36 Cheer Hairstyles 2025 For Stright And Curly Hair With Cute Braids, Buns And Ponytails Etc

Cheerleading hairstyles combine practicality, style, and team spirit, making them essential for both performances and games. In 2025, cheer hairstyles are all about blending cute styles with functional designs that stay secure during routines. Whether it’s for games, school, or competitions, these hairstyles elevate your look while keeping your hair manageable. Here are 36 stunning ideas to inspire your cheer style this year!

High Ponytail with Bows

The high ponytail with bows is a classic cheerleader hairstyle that screams spirit and energy. This style features a sleek or slightly textured ponytail secured at the crown of the head and accented with a bold, colorful bow. It’s perfect for sideline performances, school pep rallies, or even high-energy competitions. Best suited for oval or heart-shaped faces, the high ponytail elongates the neck, giving a graceful appearance. Bright bows can complement eye colors such as blue or green, making them pop against the uniform.

To achieve this look, start by brushing the hair upward, ensuring it’s smooth. Use a strong-hold gel or hairspray to tame flyaways. Secure the ponytail with a tight elastic and wrap the bow around the base. For extra flair, curl the ends of the ponytail or add hair extensions for volume. Keep this style intact with a spritz of Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray, and touch up the bow for a polished finish.

Half Up Half Down with Braids

This half up half down hairstyle adds a playful twist with intricate braids, making it ideal for high school cheerleaders. The top section of hair is braided into French or Dutch braids, while the remaining hair cascades down in loose curls or straightened strands. This versatile style works for games, team photos, and even casual school events. It suits round and square faces, drawing attention to the cheekbones and eyes.

To create this look, part the hair horizontally, separating the top and bottom halves. Braid the top portion, securing it with clear elastics. Curl the bottom section with a wand or straighten it for a sleeker vibe. Use a lightweight curl-enhancing mousse like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream to add bounce and definition. For maintenance, touch up the curls with a heat protectant spray before every performance.

Low Bun with Middle Part

The low bun with a middle part is a chic and simple style perfect for natural hair or sleek finishes. This hairstyle keeps hair out of the face while offering a professional and elegant look, ideal for competitive events or formal cheerleading showcases. It’s especially flattering for oval and diamond-shaped faces, highlighting the symmetry of the features.

Start by parting the hair down the middle and brushing it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Apply a smoothing serum like Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil to keep the style frizz-free. Set the bun with a flexible-hold hairspray for durability and shine. This style is low-maintenance but pairs beautifully with metallic hair accessories for added flair.

Braided Crown with Curls

A braided crown combines intricate detailing with effortless glam, making it a standout choice for curly hair. This hairstyle weaves braids along the crown of the head, leaving the rest of the hair in natural curls or loose waves. It’s perfect for school competitions, homecoming performances, or even themed cheer events. Best suited for oval or oblong faces, this style frames the face elegantly while allowing your natural texture to shine.

Divide the hair into sections and braid a crown starting near the temples. Secure the braids with small elastics at the nape. Use a curling iron or diffuser to enhance the remaining curls. Add a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe for extra volume and bounce. Maintain the curls with a sulfate-free shampoo, ensuring the style remains defined and vibrant.

French Braid Ponytail

The French braid ponytail merges practicality with style, making it ideal for games or long practices. The braid starts at the crown and flows seamlessly into a high ponytail, offering a secure yet fashionable option. This style complements square and heart-shaped faces, as the braid softens angular features.

To create this look, begin French braiding from the hairline, working towards the crown. Secure the braid with a hair tie, then gather the remaining hair into a high ponytail. Wrap a small strand around the elastic for a polished finish. Use a volumizing mousse like Tresemmé Volume & Lift to keep the ponytail full and lively. Refresh the braid with a light-hold spray to ensure it stays intact.

Box Braids with Bows

Box braids with bows combine cultural heritage with cheer spirit, offering a protective yet stylish look. Perfect for black women, this hairstyle is ideal for school pep rallies or sideline performances. The braids are versatile, working for all face shapes and easily customized with colorful bows matching the team’s colors.

Install box braids with extensions for added length and thickness. Section the braids into a high ponytail or half-up style and tie bows at the base. Use a braid spray like African Pride Braid Sheen Spray to keep the braids moisturized and shiny. Regular touch-ups will keep the braids neat and performance-ready.

Curly Half Updo with Sideline Flair

This curly half updo is all about volume and bounce, making it a perfect sideline hairstyle. The top section is pulled back and secured, leaving the rest of the hair in cascading curls. This style suits round and heart-shaped faces, adding height and dimension.

To achieve this look, section the top portion of the hair and secure it with a clip or elastic. Use a curling wand to define the curls, applying a heat protectant like CHI 44 Iron Guard beforehand. Finish with a lightweight finishing spray to maintain the curls without weighing them down.

Twisted Low Bun with Accessories

A twisted low bun is a minimalist yet elegant style, perfect for cheerleaders seeking a fuss-free look. Ideal for formal events, this hairstyle suits oval and oblong faces.

Part the hair into sections and twist them into a low bun. Secure with bobby pins and add a decorative accessory for a touch of glam. Use a smoothing spray to keep the style sleek and frizz-free throughout the day.

High Puff with Natural Texture

The high puff celebrates natural hair, showcasing its texture while keeping it secure for energetic routines. This look is ideal for oval and diamond-shaped faces, adding height and drama.

Gather the hair into a puff at the crown and secure with an elastic band. Use a curl-defining cream to enhance the natural texture and a pick to add volume. Regular hydration with leave-in conditioners keeps the puff vibrant and healthy.

Side Braid with Ribbon

A side braid tied with a ribbon is a whimsical and cute choice for cheerleaders. The braid cascades over one shoulder, making it perfect for performances and photo ops.

Braid the hair from one side, incorporating sections as you go, and tie it off with a ribbon. Use a texturizing spray for added grip and volume. Refresh the braid throughout the day with a lightweight spray for long-lasting hold.

Low Ponytail with Ribbon

The low ponytail with ribbon is a timeless and easy hairstyle for cheerleaders. The sleek low ponytail, tied with a vibrant ribbon, is perfect for games or school events. This style is particularly flattering for round and oval faces, as it draws attention to the jawline and neck. Choose a ribbon color that complements your team’s uniform to add a pop of spirit.

Start by brushing the hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Secure it with a strong elastic, then tie the ribbon around the base for a decorative finish. Add shine with a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease and keep the ribbon neatly tied for a polished look.

Space Buns with Braids

Space buns with braids combine fun and functionality, making them a perfect hairstyle for high school cheer events. The style includes braided sections that lead into two buns, creating a playful yet structured look. This hairstyle works well for square and heart-shaped faces, as the buns add height and balance to angular features.

Part the hair down the middle and braid two sections on each side. Twist the braids into buns and secure them with elastics or pins. Add a firm-hold spray to keep the buns intact, even during intense routines. For extra flair, wrap mini ribbons around the buns.

Curly High Ponytail with Scrunchie

A curly high ponytail secured with a scrunchie is a retro-inspired look that’s trending in 2025. This style is perfect for curly hair, adding volume and bounce that’s ideal for sideline performances. It’s especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, emphasizing the cheekbones and eyes.

Pull the hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Use a curling wand to enhance the curls, or apply a curl-defining cream like Cantu Curl Activator for natural texture. Wrap a colorful scrunchie around the base for a fun, sporty finish.

Side-Swept Dutch Braid

The side-swept Dutch braid is a stylish and practical option, perfect for games or competitive events. This braid starts at one side of the head and sweeps across, creating an asymmetrical look that suits oval and square faces. It pairs well with natural makeup and simple uniforms.

Start braiding at the temple, incorporating sections as you work diagonally. Secure the braid with a clear elastic or ribbon. Use a volumizing spray like Big Sexy Hair to add lift and keep the braid full. This style is easy to maintain with a touch-up before performances.

Double French Braids with Glitter

For a bold, spirited look, try double French braids accented with glitter. This hairstyle is ideal for school pep rallies and team photos, giving an extra touch of sparkle. The symmetrical braids suit all face shapes, adding structure and definition.

Create two French braids starting at the hairline and secure them with elastics. Apply glitter gel along the parting for a striking effect. Keep the braids neat with a braid-defining product like Mizani Edge Taming Gel. Ensure the glitter stays in place with a spritz of hair spray.

High Bun with Bows

The high bun with bows is a polished and classic cheerleader look that’s both stylish and functional. Perfect for short hair or longer locks, this hairstyle keeps hair off the face while showcasing a team-colored bow. It suits heart and oval-shaped faces, accentuating the jawline and neck.

Gather the hair into a high bun at the crown and secure it with bobby pins. Attach a large bow to the base for a bold finish. Use a strong-hold spray like Kenra Volume Spray to ensure the bun stays secure during routines.

Fishtail Braid with Loose Waves

The fishtail braid with loose waves is an elegant option for more formal cheerleading events or team banquets. The braid cascades down one side, blending into soft waves that suit oval and square faces.

Braid the hair into a fishtail on one side and secure it with an elastic. Curl the remaining hair with a wand, applying a lightweight mousse like OGX Locking + Coconut Curls for bounce. Keep the style looking fresh with a shine spray.

Messy Bun with Braided Headband

The messy bun with a braided headband combines casual charm with structured details, making it a great hairstyle for natural performances. This style frames the face beautifully, especially for round or square shapes.

Braid a small section of hair near the temple and wrap it across the head like a headband. Pull the rest of the hair into a messy bun and secure it with pins. Use a texturizing spray like Ouai Dry Texture Foam to keep the bun voluminous and styled.

Cheer hairstyles in 2025 are all about blending practicality with personal style. From curly hair to braids and buns, these looks ensure you’ll shine both on and off the field. Which style will you try this season? Let us know in the comments, and share your own cheer-ready ideas!