15 Beautiful Hairstyles for Dance That Make You Shine on the Floor

There are many things to think about for hairstyle choices before a dance performance. The key thing is how it will look while you are dancing. If you can’t see it looking good while you move around, then it’s the wrong hairstyle, for sure. I have done hair and styling for all kinds of performances, whether it be competitions or exhibitions. I also style many grown-ups and kids, for salsa dance classes as well as dinners. With all my experience I have learned a lot about hair and what looks good when combined with energetic movements. Some styles may look great when you’re standing, while other styles can look random when you are in motion. Other styles may seem simple and plain to people, but those styles will come alive when you begin to move.

For dance and other events, I have compiled a wide range of styles that I believe will be perfect for you. I believe that these styles will be appropriate for all of the following dance styles: hip-hop, ballroom, and salsa. I’ve included some more structured hairstyles, but I’ve also included some hairstyles that are more relaxed. I try to take different hair lengths into account, as well as the amount of hair that can fall into your face and how annoying that can be during a performance. Better to have it done before the performance than to deal with it during your routine.

Photos

#1: Modern Dual-Texture Bob with Bangs

This hairstyle might not look multi-functional, but I’d like to say otherwise. There is a tousled texture all around the bob which might look undone. The contrast is what makes the top sleek and smooth all the way down. The bangs help finish the look and add cohesiveness to bring the hairstyle together instead of making it feel like two cuts. This style is ideal for people with natural waves or straight hair of medium density, and with the least effort. The hairstyle might require some effort because it will need a trim every six to eight weeks, but this is a short hair cut and those tend to lose their shape quicker. Besides that, this hairstyle will require the least amount of effort day to day and that is a great benefit.

#2 Glamorous Side-Swept Curls with a Little Sparkle

I took a moment to admire those lovely curls. I love the sweeping side style, and the rich brunette color is a nice compliment to the light dress. The clip also acts as an accessory, catching the light and creating a nice sparkle. This is also a good style to hold if you have a say, thicker and more voluminous hair, as it will make the curls look a lot more bouncy and alive. Just remember to budget enough time to create the curls as this isn’t a quick 5 minute job, and a good strong hold hairspray is a must have for touch ups.

#3 Effortless Top Knot with Wispy Flyaways

Maybe robot isn’t quite the right word, but sometimes top knots can look a bit *too* perfected. This one, however, has a more human touch to it. That “perfectly imperfect” look is that flyaway look. Those soft pieces around your face are not going to fall out during the day. This bun is secure, so it can handle a full workout without coming undone. If you have thinner hair, adding texturizing spray before twisting the knot will give it more fullness and texture. This style works great for medium to long hair and is perfect if you want to look put together and still get ready really quickly.

#4 Vibrant Copper Waves with Voluminous Side Part

Finding a good copper color is hard so I am looking forward to it! The warmth of this shade is so lovely on fair to medium skin. The deep side part is super flattering as it draws attention to your eyes. If your hair has some texture and you won’t have to torture it with a curling iron every day, that is a huge plus. The thing with copper though, and I always tell people this, is that it’s a commitment. The color fades faster than most shades so you’ll be back in the salon sooner than you think to keep it looking this rich.

#5 Sleek Polished Ponytail with a Twist

High ponytails are very professional and this one is extra special with a knot at the crown making it more unique. Because everything is pulled back, your face is open and available to show lots of great expressions. Some decent density is necessary to pull off the style because if your hair is too fine or fragile, it might be difficult to get it as smooth as required. If you have the density for it, this style will stay perfect for the entire performance. It will not require much thought because of not having to adjust it.

#6 Woven Crown Braid with Loose Tendrils

I recall doing a crown braid on a dancer and she told me afterward that she had never felt more like herself during a performance. That sticks with me. Thereu2019s something about this style that feels regal but soft. Especially when those surrounding tendrils are pulled out so it doesnu2019t look so structured. When it comes to natural waves, braids grip best since the hair binds to itself, ensuring that it doesnu2019t slide down the braid an hour later. Iu2019m not saying this is easy to do on yourself. If balancing confidence is tricky when it comes to braiding around your head, then get help or book an appointment because, to put it bluntly, a slightly off crown braid looks messy in the wrong way.

#7 Caramel Swirl Ponytail with Flirty Tendrils

This ponytail looks cute and is perfect for performances! The caramel color is stunning and will show off the beautiful texture of the swirl. If you have highlights, they will look even better! For the most volume, natural waves or curls work best. If your hair is pin straight, achieving this volume will be tough. If you have fine, straight, or super straight hair, apply some texture paste before pulling the hair back so that the style doesn’t look flat. The tendrils around the face will do most of the styling, so be intentional about those and don’t let them just escape.

#8 Soft Textured Updo with Side-Swept Bangs

This updo is exceptionally styled. It is very attractive, especially with its high volumized crown. Side-swept bangs also assist in keeping it from looking like just an ordinary bun. This style will be a lot easier for people with hair that is medium to thick. Updos that require flat or scraggly hair might not look as good. You will probably need to do some teasing to get the updo’s hair as volumized like the picture. Make sure to plan out some extra time to achieve this look. It’s also a great hairstyle for dancing, which is the whole purpose of the style.

#9 Textured Pixie Cut with Subtle Highlights

I always look forward to people with thick wavy hair going for a pixie cut. I think it’s going to be so much fun because that texture will have so much life without the weight of longer hair holding them down. The subtle highlights here give just enough dimension, and paired with the cut, it offers enough visual depth to the hair and beautifully frames the face. This is a hairdo meant for the dance floor because you don’t have to think about it at all — that’s a real luxury for some. Just be ready to commit to regular trims because pixie cuts go from intentional to unintentional really quick.

#10 Twisted Updo with Soft Face-Framing Strands

The first thing that stands out to me with this style are the ‘face framing pieces’. They feel soft and intentional, and really are not just discarded pieces from pulling hair back. Instead, they are positioned to help soften the look and add a romantic touch to the style which otherwise could be a polished updo. The twists are done well and the added height from the volume at the crown is very flattering. If you have really thick hair, I would recommend some thinning before attempting this as too much volume in the twist can make it look heavy rather than elegant. It’s the kind of style that looks beautiful in photos and stays secure, which is a combination that is more difficult to find than you would think.

#11 Textured High Bun with Loose Strands

A high bun is a classic hairstyle for ballet and this one is particularly stunning. It keeps all of the hair away from the face and neck so the dancer can move how they need to without distractions. Stray pieces can help to soften the look and avoid the overly athletic style. If your hair is of medium or thick density, you should have enough to create a voluminous bun. This is preferred as it will give you a more polished look than if it was simply thrown together. Be sure to use lots of pins and hairspray on the bun to keep it looking nice and tidy once the performance starts.

#12 Bohemian Braided Half-Up with Defined Curls

This hairdo is great! The braids framing the face and the big bouncy curls underneath are so fun and full of movement! If you naturally have wavy or curly hair, you are one step ahead in achieving this style! The half-up keeps the style practical for dancing and the curls underneath can swing and move around. Maintaining defined curls for the whole event can be a bit tricky, so once you do your curls, try not to touch them too much or you will lose some definition. When it comes to curl defining products, remember less is more because product build up will ruin your curls.

#13 Soft Curls with Rich Chocolate Highlights

The light reflection on the curls is beautiful! The chocolate highlights run through the hair and create depth. The contrast is pretty too! I like the slight asymmetry because it keeps the look modern and more interesting. It also makes it look less polished. This will be a hairstyle that will require effort on your part, but it looks nice because it gives an illusion of effortlessness. Be careful if you live in a humid climate, though. An increase in moisture could cause defined curls to turn into a frizz magnet! This style will look best on medium to fine density hair.

#14 Textured Bun with Face-Framing Curls

I like the face framing curls – it’s nice that they are soft but still defined. They work with the hairstyle and aren’t too stiff, which is great! I also like that it’s not fussy. Hairstyles that dance have a ton of little bits to move around definitely defeat the purpose of the dance! The bun looks structured and the curls are a nice touch for the cheekbones. Most dancers with an oval, heart, or wider face shape should look great with this style. Just make sure the front pieces are secured so they sit properly and don’t fall into your face during the routine.

#15 Cascading Curls with Subtle Ombre Highlights

Your hair may be the center of attention, and that is good enough reason to let it hang down. The beauty of long, flowing curls is that they are simple. To make your curls look even better, consider adding some ombre highlights that will reflect beautifully in your curls when the light hits them and will make your hair look even more dynamic and flowy. For long cascading curls, you will need medium to thick hair as this will give the curls the volume needed to bounce and cascade rather than just hang dull and lifeless. The downside to wearing your hair down to a dance is that it will need to be restyled multiple times to keep the definition and overall look. The wearer will have to accept that her hair will be flying around during the dance. In fact, that is when the look is at its best.