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8 min. read
Try 15 cheer competition hairstyles, from sleek high ponytails to braided updos, that look great on the mat and stay secure through every stunt.
The best cheer competition hairstyles are the high sleek ponytail, teased poof high pony, and braided crown high bun. These styles use strong elastics, bobby pins, and heavy-duty gel to survive high-energy routines, tumbling, and stunts without shifting.
Here are the best cheer competition hairstyles that deliver on both style and safety aspects.
These ponytail styles are the foundation of cheer competition hairstyles. They keep hair out of your face, look sharp and stay put through any routine.
Gather all your hair tightly at the top crown of your head. Smooth down flyaways with a wax stick or gel for a bump-free finish. This is the most classic competition hairstyle and works for every hair type.
Add a small front volume bump or "poof" secured with bobby pins right in front of a high, voluminous curled ponytail. The poof adds height and drama while the ponytail keeps the length secure.
Pre-curl your hair before pulling it into a high, ultra-smooth ponytail. Wrap a small strand around the base to hide the elastic. The waves add texture and the wrapped base gives a polished finish.
Use a secure wrap-around extension piece or "posh" attached over a braided base bun. This gives instant length and bounce. The braided base anchors everything in place.
Tease the top section for a secure lift while keeping the face clean and clear. Leave the bottom curls flowing freely. This style gives you a polished front with softness in the back.
Braids lock hair down and create grip. These updos combine braids with ponytails and buns for maximum security.
Dutch braid both sides tightly back to the crown. Feed the small braids straight into a high ponytail. The braids lock down side hair and add extra grip.
French braid your hair starting from the nape of the neck up to a high ponytail. This locks down short or fine hairs completely. Nothing escapes.
Frame your head with a tight halo crown braid that transitions seamlessly into a high, thick side- or center-ponytail. This style looks elegant and stays put.
Twist a clean top knot and wrap an extra braid around the base to lock the pins and base elastic safely in place. This is one of the most secure competition styles.
Section your hair into clear quadrants to create twin twisted top knots. Anchor them with lower supportive braids. Fun, playful, and very secure.
These styles celebrate natural texture while keeping hair secure and competition-ready.
Smooth the front hairline and edges down with edge control gel. Let natural coils or curls pop safely in a high puff. Celebrates natural texture while staying secure.
Section a tall ponytail with multiple colorful or clear rubber bands down the length to form secure, immovable bubbles. Fun, unique, and very stable.
Add small, tight accent braids along the temples that feed back into a slick top-of-the-head fastener. Keeps side hair locked down while the pony stays high.
Pin defined short or medium curls back securely at the sides with decorative bobby pins for a clean, performance-ready look. Great for shorter hair.
Cornrow the lower and middle sections tightly to the scalp, ending in a high, voluminous attachment at the crown. Cornrows lock everything flat while the pony adds height.
| Hairstyle | Best For | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| High Sleek Ponytail | All hair types | Classic and bump-free finish |
| Teased Poof High Pony | Volume lovers | Front poof with high pony |
| Wavy Sleek Ponytail | Medium to long hair | Pre-curled and wrapped base |
| Braided Ponytail Extension | Thin or fine hair | Extension adds volume |
| Half-Up Half-Down | Longer hair | Lifted top and flowing bottom |
| Dutch Braided Sides into Pony | Medium to long hair | Braids feed into pony |
| Full French Braid Up-the-Back | Short or fine hair | Locks down all hair |
| Crown Braid into Curled Pony | Elegant competition look | Halo crown braid |
| High Bun with Braided Wrap | Sleek updo style | Braid wraps bun base |
| Double Space Buns | Youth cheerleaders | Twin top knots |
| High Textured Puff | Natural curly/coily hair | Celebrates natural texture |
| Bubble Braids High Pony | Fun, unique style | Rubber band bubbles |
| Viking Side Braids into Pony | Fierce athletic look | Temple accent braids |
| Pinned Back Curls | Shorter curly hair | Decorative pins |
| Cornrow Up-Do High Pony | Natural hair | Cornrow base with high pony |
Your competition hairstyle needs to look great and stay in place through tumbling, stunts, and jumps. High sleek ponytails, teased poofs, braided updos, and natural textured styles all work well. Choose what fits your hair type and comfort level. Use the right products. Pin everything. Practice before competition day.
The best hairstyle for a cheer competition is a high sleek ponytail because it keeps hair away from the face, looks polished, and stays secure during jumps, tumbling, stunts, and high-energy routines. Other popular options include a teased poof high pony, braided ponytail, and high bun.
The most secure cheer competition hairstyles include:
These styles use tight braids, strong elastics, bobby pins, and styling products to reduce movement during a routine.
To keep a cheer hairstyle secure, use strong hair elastics, bobby pins, hair gel, and a firm-hold hairspray. Secure the hairstyle in sections and check that the ponytail, bun, or braids do not move before competing. Practicing the hairstyle before competition day can also help identify loose areas.
A high sleek ponytail is one of the easiest competition hairstyles. Pull the hair tightly toward the crown, secure it with a strong elastic, smooth flyaways with gel or a wax stick, and use bobby pins to hold any loose sections in place.
Yes, a high ponytail is one of the most popular hairstyles for cheer competitions. It creates a clean and energetic appearance while keeping hair away from the face and neck. A high ponytail can also be styled with curls, braids, a poof, or a hair bow.
Cheerleaders with long hair can wear a high sleek ponytail, wavy ponytail, braided ponytail, or half-up half-down hairstyle. A high ponytail is often the most practical option because it keeps long hair controlled during tumbling, jumps, and stunts.
The best cheer hairstyles for short hair include:
Use small elastics, bobby pins, and strong-hold styling products to keep shorter layers secure.
High textured puffs, curly high ponytails, pinned-back curls, and braided updos are great options for curly hair. These hairstyles help maintain natural texture while keeping curls away from the face during a cheer routine.
Popular competition hairstyles for natural hair include a high textured puff, cornrow updo with a high ponytail, braided bun, and sleek high ponytail. These styles can keep natural curls and coils secure while highlighting their texture and volume.
Yes, braids are a practical choice for cheer competitions because they help secure the hair and reduce loose strands. Dutch braids, French braids, crown braids, cornrows, and braided ponytails can all provide a stylish and secure competition look.
Wash and completely dry your hair before styling. Apply a small amount of gel, mousse, or styling product to improve control and reduce flyaways. Create the hairstyle using strong elastics and bobby pins, then finish with firm-hold hairspray.
Cheer hair can be curled or straight, depending on the team’s rules and the desired look. Curled ponytails add volume and movement, while sleek straight ponytails create a clean and polished appearance. Always follow your team’s competition hairstyle requirements.
Cheerleaders may be able to wear hair extensions if their team and competition rules allow them. Extensions should be securely attached and tested before the event so they do not shift during tumbling, jumps, or stunts.
Useful products include:
Most cheer competition hairstyles take around 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the hair length, texture, and complexity of the style. Simple high ponytails take less time, while braided updos, curled ponytails, and extension styles may take longer.
Keep a small hair emergency kit with extra elastics, bobby pins, hairspray, and a comb. If the hairstyle becomes loose, secure it during a safe break and avoid making major changes immediately before performing.
