Top 9 Best Hairstyles for Female Tennis Players

Women's sports have come a long way since Wimbledon’s early days in 1877. Back then, female athletes were bound by societal norms that often prioritized fashion over functionality. Today, we celebrate the evolution of women's tennis and the hairstyles that have both defined eras and enhanced athletic performance.

In honor of the 2024 Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, let's take a look at the top five most iconic hairstyles for female tennis players over the past century. We'll dive into how these styles transformed from just being fashionable to becoming practical and essential for gameplay, adding both flair and function to the mix.

5 Classic Tennis Hairstyles

The world of tennis has seen many hairstyles come and go, but some have stood the test of time. Here are the top five most consistently popular hairstyles for female tennis players over the last 100 years:

1. Simple Ponytails

A classic choice for its simplicity and effectiveness, the ponytail has been a go-to for many female athletes. This style keeps hair out of the face and stays secure during intense matches.

• Gather hair at the crown or nape of your neck.
• Secure with a strong TIY hair tie in the color of your choice.

2. Buns

Buns offer a neat, compact solution to manage longer hair. They keep hair securely tied up and reduce distractions on the court.

• Twist hair into a tight coil.
• Secure it with a TIY hair tie, ensuring it’s firm yet comfortable.

3. Headbands with Loose Hair

Headbands became popular as they kept sweat and hair out of players' faces while allowing for some style and flair.

• Make a headband from TIY hair ties in your favorite colors.
• Leave the rest of your hair loose or tie it back lightly.

4. Braids

Braids are versatile and can be styled in various ways to keep hair secure and stylish.

• Section hair into three parts and weave them together.
• Secure the end with a TIY hair tie.

5. Pigtails

Pigtails offer a youthful and playful option that keeps hair divided and manageable.

• Part hair down the middle.
• Create two equal sections and tie each into a ponytail or braid.

Game, Set, Style

In the early days, female tennis players faced backlash for adopting practical hairstyles. The makeshift bandeau or headband was initially met with outrage but eventually became a staple. Over time, practicality took the forefront, and short hairstyles like the bouffant and bob cut became popular for their ease of maintenance and functionality. Today, players are free to express their personal style on the court through their hair and outfits.

Top 4 Most Popular Tennis Hairstyles Today

In recent years, we’ve seen modern twists on classic styles gaining popularity. Here are the top four hairstyles of the last decade and the players who popularized them:

1. High Ponytail

Popularized by Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, this style is both functional and fierce.

• Gather hair at the crown.
• Secure tightly with a TIY hair tie and smooth down any flyaways.

2. Braided Ponytail

Anna Kournikova and Ana Ivanovic have showcased this stylish yet practical choice.

• Create a high ponytail.
• Braid the ponytail and secure the end with a TIY hair tie.

3. Bubble Ponytail

CiCi Bellis made this fun and functional style famous in the tennis world.

• Create a high ponytail.
• Add TIY hair ties every few inches to create “bubbles.”

4. Messy Buns

Seen on Angelique Kerber, the messy bun combines ease with elegance.

• Twist hair into a bun but leave it slightly loose.
• Secure with a TIY hair tie, allowing a few wisps to escape for a casual look.

Supporting Female Athletes with TIY Hair Ties

At TIY, we believe in empowering female athletes to perform at their best while expressing their individuality. Our hair ties are designed to meet the needs of modern players—they don’t break, stretch, or come loose, even during the most intense games.

Our CEO, Andrea Nucete-Elliott, wishes the best of luck to all the amazing athletes competing in the 2024 Wimbledon tournament. TIY stands behind you, offering unwavering support as you break barriers and set new standards in professional tennis.

Ready to revolutionize your game? Try TIY hair ties today and experience the perfect blend of fashion and function.

Learn more about our products and join the TIY community of empowered female athletes!