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Practical & beautiful: The 6 best hairstyles for dancing

Secure hold and a great look for Salsa, Swing, and more.

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

Why the right hairstyle makes all the difference

Anyone who has ever thrown themselves into a fast turn with enthusiasm knows the problem: suddenly your own hair whips uncontrollably through the air, blocks your vision, or lands in your dance partner's face. Social dancing is dynamic, which is why keeping your hair out of your face while dancing is one of the most important prerequisites for a relaxed evening.

A good dance hairstyle must meet three criteria: it must be rock-solid, it must not get in the way during close physical contact, and it should be comfortable to wear. Elaborate updos with dozens of hairpins that fall out at the slightest touch are unsuitable for a lively dance party. We present six everyday and beautiful hairstyles with which you can concentrate fully on your steps.

1. The low ponytail: Simple and controlled

The classic ponytail is the absolute frontrunner when it comes to quickly taming your hair. If you decide on a ponytail for dancing Swing or Lindy Hop, you should definitely place it low at the nape of your neck. A high ponytail tends to fly around like a whip during fast turns, which can be painful for your dance partner.

A low-tied ponytail stays close to the body and swings in a controlled manner. To make the look more elegant, you can separate a small strand of hair, wrap it around the hair tie, and secure it under the ponytail with an inconspicuous hairpin. This way, the style becomes party-ready in no time.

2. The French braid: The rock-solid classic

The French braid is a true all-rounder and ideal for keeping your hair out of your face while dancing. Since it starts directly at the top of the head and is braided flat along the scalp, it perfectly catches even shorter strands and layers. Nothing slips out, even when things get heated on the dance floor.

This style is particularly well-suited for dances with lots of movement like Salsa or Discofox. It distributes the weight of the hair evenly across the head, so there is no uncomfortable pulling. Plus, the braided pattern looks fantastic from the side and back when you spin.

3. The low bun: Elegant and secure for turns

If you are looking for a hairstyle for a Salsa party that is both elegant and absolutely secure for turns, the low bun is the perfect choice. Unlike a high bun, the low version does not get in the way when the leader needs to guide their arm over your head during wrap figures.

For optimal hold, first tie a low ponytail. Then, twist the hair tightly, wrap it in a spiral around the hair tie, and secure the whole thing with a second hair tie and a few bobby pins. This look withstands even the most intense dance sessions and keeps your neck comfortably free and cool.

4. The fishtail braid: Playful and compact

The fishtail braid is the playful alternative to the classic braided plait. It looks delicate, modern, and keeps your hair held together compactly. Since it lies a bit flatter than a normal three-strand braid, it is also extremely comfortable for close-contact dances like Kizomba or Bachata.

To prepare the braid for the dance floor, you can gently pull it apart at the sides after braiding. This gives it more volume. Use a transparent mini hair tie at the end so that the focus remains entirely on the beautiful braided pattern.

5. The half-up look: Open hair without annoying strands

Do you want to style your hair for the dance party, but don't like it when all your hair is tied back tightly? The half-up look offers the perfect compromise. Simply take the top section of your hair and the strands around your face, then tie them into a small ponytail or bun at the back of your head.

The lengths remain open and can move elegantly with you, while the annoying strands in your face are securely fixed. This hairstyle is perfect for calmer ballroom dances or if you simply like the feeling of wearing your hair down without having to constantly blow it out of your face.

6. Boxer Braids: The power duo for long nights

Two boxer braids (also known as double Dutch braids) are the ultimate sports and dance hairstyle. They are braided very tightly to the scalp and keep even thick, heavy hair in place throughout the entire night. Not a single hair can go rogue.

This look is extremely popular, especially in the West Coast Swing and urban dance scene. It radiates a sporty dynamic and ensures that when you look in the mirror after hours of dancing, your hairstyle still sits exactly as it did before the first song.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Loose hair flies around uncontrollably during turns. This not only obstructs your own view, but can also whip uncomfortably into your dance partner's face. In addition, loose hair quickly sticks to your neck or shoulders when it gets hot.

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