Cheer hairstyle

Hey everyone! So glad you're looking for cheer hairstyle inspo! Beyond my go-to two-braid high pony, there’s so much to learn to keep your hair looking flawless and secure on the mat. I've been doing cheer for years, and I’ve picked up some amazing tricks for keeping those ponytails slick and those bows perfectly in place. Let's dive a bit deeper into mastering that 'easy two braids into a slick high pony with a signature bow' style. First, product is key! To get that super slick look, I always start with a good amount of gel or pomade applied to damp hair. This helps to smooth down any flyaways right from the start. Section your hair down the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck. For the two braids, I personally love doing cornrow braids because they lie flat against the scalp and create a really clean foundation for the ponytail. Start braiding tightly from your hairline, guiding the braids back towards where you want your high ponytail to sit. Once your braids are done, gather all your hair, including the ends of the braids, into a super high ponytail. This is where a good strong hair tie comes in handy – I usually use two for extra security! Make sure it’s positioned right at the crown of your head, or even a little higher, so it really pops and bounces during routines. For that extra slick finish, I use a boar bristle brush and a bit more hairspray to smooth out any bumps around the base of the ponytail. Don't forget the edges! A little edge control can work wonders for a polished look. Now, for the signature bow – this is what truly completes the cheer look! I know from personal experience that these bows can sometimes be tricky to keep perfectly centered. My secret? Bobby pins! After you've secured your glittery gold and purple bow (like the one I love with its cute red rose emblem!), insert a few bobby pins through the back of the bow and into the ponytail holder. This anchors it securely, so it won’t shift or droop, even through the most energetic stunts and jumps. There are so many amazing bows out there, from classic solid colors to sparkling, sequined, or even custom-designed ones with team logos! Choosing the right bow can really elevate your entire uniform. Beyond this classic braided high pony, there are other fantastic and easy cheerleading hairstyles to consider. For those days you want a slightly different vibe, a simple, super high ponytail without braids is always a winner. Just make sure it’s pulled tight and secured well. Some teammates also love elegant bubble ponytails or even adding a small braid accent (like a French braid) on one side before gathering the rest into a high pony. And while my article focuses on the high pony, I know many people ask about half up half down cheer hairstyles. While they can look cute, always check your team's rules as they might not be secure enough for all routines. If you do go for a half-up style, ensure the top section is very tightly secured to prevent it from falling into your face. Ultimately, the key to any great cheer hairstyle is security and a polished finish. Experiment with different gels, hairsprays, and hair ties to find what works best for your hair type. Practice makes perfect, so try out your chosen style a few times before game day or competition to ensure it holds up! You’ll feel so much more confident knowing your hair is perfectly in place.