25 Tennis Hairstyles That Will Have You Looking Ace On and Off the Court

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Finding the right hairstyle for your next tennis match isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying comfortable and keeping your hair out of your face so you can focus on your game. The classic ponytail is a go-to for many, but adding a twist like a braided ponytail or a sleek bun can offer extra hold and style. A braided headband can keep shorter strands from slipping out while also adding a touch of flair. If you have natural curls, a high puff can keep your hair secure without flattening your texture. Don’t forget about using the right accessories, like a moisture-wicking headband or no-slip hair ties, to ensure your style stays in place through every serve and volley.

Take a look at these game-ready tennis hairstyles that combine practicality with style.

Photos
High ponytail with curtain bangs for a sporty look on the tennis court

#1 High Ponytail with Curtain Bangs for a Sporty Look

This high ponytail with curtain bangs is a chic and practical hairstyle for active days. The curtain bangs frame the face beautifully, adding softness to the look while the ponytail keeps the rest of the hair securely in place. Ideal for medium-length hair, this style works well with straight to slightly wavy textures. To keep the bangs in place, use a light hold spray, ensuring they don’t interfere with your activity.

Braided half updo for layered hair with loose waves on the tennis court

#2 Braided Half Updo for Layered Hair

This braided half updo is a beautiful option for those with layered hair, combining style with practicality. The side braids add detail while keeping hair out of your face, and the loose waves enhance the texture and movement of layered locks. Ideal for medium to long hair, this look works well for wavy to straight textures. It’s perfect for both casual outings and active days, providing a secure yet stylish option.

Low ponytail with cap for sun protection during tennis

#3 Low Ponytail with Cap for Sun Protection

This low ponytail paired with a cap is a practical and stylish choice for outdoor activities. The cap provides essential sun protection, while the low ponytail keeps your hair neatly out of the way, making it perfect for sports like tennis. This look works well for medium to long hair and is ideal for straight to slightly wavy textures. To prevent your hair from slipping out, secure the ponytail with a sturdy hair tie before putting on the cap.

Double braided pigtails for active sports on the tennis court

#4 Double Braided Pigtails for Active Sports

These double braided pigtails are perfect for keeping your hair secure during intense sports activities. Ideal for medium to long hair, this style ensures that your hair stays in place, reducing distractions while you play. The tight braids are great for managing thick or wavy hair, and they work well for all-day wear. To maintain a sleek look, apply a bit of styling gel before braiding to keep flyaways in check.

High ponytail with headband for wavy hair on the tennis court

#5 High Ponytail with Headband for Wavy Hair

This high ponytail paired with a headband is a stylish choice for those with wavy hair. The waves add volume and movement to the ponytail, while the headband keeps hair securely in place, making it ideal for sports like tennis. This look works best for medium to long hair and is perfect for maintaining a polished yet effortless style during active days. To enhance the waves, consider using a light texturizing spray.

Sleek twisted bun hairstyle for thick hair on the tennis court

#6 Sleek Twisted Bun for Thick Hair

This sleek twisted bun is an excellent choice for managing thick hair during active days. The twisted bun provides a secure hold, keeping your hair in place without adding extra bulk. Ideal for those with medium to long hair, this style is perfect for maintaining a polished look while staying active. To achieve the sleek finish, use a smoothing serum or gel to tame any flyaways and enhance the natural shine of your thick hair.

High ponytail with headband for straight hair on the tennis court

#7 High Ponytail with Headband for Straight Hair

This high ponytail paired with a headband is an excellent choice for those with straight hair, offering a sleek and tidy look perfect for athletic activities like tennis. The headband keeps your hair in place and absorbs sweat, while the ponytail keeps your hair off your face and neck. Ideal for medium to long hair, this style is easy to achieve and maintain, making it a go-to option for active days.

Classic high ponytail for active wear on the tennis court

#8 Classic High Ponytail for Active Wear

This classic high ponytail is a go-to hairstyle for active women, offering both style and practicality. Ideal for medium to long hair, this look keeps your hair off your face and neck, making it perfect for sports like tennis. The sleek finish works well with straight to slightly wavy hair, and a touch of hairspray can help maintain the smoothness throughout your activity. It’s a timeless choice that pairs well with any workout outfit.

Wavy half up hairstyle for medium-length hair on the tennis court

#9 Wavy Half Up Hairstyle for Medium Hair

This wavy half up hairstyle is perfect for medium-length hair, offering a balance between casual and polished. The top section is pulled back, keeping hair out of your face while leaving the rest loose to show off soft waves. Ideal for fine to medium hair types, this style adds volume and movement without much effort. A great choice for both everyday wear and active settings, it works best when styled with a light texturizing spray for extra hold.

Sleek low ponytail with side part for tennis and active days

#10 Sleek Low Ponytail with Side Part for Active Days

This sleek low ponytail with a side part offers a polished and elegant look that’s perfect for active days. The side part adds a touch of sophistication, while the sleek ponytail keeps hair secure and out of the way. Ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair, this style works best for medium to long lengths. To achieve a smooth finish, use a smoothing serum or light hold gel to keep any flyaways in check.

Playful pigtails for curly hair with red scrunchies on the tennis court

#11 Playful Pigtails for Curly Hair

These playful pigtails are a fun and practical hairstyle for curly hair, perfect for keeping your curls under control during sports or other activities. The high placement of the pigtails gives a youthful and energetic vibe, while the red scrunchies add a pop of color. This style works best for medium to long hair with natural curls or waves. Just make sure to secure the pigtails tightly to prevent any slippage during intense activity.

Low ponytail with ribbon for a classic and elegant look on the tennis court

#12 Low Ponytail with Ribbon for a Classic Look

This low ponytail with a ribbon adds a touch of classic elegance to your sporty style. Ideal for medium to long hair, this look is both practical and pretty, keeping your hair secure while adding a feminine detail. The ribbon can be adjusted for tightness to ensure it stays in place during activity. This style works best for straight to wavy hair types and is perfect for those who want to combine function with a bit of flair.

Slick back simple bun for a sleek look on the tennis court

#13 Slick Back Simple Bun for a Sleek Look

This slick back simple bun is perfect for achieving a sleek and polished appearance while staying active. The slicked-back style keeps all your hair securely in place, making it ideal for sports like tennis. This look works best for medium to long hair and is particularly effective for fine to medium hair types. A touch of styling gel or mousse will help maintain the smooth finish and keep flyaways at bay.

Effortless simple bun for active days on the tennis court

#14 Effortless Simple Bun for Active Days

This effortless simple bun is perfect for keeping your hair out of the way during sports or other activities. Ideal for medium to long hair, this style provides a secure hold without the need for extra accessories. It’s a great option for those with fine to medium hair types, as it can be quickly styled and stays in place throughout your game. If your hair is prone to slipping, a bit of texturizing spray can add grip and volume.

Sporty bob with headband for thin hair on the tennis court

#15 Sporty Bob with Headband for Thin Hair

This sporty bob with a headband is a great option for those with thin hair who want a practical yet stylish look on the tennis court. The headband helps keep shorter layers in place while adding a bit of volume to your hair. This style is easy to manage and works well for straight to slightly wavy textures. If your hair is prone to looking flat, try a volumizing spray before styling to give it some lift and body.

High ponytail with visor for sun protection during tennis

#16 High Ponytail with Visor for Sun Protection

This high ponytail paired with a visor is perfect for those sunny days on the tennis court. The visor keeps the sun out of your eyes while the ponytail secures your hair, making it an ideal style for medium to long hair. This look works best for straight to wavy hair types. If your hair is prone to frizz, consider using a smoothing serum before pulling it back to keep it sleek and under control.

Double braided easy updo for active days and sports

#17 Double Braided Easy Updo for Active Days

This double braided easy updo is a practical and stylish choice for staying active, whether on the tennis court or during any physical activity. The braids are secured into a low bun, keeping hair neatly in place and off your neck. This style is ideal for medium to thick hair and works well for both straight and wavy textures. It’s a low-maintenance look that offers excellent hold, but it might take a little extra time to braid if you’re in a hurry.

Short hair with bangs and headband for sports like tennis

#18 Short Hair with Bangs and Headband for Sports

This short hairstyle with bangs paired with a headband is a great choice for an athletic look that keeps things stylish and functional. The headband holds your bangs in place and prevents them from sticking to your forehead during intense activity, making it ideal for sports like tennis. This style works best for fine to medium hair and is particularly suited for those who want to keep their bangs but need a practical solution for staying active.

Low ponytail with headband for athletic comfort during tennis

#19 Low Ponytail with Headband for Athletic Comfort

This low ponytail paired with a headband is a simple yet effective hairstyle for active women. The headband keeps hair out of your face and absorbs sweat, making it perfect for sports like tennis. Ideal for medium-length hair, this style works best for fine to medium hair types. If your hair tends to slip out, consider using a no-slip headband or adding some texturizing spray for extra hold.

Bubble ponytail for long hair in active settings

#20 Bubble Ponytail for Long Hair in Active Settings

This bubble ponytail is a playful and practical option for those with long hair, especially for active sports like tennis. The multiple hair ties create sections that add both visual interest and help keep hair securely in place, making it ideal for medium to thick hair types. This style minimizes tangling during movement, but it may take a bit longer to create compared to a standard ponytail, so plan accordingly if you’re on a tight schedule.

High ponytail with beach waves for sporty style on the tennis court

#21 High Ponytail with Beach Waves for Sporty Style

This high ponytail with beach waves is a stylish and functional choice for active days on the tennis court. The loose waves add volume and texture, making it a great option for medium to thick hair. This look works especially well if you have naturally wavy hair, but you can achieve the same effect with a curling iron if needed. The ponytail keeps hair secure, while the waves maintain a relaxed, effortless vibe.

Half up half down hairstyle for short hair on the tennis court

#22 Half Up, Half Down for Short Hair on the Court

This half up, half down style is a great way to manage short hair while still keeping it stylish. Ideal for straight to slightly wavy textures, this look keeps the top section of your hair pulled back, leaving the rest to frame your face. It’s perfect for those with fine to medium hair who want to keep their hair off their face without a full ponytail. This simple yet chic style works well for active days on the court.

High ponytail with long braids for tennis and active play

#23 High Pony with Long Braids for Active Play

This high ponytail paired with long braids is perfect for keeping long hair securely in place during tennis matches. Ideal for those with straight or slightly wavy hair, this style minimizes flyaways while maintaining a sleek look. It’s a great option for fine to medium hair types, as the braid adds weight and control. Just be aware that if your hair is thick, the braid might feel heavy during extended wear.

High curly ponytail with headband for active wear

#24 High Curly Ponytail with Headband for Active Wear

This high ponytail is perfect for those with naturally curly hair, providing both style and practicality during sports like tennis. The addition of a headband keeps curls in place and out of your face, making it ideal for intense workouts. This curly ponytail works well for medium to thick hair, but if your locks are prone to frizz, a lightweight curl cream can help define them while keeping the style sleek and controlled.

Sporty mid-length ponytail hairstyle for medium hair

#25 Sporty Mid-Length Ponytail

This sporty mid-length ponytail is ideal if you have fine to medium hair density. The subtle waves add movement and texture, preventing the ponytail from looking flat or lifeless. It’s a practical style for tennis or any physical activity, keeping hair off your face while still looking stylish. However, if your hair tends to slip, consider using a textured hair tie or adding a bit of dry shampoo for grip.