Different Dance Hairdos

Dancers wear hair secured in a bun or leave parts of their hair loose.

The hairstyle you choose helps communicate the feeling about the music you're interpreting or the character you're portraying in a dance performance. The right style stays out of your face, stays secure and draws attention to your dancing rather than serving as a distraction to the audience. Find the right dance hairdo for your class, performance or rehearsal by experimenting with a few different styles.

Bun

A simple bun brings elegance and class to your dancing. Most commonly worn by ballet dancers for both class and performance, a bun keeps your hair secure and away from your face. Make a bun by making a ponytail and twisting your hair into a circular shape, flat against your head before securing it with hairpins and a hairnet. Get different looks by settling your bun higher or lower. For a softer appearance, part your hair down the middle and secure the bun on the nape of your neck. For a sassier, modern look, make a part on the side and place the bun midway between the crown of your head and your neck.

Ponytail

The easiest way to secure your hair for classes, rehearsals and performances, a ponytail can look casual, sporty or elegant depending on how you style it. A high ponytail with bouncy curls is appropriate for a cheer or dance team routine, while a messy side ponytail might better suit a hip-hop dance. Create a sleek side part and accent your hair with rhinestones or jeweled barrettes for a classy musical theater jazz or tap dance. Whatever ponytail style you choose, make sure it is tight enough so it stays in place while you dance.

French Twist

A French twist is a little fancier than a simple bun, but still keeps hair off your face and neck. Make a French twist by brushing your hair to one side, twisting it back toward the middle of your head, tucking in the ends and securing the style with large hair pins. French twists are versatile and make an classy hairdo for contemporary ballet pieces, jazz routines and ballroom dance numbers. Dress up your French twist with jeweled barrettes, clips and hair rhinestones.

Half-Up

Half-up styles let your hair move as you dance, creating a flowing, natural look while still keeping most of the hair off your face. Pull the top layer of your hair back in a ponytail or bun, leaving the bottom layers loose. This style especially suits modern and contemporary dances. Curled, teased, half-up styles are the standard competition hairdos for Irish dancers, while other kinds of dancers typically leave the hair loose or softly curled. You can add ribbons, barrettes, clips and fun headbands to half-up styles. Always make sure the top layer is slicked back and well secured so it does not hinder your dancing.

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