34 Hairstyles for Dance 2024: for Competition, Practice and Performance for Short, Long, Medium Hair
When it comes to dance, whether it’s a competition, homecoming, or a casual practice, the right hairstyle can elevate your entire performance. In 2024, we’re seeing a mix of modern styles, classic elegance, and effortless chicness that caters to every type of dancer. From competition hiphop to performance simple looks, this list will guide you through the top 34 hairstyle ideas that fit various events, hair lengths, and dance styles.
High Ponytail with Braids
A high ponytail with braids offers both style and functionality for dancers. This look is perfect for a performance that requires movement, as it keeps hair out of your face while still looking glamorous. Whether you’re performing in a competition or just practicing, this style suits a wide range of events, from homecoming to Valentine’s Day dances. It works especially well for those with long hair or medium length hair and is ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces. Dark or highlighted hair shades make the intricate braid details stand out beautifully.
To achieve this look, start by sectioning off a portion of hair for the braid, then pull the rest into a high ponytail. Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. A texture spray can add volume to the braid, while a lightweight shine spray like Kenra’s Shine Spray keeps the style sleek. Maintain the look by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep hair soft and healthy.
Loose Waves with a Side Twist
Loose waves with a side twist offer an effortlessly chic style that works well for more relaxed dance occasions like homecoming or a school dance. This style enhances the natural movement of your hair, making it perfect for a formal occasion like Christmas or prom. The look flatters square and oval faces, and it pairs beautifully with light or warm-toned eyes.
To achieve this look, create loose waves using a curling wand. Next, twist a section of hair from one side and pin it at the back. This style can be easily maintained with a lightweight leave-in conditioner to keep the waves soft and bouncy. Use a curl-defining cream like Ouidad’s Curl Quencher to ensure long-lasting waves.
Curly High Ponytail
The curly high ponytail is perfect for homecoming curls or a competition where you want to stand out with volume. This look suits medium length to long hair and is ideal for heart and round face shapes. It’s also a great option for dancers with curly hair who want to embrace their natural texture while still keeping their hair secure for a performance.
To achieve this look, gather your curls into a high ponytail, securing them with a strong elastic band. Use a curl-enhancing mousse like DevaCurl’s SuperCream to define your curls, and finish with a light-hold hairspray. Maintain this look by using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner that is gentle on curls.
Classic Low Bun
A classic low bun is a go-to for dancers looking for a sleek and sophisticated style. This look is perfect for a formal occasion such as a competition lyrical performance or a party where elegance is key. Suitable for medium length to long hair, this hairstyle works best with oval, diamond, or round face shapes. It’s also versatile enough for both dark and light hair shades.
To create this look, pull your hair into a low ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Use a smoothing serum to eliminate frizz, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the bun in place throughout your performance. A silk scarf or bonnet can help maintain the style overnight.
Sleek Straight Hair with a Middle Part
For a polished and chic look, sleek straight hair with a middle part is perfect for any formal occasion or performance simple event. This style works well for those with shoulder length to long hair and suits oval and oblong face shapes. It’s an ideal choice for class dancers performing in competition lyrical dances or even for events like Valentine’s Day or Christmas parties.
To achieve this look, use a flat iron to straighten your hair, and apply a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum to eliminate frizz. Use a fine-tooth comb to ensure the middle part is precise. Keep this style fresh by using a heat-protectant spray every time you use hot tools.
Crown Braid
A crown braid offers a romantic and regal touch that’s ideal for a competition or formal occasion. This style suits medium length to long hair and is particularly flattering for round and heart-shaped faces. The crown braid adds an element of elegance, making it perfect for Christmas or Valentine’s Day dances.
To create this look, braid sections of your hair around the crown of your head and secure them with bobby pins. A light-hold hairspray keeps everything in place, while a shine spray like Moroccanoil’s Glimmer Shine adds a glossy finish. Regular deep conditioning treatments will help maintain the softness and manageability of your hair.
Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is a versatile style that’s great for practice or a casual party. This braid works best for those with long hair or medium length hair and suits oval or oblong face shapes. It’s an ideal style for dancers who want a neat yet intricate look for their performance.
To create this look, divide your hair into two sections and start weaving small sections from the outer edges into the center. A styling cream like Bumble and bumble’s Brilliantine can help add texture and definition to the braid. Use a shine-boosting shampoo and conditioner to keep the braid looking sleek and polished.
Braided Low Ponytail
A braided low ponytail offers a combination of elegance and ease, making it a great choice for both formal occasions and casual competitions. This look is perfect for medium length to long hair and is particularly flattering for square and diamond face shapes. It’s ideal for class dancers who need a style that stays put during intricate choreography.
To achieve this look, braid a section of your hair and incorporate it into a low ponytail. Secure with a strong elastic band and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray. A leave-in conditioner can help keep the braid smooth and frizz-free.
Twisted Half-Updo
The twisted half-updo is a delicate style that’s perfect for a homecoming dance or prom. This look works well for shoulder length to medium length hair and suits round and heart-shaped faces. It’s ideal for a performance that calls for a touch of elegance but doesn’t require all your hair to be tied up.
To create this look, twist sections of hair from each side of your head and pin them at the back. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the twists in place without making them stiff. To maintain this look, use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner that adds body and texture to your hair.
Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids offer a sporty yet chic look, perfect for intense dance practice or a competition hiphop routine. This style keeps hair secure and out of the face, making it ideal for high-energy performances. It suits medium length to long hair and is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces. The braids add a touch of edge to your dance look, making them suitable for casual events like a party or a school dance.
To achieve this look, divide your hair into two sections and create Dutch braids down each side. Secure the ends with elastics and use a lightweight hairspray to keep flyaways in check. For maintenance, a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner will help keep your braids neat and healthy-looking.
Side Swept Curls
Side swept curls are a glamorous option for formal occasions like prom or Christmas dances. This style works well for long hair and enhances the natural texture of your curls. It flatters oval and heart-shaped faces and is particularly stunning on darker hair shades, as the curls create a beautiful contrast. It’s a perfect choice for any dancer wanting a more polished look for a performance.
To achieve this style, curl your hair with a large-barrel curling iron and sweep it to one side. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a shine spray for a glossy finish. Maintain this look with a curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner, which will keep your curls bouncy and frizz-free.
Ballet Bun with a Twist
The ballet bun with a twist offers a modern take on the classic bun, adding a braided detail or a twist to elevate the look. This style is perfect for competition lyrical performances or formal occasions where elegance is key. It works well for medium length to long hair and is ideal for round and oval faces. The twist or braid adds an element of uniqueness, making it perfect for Valentine’s Day or Christmas parties.
To create this look, start by making a classic bun, then add a twist or braid around it for extra detail. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a strong-hold hairspray. A smoothing serum can help eliminate frizz, keeping the bun sleek and polished throughout your event.
French Twist
The French twist is a timeless, elegant updo that’s perfect for formal occasions like prom or Christmas parties. This sophisticated style works well for medium length to long hair and is flattering for oval and oblong faces. The French twist adds a classic touch to your look, making it perfect for any performance that requires a polished appearance.
To create this look, gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it upwards, and secure it with bobby pins. Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the twist in place throughout your event. Regular conditioning treatments will help keep your hair smooth and manageable for styles like this.
Low Ponytail with Ribbon
A low ponytail with a ribbon is an elegant yet simple style that works beautifully for school dances, homecoming, or a formal occasion like prom. This look suits shoulder length to long hair and works well for heart-shaped and round faces. The ribbon adds a feminine touch, making this style perfect for any dancer looking for a graceful and easy-to-achieve look.
To achieve this style, gather your hair into a low ponytail and tie a ribbon around the base. Use a texturizing spray to add volume to the ponytail and a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. A leave-in conditioner will help maintain the softness and shine of your hair, ensuring your ponytail looks smooth all night.
Twisted Low Bun
The twisted low bun is an elegant and easy style perfect for a formal occasion like Valentine’s Day or prom. This look is best for medium length to long hair and flatters round and heart-shaped faces. It’s a versatile hairstyle that can be dressed up with accessories or left simple for a more understated look. The twist adds a touch of sophistication, making it ideal for performance simple dances or party events.
To achieve this style, twist sections of your hair and wrap them into a low bun. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray. Maintain this look with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that adds shine and softness.
Half-Up Half-Down with Curls
A half-up half-down with curls hairstyle is a cute and romantic choice for homecoming or prom. This style works well for long hair and medium length hair, and it flatters oval and heart-shaped faces. The curls add volume and movement, making this an ideal choice for formal occasions or school dances.
To achieve this style, curl your hair with a medium-barrel curling iron, then gather the top section of your hair into a half-updo. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray. A curl-enhancing mousse will help maintain the curls, keeping them bouncy and defined throughout your event.
Braided Crown with Loose Waves
The braided crown with loose waves is a whimsical and bohemian style perfect for Valentine’s Day, prom, or a party. This look works for long hair and medium length hair and suits round and oval faces. The braided crown adds a romantic touch, while the loose waves keep the style relaxed and effortless.
To create this look, braid sections of your hair around your crown and pin them in place. Use a curling wand to add loose waves to the rest of your hair. A texture spray will add volume and hold, while a lightweight leave-in conditioner will keep your waves soft and shiny.
Sleek Low Ponytail
The sleek low ponytail is a minimalist and polished style perfect for competition lyrical performances or formal occasions like Christmas parties. This look is ideal for shoulder length to long hair and flatters oval and oblong faces. The sleekness of the ponytail adds a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for any performance simple or elegant dance event.
To achieve this look, straighten your hair and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Use a smoothing serum to eliminate frizz and a strong-hold hairspray to keep the ponytail sleek. A heat-protectant spray will help maintain the smoothness of your hair when using hot tools.
Braided High Bun
The braided high bun combines the elegance of a bun with the intricate detail of braids, making it perfect for competition or performance events where you want to make a statement. This look works best for medium length to long hair and suits heart and oval faces. The braid adds a playful touch to the classic bun, making it perfect for homecoming or Valentine’s Day dances.
To create this look, braid sections of your hair and wrap them into a high bun. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray. A volumizing shampoo and conditioner will help add body and lift to your hair, keeping the bun full and voluminous throughout your event.
Twisted Side Bun
The twisted side bun is an elegant and understated hairstyle that’s perfect for formal occasions like prom or a Valentine’s Day dance. This look works best for medium length to long hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces. The side placement of the bun adds a romantic touch, making it ideal for a performance where elegance and grace are key. This style is also versatile enough to work for a party or Christmas event.
To achieve this look, twist your hair to one side and secure it into a bun at the nape of your neck. Use bobby pins to hold the twist in place and a lightweight hairspray to keep everything secure. A shine serum can add a polished finish, while a nourishing conditioner will help keep your hair smooth and manageable.
Half-Up Braided Ponytail
The half-up braided ponytail combines the best of both worlds with a mix of braids and a sleek ponytail. This style is perfect for competition hiphop or a school dance where you want to look stylish but keep your hair secured. This look suits medium length to long hair and works well for oval and oblong faces. The braid adds a touch of texture, making it perfect for a performance simple look or even a homecoming dance.
To create this look, braid the top section of your hair and tie it into a ponytail, leaving the bottom half loose. Use a texture spray to add volume to the braid and a flexible-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. A curl-defining shampoo and conditioner can help maintain any natural texture in your hair.
Slicked-Back High Ponytail
The slicked-back high ponytail is a sleek and edgy option for competition or a performance where you need a bold and polished look. This style works for short hair, shoulder length, and long hair, making it versatile for different hair lengths. It’s perfect for square and oval faces, and it’s a go-to style for a high-energy competition hiphop routine or a chic prom look.
To achieve this look, use a flat iron to straighten your hair, then pull it into a high ponytail. Apply a smoothing serum to eliminate frizz and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything sleek. A lightweight leave-in conditioner will help maintain the shine and smoothness of your hair.
Textured Low Ponytail
The textured low ponytail is an easy and cute style that’s perfect for a formal occasion like a Christmas dance or even a casual practice session. This look works well for shoulder length to long hair and suits round and heart-shaped faces. The textured ponytail adds volume and movement, making it perfect for a party or homecoming event.
To achieve this look, use a curling wand to add loose waves, then gather your hair into a low ponytail. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the waves and a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. A volumizing shampoo and conditioner will help keep your ponytail full and bouncy throughout your event.
French Braids into a Bun
French braids into a bun combine classic braids with a sleek updo, making this style perfect for formal occasions like Valentine’s Day or prom. This look works well for medium length to long hair and is ideal for oval and round faces. The combination of braids and a bun adds a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for competition lyrical performances or even a school dance.
To create this look, French braid each side of your hair and gather the braids into a low bun. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray. A deep conditioning treatment will help keep your braids smooth and frizz-free, ensuring your style looks polished throughout your event.
In conclusion, these hairstyles for dance 2024 are designed to suit a variety of occasions, hair lengths, and face shapes. Whether you’re preparing for a competition, homecoming, or a casual practice, there’s a style here to elevate your look. We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know which of these styles you’ll be trying out for your next dance event.
