Clay-court season has a very specific beauty mood: sun, sweat, red clay, crisp tennis whites, slicked-back hair, braided ponytails, and hair accessories that actually have a job.
With Roland-Garros running through June 7 and the U.S. Open already on the late-summer calendar, tennis hair is moving from the court into everyday summer styling. Think less "perfect blowout," more court-ready, sweat-proof, still looks good after the match.
Why Athlete Hair Works So Well for Summer
A match-day hairstyle has to survive running, serving, jumping, sweating, wind, visors, towels, and warmups. It cannot fall apart five minutes in and cannot pull so hard that your scalp hurts before the first set is over.
That is why tennis players keep coming back to a few reliable shapes: high ponytails, braided ponytails, bubble ponies, headbands, slick buns, visor-friendly styles, and face-framing tendrils. Coco Gauff, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Aryna Sabalenka, and Ons Jabeur all show different versions of the same idea: athletic hair can be practical and still have personality.
The Bubble Ponytail
For long hair, a regular ponytail can swing, tangle, hit your face, and pull on the scalp. A bubble ponytail keeps the length controlled.
Tie your hair into a ponytail, then add small elastics every few inches down the length. Gently pull each section outward to create soft bubbles. It gives shape without needing braiding skills.
- Best for: long hair, thick hair, high-impact movement
- Works well with: tennis skirts, oversized jerseys, summer dresses
- Why it works: controls hair movement and keeps the ponytail from whipping around
- Style tip: use clear or color-matched elastics for a clean look, or bright elastics for U.S. Open energy
The Braided Ponytail
The braided ponytail is a classic athlete hairstyle for a reason. It keeps the hair together, limits tangling, and still gives movement. It also looks good with visors, headbands, and tennis dresses.
Serena and Venus Williams made braids one of the most iconic beauty signatures in tennis, especially with beaded styles early in their careers. Their influence is still part of how we talk about hair, sport, and self-expression on court.
- Best for: tennis, training, long hair, textured hair, protective styling
- Works well with: headbands, ribbons, beads, wrapped elastics
- Why it works: keeps the length controlled while still looking strong
- Style tip: start with a secure ponytail base first, then braid the length so the base does not loosen
Boxer Braids
Boxer braids, also known as double Dutch braids, are one of the most secure sport hairstyles. They sit close to the scalp, keep layers controlled, and work for everything from tennis to boxing to dance workouts.
This is the style to choose when you do not want to think about your hair again for the rest of the day.
- Best for: high-impact workouts, layered hair, thick hair, long days outside
- Works well on: straight, wavy, curly, and textured hair
- Why it works: maximum hold with minimal loose hair
- Style tip: add a little dry shampoo or texture spray before braiding so the hair has grip
The Ribbon Ponytail
A ribbon is the easiest way to make a plain ponytail feel French Open-inspired. Tie your hair into a ponytail or braid, then add a ribbon at the base or around the end.
For Roland-Garros energy, choose clay red, cream, espresso brown, dusty pink, or navy. For U.S. Open energy, go brighter: cobalt, white, yellow, metallic silver, or black.
- Best for: simple ponytails, braids, low buns, half-up hair
- Works well with: tennis dresses, polos, pleated skirts, sporty summer outfits
- Why it works: inexpensive, easy, and instantly styled
- Style tip: choose a grosgrain ribbon if you want it to hold better than satin
How to Make Sport Hair Actually Stay
Start with hair that has grip. Freshly washed, silky hair can slip out faster, so a little dry shampoo, texture spray, or light styling cream helps.
Use strong elastics. Do not tie every style at maximum tension. A hairstyle can feel secure without pulling at the hairline. If your scalp hurts before you leave the house, redo it.
For outdoor tennis or summer workouts, keep a mini kit in your bag: extra elastics, a few bobby pins, a small brush, dry shampoo, and a soft headband.
The Takeaway
The best athletic hairstyles are not complicated. They are secure, clean, and easy to refresh.
French Open-inspired hair gives you clay-court polish: braids, ribbons, visors, slick buns, and soft sporty details. U.S. Open season brings the late-summer version: brighter colors, harder hold, sweat-proof styling, and a little New York attitude.
Whether you are playing tennis, watching from the stands, or just wearing the tennis-core outfit because it looks good, the rule is simple: your hair should stay out of your face and still look like part of the look.
