Ok mamas—you’ve been challenged!
Competition day is here. Costumes? ✅ Makeup? ✅
Now it’s time to tackle dancer hair buns.
Getting your dancer comp ready means creating those buns, taming flyaways, and choosing competition hairstyles that will last from warm-ups to awards. Whether you’re working with fine hair, thick hair, or anything in between, mastering dancer hair buns can make competition mornings so much smoother.
Below I’m sharing a few easy competition hairstyles, along with YouTube tutorials I’ve come across to help you create everything from low ponies to classic high ballerina buns.
High Bun
The high bun is one of the most popular dancer hair buns for recitals and comp. It’s a great option for dancers who want their hair completely up and off the neck and back, creating a clean, polished look that highlights the face on stage.
Slicking the hair up high can be tricky especially with thick hair so be sure to watch for puckering pieces or flyaways in the back. Taking the time to smooth everything thoroughly before securing the ponytail is key to a flawless finish.
Once the high pony is set, this style opens the door to creativity. Using a hair net allows you to shape and secure the bun, whether you prefer a tight, traditional look or a fuller ballerina-style bun.
👉 YouTube Tutorial(s):
Low Pony / Low Bun
For our studio, our go-to competition hairstyle is the middle-part low pony. It’s clean, consistent, and works beautifully across multiple routines and age groups.
The low pony or low bun is especially popular for jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre routines. These dancer hair buns create a sleek, professional look while keeping hair completely out of your dancer’s face and allowing judges to clearly see facial expressions.
A middle-part low pony creates a timeless and classic style, here’s how to accomplish
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Start by creating a sharp center part
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Slick hair tightly into a low pony at the nape of the neck (using gel and hairspray to eliminate flyaways)
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(Optional) Use a donut for added shape and structure
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Twist or wrap the hair into a secure bun
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Cover with a hairnet and secure with pins
This style holds up well through warm-ups, quick changes, and long competition days while maintaining a polished, stage-ready look. Keep a small spray bottle with water and a bit of hairspray on hand for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
👉 YouTube Tutorial(s):
How to: SLEEK Low Textured Bun on “Natural Hair”
Studio-Style Consistency Tip
When it comes to competition hair, consistency matters just as much as style. Keeping the same hairstyle across dancers creates a polished, professional team look.
Whether your studio requires a low bun, high bun, middle part, or no part, be sure to practice the style at home before competition season begins. With a little repetition and preparation, you’ll master competition day hair in no time!