Look, if you're a cheerleader, you already know that hair game matters. You can have the sharpest routine and the cleanest uniform, but if your hair's falling in your face mid-basket toss? That's a problem.
1. Double Braids into Ponytail
This one's a classic for a reason. You start with two French or Dutch braids along the sides of your head, then pull everything back into a high ponytail at the crown. Nothing moves. Nothing slips. It's the hairstyle equivalent of duct tape—it just works.
I love this style for competition days because it looks polished from every angle. The braids add texture and keep your edges smooth, while the ponytail gives you that signature cheer silhouette. Plus, it photographs really well, which matters when you're trying to look sharp in team photos.
The trick here is to braid tight but not too tight. You don't want a headache by the second quarter. Use a strong hold gel on your roots and edges before you start braiding, and finish with hairspray. Trust me on this one.
2. Braided Ponytail with Ribbon
Take a regular high ponytail and make it actually interesting. You can either wrap a braid around the base of the ponytail or weave a braid into the length of it. Then tie a ribbon at the base—ideally in your team colors—and you're done.
This style is perfect if you want something that screams "cheer" without being too complicated. The braid gives the ponytail extra grip, so it won't sag or slip throughout the day. And the ribbon? That's just good branding, honestly.
I've used this look for pep rallies and game days when I wanted something clean but a little more fun than a plain ponytail. It takes maybe five extra minutes but makes a big difference in photos. FYI, satin ribbons hold better than grosgrain if you're doing backflips.
3. Matching High Ponies with Bows
If your squad wants to look synchronized, this is the move. Everyone rocks a high ponytail pulled tight at the crown with a big bow clipped or tied at the base. It's clean, it's classic, and it screams team unity.
High ponytails elongate your neck and highlight your facial expressions, which is huge during performances. The bow adds personality and color, and when the whole team has matching bows? That's a power move.
One tip: make sure everyone knows how high "high" is. You don't want five ponytails at the crown and three at the back of the head. Consistency is everything here. Use a strong elastic and bobby pins to secure the bow so it doesn't flop around.
4. Half Up Top Knot
This is the lazy girl's dream, and I mean that in the best way. You pull the top section of your hair into a small bun at the crown and leave the rest down. It's fast, functional, and looks cute with basically zero effort.
I like this style for practices or casual cheer events when you don't need the full locked-down look but still want your hair out of your face. The top knot adds height and keeps the front sections secure, while the bottom half gives you movement and volume.
Works best on shoulder-length or longer hair. If you've got layers, the top knot can help control them. Just twist your hair into the bun instead of wrapping it for a messier, more relaxed vibe. Texturizing spray is your friend here.
5. Classic Half Up with Ribbon
Honestly, this is probably the most versatile cheer hairstyle on this list. You pull the top half of your hair back—either into a ponytail or secured with a clip—and tie a ribbon around it. The bottom half stays loose or gets curled.
This style works on literally every hair type and length. Straight, wavy, curly, thick, fine—doesn't matter. The ribbon adds that cheer flair, and you can switch up the colors depending on what you're wearing that day.
Takes less than five minutes to do, which is clutch when you're running late. I've worn this to everything from pep rallies to homecoming games, and it always looks good. Pro tip: wrap the ribbon twice around the elastic for extra security.
6. Long Braids with a Pop of Color
If you want to stand out, this is how you do it. Whether you're rocking box braids, knotless braids, or French braids, adding a pop of color—either with extensions or temporary dye—makes the whole look pop.
The color can match your team palette, or you can go rogue and pick something fun. Either way, the braids keep your hair secure and protected, and the color adds energy and personality. It's a win-win.
Long braids are also super low-maintenance once they're in. You can wear them for weeks, and they hold up through practices, games, and everything in between. Just keep them moisturized with braid sheen spray so they don't look dry or frizzy.
7. Loose Waves with Mini Braids
This style is for when you want to look effortlessly cool. You wear your hair down in loose, flowing waves and add a few thin braids scattered throughout—either framing your face or tucked randomly.
The mini braids add texture and detail without being too complicated. They also help keep your hair from getting completely tangled during stunts, which is a nice bonus. It's a boho-meets-cheer vibe, and it photographs really well.
Works best on wavy or curly hair, but you can fake it with a curling iron or sea salt spray. The braids can be as neat or as messy as you want. Honestly, the messier, the better IMO. Just make sure they're pinned down so they don't unravel mid-routine.
8. Curly Half Up High Ponytail
If you've got curls, show them off. This style pulls the top section into a high ponytail while leaving the rest loose and full. The high ponytail keeps hair out of your face, and the curls provide volume and movement.
I love this look because it celebrates natural texture instead of fighting it. The ponytail adds lift and drama, and the curls make the whole thing feel alive. It's low-maintenance once you've got your curl routine down, and it looks stunning in motion.
Use a curl-defining mousse or cream before styling, and don't over-manipulate your curls once they're dry. The less you touch them, the better they'll hold. And please—no brushing. That's a one-way ticket to frizz city.
9. Braided Crown with Loose Curls
This is the fancy option. A braided crown wraps around the top of your head like a halo, and the rest of your hair falls in loose curls. It's romantic, elegant, and surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.
I'd save this one for special cheer events—senior night, formal competitions, that kind of thing. It's a little softer and more feminine than the standard ponytail, but it's still secure enough to hold through a routine.
The braid distributes the weight of your hair evenly, which is great if you've got thick or heavy hair. Just make sure you pin the crown down really well so it doesn't shift. A lightweight styling cream on the curls keeps them defined without weighing them down.
10. Cheerful Pigtails with Bangs
Pigtails are peak cheer nostalgia, and when you add bangs to the mix, it's a whole vibe. The pigtails sit mid to high on the head, and the bangs frame your face. It's playful, youthful, and totally functional.
This look is perfect for younger cheerleaders or anyone who wants to channel that peppy, retro energy. The pigtails won't budge during routines, and the bangs add personality without getting in your way.
If you don't have bangs, you can fake them by leaving out a few face-framing pieces. Use a smoothing serum on both the pigtails and the bangs to keep everything sleek and shiny. And if you really want to commit, add some ribbons or bows to the pigtails 🙂
11. Cute Double Braided Buns
This style is adorable and practical, which is a rare combo. You braid two sections of hair and then coil each braid into a bun on either side of your head. It's playful, secure, and keeps hair completely off your face and neck.
Double buns are having a major moment right now, and they're perfect for cheer. They won't fall out, they're easy to customize, and they look cute from every angle. You can place them high or low depending on your preference.
Use texture spray before braiding to give your hair some grip. That way, the braids won't slip and the buns will hold better. If your hair's on the finer side, tease the roots a bit before you start for extra volume.
12. Classic Half Up with Loose Waves
This is the polished, feminine take on the half-up style. The top section is pulled back neatly, and the bottom half is curled into loose, bouncy waves. It's soft, elegant, and surprisingly easy to pull off.
I like this look for formal cheer events or senior photos when you want something a little more refined than your everyday game-day ponytail. The waves add movement and volume, and the half-up section keeps everything under control.
Use a sea salt spray or curling iron to create the waves, and don't make them too tight. Loose is the goal here. A light hold hairspray at the end keeps everything in place without making it stiff or crunchy.
13. Sleek Half Up Curly Ponytail
This is what happens when you combine polish with texture. The top section is slicked back tight with gel or pomade, and the bottom half is pulled into a curly ponytail. The contrast between the sleek top and the voluminous curls is chef's kiss.
It's competition-ready but still authentic if you've got naturally curly hair. The slicked-back top gives you that clean, sharp look judges love, and the curls keep it from being too severe or boring.
Apply smoothing gel to damp hair at the roots and brush it back tightly before securing the ponytail. Then use a curl-defining cream on the ponytail itself to enhance the texture. It's a bit more effort, but the payoff is worth it.
14. Long Knotless Braids Half Up
Knotless braids are a game-changer if you want a protective style that's comfortable and stylish. They start without the tension of a traditional braid knot, so they're easier on your scalp. When you pull the top section into a ponytail or bun, you get a sleek, modern look.
This style lasts for weeks, which makes it perfect for busy cheer schedules. You don't have to worry about restyling every day, and it holds up through everything. The half-up variation keeps braids out of your face while still showing off the length.
Use edge control gel to smooth your edges and baby hairs for a clean finish. And please moisturize your scalp regularly—braids can dry out your hair if you're not careful.
15. Voluminous High Bun with Bow
This is the elegant, sophisticated cheer hairstyle. A high bun sits at the crown and is teased or padded for extra volume. A large bow gets pinned at the base or on top, and you're done.
High buns are perfect for competitions and formal events because they're polished, show off your face, and stay put no matter how much you move. The bow adds that classic cheer touch and brings in your team colors.
To get the volume, tease the hair at the crown before you pull it into the bun, or use a bun donut for extra padding. Secure everything with bobby pins and finish with strong hold hairspray. This bun's not going anywhere.
16. Sparkling High Pony with Bow
Want to add some glam? This is how. Take a high ponytail, add glitter spray, rhinestone clips, or a sparkly bow, and you've got a showstopper. It's perfect for themed games, homecoming, or any time you want to stand out under the lights.
Sparkle makes everything better, and this style is fun without being over the top. Just make sure you're using hair-safe glitter or accessories—nothing worse than trying to wash out craft glitter for three days straight :/
Pull the ponytail tight at the crown, smooth down any flyaways, and then add your sparkle. A light mist of hair glitter spray after styling gives you that camera-ready finish. Keep it festive but not chaotic.
17.Crimped Half Down Waves
Crimped hair is back, and honestly, I'm here for it. This style pulls the top section back while the bottom half gets crimped for maximum volume and texture. It's bold, nostalgic, and totally eye-catching.
If you've got fine or medium hair, crimping adds incredible fullness. It's perfect for themed games or special events when you want to try something different. Just remember to use a heat protectant—crimping irons run hot, and you don't want fried hair.
Crimp in small sections for the best results, and don't go over the same section more than once. Once you're done, run your fingers through lightly to soften the texture a bit. Too crispy, and it'll look like you time-traveled from 2003.
18. Ribbon High Ponytail
Sometimes simple is best. A high ponytail with a ribbon tied around the base or woven through the length is one of the most iconic cheer hairstyles. It's fast, it's effective, and it looks good every single time.
The ponytail sits at the crown, pulled tight and smooth. The ribbon adds a pop of color and team spirit. That's it. That's the whole thing. And it works because it's functional and classic.
This is my go-to when I'm running late or just want something reliable. Takes less than three minutes to do, holds up through any routine, and looks great in photos. Use a finishing spray after tying the ribbon to keep everything smooth and shiny.
Playful Double Buns
Two buns sitting high on your head, one on each side. They can be sleek or messy, big or small—totally up to you. This style is playful, quirky, and keeps your hair completely secured.
Double buns are trending hard right now, and they're perfect for cheerleaders who want something a little different from the standard ponytail. Plus, they're incredibly functional. No hair in your face, ever.
Spray dry shampoo onto your roots before styling to add volume and texture to the buns. Twist each section into a bun and secure with bobby pins. If you want them messier, pull out a few pieces around your face. If you want them sleek, smooth everything down with gel first.
19. Sleek Game Day Ponytail
This is the ultimate no-nonsense, high-performance ponytail. Hair is brushed back tight, secured at the crown or mid-head, and smoothed with gel or pomade for a flawless finish. No texture, no waves—just sleek, shiny perfection.
It's the most functional cheer hairstyle because nothing moves, shifts, or falls out. Ever wondered why competition teams always go for this look? It's because judges notice details, and this style is tight, clean, and professional.
Use a strong hold pomade on damp hair and brush it back with a fine-tooth comb. Secure the ponytail with a tight elastic and finish with strong hold hairspray. This ponytail will survive backflips, basket tosses, and whatever else you throw at it.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your cheer hairstyle needs to do two things: stay put and look good. Everything else is just bonus points. Whether you're going for a sleek ponytail, braided buns, or something with a little sparkle, the key is finding what works for your hair type and your routine.
Don't be afraid to experiment during practice so you know what holds up under pressure. And invest in good products—strong hold gel, texturizing spray, and finishing spray are your best friends. Screenshot your favorites from this list and try them out before your next game.
Now go out there and make your hair work as hard as you do. You've got this.
