Gather long hair close to your head, contain most of its length in one or more braids, and fasten it with a soft, metal-free tie. Test the style in training for comfort and hold, and check the rules for your competition before match day: permitted hair accessories can vary by union and season.
Choose a style that contains your hair
No source establishes one hairstyle as best for every rugby player. Choose based on how much hair stays out of your face, how much length is left loose, comfort, headgear fit and your competition’s equipment rules. The options below are practical styles to test in training, not official World Rugby prescriptions.
| Style | What it contains | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Single braid or braided ponytail | A braid keeps more of the length together than an unbraided ponytail. | Gather hair securely at the back, braid the length and fasten the end with a metal-free elastic. Check that the gathered hair does not pull uncomfortably. |
| Two braids gathered at the nape | Divides the hair into two lengths that can be secured close to the head. | Try this if one heavy braid feels uncomfortable or you prefer to distribute the hair. It is not established that two braids prevent damage. |
| Compact bun | Can tuck away dangling ends. | Use permitted soft ties rather than rigid pins, and check that it fits comfortably with any headgear. |
| Low ponytail | Gathers hair simply at the back. | The tail still swings unless you braid or otherwise contain it, so consider how much loose length remains. |
Rugby-focused advice recommends tying hair back and leaving as little loose hair as practical, but it does not provide a controlled comparison of styles (Men’s Hair Blog, “Rugby & Hair – How to Play With Long Locks”).
Secure the style with simple, soft ties
Use a soft elastic without metal to fasten the braid or ponytail. Avoid rigid hardware such as pins unless the competition’s rules explicitly allow it. World Rugby warns that rigid materials not meeting a relevant performance specification may increase risk to the wearer or other players (World Rugby, “What can be worn during matches”).
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Sufficient Hair Bows: the package comes with 12 pieces of softball hair bows, practical and full of sports elements
- Great Quality: Girls bows are made of high Quality Grosgrain Ribbon. The bows are handmade well with great care under strict quality control to ensuring they are durable and shaped. Your little girl will feel comfy when they wear them.
- Stretchy and stable: the cheer hair bows are made of a 3-inch wide grosgrain ribbon with a sturdy elastic rubber hair band, covered with fabric for delicate appearance, also can hold your hair firmly in place.
- Sports Present :Includes 12 football hair bows - perfect for team moms, softball players, coaches, cheerleaders. Makes spirited presents for game days, tournaments, birthdays, and sports-themed celebrations
- Beautiful design: The design is fashionable and simple, which can add a fashionable atmosphere to the stadium
World Rugby Regulation 12 lists permitted equipment categories and says its specifications should be read alongside the current Law 4; it does not recommend a particular hairstyle or generally approve every type of hair tie (World Rugby Regulation 12).
Check the rules for your match
Accessory rules depend on the governing union and competition. For example, USA Rugby’s 2024–2025 Protective Equipment and Clothing Guidelines state: “Only fabric ‘hairbands’ are allowed for control of hair during a rugby match.” The same guidance says: “‘Hair ties’ like rubber bands are permitted, as long as there is no metal on them.” This is season-specific USA Rugby guidance, not a universal ruling.
Rank #2
- Value Pack For Volleyball Enthusiasts: 32 pack headbands featuring 8 unique volleyball designs with 4 of each pattern, perfect volleyball gifts for team members, coaches, and passionate players
- No Crease Comfort Technology: Specially designed elastic volleyball hair ties that won't leave marks or dents in hair after removal, ideal for game day to casual practice sessions
- Premium Quality Materials: Durable and stretchy fabric that withstands intense volleyball matches, lasting through diving, jumping, and sweating while maintaining shape and elasticity
- Versatile Team Accessories: Perfect volleyball team gifts for girls and women, excellent volleyball party favors, tournament giveaways, and volleyball ribbon for creating team spirit
- Universal Fit Design: One size fits most with flexible stretch that comfortably accommodates different head sizes, keeping hair secure during serves, spikes, and blocks without slipping or tightening throughout the game
Before playing, check the current rules with your union or competition, or ask the match official if you are unsure whether an accessory is allowed. World Rugby’s Laws of the Game hub is the access point for the laws, variations and clarifications; read equipment requirements with the current Law 4.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Balance hold with comfort and traction
A secure style should not hurt or pull persistently. In a Sky Sports interview, rugby player Sadia Kabeya described traction associated with long braids during play and said she wears plaits or braids to protect her hair in sport (Sky Sports, October 2023). This is her personal experience, not a clinical finding or a quantified risk.
Rank #3
- Team Identification: As long as you are a member of a football team, a basketball team or a group, the sweatband will help the team improve cohesion and recognition. The sweat-absorbing effect of this hair band will help you to look your best on the playing field.
- Comfortable and Breathable: These elastic headwear ties are made of milk silk fabric. The yoga headband set is soft, breathable, lightweight, and ultra stretchy.
- Pirate Costume Accessories: This is a must-have headgear for playing a pirate. Wearing it makes you feel more like a true pirate.
- Easy to Tie, Easy to Clean : This thread is adjustable and therefore suitable for everyone, including adults and children. After using, wash it casually in cold water and hang dry quickly.
- Ideal Gift: Our running tie headband is ideal to be sent as a present to your boyfriend, girlfriend, sisters, brothers, friends and family members who are interested in doing sports, a good helper to make doing exercises more convenient.
If a style feels uncomfortable, loosen or change it; vary styles if needed. Try your match hairstyle during training so you can check both its hold and how it feels while moving and wearing any headgear.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Package Contents: Includes 16 football rugby themed scrunchies. Perfect for daily wear, sharing, or matching with different outfits.
- Sporty Design: Features printed football patterns that showcase your love for sports. Ideal for athletes, football fans, teams, and adding a bold touch to your style.
- Soft & Stretchy: Made with velvety material and a durable elastic core. Gently holds all hair types without pulling or breaking—comfortable all day long.
- Versatile Use: Wear these hair ties as ponytail holders or stylish wrist accessories. Combines function and fashion for sports, school, or casual outings.
- Great Gift Idea: A fun and practical present for football enthusiasts and sporty friends. These colorful scrunchies make a cheerful and appreciated gift.
Rank #4
- Value Pack For Soccer Enthusiasts: 32 pack headbands featuring 8 unique soccer designs with 4 of each pattern, perfect soccer gifts for team members, coaches, and passionate players
- No Crease Comfort Technology: Specially designed elastic soccer hair ties that won't leave marks or dents in hair after removal, ideal for game day to casual practice sessions
- Premium Quality Materials: Durable and stretchy fabric that withstands intense soccer matches, lasting through running, kicking, and sweating while maintaining shape and elasticity
- Versatile Team Accessories: Perfect soccer team gifts for girls and women, excellent soccer party favors, tournament giveaways, and soccer ribbon for creating team spirit
- Universal Fit Design: One size fits most with flexible stretch that comfortably accommodates different head sizes, keeping hair secure during drills, games, and practices without slipping or tightening throughout the match
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
