Cheerleading Hairstyles

Ponytail

The tried and true ponytail is popular with just about all sports enthusiasts, including cheerleaders and gymnasts. This style is versatile because the hair can be pulled back to either the top, middle or bottom of the back of the head, each position rendering a slightly different look. Some girls even pull all the hair to one side for an offset side ponytail. Ponytails can be worn straight or curly.

In addition to the versatility of the pony tail, there are many accessories that can be worn with it such as a scrunchie or a hair bow in matching school colors.

Check out these detailed instructions on ponytails:

• How to Make a Ponytail
• Make Your Ponytail Modern
• 25 Ways to Jazz Up Your Ponytail

Pigtails

If a single ponytail is popular, imagine how much more fun two pigtails can be. This hairstyle can be reminiscent of Cindy Brady, high on the sides of the head with barrel curls, or more modern with low ponytails clasped lower down on the sides of the head. If you want to get really creative, you can do a zig zag part or criss cross the hair from one side to the other to create a unique looking design. Again, accessories can really make this look. By adding some interesting hair baubles that everyone on the team wears, you can create a more uniform look for your squad.

Here are a few sites that explain how to make pigtails:

• Make Curly Pigtails
• How to Plait Pigtails
• Perfect Pigtails

Bun/Updo

This is usually seen less than the other two options on most squads, but a messy bun can be easy to wear, especially for a scrimmage game or other, less formal presentation. A messy bun is simply a ponytail where the hair is pulled halfway through on the final loop. The bun is not tight and is not held by bobby pins. It is loose and "messy". While this type of hairstyle does not tend to stay up for long, it is very easy to make a quick, on the go messy bun and you can redo your hair as many times as necessary throughout the practice. You can find many different YouTube videos that show how to create a simple messy bun.

More Unique Cheerleading Hairstyles

There are some cute hairstyles that may not be as convenient but can have a great impact under certain conditions. Perhaps your school is planning homecoming, and the cheerleaders want a different look. Try some of these:

• Short hair curled and then mussed with putty
• Hair worn long and straight
• Corn rows
• French braid
• Fishtail braid (looks great on long hair!)
• Half up and half down

Insider Tips for Getting Your Hair to Stay Put

If your hair is extra fine or extra thick, it can be hard to get it to stay in place, even if it looks perfect when you first fix it. Here are a few tips that might help:

• Put your hair up while it is still wet. This will allow you to slick it back more tightly, although it will loosen slightly as the day goes on.
• Use defrizzing serum to help keep the flyaways in place.
• Use a really strong, super hold hairspray and spray hair after it is up. (*Note: Do not do this if you plan to take your hair down as it will make your hair sticky.)

Whichever cheerleading hairstyles you choose to try, remember that it is okay to get creative and take a peak at what other cheerleaders are doing with their hair.

Find even more great hairstyle ideas for your squad at LoveToKnow Hair