another elastic.
- Add a headband for front pieces.
Best for:
- Medium-long or long hair
- Hot weather
- Warm-ups
- Hair off the neck
How to keep it in place:
Use two elastics instead of relying only on pins. If the bun feels heavy, move it slightly lower.
11. Pigtail Braids
Pigtail braids are easy, balanced, and comfortable. They work well for younger players, school teams, and thick hair because splitting the hair into two braids spreads out the weight.
How to do it:
- Part the hair down the middle.
- Tie each side into a low ponytail if needed.
- Braid each side.
- Secure the ends with small elastics.
Best for:
- Youth soccer
- Long hair
- Thick hair
- School teams
How to keep it in place:
Use small elastics at the ends. Add a headband if short front pieces fall forward.
12. Side Braid
A side braid is simple, quick, and easier to do without a mirror. It works well when you are getting ready in a car, locker room, or on the sidelines.
How to do it:
- Sweep the hair to one side.
- Divide it into three sections.
- Braid down the length.
- Secure the end with an elastic.
Best for:
- Long or medium-long hair
- Quick practice
- Locker room styling
- Low-effort game day hair
How to keep it in place:
Start with a low side ponytail first if your hair slips. Then braid the ponytail.
13. Half-Up Soccer Hairstyle
A half-up soccer hairstyle is useful when your hair is too short or layered for a full ponytail. It keeps the front pieces away from your face while leaving the rest down.
How to do it:
- Take the top section from the temples to the crown.
- Brush or finger-comb it back.
- Tie it into a small ponytail.
- Add a headband if needed.
Best for:
- Short hair
- Shoulder-length hair
- Layers or bangs
- Light practice
How to keep it in place:
Keep the half-up section firm. If loose pieces fall forward, add a headband or mini front braids.
14. Headband with Tucked Sides
A headband can make almost any easy soccer hairstyle more secure. It is especially helpful for bangs, layers, baby hairs, curly front pieces, and short hair around the face.
How to do it:
- Style the hair into a ponytail, braid, bun, or half-up look.
- Place a non-slip headband slightly behind the hairline.
- Tuck small side pieces under the band.
- Move your head to check that it does not slide.
Best for:
- Bangs
- Layers
- Short front pieces
- Curly hair
How to keep it in place:
Choose a soft athletic headband instead of a loose decorative one. It should grip without feeling tight.
15. Athletic Pre-Wrap Ponytail
An athletic pre-wrap ponytail is useful when regular headbands slide or small front pieces keep falling into your face. Many soccer players use pre-wrap like a lightweight headband.
How to do it:
- Make a high, mid, or low ponytail.
- Tie the ponytail securely.
- Wrap athletic pre-wrap around the head like a headband.
- Keep it behind the hairline but in front of loose pieces.
Best for:
- Youth soccer
- Tournament days
- Bangs or flyaways
- Hot or windy games
How to keep it in place:
Do not wrap it too tightly. It should feel secure but not press into the head. Test it during warm-ups before a match.
16. Rope Braid Ponytail
A rope braid ponytail looks neat but is simple once you understand the twist. It can be faster than a regular braid for some people and gives long hair a cleaner shape.
How to do it:
- Tie the hair into a ponytail.
- Divide the ponytail into two sections.
- Twist both sections in the same direction.
- Wrap them around each other in the opposite direction.
Best for:
- Long hair
- Straight or wavy hair
- Quick styling
- A clean ponytail finish
How to keep it in place:
Start with a tight ponytail. Keep the twists firm from top to bottom.
17. Mini Front Braids into a Ponytail
Mini front braids are useful when the front pieces always fall into your face. They give extra control around the hairline without requiring a full braided style.
How to do it:
- Take one or two small sections near the front.
- Braid each section backward.
- Pull the braids into a ponytail.
- Tie the ponytail securely.
Best for:
- Layers
- Bangs growing out
- Medium to long hair
- Players who run a lot
How to keep it in place:
Braid the front sections tightly enough that they do not loosen during warm-ups.
18. Curly Ponytail with Headband
A curly ponytail with a headband is one of the easiest soccer hairstyles for curly or wavy hair. The ponytail holds the length, and the headband keeps curls away from the eyes without pulling too tightly.
How to do it:
- Gather curls into a high, mid, or low ponytail.
- Use a soft elastic that does not pull.
- Place a wide or non-slip headband near the hairline.
- Leave the ponytail natural or loosely braid it.
Best for:
- Curly hair
- Wavy hair
- Thick hair
- Layers
How to keep it in place:
Avoid brushing curls dry right before styling if that creates frizz. Use a light curl product if needed.
For more texture-friendly ideas, explore Curly Hairstyles or Black Hairstyles.
Best Easy Soccer Hairstyles by Hair Length
Short Hair
For short hair, try a headband with tucked sides, a half-up style, mini front braids, athletic pre-wrap, or a small low ponytail if the hair reaches. Short hair usually needs the most help around the face, so a headband is often the fastest fix.
If you are thinking about cutting your hair shorter, preview ideas with the Short Hair Filter.
Medium Hair
For medium hair, try a low ponytail with headband, half-up style, quick low bun, side braid, simple braid, or bubble ponytail if the length allows. Medium hair can be tricky because some pieces may not stay in long braids, so secure the front first.
Long Hair
For long hair, try a braided ponytail, bubble ponytail, double Dutch braids, double French braids, low braided bun, pigtail braids, side braid, or rope braid ponytail. Long hair usually needs more than one elastic to control the length.
Best Easy Soccer Hairstyles by Hair Type
Straight hair can slip out of loose styles, so high ponytails, braided ponytails, bubble ponytails, double braids, and side braids usually work well.
Wavy hair works well with simple braids, bubble ponytails, low buns, side braids, and half-up styles because the natural texture can help the style hold.
Curly hair often works best with low ponytails, curly ponytails with headbands, half-up styles, loose braids, low buns, or athletic pre-wrap headbands.
Thick hair may feel heavy in one ponytail, so double Dutch braids, pigtail braids, bubble ponytails, low braided buns, and braided ponytails are usually better.
Fine hair may need more grip. Try a high ponytail, simple braid, low ponytail with headband, bubble ponytail with small elastics, or side braid.
Best Easy Soccer Hairstyles by Situation
For School Practice
Choose something fast, such as a high ponytail, low ponytail with headband, simple braid, bubble ponytail, half-up style, or side braid. These are easy to do before school or quickly after class.
For a Full Match
Choose more hold, such as double Dutch braids, double French braids, braided ponytails, low braided buns, pigtail braids, or athletic pre-wrap ponytails. A full match needs a style that does not need constant fixing.
For Hot or Humid Days
Choose styles that keep hair off your neck, such as a high ponytail, top knot, low braided bun, bubble ponytail, double braids, or quick low bun.
For Rainy or Windy Games
Choose styles with more structure, such as double Dutch braids, braided ponytails, bubble ponytails, pigtail braids, athletic pre-wrap ponytails, or low braided buns.
For Tournament Days
Choose styles that can last through warm-ups, games, breaks, travel, and changing weather. Double braids, braided ponytails, bubble ponytails, low braided buns, and athletic pre-wrap headbands are strong options.
For Team Photos
Choose neat but simple styles, such as a bubble ponytail, braided ponytail, double braids, low ponytail with headband, half-up style, or side braid. For softer photo-ready looks, visit Cute Soccer Hairstyles.
For Younger Players
For younger players, comfort matters more than a perfect finish. Low ponytails with headbands, pigtail braids, bubble ponytails, simple braids, and athletic pre-wrap headbands are usually easy to wear and easy to fix.
Soccer Hairstyles That Stay in Place
The soccer hairstyles that stay in place best are usually braids, buns, bubble ponytails, and ponytails with a non-slip headband or athletic pre-wrap.
The strongest options are usually:
- Double Dutch braids
- Double French braids
- Braided ponytail
- Low braided bun
- Bubble ponytail
- Pigtail braids
- Athletic pre-wrap ponytail
- Low ponytail with a non-slip headband
These styles work because they control hair in sections. A loose ponytail lets the full length move at once. A braid, bubble ponytail, bun, or pre-wrap headband reduces that movement.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
My ponytail keeps sliding down.
Use two elastics. If your hair is very smooth, try a braided ponytail or bubble ponytail instead.
My bangs or layers fall into my face.
Use a non-slip headband, athletic pre-wrap, mini front braids, or twist the front pieces back before tying your hair.
My braid gets loose while playing.
Start tighter near the crown. The lower braid can be softer, but the top needs to stay secure.
My hair feels too heavy.
Split the hair into two sections. Double Dutch braids, double French braids, or pigtail braids can feel lighter than one ponytail.
My headband keeps slipping.
Try a non-slip athletic headband or athletic pre-wrap. Place it slightly behind the hairline and test it during warm-ups.
Easy Soccer Hairstyles vs Cute Soccer Hairstyles
Easy soccer hairstyles and cute soccer hairstyles can overlap, but they have different goals. Easy soccer hairstyles are mainly about speed, comfort, and hold, while cute soccer hairstyles are more about the finished look, team colors, ribbons, or photo-friendly details.
If you want more game day inspiration, read Cute Soccer Hairstyles.
Keep Exploring
- Explore the full Soccer Hairstyles guide.
- Thinking about a short athletic cut? Visit Soccer Haircut Ideas.
- For player-inspired cuts and longer athletic styles, add: Soccer Player Haircuts
FAQ
What is the easiest soccer hairstyle?
The easiest soccer hairstyle is usually a high ponytail, low ponytail, simple braid, bubble ponytail, or quick low bun. These styles are fast, comfortable, and easy to fix before practice or a game.
What are easy soccer hairstyles for girls?
Easy soccer hairstyles for girls include high ponytails, low ponytails with headbands, bubble ponytails, braided ponytails, double Dutch braids, double French braids, low buns, pigtail braids, side braids, and athletic pre-wrap ponytails.
What are the best soccer hairstyles that stay in place?
Double Dutch braids, double French braids, braided ponytails, low braided buns, bubble ponytails, pigtail braids, and athletic pre-wrap ponytails usually stay in place best because they control the hair in sections.
What are quick soccer hairstyles for busy mornings?
Quick soccer hairstyles for busy mornings include a high ponytail, low ponytail with headband, bubble ponytail, simple braid, side braid, and quick low bun. Most only take a few minutes.
How do I keep my hair out of my face while playing soccer?
Use a secure base, such as a ponytail, braid, or bun. Add a non-slip headband or athletic pre-wrap if you have bangs, layers, baby hairs, or short front pieces.
What hairstyle should I wear for soccer practice?
For practice, choose a high ponytail, low ponytail with headband, simple braid, bubble ponytail, side braid, or double braids. Pick the style that feels comfortable and does not need constant fixing.
Are bubble ponytails good for soccer?
Yes. Bubble ponytails are good for soccer because they are quick, easy, and control long hair better than a loose ponytail. Use small elastics down the length to reduce swinging.
Are braids better than ponytails for soccer?
Braids usually stay in place better than loose ponytails, especially for long or thick hair. A ponytail is faster, but a braid controls the length more securely.
What is a good soccer hairstyle for short hair?
For short hair, try a headband with tucked sides, a half-up style, mini front braids, athletic pre-wrap, or a small low ponytail if your length allows it.
What is a good soccer hairstyle for long hair?
For long hair, try a braided ponytail, bubble ponytail, double Dutch braids, double French braids, pigtail braids, side braid, rope braid ponytail, or low braided bun.
Do easy soccer hairstyles work for curly hair?
Yes. Curly hair can work well with low ponytails, curly ponytails with headbands, half-up styles, loose braids, low buns, and athletic pre-wrap headbands. Avoid pulling too tightly at the crown.
Can I try easy soccer hairstyles online?
Yes. You can upload your photo to RightHair AI and preview different soccer hairstyles before choosing a new style, cut, or length.
