Im Lena, a professional hairstylist with over a decade behind the chair, and I’ve styled hundreds of athletes, weekend players and active women needing hair that performs. These 28 easy basketball hairstyles for women focus on fast, low-fuss looks that stay secure through sprints, jumps and sweaty quarters. I’ve included variations for straight, wavy, curly and textured hair — from slick high ponytails and sleek top knots to French braids, cornrows, double buns and protective twists. Each style includes quick tips on prep (detangling, light-hold products), tools (non-slip elastics, bobby pins, grippy headbands) and how to adapt length and thickness. Whether you have short, medium or long hair, the gallery of 28 images shows simple step-by-step finishes you can recreate at home or in the locker room. Read on for practical styling cues that keep hair out of your face while preserving health and shine.
Textured Side Braid into Low Bun with Scarf — Messy Updo for Wavy Hair
This textured side braid gathered into a low bun with a scarf is a salon-friendly, relaxed updo that works best on shoulder-length to long hair with natural waves or medium-to-thick density. From salon experience: start by blow-drying or air-drying with a sea-salt/texturizing spray to build grip. Create a loose Dutch or French braid along the crown, pancake the braid for volume, then gather the remainder into a low, messy bun and secure with an elastic, bobby pins and a decorative scarf or scrunchie. Tools needed: paddle brush, fine-tooth comb, elastics, bobby pins, curling iron (optional for added texture) and a scarf. Products required: texturizing/sea-salt spray, dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum and heat protectant. Difficulty level: intermediate — about 5–6/10; basic braiding skills and pinning technique recommended. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, re-pin loosened sections, sleep with a silk scarf to reduce frizz, and trim ends regularly to keep the bun neat and prevent split ends.
Textured Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids with Loose Wavy Ends
This style suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can also achieve the look with prepped texture or clip-in extensions. Start on dry hair: create a clean center part, mist roots with dry shampoo or texturizing spray for grip, then Dutch-braid each side from the hairline to the nape, adding hair as you go. Secure elastics and gently pancake the braids for width and softness, pulling a few face-framing strands loose for a relaxed finish. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small snag-free elastics, curling wand (optional), and a paddle or boar-bristle brush. Products: texturizing spray or sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, and heat protectant if using hot tools. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident Dutch-braiding and even tension; expect 15–30 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or loose topknot to reduce frizz, refresh volume with dry shampoo, re-tighten or re-braid after 1–2 days as needed, and apply a nourishing oil to the ends to prevent split ends and keep the style looking polished.
Textured Dutch-to-Fishtail Combination Braid for Medium to Long Hair
This textured Dutch-to-fishtail braid works best on medium to long hair with some natural wave or light layering. It suits fine hair when prepped for grip and thick hair when softened into sections. Technique: lightly prep with spray-in texturizer, create a Dutch (reverse) braid along the hairline adding sections down toward the nape, then transition into a relaxed fishtail or two-strand twist. Pancake the braid to widen and pull soft face-framing tendrils for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: rattail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a brush; optional curling iron to add waves. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray, light mousse or root volumizer, smoothing serum for ends, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate – requires consistent tension and clean parting; estimate 15–30 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or light mist, retighten or re-pancake as needed, and trim split ends regularly. In salon practice, prepping hair with texture is the key to hold and effortless separation.
Textured Double Dutch to Messy Side Braid — Sporty Braided Look
This textured double Dutch into a messy side braid suits medium to long hair and works best on medium or thick, straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from texturizing or clip-in pieces for added grip. Technique: start on day‑old, dry hair. Create two Dutch braids from each temple, braiding toward the back/side and gradually feeding in hair. Merge the two braids into one loose three‑strand or fishtail braid at the nape, then pancake sections for fullness and pull a few face‑framing tendrils for softness. Tools needed: rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastic, bobby pins and a wide‑tooth brush. Products required: dry shampoo or texturizing spray (for grip), light smoothing serum for flyaways, flexible‑hold hairspray to set. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires comfort with Dutch braiding and blending braids. Salon tip: keep the root braids slightly tighter for hold, then loosen the tail for the relaxed finish. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of sea‑salt spray, and retighten the elastic or re‑pancake sections as needed. Recreate in 20–30 minutes.
Double Dutch Braids Twisted into Top Buns — Sporty Textured Braided Updo
This braided updo pairs two Dutch/French braids along the crown that transition into textured twisted top buns — a versatile style for medium to long hair. Best suited to medium or thick hair and straight to wavy textures; fine hair can benefit from volumizing powder or light clip‑in extensions, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly for neat braids. Technique: create a clean center part, Dutch braid each section from the hairline toward the crown, secure with small elastics, then twist each braid into a bun and pin close to the crown, pulling gently for lived‑in texture. Tools needed: fine rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a paddle brush. Products: dry shampoo or texturizing spray for grip, light pomade for edges, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a medium‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires confident braiding and pinning skills; expect 20–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin loose pieces, sleep with a silk scarf to reduce frizz, and avoid heavy products that weigh buns down; redo braids every 1–3 days depending on activity level.
Textured Dutch Braids with Loose Waves — Half-Up Boho Braided Style
Suitability: Ideal for medium to long hair; best on naturally wavy or curly textures but easily created on straight hair with added texture. Styling technique: Start with towel-dried, heat-protected hair. Create two Dutch/French braids from the front hairline back toward the crown, pancake the braids for width and volume, then secure and pin them into a loose half-up pony or twist. Leave the lower sections free and add soft, undone waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, then finger-comb for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb, rat-tail parting tool, sectioning clips, curling wand or flat iron, small elastics, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light mousse for fine hair or smoothing cream for frizz-prone types, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires confident braiding and basic heat-styling. Maintenance tips: Refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer between washes, re-curl loose pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pineapple the style, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down texture. Re-tighten elastics and pins after vigorous activity for longer wear.
Textured Dutch Crown Transitioning to a Loose Side Braid with Face‑Framing Wisps
This relaxed, textured style works best on medium to long hair and flatters fine, medium and thick densities—wavy hair will hold the look most naturally; very straight hair benefits from light texturizing and very curly hair may need smoothing in the crown before braiding. Technique: create two Dutch (inside‑out) braids along the crown, lightly pull each braid to pancake for fullness, then join them into a single loose side braid at the nape. Leave a few face‑framing strands soft. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a brush. Products required: sea‑salt or texture spray, light mousse on freshly washed hair, a light-hold hairspray, and a small amount of lightweight oil for ends and flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and pancake technique; expect 20–35 minutes in a salon or at home. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, tighten loose sections with pins, re-pancake braid for volume, sleep with a silk scarf, and avoid heavy oils on roots to preserve grip.
Crown Dutch Braid Updo for Medium to Thick Hair
This crown Dutch braid updo is ideal for medium to thick hair and suits straight, wavy or loose-curly textures; fine hair can also wear it after adding texture with dry shampoo or light teasing. Technique: create a clean side part, start a Dutch (underhand) braid at the hairline and work along the crown, adding sections as you go. Continue the braid around to the nape and pin the tail under into a low braided bun, gently pancake the braid for width and softness. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, plenty of bobby pins (U-pins work well), and a light paddle brush. Products required: texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, a light mousse or root-lift for hold, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate — allow 20–35 minutes depending on length and practice. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf to reduce frizz, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, avoid heavy oils that weigh the braid down, and refresh the front by lightly re-tensioning or re-braiding only the hairline as needed.
Braided Crown: Double Dutch Braids for Medium-to-Long Hair
This braided crown created with two Dutch (inverted) braids suits straight to wavy hair and works well on medium-to-long lengths; fine hair benefits from texturizing for grip and thick hair should be sectioned smaller for manageability. Technique: part the hair down the center, work one side at a time and Dutch-braid from the front hairline toward the nape while adding sections; repeat on the other side, secure the ends with small elastics, then wrap each braid up and across the crown and pin discreetly with long bobby pins. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, small clear elastics, long bobby pins, sectioning clips and a hand mirror. Recommended products: salt or texturizing spray for hold, a light smoothing cream or serum for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray to set, and dry shampoo for day-two texture. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–40 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a few pinned sections if loosening occurs, and avoid overly tight tension to prevent breakage.
Textured Double Dutch Braids — Soft Crown Braids for Long Hair
This textured double Dutch braid combines a soft crown braid with loose, beachy texture — ideal for medium-to-long hair. It works best on natural waves or hair with added texture, but straight hair can be prepped with a curling iron or salt spray; both fine and thick hair suit the style when sections are adjusted for volume. Styling technique: prep with a texturizing spray and light mousse, create a clean middle part, then braid each side using a Dutch (reverse French) method from the hairline down. Secure with small elastics, then “pancake” the braids by gently tugging the outer loops for width and softness. Use bobby pins to tuck and shape the crown if desired and pull small face-framing pieces loose. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling iron (optional). Products: sea-salt/texturizing spray, lightweight mousse or cream, smoothing oil for ends, flexible-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: intermediate (20–40 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or tie a loose scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick mist of texturizer, retighten ends as needed; braids typically last 2–4 days depending on activity and hair texture.
Double Dutch Cornrows Merged into a Single Thick Side Braid
This look suits medium to coarse textured hair and works well on natural, relaxed, or heat-straightened hair; fine hair can achieve the same shape with lightweight clip‑in extensions for volume. Start on dry, detangled hair with a small amount of leave‑in conditioner. Create two even front sections and Dutch braid each tightly to the crown, adding hair as you go. When both cornrows reach the nape, join the remaining lengths and continue as one three‑strand braid, securing with a small elastic. Tools: rat‑tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, small elastics, a soft bristle brush and optional extension hair. Products: lightweight leave‑in, edge control or pomade for neat hairline, a small amount of matte cream or butter to reduce frizz, and a light hold hairspray or shine mist to finish. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfort with Dutch/cornrow technique and even tension. Maintenance: sleep on a satin pillowcase or use a satin bonnet, lightly oil the scalp every 3–5 days, refresh edges with a small brush and product, and rebraid or tighten after 10–14 days to avoid breakage and maintain clean parting.
Double Dutch Braids with Messy Space Buns — Textured Braids Look
Suitable for wavy, curly and medium-to-thick straight hair, this look adds volume and edge to textured hair and can be adapted for finer hair with padding or clip‑in extensions. Start on dry, detangled hair: create a clean center part, then Dutch‑braid each side (feeding hair under as you go) toward the crown. Secure the braid ends with small elastics; twist the top sections into loose, messy space buns and pin with bobby pins, leaving or wrapping the lower braid tails depending on length. Tools: rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins and a soft bristle brush. Products: texturizing or sea‑salt spray for grip, light styling gel or edge control for baby hairs, a flexible hold hairspray and a bit of lightweight oil on ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and clean parting. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf to reduce frizz, refresh roots with dry shampoo and re‑pin loosened bun pieces as needed. Rework the buns and reapply texturizer every 2–3 days; deep condition after 7–10 days if kept in longer.
Textured Double Dutch Braids (Two French Braids) for Medium to Long Hair
Suitable for medium to thick hair and straight, wavy or loose-curly textures; works best on shoulder-length to long hair. To create this look, start on clean, towel-dried hair or second-day hair for extra grip. Part down the middle and French- or Dutch-braid each side, adding even sections from the hairline to the nape, then continue into a three-strand braid to the ends and secure with small elastics. For the textured, slightly undone finish, pancake each braid gently and pull out soft face-framing tendrils. Tools: fine-tooth comb, tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, a few bobby pins, and a blow-dryer with diffuser if needed. Products: salt or texturizing spray for grip, lightweight styling cream or pomade for flyaway control, dry shampoo to increase hold, and a light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — allows for imperfections; expect 15–30 minutes once practiced. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re-twist loose pieces, and re-braid ends as they loosen. Trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep braids neat.
Sleek Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids — Tight Scalp Braids for Medium to Thick Hair
This polished double Dutch (boxer) braid look suits medium to thick, textured or curly hair best, though it can be adapted for fine or straight hair with added texture. Start with clean, detangled hair—part precisely down the middle and clip sections aside. Use a water spray, smoothing cream or leave-in to reduce frizz, then braid each side using the Dutch technique (braiding under the sections) close to the scalp for a defined, raised appearance. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, medium-hold hair gel or edge control, small elastics, boar-bristle brush and a fine edge brush. Products: lightweight leave-in conditioner, styling gel or edge control for sleekness, light hairspray to set, and a small amount of nourishing oil for shine. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–45 minutes depending on length and skill. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet, refresh edges with a bit of edge control, lightly mist scalp and apply oil to avoid dryness, and avoid overly tight tension to protect the hairline. Plan to refresh or redo after 7–10 days to maintain neatness.
Sleek Dutch (Boxer) Braids for Curly to Coily Hair
This look is two center-part Dutch (inside-out) braids — often called boxer braids — finished close to the scalp for a sleek, long-wearing style. Suitable for 2B–4C textures and medium to thick hair, it also works on straighter hair with light texturizing. Start on freshly washed, detangled hair that’s slightly damp or misted to improve grip. Technique: create a precise center part, section hair into two, then Dutch-braid each side (cross strands under, adding hair as you go) keeping even tension and consistent subsection sizes. Tools needed: rat-tail comb for parting, wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, hair clips, elastic bands, and a fine-tooth toothbrush or spoolie for baby hairs. Recommended products: lightweight leave-in conditioner, medium-hold styling gel or edge-control cream for smoothing, anti-frizz cream, light hair oil or serum to seal, and flexible hairspray for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — basic braiding skill and tension control required. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk/satin scarf or pillowcase, refresh edges with a dab of gel, mist scalp and apply light oil every 3–4 days, avoid over-tightening to prevent breakage, and redo after 7–14 days depending on new growth and frizz.
Double Dutch Braids with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils — Sporty Textured Braids
This sporty, salon-friendly style uses two Dutch braids with soft face‑framing tendrils for a relaxed, textured finish. Best suited to medium‑to‑long hair and works well on straight, wavy or loose curly textures; fine hair benefits from texturizing products for grip, while thick hair may require smaller sections. Technique: create a clean center part, apply product for hold and texture, then Dutch‑braid each side from the hairline down, incorporating hair at the crown and keeping tension consistent. Leave a few small strands loose at the temples for a softer look and secure ends with small elastics. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, boar‑bristle brush or paddle brush, and a fine‑tooth comb for baby hairs. Products required: sea‑salt or texture spray, light mousse or styling paste for grip, smoothing serum for ends, and flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — 20–35 minutes for an intermediate braider; beginners may take longer. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of salt spray, retighten or resecure ends after 2–3 days, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve hold.
High Curly Messy Bun with Sleek Edges — Voluminous Natural Updo
This high curly messy bun with sleek edges suits 3A–4C curly, coily and thick wavy hair that needs volume and texture control. Start on damp, detangled hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in and a curl‑defining cream or mousse to enhance elasticity. Use a wide‑tooth comb to remove tangles, then a boar‑bristle or smoothing brush and a little gel or edge control to gather hair into a high ponytail. Secure with a snag‑free elastic, twist the remaining length into a loose bun, and pin with bobby pins to achieve a soft, voluminous silhouette—pull out a few curls for intentional messiness and face‑framing pieces. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, smoothing brush, rat‑tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, diffuser (optional). Products: leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, edge control, light‑hold hairspray, finishing oil. Difficulty: easy to moderate — straightforward technique but requires practice for sleek sides and balanced volume. Maintenance tips: refresh with water or curl refresher spray, reapply a pea‑size amount of curl cream as needed, protect hair at night with a silk bonnet or pineapple, and deep‑condition weekly to maintain elasticity and shine.
Sporty Double Dutch Braids — Tight Double Dutch Braids for Active Days
A practical, athletic-friendly double Dutch braid that keeps hair secure and out of the face. Best for straight to wavy hair and medium to long lengths; fine hair benefits from texturizing spray for grip, while thick or curly hair should be detangled and smoothed with a lightweight cream before braiding. Technique: create a clean center part, section each side, and braid along the scalp using the Dutch (underhand) method, adding hair as you move toward the nape; finish with three-strand braiding down the length and secure with snag-free elastics. Tools needed: tail comb, hair clips, small clear elastics, boar-bristle brush and a wide-tooth comb. Products required: leave-in detangler, texturizing spray or matte paste for hold, lightweight smoothing serum to control frizz, and a light-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — expect 15–30 minutes depending on skill level. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf to reduce friction, refresh edges with a tiny bit of pomade, use dry shampoo at the roots to extend wear, and re-tighten elastics after heavy activity. Lasts 2–4 days with proper care.
Textured Double Dutch Braids for Short-to-Medium Blonde Hair
A versatile, salon-friendly look for short to medium-length hair, this textured double Dutch braid adds edge and hold without weighing down fine or highlighted hair. Best suited to straight, wavy, or slightly layered textures; very thick hair can be thinned slightly at the ends for better braid definition. Start on towel-dried or slightly damp hair: apply a sea-salt or texturizing spray through the lengths, section into two even parts, and create tight Dutch braids along the crown, incorporating small pieces as you move toward the nape. Secure with small elastics and lightly pancake the braids for volume, then pull a few face-framing pieces loose for a lived-in finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins. Products: texturizing/sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing cream or leave-in for flyaways, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: intermediate — requires consistent tension and basic braiding skill; allow 15–30 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, retug or rebraid nightly if needed, sleep on a silk scarf to reduce frizz, and avoid overly tight braids to prevent breakage.
Textured High Curly Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured high curly bun is ideal for wavy, curly and coily hair types with medium to thick density. Start on damp, detangled hair by applying a lightweight leave-in and curl cream to define strands. Gather hair at the crown, avoiding excessive smoothing to keep texture; secure with a strong elastic and loosen sections into a messy bun, tucking and pinning with bobby pins to build volume. Pull a few face‑framing tendrils free and define them with a small amount of gel or edge control. For extra lift, use a hair donut or tease the roots lightly. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, elastic, bobby pins, diffuser (optional) and a microfiber towel. Products recommended: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, light gel, finishing oil or shine spray, and an anti-humidity hairspray. Difficulty: easy to medium — approachable for most skill levels but requires a practiced hand for effortless shape. Maintenance: pineapple or satin bonnet at night, refresh with water/mist and a pea-size curl cream, resecure pins as needed, and deep-condition weekly to keep curls healthy.
Twisted Halo Updo with Bandana — Natural Curly Protective Style
This twisted halo updo works best on 2B–4C textures, from loose waves to tight coils, and makes an excellent short- to mid-length protective style. Start on detangled, lightly damp hair: apply a leave-in conditioner and a medium-hold curl cream. Section the hair into 6–10 even parts, twist each section or create small flat twists/pin curls, then roll and pin them along the hairline toward the crown to form a halo. Add a cotton or silk-lined bandana to secure the look and hide pins. Tools: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, elastics, bobby pins/duckbill clips, small brush for edges, and a silk scarf for setting. Products: leave-in, curl cream or butter, edge control gel, light-hold spray or setting mousse, and a shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic twisting and pinning skills; allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or bonnet and re-tie the bandana at night, refresh edges with a small amount of edge control, and lightly mist with a water/leave-in mix to revive curls. Rebuild within 5–7 days to avoid tension buildup.
Textured Dutch Braid into Low Ponytail
A versatile textured Dutch braid flowing into a low ponytail — great for everyday wear or active days. Best suited to medium-to-long lengths and medium to thick hair; fine hair works well when boosted with texturizing spray or light backcombing, and naturally curly hair can be braided as-is for extra grip or smoothed slightly for a neater finish. Technique: section a front-to-side Dutch (inside-out French) braid along the hairline, add hair steadily toward the crown, then gather the remaining lengths into a secure low or side ponytail. Pancake the braid slightly for volume and loosen face-framing pieces for softness. Tools: tail comb, paddle brush, small elastics, bobby pins, clip, and optional curling wand or flat iron for finishing waves. Products: salt/texturizing spray, dry shampoo for grip and lift, heat protectant, lightweight hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires steady sectioning and braiding skills (12–20 minutes). Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo or spray, re-tighten the elastic, tuck or pin loose bits, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or re-braid loosely to preserve the shape.
Textured Dutch-to-Fishtail Side Braid — Loose Boho Braided Ponytail
This textured Dutch-to-fishtail side braid works best on medium to long hair and suits fine to medium-thick textures; curly hair can be smoothed slightly first and very fine hair benefits from light extensions or added salt-spray texture. Start by misting dry hair with a salt or texturizing spray for grip. Create a deep side part and begin a Dutch (reverse French) braid along the crown, adding sections and lightly pancaking each stitch to build volume. Transition the braid into a loose fishtail or rope braid at the nape, secure with a small elastic, then gently pull apart sections for a lived-in, boho finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, paddle brush, and a fine-tooth comb. Products: texturizing/sea-salt spray, lightweight hairspray (flexible hold), heat protectant if using hot tools, and a few drops of smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfort with Dutch and fishtail techniques. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake to restore volume, retie elastics as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid to prolong style.
Textured Messy Double Top Knots with Face‑Framing Wisps
A relaxed, textured double top-knot ideal for medium to long hair and most textures. Works best on straight to wavy hair; fine hair benefits from texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, while thicker hair may need extra pins to control bulk. To create: start on second-day hair or spray roots with dry shampoo, section hair into two high ponytails, lightly tease the base for lift, twist each pony into a loose bun and secure with elastic and bobby pins, then pull pieces free for a lived-in, messy finish. Tools required: tail comb, small elastic bands, bobby pins, teasing brush and optional 1
Textured Messy Side Braid — Tousled Crown Braid for Medium to Long Hair
Suitability: Ideal for shoulder-length to long hair and works best on wavy or naturally textured hair; fine hair benefits from texturizing products, while thick hair will create more volume. Styling technique: Start on second-day hair or apply dry shampoo to add grip. Rough-dry or air-dry with sea salt spray, then create light back-combing at the crown for lift. Begin a loose French or Dutch braid at the crown, moving diagonally to the side and finishing with a regular three-strand braid. Pancake each braid section outward for that undone, full look and pull a few face-framing tendrils free. Secure with an elastic and hide with bobby pins if desired. Tools needed: tail comb, paddle brush, small elastic, bobby pins, optional curling iron for definition. Products required: dry shampoo, texturizing/sea-salt spray or powder, heat protectant (if using heat), light-hold hairspray, and a small smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty level: Easy–intermediate (basic braiding skills and pancake technique). Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake sections, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, and trim ends regularly to avoid frizz.
Double Dutch Cornrow Braids — Tight Sports-Ready Braids for Medium–Long Hair
A practical double Dutch (undercross) braid style that sits close to the scalp — ideal for sports, humid weather, or polished everyday wear. Best suited to straight or wavy hair from medium to thick density; fine hair will hold better if pre-texturized. Technique: create a clean center part, clip sections, then Dutch-braid each side by crossing strands under and adding hair as you move from the hairline to the nape; finish with a regular three-strand braid and secure with an elastic. Tools: rat-tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, small snag-free elastics, a soft bristle brush, and optional spray bottle. Products: light hold styling cream or smoothing balm to control flyaways, texturizing spray or mousse for grip on fine hair, a light hairspray to set, and a small amount of shine serum at the ends. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–45 minutes depending on experience. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh edges with a tiny bit of gel or edge control, use dry shampoo to extend wear, and avoid over-tightening to prevent tension and breakage; redo after 3–5 days for best scalp health.
Soft Side Braid Half-Up with Loose Beach Waves
This soft side braid half-up with loose beach waves is ideal for medium-to-long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures. It suits straight to wavy natural patterns; highly curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling. Technique: create a deep side part and take a front section to braid a loose Dutch (or French) braid along the hairline toward the crown, gently pancake the braid for fullness and secure at the back with a clear elastic and bobby pins. Curl mid-lengths to ends with a 1–1.25 wand in alternating directions and finger-comb for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: 1 curling wand, rat-tail comb, hair clips, small elastic, bobby pins and a paddle or detangling brush. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip, light smoothing serum for ends, flexible-hold hairspray and dry shampoo for day-two texture. Difficulty level: Easy–medium; 15–25 minutes once practiced. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely re-braid to preserve waves, refresh with dry shampoo or a light mist and re-curl a few pieces, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to keep lift and movement.
Curly High Puff Updo with Defined Baby Curls
This textured high puff is ideal for Type 3–4 curls and coils, and works well on medium to high density hair; fine hair can create the look with added clip-in volume. Start on clean, detangled hair: apply a lightweight leave-in, a curl-defining cream, then a light-hold gel to enhance clump formation. Gather hair to the crown using a snag-free elastic or a soft hairband, allowing volume at the top; use a boar-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb to smooth the perimeter and a toothbrush or small edge brush to lay baby hairs. For extra definition, diffuse the crown while shaping individual ringlets with fingers or a Denman brush. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, Denman or styling brush, elastic/scrunchie, hairpins, diffuser (optional), and a silk scarf. Recommended products: moisturizing shampoo/conditioner, leave-in conditioner, curl cream, lightweight gel or edge control, lightweight oil or serum. Difficulty: easy–moderate — basic techniques with some edge-smoothing practice. Maintenance: refresh with a water-based curl spray and light cream, pineapple at night under a silk bonnet, re-tame edges with edge control, and deep-condition weekly to maintain elasticity and shine.
From my salon experience, the key to game-ready hair is practice, protection and the right products. Practice the 28 styles at home before game day so you can time them and figure out which holds best for your hair type. Prep with a light leave-in or detangler, use snag-free elastics and secure with bobby pins in a way that doesn’t create excess tension. Favor medium-hold sprays over heavy creams that trap sweat, and rotate protective looks like low buns or cornrows to reduce breakage. Deep-condition weekly if you frequently wear tight styles, and if you use extensions choose sport-friendly attachment methods. Finally, keep a small kit in your bag — spare elastics, a travel brush, dry shampoo and a headband — so you can refresh between quarters. Play hard and protect your hair — these 28 looks will keep you comfortable, confident and camera-ready. — Lena