36 Top Basketball hairstyles

You need a hairstyle that stays secure, feels comfortable, and still looks sharp when you step on the court. This guide brings together 36 top basketball hairstyles that balance function and style, from braids and buns to ponytails and cornrows. You will find secure, game-ready styles that keep hair off your face while matching your personal look. Whether you prefer sleek and simple or bold and detailed, these options help you stay focused, cool, and confident during every practice and game.

36 Basketball hairstyles

1. Sleek Dutch Braids into Small Buns

Create two tight Dutch braids along each side. Secure the ends, then twist them into small buns.

This style keeps hair off your face and stays firm during fast play.

2. Gym Space Buns

You secure your hair into two high buns on each side of your head. This style keeps hair off your face and neck during fast movement.

Twist each section tightly and pin it in place. You get a balanced, stable look that holds up through drills and games.

3. Long Ponytail with Multiple Braids

You braid small sections and gather them into a long ponytail.

It keeps hair secure and off your face.

4. Twisted Fauxhawk and Low Pony

You create height with a center twist and keep control with a low ponytail.

Secure the sides tight for games.

5. Braided Bun

Choose a braided bun when you need strong hold during a game. It keeps hair off your face and neck.

Braid your hair first, then wrap it into a bun. The braid adds grip, so your style stays secure with fewer pins.

6. Two Braids and “Y” Fishtail

You create two tight French braids on each side of your head. Join them at the nape into one fishtail braid to form a clear Y shape.

This style keeps your hair secure and off your face during play.

7. Athletic Fishtail Plaits

Choose fishtail plaits when you want a secure and neat style. They keep your hair close to your head and limit loose strands during play.

You can wear one plait or two. Tight weaving helps the style stay firm through quick moves and long games.

8. Four Strand Braid

You create a high ponytail and split it into four equal sections.

Weave outer strands over and under the center to lock hair in place. Secure the end tightly.

9. Two Twists and Bun Updo

You part your hair into two sections and twist back neatly.

Secure them into a low bun for steady play during games.

10. Sporty Fishtail Mohawk

You braid a tight fishtail along the center, keeping sides sleek.

It stays secure during fast play and keeps hair off your face.

11. Crown Braid with Low Buns

You create a crown braid across your head for firm hold.

Secure the rest into two low buns at the nape. This style keeps hair tight and balanced during play.

12. Gym Cornrows

Gym cornrows keep your hair tight and secure.

You braid them close to the scalp for a clean look. They reduce sweat buildup and stay neat during drills.

13. Workout Bandana Bun

Tie your hair into a low or mid bun.

Wrap a bandana around your hairline and knot it tight. You keep sweat back and strands secure during play.

14. Low Twisted Ponytail

You secure your hair at the nape of your neck, then twist the ponytail for added hold. This style keeps hair controlled without pulling too tight.

It works well for straight or wavy hair and stays neat during fast movement.

15. Thin Cornrows into a Ponytail

Thin cornrows keep your hair tight and secure during fast breaks. You reduce flyaways and sweat on your face.

Gather the braids into a high or mid ponytail for movement.

16. Athletic Double Braids

You part your hair down the middle and create two tight braids. This style keeps hair secure and balanced during quick moves.

You reduce sweat buildup around your face. Double braids also fit easily under headbands or wraps.

17. Flat Braid

You keep your hair close to the scalp with a flat braid. It stays neat during fast breaks and rebounds.

You can braid it straight back or curve it to match your head shape. This style works well for practice and game day.

18. Middle Ponytail with Braided Side

Braid one side tight against your scalp. Secure it.

Pull the rest into a middle ponytail. This style keeps hair off your face and stays stable during games.

19. Fishtail Braid Ponytail

You start with a high ponytail, then fishtail braid the length. This keeps your hair tight and controlled during games.

The textured braid helps prevent slipping. You get both security and a clean, athletic look.

20. Twisted Side Ponytails

Choose a twisted side ponytail to keep hair secure during fast plays. Twist sections along one side, then gather them into a low or mid ponytail.

This style controls loose strands and keeps your vision clear. It works well for straight or wavy hair.

21. Cool Bubble Braids

Choose bubble braids for a secure, modern look.

You tie sections along a ponytail to create rounded bubbles that stay in place during play.

22. Intricate Braided Style with Cornrows

Choose tight cornrows with detailed patterns for a secure, focused look. They keep hair off your face during fast play.

Add small braids or zigzag parts for extra style.

23. Eye-Catching Golden Cornrows

Golden cornrows keep your hair tight and off your face. Add subtle gold extensions for contrast.

They stay secure through drills and games. Choose neat parts for a clean look.

24. Flirty Long Pigtails

Long pigtails keep your hair secure while adding a playful touch. You part your hair down the middle and tie each side tight.

Use strong ties for stability.

25. Creative Viking Braids

You braid tight cornrows along your scalp for control. Add side plaits for detail.

Gather the braids into a low bun before games. Keep hair secure.

26. Sleek Ponytail and Cornrows

You braid tight cornrows along your scalp and gather the length into a sleek ponytail.

It keeps hair secure during intense play and sweat.

27. Gorgeous Ghana Braids

You can wear Ghana braids for a secure, game-ready style. They sit close to your scalp and stay firm during play.

Choose thick or thin rows to match your look.

28. Simple Sporty Style for Long Hair

You can wear a low ponytail to keep long hair secure. Add a strong elastic for better hold.

Braid the tail to reduce tangles during play.

29. Chic 90’s Hairstyle with Braids

You can wear a chic 90’s hairstyle with tight braids pulled into a high bun or half-up style. It keeps your hair secure during fast play.

This look blends retro style with clear function. Your braids stay neat and off your face.

30. Voluminous Twisted High Bun

Create twisted sections around your hairline, then secure them into a high bun. This style spreads tension evenly and feels secure during fast play.

You keep hair off your face and neck. The added volume gives a clean, strong look on the court.

31. Butt-Length Cornrow Braids

Butt-length cornrow braids give you full control on the court. You keep hair tight to the scalp while the length falls down your back.

Secure the ends to prevent tangling.

32. Neat and Slick Cornrows

Keep your hair tight and close with neat, slick cornrows. They stay secure through drills and games.

You reduce sweat buildup and avoid loose strands in your face.

33. French Pigtail Braids

French pigtail braids keep your hair tight during fast play. You part your hair down the middle and braid each side from front to back. They reduce sweat near face.

34. Elegant Top Knot Bun

Choose an elegant top knot bun for a secure, polished look.

Brush your hair to the crown and twist it tight. Pin it firmly so it stays put during play.

35. Long Crossed Dutch Braids

You create two Dutch braids that cross at the back of your head.

This style keeps long hair secure during games. You finish with a low braid or ponytail.

36. Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids keep your hair tight and secure during fast games. You part your hair down the middle and braid close to the scalp.

This style spreads weight evenly and limits swing. You stay focused without hair in your face.