Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with 10+ years of hands-on experience creating durable, flattering looks for busy, active clients. In this gallery of 28 game-day hairstyles for women I’ve curated sporty, sweat-resistant options that suit players, coaches, and enthusiastic fans alike. Whether your hair is short, long, curly, coily, or fine, you’ll find practical variations — from sleek high ponytails and boxer braids to braided buns and low chignons — that stay put through fast breaks and full-court action. My pro tips: use snag-free elastics, secure styles with flexible bobby pins, add a light-hold gel or mousse to control flyaways, and finish with a sweat-proof spray. I’ve included accessory ideas (headbands, scrunchies, hair wraps) and texture-friendly adaptations in the 28 images so you can pick looks that match your hair type and team spirit.
Double Dutch Braids with Loose Textured Ends
This polished boho look features two Dutch (inside‑out) braids along the hairline that finish into loose, textured braids. Suitable for medium-to-long hair and straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from a texturizing spray and light teasing to add grip, while thick or curly hair should be detangled and smoothed before braiding. Styling technique: create a clean center part, mist with texture spray, then Dutch-braid one side by crossing outer strands under the center and adding hair as you go. Pancake the braid by gently pulling the edges for fullness, repeat on the opposite side, and finish both into loose three-strand braids secured with small elastics. Optionally soften ends with a 1 curling wand for a cohesive finish. Tools needed: tail comb, paddle brush, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, and a curling wand (optional). Products: sea-salt or texture spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum or pomade for flyaways, and heat protectant if using heat. Difficulty: Intermediate — allow 20–30 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap in a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancaking in the morning, or rebraid nightly to minimize frizz.
Sporty Double Dutch Braids — Tight, Long-Lasting Cornrow Style
Ideal for medium to thick, wavy or textured hair, double Dutch braids keep hair controlled during workouts and everyday wear. Technique: start on damp, detangled hair with a clean center part; take three small sections at the hairline and braid under (Dutch) while adding hair evenly from the sides, keeping consistent tension down to the nape before finishing with a regular three-strand braid. Tools needed: rat-tail comb for precise parting, sectioning clips, detangling brush, small snag-free elastics and a fine-tooth comb for smoothing edges. Products required: lightweight leave-in conditioner or smoothing cream for manageability, texturizing spray or powder for grip (especially on finer hair), edge-control pomade for neat hairline, and a light-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes depending on length and thickness; practice on sections to maintain even tension. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet to reduce frizz, refresh with a light mist of water and styling product, and redo only the loose braid rather than the whole style. Avoid over-tightening at the temples to prevent tension discomfort.
Curved Cornrow Mohawk with Center Braided Curly Ponytail
This sculpted cornrow mohawk is ideal for natural and textured hair (3A–4C) and works well on medium to thick strands; finer or straight hair can achieve the look with added texture or light braiding hair. Start on clean, detangled hair: section parallel curved rows along the sides and create tight Dutch or cornrow braids toward the center. Gather the remaining length into a reinforced center braid or braided ponytail, pancake the braid for fullness, and define the curl pattern in the tail. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb, small clear elastics, boar-bristle brush and hairpins. Products: leave-in conditioner, lightweight styling cream or gel for hold, edge-control for baby hairs, a shine serum and light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires confident cornrow technique and clean parting; expect 45–75 minutes in the salon. Maintenance: sleep on a silk/satin scarf or pillowcase, refresh edges with a water/gel mix, mist scalp and braid with a light oil or braid spray twice weekly, and re-braid the cornrows after 1–2 weeks to prevent slack and buildup. Avoid heavy products that weigh down the curl tail.
Textured Dutch Braid Into Low Ponytail — Sporty Braided Style for Medium-Long Hair
A relaxed, textured Dutch (inside-out) braid fed into a low ponytail—ideal for active days and casual looks. Best on medium to long hair with natural wave or light texture; straight hair can be pre-textured with spray or light curling. Technique: create a deep side part, begin a Dutch braid at the hairline and continue adding sections along the crown, pancake the braid gently for width, then gather remaining hair into a low pony and braid or wrap loosely. Tools needed: tail comb, soft hair elastics (clear or matching), small elastic for braid end, bobby pins, and a boar-bristle brush. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip, lightweight mousse or root-lift for hold, small smoothing serum for flyaways, and a medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfortable braiding and section control; expect 10–25 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh grip with dry shampoo at the roots, loosen braid sections to revive volume, resecure stray pieces with bobby pins, sleep with a silk scarf to reduce frizz, and deep-condition ends regularly to prevent dryness.
Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids with Crown Detail — Long Hair Styling
This look suits medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; fine hair can achieve the same fullness with a light texturizing spray or clip‑in extensions. Technique: start on damp or dry hair with a clean center part. Apply a volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray for grip, then Dutch‑braid (underhand three‑strand) each side tightly from the hairline toward the nape, incorporating hair as you go. Add a small top/crown braid along the hairline if you want the crown detail shown, then join or finish each side into a three‑strand or fishtail braid and secure with clear elastics. Tools needed: rattail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins and a fine‑tooth comb for smoothing. Products required: volumizing mousse or texturizer, anti‑frizz serum or cream, flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires comfortable Dutch‑braiding and even tension. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo at the roots, retighten elastics and pancake (gently pull) braid loops for shape, and tame flyaways with a toothbrush dipped in hairspray or a small amount of smoothing cream.
Textured Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids — Chunky Tousled Braids
Suitable for medium to long lengths and straight to wavy hair (curly hair works with smoothing prep), this look uses two Dutch (under) braids started at the hairline and finished into chunky, slightly pancaked plaits for a soft, lived-in finish. Technique: create a precise center part, clip one side, then take three small front sections and begin a Dutch braid adding hair as you move down to the nape; secure and continue as a regular three-strand braid to the ends. Repeat on the other side and gently pancake each braid to widen and soften the profile. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, paddle brush, and optional curling iron for texture. Products required: light mousse or texturizing spray for grip, dry shampoo to absorb oils, smoothing balm for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfortable braiding and even tension control. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea salt spray, retighten roots after 1–2 days, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh down the braid.
Side Cornrows into High Curly Ponytail — Braided Textured Hairstyle
Suitability: Ideal for textured hair (3A–4C) and thick curly or coily types; straight hair can wear this look with pre-curled lengths or clip-in curly extensions. Styling technique: Create clean side partings and braid 4–6 neat cornrows toward the crown using a feed-in or three-strand method, secure braid ends, and gather all hair into a high ponytail. Blend natural curls with the ponytail or attach a curly extension for added volume and shape; finish baby hairs with a light gel for a polished hairline. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, wide-tooth comb, fine brush, crochet needle (for extensions), and a diffuser if you’re enhancing natural curl. Products required: hydrating leave-in conditioner, lightweight styling gel or edge control, heat protectant (if using hot tools), lightweight oil to seal ends, and flexible hairspray. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires precise parting and consistent braiding tension; expect 45–90 minutes depending on extensions. Maintenance tips: sleep on satin to reduce frizz, refresh edges sparingly, mist scalp with water/leave-in mix every 2–3 days, avoid excessive tension to prevent breakage, and re-braid every 2–4 weeks for longevity.
Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids — Ideal for Curly, Wavy or Thick Hair
This double Dutch (boxer) braid look works best on curly, coily, wavy and medium-to-thick hair textures; fine hair can wear it with added texture spray or light clip-in extensions for fullness. Start on clean, detangled hair: create a precise middle part, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a small amount of mousse or sea-salt spray for grip. Using a rat-tail comb and your fingers, begin two Dutch braids—crossing sections under the center and adding hair as you move toward the nape—keeping tension even to sit close to the scalp. Secure with small elastics and optionally pancake the braids slightly for a fuller finish. Tools: rat-tail comb, detangling brush, sectioning clips, small elastics, boar-bristle brush. Products: leave-in conditioner, texturizing spray or mousse, medium-hold gel or edge control, lightweight oil or serum, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires some braiding practice and 20–45 minutes depending on hair density. Maintenance: sleep with a silk/satin scarf or bonnet, refresh edges with gel, mist with water + leave-in to revive, and redo after 3–7 days to avoid breakage from prolonged tension.
Textured Double Dutch Braids — Voluminous Boho Braided Style
This textured double Dutch braid style features two voluminous braids that start at the crown and travel down the back — ideal for curly, wavy and straight hair with medium to long length. For best results, start on detangled, slightly damp hair: section down the center, French (Dutch) braid each side adding hair as you go with firm tension, then pancake the braid by gently stretching outer loops to create volume. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics and hair clips. Products: salt or texturizing spray for grip, light styling cream or curl-defining mousse for control, a small amount of smoothing oil for ends and a medium-hold hairspray to finish. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic Dutch-braiding skill and practice; expect 20–35 minutes in the salon. Salon tips: for thick or layered hair use thinner sections to avoid bulk; for fine hair add root powder or volumizing spray for hold. Maintenance: sleep on satin or wrap in a silk scarf, refresh with water + leave-in or curl refresher, retighten elastics if needed and avoid heavy brushing to preserve texture and longevity.
Textured Dutch Braided Pigtails for Long Wavy Hair
Soft, salon-style Dutch braided pigtails suit long to mid-back lengths and work best on medium to thick hair; fine hair can be pre-textured or paired with clip-in lengths for fullness. Prep on towel-dried or second-day hair with a sea-salt or texturizing spray to add grip. Create a clean center part, section a 1–2 front panel on each side and begin a Dutch (underhand) braid at the hairline, adding small sections as you move toward the nape. Secure each braid with a small elastic, then pancake (gently pull outer loops) to broaden and soften the braid. Leave a couple of face-framing pieces out and lightly curl or wave the ends with a 1 curling wand for a finished, boho look. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, curling wand, paddle brush. Products: texturizing/sea-salt spray, dry shampoo for added hold, light smoothing serum for flyaways, medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — typically 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely re-braid, refresh with dry shampoo, re-pancake for volume, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve texture and hold.
Textured Dutch Crown Braids into Curly Messy Bun
This style suits medium to thick hair with natural texture or loose curls; fine hair can also wear it with added texturizing products or light padding. Begin on dry, day-two hair: apply a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray for grip, then use a tail comb to create two front-to-back Dutch braids along the hairline. Work each braid tightly at the roots and gradually loosen by gently pulling the braid edges (pancaking) to create width and softness. Secure the braids at the nape with small elastics, wrap the remaining hair into a low, messy bun and anchor with bobby pins, allowing some curled ends to fall for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling iron (optional), and a brush. Products: heat protectant, mousse or texturizing spray, pomade or smoothing balm for flyaways, and medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and pinning (25–40 minutes). Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or a spritz of water and texturizer, and re-pin any loosened sections for up to 2–3 days.
Textured Dutch Side Braid with Pancaked Volume
Suitability: Best for medium to thick straight or wavy hair; fine hair will benefit from added texture or light clip‑in pieces, and curly hair can be smoothed slightly or braided as-is for a more relaxed finish. Timing & difficulty: Intermediate — expect 15–25 minutes; requires confident braiding and even tension. Technique: Create a deep part at the hairline and begin a Dutch (reverse French) braid, picking up hair under each section as you move toward the nape. Once you reach the shoulder line, switch to a regular three‑strand braid. Pancake the braid by gently pulling each loop outward to broaden and soften the sections for that full, lived‑in look. Tools & supplies: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastic, a few bobby pins and a brush. Products: light mousse or root‑lift before blow‑dry for grip, texturizing or sea‑salt spray while styling, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible‑hold hairspray to set. Maintenance tips: Refresh with dry shampoo, re‑pancake any flattened loops, sleep on a silk scarf to reduce friction, and redo after heavy sweating or overnight if needed.
Double Dutch Braids into Space Buns
Salon-ready double Dutch braids into space buns combine secure, sporty styling with a polished finish. Suitability: works best on medium to thick hair and shoulder-length or longer; fine hair benefits from texturizing spray or clip-in extensions for added bulk. Styling technique: part down the center, create two Dutch (inverted French) braids from the hairline toward the crown, continue braiding the remaining length into two plaits, then wrap the top sections into small buns and secure with elastics and bobby pins. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins and a brush. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray and dry shampoo for grip, smoothing serum for ends, light-hold hairspray to set, and heat protectant if you pre-texturize with hot tools. Difficulty level: moderate — requires clean parting and consistent Dutch braiding technique; expect 20–40 minutes depending on experience. Maintenance tips: refresh grip with dry shampoo, gently tug braid edges to loosen for a fuller look, resecure loose pins nightly, and sleep on a silk scarf or pillowcase to reduce frizz. Great for workouts, festivals and multi-day wear.
Cornrowed Low Bun with Sculpted Baby Hairs — Protective Braided Style
A polished protective look built from neat cornrows gathered into a low bun with sculpted baby hairs. Best suited to textured, curly or coily hair where cornrows hold definition naturally; it can also be adapted on straighter hair using added braid hair for thickness. Technique: create clean, even parts with a rat-tail comb, then feed-in or three-strand cornrow toward the nape, keeping tension consistent; finish by wrapping or braiding the ends into a small low bun and smooth edges into swirls using a fine edge brush. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastic bands, edge brush/ toothbrush, boar-bristle brush, optional crochet needle for extensions. Products required: leave-in moisturizer, light styling gel or edge control for baby hairs, holding spray or mousse, braid spray for hydration, and a lightweight oil for shine. Difficulty: intermediate — requires accurate parting and braiding skills. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk scarf or bonnet, refresh edges with edge control and a little water weekly, mist scalp with braid spray to prevent dryness, avoid keeping very tight cornrows beyond 2–4 weeks, and deep-condition hair after removal.
Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids — Scalp-to-Ends Braids for Medium to Long Hair
This hairstyle is a double Dutch (inverted French) braid with two scalp-to-ends plaits — a practical, polished look for sport or everyday wear. Hair type: best on medium to long lengths and straights or waves; thick hair yields fuller braids, fine hair gains texture with spray, and very curly hair benefits from light smoothing. Technique: create a clean center part, clip one side away, then Dutch-braid each side by crossing strands under the center while adding sections down to the nape; continue as a three-strand braid to the ends and secure with a small elastic. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, boar-bristle brush, small elastics, and an optional flat iron for smoothing. Products: texturizing spray or powder at the roots, lightweight smoothing cream or serum on lengths, flexible-hold hairspray to set, and dry shampoo to revive. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes until you gain speed. Maintenance tips: sleep on silk or wrap with a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo, smooth flyaways with a tiny amount of pomade, and re-braid every 2–3 days to prevent tension and split ends.
Textured Curly High Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This look suits naturally curly to wavy hair or coily textures with medium to high density; fine hair can also wear it after adding curl with a small-barrel wand. Start on clean, conditioned hair — apply a leave-in conditioner and a lightweight curl cream to define and reduce frizz. If hair is damp, diffuse until about 80% dry to keep volume; for straight or relaxed hair, create texture with 1/2–3/4 wand curls. Gather hair into a high pony using a fabric scrunchie, twist loosely and coil into a messy bun, securing with elastic and a few bobby pins. Pull out small face‑framing tendrils and gently pancake the bun for fullness. Tools: wide-tooth comb or Denman for detangling, diffuser or curling wand, fabric scrunchie, bobby pins. Products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, occasional dry shampoo. Difficulty: easy–medium — beginner friendly with practice. Maintenance: refresh with water + leave-in or curl refresher, pineapple at night on a silk scarf, touch up loose strands with a curling wand, and deep-condition weekly; trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape.
Boho Dutch Crown Braids with Textured Beach Waves
This look pairs two relaxed Dutch crown braids with loose, textured beach waves — ideal for medium to thick hair and shoulder length to long. Start on slightly damp hair: apply a light mousse or salt spray for grip, create a deep center or off-center part, and Dutch-braid each side from the hairline toward the back, adding sections and keeping tension medium-tight. Pancake the braids by gently tugging at the edges for volume, secure with small elastics and hide ends with a bobby pin. Finish the loose lengths with 1 curling wand or wave iron to create soft, undone S-waves, alternating directions and finger-combing the curls for a lived-in feel. Tools: rat-tail comb, clips, 1 curling wand, small elastics, bobby pins. Products: sea-salt/texturizing spray, light mousse, heat protectant, dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray and a touch of smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfortable braiding and basic heat-styling. Maintenance: sleep with braids or silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo and a light mist of sea-spray, and re-pancake or re-curl pieces as needed to revive shape.
Sleek Double Dutch Braids — Sporty Cornrow Style for Thick or Curly Hair
This clean double Dutch-braid style suits straight, wavy, textured, or curly hair in medium to thick densities and works well for active lifestyles. Start on freshly detangled, slightly damp hair: create a precise centre part, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, then a holding gel or styling cream for smoothness. Use a rat-tail comb to section, clip away excess, and braid each side using the Dutch technique (cross sections under rather than over) with consistent tension to achieve the raised cornrow effect. Braid to the nape, secure with a small elastic and gently pancake the braid for fullness if desired. Tools: rat-tail comb, paddle brush, sectioning clips, hair ties, and a small edge brush. Products: leave-in conditioner, medium-hold gel or cream, edge-control, light oil or serum, and optional setting mousse or hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires practice for even tension and neat parts; expect 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk scarf/bonnet, refresh edges with edge-control, moisturize scalp with light oil, and avoid daily re-tightening to prevent breakage. Re-do every 1–2 weeks depending on hair growth and frizz.
Sleek Cornrow Boxer Braids (Tight Scalp Braids into Braided Ponytails)
This sleek cornrow boxer-braid style works best on straight to wavy hair and medium-to-thick textures; fine hair can be adapted with lightweight clip-in extensions for fuller, longer braids. Start on clean, detangled hair: create precise sections with a rat-tail comb and secure with clips. Use a small amount of smoothing cream or leave-in conditioner, then apply a lightweight styling gel or edge control to each part for grip. Braid each section tightly using underhand/Dutch or three-strand feed-in technique so the braid sits flush to the scalp, then continue into standard braids down the neck and secure with small elastics. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, boar-bristle brush, fine-tooth comb, small elastics, edge brush. Products: leave-in detangler, styling gel/pomade, light hairspray, scalp oil for moisture, and optional extension tape/clip-ins. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–75 minutes depending on number/length of braids; consider a stylist for precise, even parts. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap, refresh edges with a tiny amount of gel, lightly oil the scalp twice weekly, and redo after 1–2 weeks to prevent tension-related breakage.
Sporty Double Dutch Braids Joined into a Single Textured Braid
This athletic, salon-friendly style suits straight, wavy and loosely curly hair of medium to thick density; fine hair can work with added texture and light padding, while very thick hair benefits from smaller sections. Start on towel-dried or day-two dry hair with a light leave-in or mousse to add grip. Create a clean center part, clip sections, then Dutch-braid each side tightly along the scalp, feeding in hair as you go. When both braids reach the nape, combine them into one three-strand braid and secure with a strong elastic. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, a fine-tooth comb and bobby pins. Products: texturizing spray or mousse for grip, smoothing cream or serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident Dutch-braiding and even tension. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or loose bun to reduce frizz, refresh roots with dry shampoo, retighten or redo the scalp braids after heavy activity, and avoid excessive tension near the hairline to protect fragile edges.
Textured Double Dutch Braids into Loose Plaits — Tousled Sporty Braided Hairstyle
This textured double Dutch braid finished into two loose plaits suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick hair with natural wave or relaxed curl. For fine hair, add pre-texture; for very thick hair, section neatly and work in smaller panels. Start on dry, second-day hair: create a centered part, clip one side, and Dutch-braid along the hairline (picking up outer sections) down to the nape, then switch to a three-strand braid to the ends. Repeat on the other side. Gently pancake each braid (pull edges outward) to widen and soften the look, and tug small face-framing pieces for a lived-in finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, paddle/boar-bristle brush and optional curling iron. Products: sea-salt or texturizing spray, light hold pomade or edge control, dry shampoo, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires clean, consistent braiding and patience. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizing mist, retighten elastics after 2–3 days, and smooth flyaways with a dab of pomade.
Halo Crown Braid with Sleek Edges — Protective Style for Natural 3–4 Hair
This halo crown braid is ideal for Type 3–4 textured hair and relaxed hair needing volume; extensions can be added for extra fullness and length. Start with clean, detangled hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a slip-friendly styling cream. Create a deep parting pattern and flat-braid (or flat-twist) sections along the hairline, then feed hair into a large three-strand or rope braid that wraps around the head. Tuck and pin the braid ends securely. Smooth baby hairs with a firm-hold edge control and an edge brush for a polished finish. Tools: rat-tail comb, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, edge brush, and a blow dryer with a hood or diffuser if stretching is needed. Products: leave-in conditioner, styling cream or pomade, edge control gel, lightweight oil, and a light-hold spray or mousse. Difficulty: Moderate — requires basic flat-braiding skills and neat parting; expect 45–90 minutes depending on length and whether you add extensions. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk bonnet or scarf, refresh edges with a small amount of edge control, moisturize scalp with oil every 3–4 days, and avoid excessive tension to protect the hairline. This style lasts 1–2 weeks with proper care.
Crown Flat-Twist Updo — Natural Hair Protective Style
This crown flat-twist updo is ideal for textured, coily and tightly curled hair (3–4) and works well on thick, relaxed hair when pre-stretched. Technique: create clean partings and flat-twist sections from the hairline toward the crown, then secure the twists into a low bun or pinned crown. Smooth edges into soft baby hairs for a polished finish. Tools needed: rat-tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a soft-bristle brush. Optional: blow-dryer with a comb attachment if pre-stretching. Products required: light leave-in conditioner or detangler, styling cream or twisting butter for definition, firm-hold edge control for perimeter, a lightweight oil (argan or jojoba), and a flexible-hold hairspray for longevity. Difficulty level: moderate — requires even parting and basic twisting skills; expect 30–60 minutes depending on length and thickness. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin bonnet or pillowcase, reapply a little oil to the scalp every few days, refresh edges with a small amount of edge control, and secure loose twists with pins rather than redoing the whole style. Gentle co-washing after one week helps keep the style fresh.
Double Dutch Crown Braids — Textured Boxer Braid for Medium to Long Hair
This style features two Dutch (inverted) crown-to-pigtail braids that sit close to the scalp for a sporty, polished look. Suitability: best on medium to thick hair and medium-to-long lengths; fine hair will work with added texture or light teasing for grip, and very curly hair should be smoothed slightly for clean braid definition. Technique: create a clean center part, section one side and start a Dutch braid (cross strands under) at the hairline, adding hair as you move along the crown and down toward the nape; repeat on the other side and secure with elastics. Tools needed: tail comb for parting, smoothing brush, small elastics, sectioning clips and a fine-tooth comb for detail. Products: texturizing spray or sea-salt spray for hold, light styling gel or pomade at the roots to tame flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray to finish; optional shine serum for polished ends. Difficulty: intermediate — allows for practice and becomes quick with repetition. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and light mist of hairspray, tighten elastics or re-braid nightly for longevity, and use a dab of pomade for stray hairs.
Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids Finished into a Single Thick Braid
This look features close-to-scalp Dutch (inside-out) braids that feed into a single, chunky braid — a sporty, long-wear style suited to a range of textures. Best on medium to thick hair and naturally curly or textured hair where grip creates neat, voluminous braids; fine hair works if you add lightweight extensions for fullness. Technique: start with detangled, slightly damp hair. Create clean partings with a rat-tail comb, apply a leave-in detangler and a smoothing cream or light gel, then begin two Dutch braids by crossing strands under and adding hair evenly as you move toward the nape. Gather the braid tails and continue with a three-strand braid to the ends, securing with a small elastic. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, brush, small elastics, optional clip-in extensions and a handheld mirror. Products: leave-in conditioner, light-hold gel or pomade for control, edge-control for baby hairs, a light-hold hairspray and a nourishing scalp oil. Difficulty: intermediate — 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf/bonnet, refresh edges with a water-mousse spray, avoid excessive daily tightening, and redo every 1–2 weeks to protect hair health.
Textured Side Dutch Braid with Loose Curly Cascade
A modern, textured side Dutch braid that flows into a loose curly cascade — perfect for showcasing natural wave and curl. Best suited to wavy, curly or medium-thick hair; straighter hair can achieve the look after texturizing. Technique: start on dry or slightly damp hair with a side part, take three sections at the hairline and braid underhand (Dutch) while adding hair along the temple and crown. Continue the braid toward the nape, secure with a small elastic, then gently pancake the braid for width and softness. Leave the ends loose or wrap them into a relaxed braid or ponytail and define with a curling iron if needed. Tools needed: tail comb, wide-tooth comb, clear elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling iron (optional), blow dryer with diffuser (optional). Products required: sea-salt/texturizing spray or light mousse, curl cream or defining lotion, heat protectant, light-hold hairspray and a small anti-frizz serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding skill and patience (10–25 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or scarf, refresh with a water + curl cream mist or re-curl stray pieces, use dry shampoo at the roots, and re-pin or tighten sections as the braid relaxes.
Double Dutch Braids with Loose Textured Waves — Half‑Up Braided Hairstyle
This half‑up look combines two Dutch braids at the hairline with loose, beachy textured waves for a sporty yet polished finish. Suitable for medium to long lengths and medium‑to‑thick hair, it works well on naturally wavy or straight hair (fine hair benefits from added texturizing products; very curly hair should be partially stretched or blown out first). Technique: create a clean center part, section a front panel on each side, and Dutch‑braid (underhand) from the hairline to the crown, securing with small clear elastics. Leave the remaining lengths down and create soft waves with a 1
Textured Double Dutch Braids with Loose Boho Volume
This look suits medium to long hair and works best on medium-thick or naturally wavy textures; fine hair can also take the style with added texturizing product or light teasing for grip. Technique: start on slightly dirty hair for hold, create a center or off-center part, then Dutch-braid each side (underhand) from the hairline down. Keep braids slightly loose, then pancake (gently pull outer loops) to create the soft, voluminous boho effect and finish with small elastics at the ends. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a 1–1.25 curling iron if you want soft bends at the ends. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray, root-lift or powder for extra grip, light smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes in salon or at home depending on practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely re-braid, refresh texture with dry shampoo or misted sea-salt spray, re-pancake braids each morning to restore volume, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to keep hold.
As a stylist who dresses hair for everyday life and high-energy events, my final advice is to prioritize comfort and security without sacrificing style. Choose styles that distribute tension (braids and low buns for long wear), use breathable headbands to manage sweat, and avoid heavy oils before play which can weigh hair down. Pre-game: apply a lightweight leave-in or styling cream for hold and frizz control; use elastic bands without metal to prevent breakage. Post-game: gently cleanse with a clarifying or sport shampoo, follow with a restorative conditioner, and detangle with a wide-tooth comb. For frequent players, incorporate regular trims and deep-conditioning treatments to prevent split ends. Experiment with the 28 images here to find variations that match your hair texture and game intensity — tweak product levels and accessory choices for a custom, dependable look every time you hit the court.