Twirl-Ready Tresses: Sleek & Secure Styles for Dancers
Posted by Angel P. on 6th Jan 2026
When it comes to dance, your hair needs to work as hard as you do. A dancer’s hairstyle should be as polished and intentional as their technique—secure enough to handle every leap and turn, while still allowing you to look and feel your best.
If you’re new to dance or want a refresher on the fundamentals, check out our The Dancer's Hair Toolkit: Basics to Take You From Studio to Stage blog before diving into these performance-ready styles.
Whether you’re stepping into the studio or onto the stage, the right hairstyle helps you perform with confidence, style, and ease. In this guide, we’re breaking down our favorite secure, stage-proof hairstyles—organized by dance style—so you can find the perfect fit for your next class, audition, or recital.
Ballet Hairstyles
Ballet calls for elegant, clean, secure hairstyles that keep your silhouette long and graceful—think sleek buns, delicate braids, and timeless updos.
For a step-by-step visual guide, check out this great Video Tutorial covering high and low buns, the French twist, and iconic performance styles like Giselle, Juliet, and Sugar Plum.
Classic Ballet Bun
Best for: Everything ballet! Ballet class, rehearsals, auditions, performances
How to do it: Pull hair into a high or low ponytail, twist into a coil (Depending on the thickness of your hair, you may need to split your hair into two or three sections), and wrap around the base. Secure with U-shaped bun pins as you wrap it, cover with a hair net, and bobby pin flyaways.
Styling Tip: Dampen hair with a spray bottle before you begin for a sleek look. Use gel or hairspray for a stay-put flyaway-free finish.
Braided Ballet Bun
Best for: Competitions, solos, or standout class looks
How to do it: Braid your ponytail before forming the bun or add side braids that wrap around a classic bun.
Styling Tip: Braiding your bun adds texture, security, and elegance. A great option for silky, slippery hair!
French Twist
Best for: Formal ballet performances and competitions
How to do it: Pull hair into a low ponytail position, hold at the base, twist hair upward, sweep hair over your twist, twist hair downwards, tuck in the ends and pin securely.
Styling Tip: This refined look is perfect under a tiara or headpiece.
Video Tutorial
Dutch Braid Crown
Best for: Classical or storybook ballets
How to do it: Create two Dutch braids (opposite of French braids, pulling the hair under instead of over) starting behind the ears, wrap over the head, and pin into a crown, tucking the ends under the braids.
Styling Tip: Use wax or pomade to keep braids defined and frizz-free.
Figure Eight Bun
Best for: Showcase performances or when you want a polished twist on a traditional look
How to do it: If your hair is long enough, follow the full tutorial. If not, split a ponytail in two, twist each section, and loop them into a figure-eight shape. Pin securely and tuck any loose ends.
Styling Tip: Great under minimalist headpieces and for dancers with a lot of hair who need to create a less bulky bun.
Heidi Braids
Best for: Folk or period roles, Nutcracker party scene
How to do it: Braid two low pigtails and wrap over the crown of the head, pinning into place.
Styling Tip: A charming option for long hair—secure tightly and finish with hairspray.
Contemporary & Lyrical Hairstyles
These styles offer softness and movement. A touch of texture or a flowing silhouette can complement the emotion of the piece while keeping your hair secure and out of your face.
For a step-by-step visual guide, check out this Video Tutorial showcasing 10 easy braids for beginners—perfect for contemporary, lyrical, or expressive choreography, these braids can all be modified into half-up half-down styles.
French Braid
Best for: Contemporary rehearsals or expressive solos
How to do it: Start at the crown and braid down the center or sides, gathering hair as you go.
Styling Tip: Tuck the braid into a bun or leave it long, depending on the choreography.
Fishtail Half Updo
Best for: Lyrical and flowing choreography
How to do it: Fishtail braids above the ears, joined in the back and secured.
Styling Tip: Use styling cream for grip and curl the loose bottom section for softness.
Half-Up, Half-Down with Braids or Twists
Best for: Expressive styles that embrace movement and flow
How to do it: Pull back the top half, braid or twist sections, and secure with a hair elastic.
Styling Tip: Works well with medium to long hair; curl the lower half for a romantic finish.
Fun Jazz Styles
These styles are bold, energetic, and performance-ready—designed to keep hair out of your face while adding a little extra flair.
Double Buns (Space Buns)
Best for: Jazz combos, youth performances, short hair
How to do it: Part down the middle and create two high or low buns on either side.
Styling Tip: Great for shorter hair. Use hair nets and extra pins for hold.
Rhinestone Ponytail
Best for: Jazz, hip-hop, or competitions
How to do it: Brush your hair into a sleek high ponytail, use hairspray or gel to create a polished finish, and apply rhinestones using eyelash glue as adhesive or spray with glitter hair spray.
Styling Tip: Wrap a strand of hair around the base to hide the elastic for a polished finish.
Video Tutorial
Essential Hair Tools for Dancers
Make sure you’re stocked up with these performance hair must-haves:
- Hair nets (for buns)
- Bobby pins
- Bun pins and swirl pins
- Strong-hold gel and hairspray
- Wide-tooth comb or pick for tangles
- Fine-tooth comb and smoothing brush
- Snag-free elastic bands
- Hair donuts or bun forms (optional for volume)
Final Thoughts
Your hairstyle is part of your performance—it keeps you focused, polished, and stage-ready. Mix and match these styles to create a look that’s unique for your performance! With the right look and a secure finish, you’ll dance with more confidence and fewer distractions.
Need to restock your hair kit? Find everything from bun essentials to sparkle spray at shop.lindensdancewear.com and be ready to shine—no matter the style.
We’d love to see your favorite dance hairstyle! Tag us on our Instagram page with a photo of your go-to performance look. You might just be featured in our next story post!