22 Stunning Golf Hairstyles for Long Hair That Stay Put Through Every Swing

Can your hair actually ruin your golf game? Honestly, yes. If you’ve ever watched a loose strand drift across your face mid-backswing, you already know the answer. Golf hairstyles for long hair aren’t just about looking polished at the clubhouse – they’re about keeping your focus sharp and your hair out of the way when every shot counts.

This one’s for the long-haired golfers who want a style that survives 18 holes, summer heat, and a windy back nine without falling apart. I’ll walk you through 22 practical, stylish options – from sleek low ponytails to braided updo – so you can find something that actually works for your hair type and game day vibe.

Classic Low Ponytail

The classic low ponytail is the workhorse of golf hairstyles for long hair – and for good reason. It sits below your collar, keeps hair completely off the face and neck, and doesn’t interfere with your hat or visor fit. Clean, minimal, zero fuss.

Pull hair back smoothly using a fine-tooth comb, secure it with a snag-free elastic just above the nape, and apply a light hold hairspray to control flyaways. This style suits straight, wavy, and layered hair equally well, making it the ultimate versatile choice.

Pro Tips:

• Use a silk-covered hair tie to prevent breakage during repeated use.
• Apply a small amount of hair serum before pulling back to get that sleek, smooth finish.
• Tuck a second elastic in your golf bag for mid-round touch-ups.

Sleek High Ponytail

Want something with a little more energy? A sleek high ponytail feels athletic and sharp – like you mean business on that first tee. It lifts hair completely off your neck (hello, summer breeze) and works beautifully under a golf cap.

Brush your hair straight back from your hairline, gather it at the crown, and secure tightly with a strong elastic. Wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic for a polished finish. Best for thick, straight, and medium-density hair.

Pro Tips:

• Use a boar bristle brush for a glass-smooth ponytail base.
• Spray a toothbrush with hairspray and brush along baby hairs to smooth them flat.
• Opt for a metal-free elastic if you plan to wear a structured golf hat.

Dutch Braid Ponytail

The Dutch braid ponytail is a certified course favorite – it’s one of those long hair golf styles that looks like you spent an hour on it but actually holds up better than most alternatives. The braid runs along the scalp and transitions into a secured ponytail at the nape.

Section off the top portion of your hair, create a Dutch (inverted) braid from the hairline to the nape, then incorporate the remaining hair into a ponytail at the end of the braid. Works exceptionally well for wavy and thick hair that tends to escape regular elastics.

Pro Tips:

• Secure braid sections tightly from the roots to prevent loosening mid-game.
• Mist the braid with a light-hold flexible spray before heading out.
• This style pairs perfectly with a wide-brimmed golf sun hat.

French Braid

A French braid is one of the most reliable athletic hairstyles for long hair on the golf course. Every strand gets woven in, which means almost zero movement – even in breezy conditions. It’s clean, structured, and genuinely stays put.

Starting at the crown, pick up three sections and begin a standard French braid, adding new hair into each section as you go. Secure the end with an elastic and tuck the tail if you prefer a cleaner finish. Great for fine-to-medium hair that slides out of ponytails too easily.

Pro Tips:

• Braid on slightly damp or day-two hair for better grip.
• Add clear bobby pins along the braid line if your hair is particularly slippery.
• Pair with a sports-style golf visor for a complete athletic look.

Double Dutch Braids

Two braids, double the security. Double Dutch braids (also called boxer braids) are an incredible option for long-haired golfers who move a lot and need everything to stay flat against the scalp. FYI, this style is practically wind-proof.

Part hair down the center, then braid each half in a Dutch braid from the front hairline to just past the nape. Secure each with a small elastic. You can leave the tails loose or tuck them under for a more compact updo style. Ideal for thick, heavy hair.

Pro Tips:

• Part the hair with a rat-tail comb for a precise, clean center line.
• Cross the tails under and pin them for an all-day updo variation.
• This style sits flat enough to wear comfortably under a fitted golf cap.

Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid looks impossibly detailed but is actually one of the more relaxed long hair golf hairstyles you can wear. It creates a woven, almost textured pattern that keeps every strand locked in while giving off major effortless-chic energy.

Divide your hair into two sections. Pull a thin piece from the outside of the left section, cross it over, and add it to the right section. Repeat on the other side and continue until you reach the end. Secure with an elastic. Suits wavy and textured hair beautifully.

Pro Tips:

• Pancake the braid slightly by gently pulling the edges apart for a fuller look.
• Use a texturizing spray before braiding for better hold and texture.
• A looser fishtail works especially well under a wide golf sun visor.

Rope Braid

Not everyone loves the complexity of a French or Dutch braid – and that’s where the rope braid earns its place. It’s done in minutes, holds better than a plain ponytail, and looks way more intentional than it should for the effort involved.

Pull hair into a ponytail and divide into two equal sections. Twist each section in the same direction (say, clockwise), then twist both sections around each other in the opposite direction (counterclockwise). Secure the end. Brilliant for straight and slightly wavy hair.

Pro Tips:

• The tighter your initial twists, the longer the rope braid holds.
• Spritz the ponytail with dry shampoo before twisting for better grip.
• Wrap a decorative ribbon along the braid for a personalized course-day touch.

Low Bun

The low bun is an underrated gem among golf updos for long hair. It sits at the nape, fits cleanly under any hat, and keeps everything smooth and contained through your full round. Simple, no-nonsense, effective.

Gather hair into a low ponytail, twist the length into a rope, then coil it around the base and secure with bobby pins and a hair elastic. For a sleeker finish, apply a light pomade or smoothing cream before styling. Works for all hair types.

Pro Tips:

• Use U-shaped pins rather than standard bobby pins for a more secure hold on thick hair.
• Spray the finished bun with a firm-hold spray to lock flyaways in place.
• This bun sits low enough to wear comfortably with most golf cap designs.

Chignon

A chignon is essentially the elevated cousin of the basic low bun – and it looks incredibly polished at any golf club. It sits flat, stays tight, and has that classic, put-together aesthetic that works from the practice green to the 19th hole.

Smooth hair back into a low ponytail, tuck and roll the tail underneath itself toward the nape, and secure with pins in a circular pattern. Cover any visible pins with a small section of wrapped hair. Best for medium to thick hair lengths.

Pro Tips:

• Add hair gel or pomade to the surface for a truly sleek, refined finish.
• Use a bun net for extra security if your hair is very thick or heavy.
• The chignon pairs perfectly with a classic white polo and a structured golf visor.

Twisted Low Bun

Want something between casual and polished? The twisted low bun gives you that. It’s slightly softer than a chignon but still keeps long hair controlled and off your neck during your round.

Divide hair into two sections, twist each section away from your face, then cross them over each other and coil both into a bun at the nape. Pin firmly and smooth any loops with a light hair wax. Suits wavy and naturally textured hair especially well.

Pro Tips:

• Secure the twist with two elastics (at mid-length and at the nape) before pinning for extra hold.
• Pull a few small pieces loose around your face for a softer framing effect.
• This style handles humidity better than many straight-set styles – course win!

Half-Up Half-Down with Braid

Okay, maybe you don’t want all your hair pinned back – totally valid. The half-up half-down with braid keeps your face clear while leaving the length loose. It’s one of the most flattering long hair golf styles when the wind cooperates.

Take the top section of hair from temple to temple, braid it back (French, Dutch, or simple three-strand), and secure it at the crown. Leave the rest down. This works best on calm-weather days or with a hat holding everything in place.

Pro Tips:

• Use a fine-tooth tail comb to get a clean section line at the crown.
• Spritz the loose section with anti-humidity spray to prevent frizz.
• Add a golf hair accessory like a decorative clip to secure the braid’s end.

Braided Crown

The braided crown is genuinely one of the most beautiful golf hairstyles for long hair – and it works without any hat at all. Two braids wrap around your head like a headband, keeping every single strand in place.

Start two Dutch or French braids at either side of your head, then wrap each one across the crown and pin securely. Tuck the ends underneath. This style holds especially well for medium-thickness hair with some natural texture or wave.

Pro Tips:

• Braid from just above your ear to get the widest crown coverage.
• Pin braids every 2-3 inches with bobby pins that match your hair color.
• Skip the hat with this one – let the style be the statement. 😊

Knotted Ponytail

The knotted ponytail is a clever twist (literally) on the standard pull-back. Instead of just securing a straight ponytail, you tie the length into a loose knot before securing – adding texture and structure that prevents slip-out.

Gather hair into a mid or low ponytail, split the ponytail in two, loop one section through the other to create a loose knot, and secure the result with a strong elastic just below the knot. Works great on straight to slightly wavy hair.

Pro Tips:

• Pull the knot gently to tighten rather than yanking hard to avoid lumps.
• Spray the finished knot with medium-hold spray to prevent unraveling mid-round.
• This style looks especially clean with smooth, freshly brushed hair.

Sleek Slicked-Back Ponytail

The sleek slicked-back ponytail is pure power move energy. Think sharp, aerodynamic, zero baby hairs. This look says you came to play – and you planned it. It’s one of the most streamlined sporty hairstyles for long hair on the course.

Apply a generous amount of hair gel or edge control to damp hair, comb straight back from your hairline, and secure tightly into a mid-height or low ponytail. Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth every section flat before the gel sets.

Pro Tips:

• Gel works better than cream here – you want firm hold, not moisture.
• Wrap the ponytail with a small section of hair over the elastic for a magazine-worthy finish.
• Set the whole style with a firm-hold finishing spray once it’s shaped.

Side-Swept Braid

The side-swept braid might be the most underrated of all golf course hairstyles. It keeps hair contained, runs diagonally across one shoulder to stay out of your swing path, and looks genuinely elegant while doing it.

Part your hair slightly to one side, braid diagonally from the crown down toward the opposite shoulder, and secure just past the end of your hair. Use a French or three-strand braid depending on your preference. Works on all lengths of long hair.

Pro Tips:

• Drape the braid over the front shoulder away from your dominant swing side.
• Tuck the tail into your collar or secure it with a second elastic for wind protection.
• A loosely pancaked braid adds volume and makes the style look less severe.

Twisted Half Updo

The twisted half updo gives you the best of both worlds – hair off your face without the commitment of a full updo. Two twists gather from either side, meet at the back, and pin together. Clean, quick, and surprisingly secure.

Take two sections from each side of your head, twist them back toward your crown, cross them over each other, and secure with bobby pins or a decorative clip. Let the remaining length hang freely. Ideal for wavy and naturally textured hair.

Pro Tips:

• Twist away from your face (toward the back) for the most flattering shape.
• Use a claw clip instead of pins for a quicker, equally secure version.
• This look works brilliantly for cooler-weather golf days when full updos feel too heavy.

High Bun Under a Cap

Ever wondered how to wear a golf cap without destroying your hair? The high bun under a cap is your answer. The bun sits at the crown and feeds cleanly through the back opening of a structured cap – no hat hair, no mess.

Gather hair into a high ponytail at the crown, twist into a tight bun, and secure with pins and an elastic. Thread the bun through the cap’s back opening before closing the strap. Best with structured, adjustable caps rather than fitted styles.

Pro Tips:

• Keep the bun compact and round so it doesn’t create a lopsided hat shape.
• Use a stretchy, snag-free elastic so the hat strap doesn’t snag your hairband.
• This is IMO one of the most practical long hair golf looks for hot, sunny rounds.

Low Bun with a Visor

A low bun paired with a visor is the go-to combination for golfers who want sun protection without sacrificing hair volume on top. The visor sits along your hairline while the low bun handles everything below.

Style a smooth or slightly textured low bun at the nape, place the visor’s brim just above your eyebrows, and adjust the strap over the bun. The visor doesn’t flatten your hair and keeps the sun off your face – functional and cute at once.

Pro Tips:

• Choose a visor with a wider adjustable strap to accommodate a thicker bun.
• A braided or textured bun adds visual interest without affecting visor fit.
• Match your visor to your outfit for a coordinated course-day look.

Braided Bun

The braided bun takes your standard bun up a notch by incorporating a braid into the coil – giving you a more textured, intricate updo that stays in place remarkably well. It’s beautiful without being complicated.

Create a three-strand braid from your gathered hair before coiling it into a bun at the nape or crown. Secure with pins and wrap a small section of loose hair around the base if desired. Works for all long hair types, including fine hair that usually slips out of plain buns.

Pro Tips:

• Braid loosely and pancake slightly before coiling for a fuller, more visible pattern.
• Pin every rotation of the coil individually for maximum hold on the course.
• This style stays secure even in light rain – always a bonus on a links course.

Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is for those days when you want to look like you rolled out of bed with perfect hair. Strands cascade down like a waterfall while the braid structure keeps the top layers secured along your crown.

Take a small section near your hairline, begin a three-strand braid, but instead of crossing the bottom strand over, drop it and replace it with a new section from above. Continue across the crown and secure the end with a clear elastic or pin. Best for straight to slightly wavy hair.

Pro Tips:

• Work slowly and evenly to keep the cascading sections uniform.
• Mist your finished braid with a flexible hold spray to prevent loosening mid-game.
• This style looks best on calm weather days since the cascading sections catch wind.

Ponytail with Hair Wrap

A ponytail with a hair wrap takes your standard pull-back and makes it look completely intentional and styled. You wrap a section of hair (or a decorative cord) around the elastic base – clean, modern, and polished.

Pull hair into a low or mid ponytail and secure with a strong elastic. Take a thin section from the ponytail, wrap it tightly around the elastic band, and pin the end underneath with a bobby pin. Finish with a light spray to smooth the surface.

Pro Tips:

• Use a grosgrain ribbon or golf-themed hair wrap for a fun, personalized touch.
• Apply a tiny drop of hair glue or clear gel to the wrapped end to prevent unraveling.
• This style photographs brilliantly on the course – social media win guaranteed.

Top Knot

The top knot is bold, high-energy, and completely functional as a golf hairstyle for long hair. Everything goes up – there’s nothing in your eyes, nothing on your neck, and it sits above most cap brims without issue.

Gather all hair into a high ponytail at the very top of your head, twist the length into a tight or loose knot, tuck the end under, and secure with pins and an elastic. For a more relaxed feel, pull the knot slightly apart to create a fuller, messier top knot.

Pro Tips:

• A high top knot works best with hats that have a higher crown to accommodate the volume.
• Secure the base ponytail with two elastics before knotting for all-day hold.
• Pull a few soft pieces loose near the temples for a less severe finish.

Wrap-Up

Between the braids, buns, ponytails, and twists, there’s genuinely no excuse to hit the course with loose, flying hair – and no reason your style can’t look intentional while doing it. The best golf hairstyles for long hair are the ones that let you focus entirely on your game rather than your hair tie situation on the 9th hole.

Start with one or two styles from this list and see what works for your hair type, hat preference, and how much time you realistically have before your tee time. Save this post, pin an idea, or show this list to your stylist – your next round might just be your most confident one yet. ⛳

Frequently Asked Questions