23 Best Game Day Hairstyles: Score Big with These Winning Looks

Are you ready to bring your A-game to the stands? Whether you’re cheering for your favourite team or hitting the field yourself, your hairstyle can make a statement just as bold as your team spirit. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 23 game-day hairstyles that are sure to turn heads and keep you looking fabulous from kickoff to the final whistle.

1. The Classic Ponytail

The ponytail is a timeless game-day hairstyle that never goes out of fashion. It’s quick, easy, and keeps your hair out of your face while you cheer on your team. For a sporty twist, try adding a few braids or wrapping a section of hair around the elastic for a more polished look.

Pro Tip: Use a texturizing spray before creating your ponytail to add grip and prevent slippage during high-energy moments.

Product Recommendation: Try the Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray for added texture and hold.

Variations on the Classic Ponytail:

• High Ponytail: Perfect for an elongated, sleek look
• Low Ponytail: Great for a more sophisticated vibe
• Side Ponytail: Adds a fun, retro touch to your game-day style

2. Braided Crown

Channel your inner champion with a braided crown. This regal hairstyle is perfect for those who want to keep their hair up and out of the way while still looking elegant. It works well with both long and medium-length hair and can be adorned with team-coloured ribbons or clips.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Part your hair down the middle
2. Dutch braid each side, starting from the front and working your way back
3. Secure the ends with small elastics
4. Bring each braid up and over your head, pinning it in place
5. Tuck in any loose ends and secure with bobby pins

Pro Tip: If you have layered hair, use small clear elastics to secure shorter pieces before braiding to prevent them from slipping out.

3. Sporty Space Buns

Space buns are a fun and playful hairstyle that’s perfect for game day. They’re easy to create and can be customized with braids, glitter, or team-coloured hair ties. This style works especially well for those with curly or textured hair.

How to Accessorize Space Buns:

• Use team-coloured scrunchies for a pop of spirit
• Add glitter gel along your part for extra sparkle
• Incorporate small braids into each bun for added texture

Product Recommendation: Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray will keep your space buns in place all day long.

4. High Messy Bun

For an effortlessly chic look, try a highly messy bun. This versatile style can be dressed up or down and is ideal for those hectic game days when you’re short on time. Pair it with a headband in your team’s colours for extra spirit.

Pro Tip: To achieve the perfect messy bun, start with a high ponytail, then wrap the hair around the base, securing it with bobby pins as you go. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for a softer look.

Messy Bun Variations:

1. Sock Bun: Use a sock bun tool for a fuller, more structured look
2. Donut Bun: Ideal for those with thinner hair who want a fuller appearance
3. Topknot: A sleeker, more polished version of the messy bun

5. French Braid Pigtails

French braid pigtails are a classic game-day hairstyle that’s both practical and pretty. They keep your hair secure during intense moments and can be jazzed up with colourful elastics or ribbons. This style works well for all hair lengths and textures.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Part your hair down the middle
2. Start French braiding on one side, incorporating hair as you go
3. Secure the end with an elastic
4. Repeat on the other side
5. Gently tug on the braids to loosen them for a more relaxed look

Product Recommendation: Use Pantene Pro-V Smoothing Combing Creme to tame flyaways and make braiding easier.

6. Fishtail Side Braid

Add a touch of elegance to your game-day look with a fishtail side braid. This intricate-looking braid is surprisingly easy to create and offers a unique twist on the traditional side braid. It’s perfect for those who want to keep their hair to one side while still looking stylish.

Pro Tip: For a fuller-looking braid, gently pull apart the fishtail after you’ve secured it with an elastic. This technique, called “pancaking,” gives the braid a softer, more voluminous appearance.

How to Create a Perfect Fishtail Braid:

1. Gather all your hair to one side and divide it into two sections
2. Take a small piece from the outside of one section and cross it over to the inside of the opposite section
3. Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of your hair
4. Secure with an elastic and pancake the braid for added volume

7. Bandana Updo

Combine style and team spirit with a bandana updo. This retro-inspired look is perfect for hiding second-day hair and showing off your team colours. Wrap a team-coloured bandana around your head and tuck your hair into a low bun or roll.

Creative Bandana Styling Ideas:

• Tie the bandana in a bow at the nape of your neck for a feminine touch
• Use the bandana as a headband, leaving your hair down for a boho-chic look
• Create a turban-style wrap for a unique, vintage-inspired style

Product Recommendation: Check out the Anthropologie Printed Bandana Set for a variety of team colour options.

8. Sleek Low Ponytail

For a sophisticated game-day look, opt for a sleek low ponytail. This style is perfect for those with straight hair or those willing to put in a little extra effort with a flat iron. Add a metallic hair accessory for some extra shine.

Pro Tip: To achieve an ultra-sleek look, apply a small amount of hair oil to your palms and smooth over your hair before securing the ponytail. This will tame flyaways and add shine.

Product Recommendation: Try the GHD Platinum+ Styler for perfectly straight, sleek hair.

9. Dutch Braid Mohawk

Make a statement with a Dutch braid mohawk. This edgy style features one or more Dutch braids running along the centre of your head, creating a mohawk effect. It’s a great option for those with longer hair who want to keep cool during intense games.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Part your hair on both sides, leaving a section in the middle for the mohawk
2. Start Dutch braiding the centre section from the front of your head
3. Continue braiding until you reach the nape of your neck
4. Secure the braid with an elastic
5. Style the loose hair at the back as desired (leave down, ponytail, or bun)

Pro Tip: For extra hold, use a strong-hold gel like Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel on the sides of your head before braiding.

10. Half-Up Top Knot

The half-up top knot is a versatile style that works for any game-day occasion. It keeps hair out of your face while still allowing you to show off your length. Accessorize with team-coloured scrunchies or hair clips for added flair.

Variations on the Half-Up Top Knot:

1. Braided Half-Up: Incorporate a braid into the top section for added texture
2. Space Bun Half-Up: Create two small buns instead of one for a playful look
3. Twisted Half-Up: Twist the top section before securing for a sleek finish

Product Recommendation: Use Invisibobble Original Hair Ties to secure your top knot without creating creases in your hair.

11. Bubble Ponytail

Add some fun texture to your ponytail with a bubble effect. This playful style involves securing elastic bands at equal intervals down your ponytail, then gently pulling the hair between each band to create “bubbles”. It’s a great way to jazz up a simple ponytail.

Pro Tip: Use clear elastics for a seamless look, or opt for team-coloured elastics to show your spirit.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic
2. Place another elastic about 2 inches down from the first
3. Gently pull at the hair between the two elastics to create a “bubble” effect
4. Continue adding elastics and creating bubbles down the length of your ponytail
5. Finish by gently tugging at each bubble to perfect the shape

12. Braided Headband

Create a natural headband effect by braiding a section of hair across your forehead. This style works well for keeping bangs or shorter layers out of your face during the game. Secure the braid behind your ear with bobby pins or blend it into the rest of your hair.

Pro Tip: If your hair is too short for a full braid, try a twist instead. Simply twist a section of hair from one side of your head to the other, securing it with bobby pins as you go.

Product Recommendation: Use Kitsch No-Snag Elastic Hair Ties in your team’s colours to secure the end of your braid.

13. Twisted Side Ponytail

Give your regular side ponytail an upgrade with some twisting action. Create two or three twists on one side of your head, securing them into a side ponytail. This style adds interest and keeps your hair secure throughout the game.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Part your hair deeply to one side
2. Take a section of hair from the front and twist it back
3. Secure the twist with a bobby pin
4. Repeat with 1-2 more sections
5. Gather all your hair, including the twists, into a low-side ponytail

Pro Tip: For added hold, use a texturizing powder like Big Sexy Hair Powder Play before creating your twists.

14. Cornrows

Cornrows are a classic protective style that’s perfect for game day. They keep your hair neat and tidy, and can be styled in various patterns to show off your creativity. Add beads in your team’s colours for the extra spirit.

Popular Cornrow Patterns:

1. Straight Back: Classic and simple
2. Zig-Zag: Adds visual interest
3. Geometric: Creates unique shapes and designs

Pro Tip: To keep your cornrows looking fresh, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before bed.

15. Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is a romantic style that’s surprisingly game-day appropriate. This braid allows some of your hair to “fall” through the braid, creating a cascading effect. It’s a great option for those who want to wear their hair down but keep it out of their face.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Start with a deep side part
2. Begin a French braid along the hairline
3. As you braid, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new strand from the loose hair
4. Continue this pattern around the head
5. Secure the end of the braid behind your ear with bobby pins

Product Recommendation: Use Verb Ghost Oil on the loose strands for a smooth, shiny finish.

16. Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids, also known as boxer braids, are a sporty and stylish option for game day. These braids start at the scalp and work their way down, keeping all your hair secure. They’re perfect for high-energy games and can be jazzed up with colourful elastics.

Pro Tip: For a sleeker look, apply a small amount of edge control gel like Design Essentials Edge Control along your hairline before braiding.

Styling Ideas:

• Leave the ends loose for a casual look
• Wrap the ends into buns for a fun twist
• Add metallic cuffs or rings to the braids for extra flair

17. Faux Hawk

For a bold and edgy look, try a faux hawk. This style involves creating a series of ponytails or buns down the centre of your head, mimicking the look of a mohawk. It’s a great way to stand out in the crowd and show off your team spirit.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Section off the centre of your hair from forehead to nape
2. Create 3-5 ponytails along this section, securing them with elastics
3. Tease each ponytail for volume
4. Pin the sides of your hair flat against your head
5. Shape the teased ponytails into a mohawk-like shape

Product Recommendation: Use Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Glue for extreme hold and definition.

18. Twisted Rope Braid

A twisted rope braid is a simple yet elegant style that’s perfect for game day. It involves twisting two sections of hair and then twisting them together, creating a rope-like effect. This style works well for medium to long hair and can be worn as a ponytail or left hanging.

Pro Tip: For a tighter, longer-lasting twist, dampen your hair slightly before styling.

Variations:

1. Double Rope Braid: Create two rope braids and secure them together at the nape of your neck
2. Rope Braid Crown: Wrap the rope braid around your head for a crown effect
3. Side Rope Braid: Create the rope braid on one side for an asymmetrical look

19. Curly High Puff

Embrace your natural curls with a high puff. This style is quick to do and keeps your hair out of your face while still showing off your texture. Use a wide headband or scarf in your team’s colours to complete the look.

Pro Tip: For defined, frizz-free curls, use a curl-enhancing cream like Cantu Coconut Curling Cream before styling.

Styling Steps:

1. Gather your hair at the crown of your head
2. Secure with a strong elastic or hair tie
3. Fluff the puff to your desired shape
4. Smooth edges with a brush or toothbrush and edge control gel
5. Add a colourful headband or scarf for extra flair

20. Braided Pigtail Buns

Combine the playfulness of pigtails with the practicality of buns. Create two low pigtails, braid each one, and then wrap them into buns. This style is secure, cute, and perfect for all-day wear at the game.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Part your hair down the middle
2. Create two low pigtails and secure them with elastics
3. Braid each pigtail
4. Wrap each braid around its base to form a bun
5. Secure with bobby pins and hairspray

Pro Tip: For a more polished look, use a shine serum like Moroccanoil Treatment on your hands before smoothing down any flyaways.

Variations:

• Mini Braided Buns: Create multiple small braided buns for a fun, unique look
• Half-Up Braided Buns: Leave some hair down and create two small braided buns on top

21. Slicked Back Ponytail

For a sleek and sporty look, try a slicked-back ponytail. Use gel or mousse to smooth your hair back into a high or low ponytail. This style is great for keeping every hair in place during intense moments of the game.

Products for the Perfect Slick:

1. Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel for stronghold
2. Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Styler for smooth brushing
3. Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel for extra stubborn edges

Pro Tip: Use a toothbrush or edge brush to smooth down baby hairs and create intricate designs along your hairline.

22. Twisted Top Knot

Elevate your regular top knot by adding some twists. Create two or three twists on each side of your head, then gather all your hair (including the twists) into a high bun. This style adds interest to a classic look and keeps your hair secure all day.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Part your hair down the middle
2. Take a section from each side and twist towards the back
3. Secure each twist with a small elastic
4. Gather all your hair, including the twists, into a high ponytail
5. Wrap the ponytail around itself to form a bun
6. Secure with bobby pins and hairspray

Pro Tip: For extra hold, use Bumble and Bumble Sumotech to smooth flyaways and keep your twists in place.

23. Braided Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a protective style that’s also perfect for game day. Create several small sections of hair, braid each section, and then wrap the braid around itself to form a knot. This style is great for all hair textures and can be customized with different numbers and knot sizes.

Styling Tips:

1. Use a rat-tail comb for precise partings
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream before braiding for moisture and hold
3. Secure each knot with bobby pins that match your hair colour
4. Finish with a light mist of Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hair Sheen for added shine

Pro Tip: For a fun twist, leave some knots undone and let the braids hang loose for a half-up, half-down style.

Conclusion

With these 23 game-day hairstyles, you’re sure to find the perfect look to complement your team spirit. Whether you prefer sleek and sophisticated styles or fun and playful looks, there’s something for everyone. Remember to have fun with your hair and let your team pride shine through!