21 Braided Sporty Hairstyle Ideas That Stay Put and Look Great

If you’re looking for a hairstyle that can keep up with an active day and still look super cute, braided sporty hairstyles are the way to go.

These styles are trending because they’re practical, neat, and full of personality. You can wear them to school, sports practice, or any busy day and still feel totally put-together.

Braids can help you feel more confident, stay cool, and express your style with simple touches like ribbons or twists. Let’s check out some ideas you can actually use!

Best Braids for Active Days

• Dutch braids stay tight and look neat all day.
• Boxer braids are perfect for sports or busy school days.
• Looped pony braids feel fun and won’t come loose easily.

These styles keep your hair out of your face, stop tangles, and still look super cute—no need to fix them later!

Braided Sporty Hairstyles

1. Braided Pigtails

This braided pigtail hairstyle creates a balanced look with two clean, symmetrical braids. It’s a functional yet stylish choice for an active day, keeping the hair out of the face while offering a playful appearance.

Ideal for sports or casual outings, this hairstyle maintains comfort and security, ensuring no hair gets in the way during intense physical activities.

2. Box Braids

The box braids style, neatly parted and separated into equal sections, is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a combination of style and effortless maintenance. The braids add a bold statement while offering practicality for high-energy sports or outdoor activities.

This style keeps your hair neatly in place, even during the most active movements, and gives a fresh, sleek vibe.

3. Braided Bun

A braided bun provides both elegance and functionality. The hair is first braided and then neatly coiled into a secure bun, ensuring all strands are kept in place.

This style is perfect for those who need a secure, no-fuss hairstyle for physical activities like tennis or cycling. The clean, sleek finish adds a sense of refined practicality to a sporty look.

4. Double French Braids

Two French braids styled down the back provide a secure and stylish way to keep hair out of the face during active sports. This style offers a tight hold on the hair, preventing flyaways while giving a trendy, athletic appearance.

Perfect for both casual and athletic settings, the tight braids ensure that your hair stays in place no matter the intensity of the workout.

5. Double Dutch Braids

The double Dutch braids are a bold, sporty hairstyle that adds a fun twist to the traditional braid. These raised braids keep hair tightly in place while offering a fashionable edge to any active outfit.

The braids are ideal for someone seeking a sturdy, long-lasting style for sports or a run, providing comfort and flair with minimal maintenance.

6. Crossed Braids

The crossed braids style adds a unique, intricate twist to a classic braid. This design gives a modern, stylish vibe while keeping the hair tightly secured and out of the way.

Ideal for sports enthusiasts, it combines functionality with a touch of creativity, making it perfect for high-energy activities while offering a distinctive look that stands out.

7. High Braided Ponytail

A high braided ponytail provides the best of both worlds: comfort and style. The braid is tightly secured to the scalp, and the ponytail adds a dynamic, sporty edge.

This hairstyle is ideal for those who want to keep their hair off their neck during intense workouts or sporting events, all while maintaining a chic, athletic appearance.

8. Braided Side Ponytail

The braided side ponytail is a sporty and stylish twist on a traditional ponytail. The braid runs down the side, combining elegance with practicality.

This look is ideal for a workout or casual day out, ensuring that your hair stays neatly in place while offering a relaxed and easy-to-manage style. It’s simple yet visually appealing, perfect for a no-fuss sporty look.

9. Double Braided Buns

The double braided buns offer a trendy and secure hairstyle with two distinct buns placed on either side of the head. This style keeps hair out of your face during active sessions, offering a playful yet athletic aesthetic.

The braided structure ensures a secure fit, making it perfect for intense movements or outdoor adventures, blending practicality and style effortlessly.

10. Fishtail Braids

The fishtail braids offer a sleek, structured look while keeping hair tightly secured. Perfect for someone on the go, this style gives a sporty yet elegant appearance.

The interwoven texture of the braids ensures durability and comfort, keeping hair in place while maintaining a fashionable flair. Ideal for active days, fishtail braids provide a sophisticated yet practical hairstyle option.

11. Thick Braids

This thick braid style offers a secure and bold look that keeps hair tightly in place. The braids are voluminous and are a perfect choice for those who want a hairstyle that stands out during physical activities.

Whether you’re in the gym or out for a run, this style ensures that your hair stays neat and firm, while giving off a confident sporty vibe.

12. Braided Low Bun

This style features two thick braids that are carefully pinned to form a low bun at the back of the head. It offers both comfort and functionality, ideal for keeping hair out of the way during sports like tennis or even during a casual day out.

The neat design ensures the hair remains secure while maintaining an elegant and active look.

13. Side Loop Braid

This braided sporty hairstyle looks clean, fun, and totally school-ready. The braid runs diagonally with tight looped sections, giving it a sleek and active feel that can stay put all day. It works great on straight or slightly wavy hair, especially medium to long lengths.

The added blue ribbon at the base not only secures the look but also adds a bright, cheerful touch you can match to uniforms or team colors.

14. Double Braided Ponytails

These two braids merge into long ponytails, providing a bold and sporty look. This style is ideal for keeping hair secure during active moments, such as playing basketball or running.

The braids offer a tight hold, while the long ponytails provide a dynamic and functional touch, ensuring hair stays out of the way.

15. Boxer Braids

Boxer braids are a classic in the world of sporty hairstyles. They offer a secure fit, ensuring that hair stays tight and out of the face during rigorous activity.

The braids are designed to hug the scalp, offering a sleek and athletic look that is both trendy and practical. Ideal for sports or physical training, this style adds a modern edge.

16. Side Braided Ponytails

The side braided ponytails are a playful yet functional hairstyle. The braids start from each side of the head and flow into long ponytails.

This style is perfect for someone who needs a hairstyle that stays secure during intense activities, while the side placement of the braids adds a trendy touch. A great option for an active day, providing both comfort and a stylish sporty appearance.

17. Braided Mohawk

This style incorporates braided sections that run along the middle of the head, creating a bold, sporty mohawk look. Perfect for a high-energy workout or extreme sports, this design keeps the hair firmly in place, while offering an edgy and unique appearance.

The braids provide a secure fit, while the overall style speaks to those looking for a statement look.

18. Multi-Braided Ponytail

A multi-braided ponytail combines several smaller braids into one main ponytail, offering a sleek yet dynamic sporty style. This hairstyle ensures maximum comfort during physical activities, with braids keeping the hair in place while adding a chic element to your athletic look.

Ideal for those seeking both function and fashion in one.

19. Dutch Braided Ponytail

This Dutch braided ponytail stands out for its raised, textured appearance. It offers a tight and secure fit, making it ideal for active moments like gym sessions or running.

The ponytail adds a playful and functional twist to the traditional Dutch braid, creating a balanced mix of comfort and style.

20. Crisscross Braids

The crisscross braids are a creative design that runs diagonally, giving the hair a distinctive, sporty flair. This style is great for someone looking for a secure yet stylish look.

Perfect for athletic activities, the braids are designed to stay in place while offering a fashion-forward twist to the usual sporty style.

21. Braided Ribbon Ponytail

This braided ponytail is enhanced with a colorful ribbon that adds a playful twist. The braids are neatly formed at the top, blending into a sleek ponytail.

The ribbon ties around the ponytail, adding a vibrant pop of color. This style offers a secure fit for active moments while showcasing a sporty yet stylish appearance. It’s a fun, functional choice for those looking to blend comfort with a bit of flair during physical activities.