Ballet Hairstyles: The Best Looks for Dancers in 2025

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Ballet hairstyles are known for their sophistication, refinement, and elegance.

Just picture the slicked-back hair, the generous use of hairspray, and the timeless ballet bun.

While the classic bun is a staple, wearing it daily can feel repetitive.

However, nowadays, dancers are exploring fresh new hairstyles to add a bit of creativity and personal flair to their appearance

In this blog post, I’ll explore the best ballet hairstyles of 2025 including timeless looks and trendy new styles.

TRADITIONAL BALLET HAIRSTYLES

The three most popular traditional ballet hairstyles are:

The classic bun
French twists
French roll

1. THE CLASSIC BUN

The classic ballet bun is a timeless favourite among dancers.

This is where your hair is tightly pulled back and twisted into a smooth, round bun.

Typically the classic bun is positioned high or low on the head for a polished, elegant look.

To maintain its neatness and security, bobby pins, hairpins, and hairnets are essential for keeping the bun firmly in place and looking smooth.

For a modern twist, dancers can experiment with different hair parts, such as a centre or side-parts rather than sticking with the traditional slicked-back style.

This adds a fresh, modern twist to an all-time classic.

2. FRENCH TWISTS

The French twist adds a layer of sophistication to the classic ballet bun, making it an elegant choice, especially for performances.

In this style, the hair is parted in the middle and small sections of hair from both sides are separated, twisted, and rolled upward along the back of the head, meeting at the bun.

French twist hairstyle — _{Image credit: energetiksblog.com.au}

This creates a sleek, refined twist on either side, enhancing the overall elegance of the look.

To elevate the style further, you can accessorise with decorative hair pins or bows.

3. FRENCH ROLL

The French roll is a chic and elegant hairstyle, perfect for dancers looking to stand out, especially during auditions.

While slightly more challenging to master, it’s well worth the effort.

In this style, the hair is gathered and rolled into a sleek vertical cylinder along the back of the head, secured with bobby pins and hairpins for a smooth, structured look.

French roll hairstyle — Image credit: Pinterst.com

This hairstyle creates a flattering silhouette, elongating the neck and accentuating your posture.

Plus, it also gives off a refined and polished appearance, ideal for both class and stage.

TRENDY BALLET HAIRSTYLES

Here are three of the most trendy ballet hairstyles:

Braided bun
Braided crown
Pleated bun

1. BRAIDED BUN

The braided bun is ideal for dancers with longer hair, adding texture and character to the traditional ballet bun.

In this style, the hair is braided first, either in a single braid or two braids (one on each side of the head), and then wrapped and twisted into a low ballet bun.

Braided bun hairstyle — Image credit: Pinterest.com

The combination of sleekness and elegance of the braids makes it perfect for performances or even daily classes when you’re looking for a bit of variety.

Personally, it’s one of my favourite ballet hairstyles!

2. BRAIDED CROWN

If you’re skilled with hair, the braided crown is a stunning and regal option.

In this style, the hair is braided around the head (starting from one side) like a halo, creating a crown-like effect.

It adds a romantic and timeless touch to any look, perfect for performances or special events.

Just be sure to use plenty of pins to keep everything secure, as the intricate braiding needs extra support to stay in place whilst you’re dancing.

3. PLEATED BUN

The pleated bun is a simpler and quicker option, perfect for dancers who want a stylish look without the complexity of braiding.

Pleated bun hairstyle — _{Image credit: reddit.com}

To create this, part your hair and form two plaits, one on each side.

You can then either fasten the plaits into a classic bun or get creative by crisscrossing the plaits and pinning them up for a more intricate design.

ACCESSORIES TO ENHANCE YOUR BALLET HAIRSTYLE

These accessories not only enhance the aesthetics of your ballet hairstyle but also help keep your hair secure while you dance.

Young girls with hair accessories in their hair

DECORATIVE HAIR PINS

Decorative hair pins can add a beautiful touch to your ballet hairstyle.

They come in various designs, from floral motifs to sparkling embellishments, allowing you to express your style while keeping your hair secure.

These pins are perfect for adding elegance to a classic bun or accentuating a braid.

RIBBONS AND BOWS

Ribbons and bows make versatile accessories that you can incorporate into any hairstyle.

You can tie them around a bun, weave them into braids, or use them to create a charming bow at the base of a hairstyle.

Choosing ribbons that match your leotard or skirts or different themes (for Halloween or Christmas) can add a playful element to your wardrobe.

HEADBANDS AND SCRUNCHIES

Headbands and scrunchies are a practical and stylish addition to ballet hairstyles adding an extra touch of personality.

Plus, you can wear them with many different hairstyles to add a chic and polished finish to your appearance.

HAIR CARE TIPS FOR DANCERS

Here are some essential hair tips for dancers to help maintain healthy hair:

TIP 1 – LET YOUR HAIR BREATHE

After a long day of classes and rehearsals, it’s essential to let your hair breathe.

Avoid keeping it in a tight bun all day. Instead, opt for a looser hairstyle or even let it down when you’re not dancing.

This practice helps reduce breakage and allows your hair to recover from being in a tight up-do all day.

Silhouette of a dancer with her hair down

TIP 2 – USE QUALITY SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Due to the nature of performing, dancers often rely on gel and hairspray to keep their hairstyles in place.

To counteract the buildup from these products, it’s crucial to use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner.

This will cleanse your hair and keep it looking healthy and fresh when you’re not dancing.

If you notice that your hair is becoming particularly oily, greasy, or filled with dandruff and flakes from hairspray, it might be a good idea to invest in quality hair products.

Consider using nourishing oils or even a hair mask to help repair and protect your hair, especially during a heavy performance season.

TIP 3 – DON’T FORGET TO GET REGULAR TRIMS

I completely neglected this aspect while dancing, as I struggled to find extra time to visit the hairdresser.

However, getting a haircut at least once every four months can help eliminate split ends and keep your hair looking fresh and healthy.

BALLET HAIRSTYLES FAQS

WHAT HAIRSTYLES DO YOU NEED FOR BALLET?

Ideally, ballet hairstyles should be functional, keeping your hair secure and out of your face to avoid any distractions while you dance.

For ballet classes, rehearsals, or performances, you want a hairstyle that keeps everything neat and polished
For performances, your hairstyle might change depending on the role you’re playing, the era the ballet is set in, or the costume you’re wearing

For example, a sleek high ballet bun is perfect for a traditional classical ballet, while a more relaxed style with braids, twists or even a low bun might complement a contemporary piece.

HOW DO BALLERINAS WEAR THEIR HAIR?

Ballerinas have a variety of hairstyles to choose from, including classic buns, French rolls, braids, and many other creative looks.

You have plenty of room for personal expression, as long as you style your hair securely and keep it out of your face to avoid distraction while dancing.

HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THE PERFECT BALLET HAIRSTYLE?

To achieve the perfect ballet hairstyle, ballerinas often rely on bobby pins, hairnets, and plenty of hairspray to ensure every strand stays in place, aiming for a neat, polished, and professional finish.

It’s worth practising and experimenting with different bun styles to find one that best compliments your features and accentuates your lines while giving you a touch of personality.

WHAT IS A POPULAR BALLET BUN?

The most popular ballet bun is the classic ballet bun. This is where the hair is pulled back tightly and twisted into a neat bun at either the crown or nape of the neck.

A high bun helps accentuate a dancer’s neck and create an elegant, elongated look, while a low bun is ideal for roles that require a softer, more poised appearance.

WHAT IS THE BEST BALLET HAIRSTYLE FOR SHORT HAIR?

The best hairstyle for dancers with short hair is typically a low bun or a style where you roll and tuck your hair neatly, securing it with plenty of hairpins.

While options can be a bit more limited for shorter lengths, these styles ensure a classy and sophisticated look.