Double braids - work well with medium to longer hair lengths as they both keep the hair out of the face and off of the neck. Using a comb, trace a straight part down the back of the head and secure one of the two sections with an elastic band. Begin braiding by separating the remaining segment of hair into three equal sections. Braid hair by alternately pulling each of the outside sections of hair toward the center, over the middle section. Continue braiding hair until only an inch or two remains at the bottom of the braid. Fasten the end with an elastic hair band and repeat for the second braid. For best results, braid hair while it is still damp from the shower unless sporting events are during cold winter months. (Consider doing this same style with French braids if you know how.)
Using elastic headbands, pull hair back from forehead and tie it up into a high ponytail for the best and easiest off the neck, out-of-the-eyes style. Elastic bands work best for ponytails because plastic and metal clips can sometimes cause injury if sporting accidents occur.

Mini-braid mania – Using tiny rubber bands made specifically for hair, braid bangs or front section of hair split into tiny sections, one by one. Depending on hair’s length and personal preferences, braid one or two rows and tie the rest back into a ponytail. For those with much time on their hands or a whole bunch of friends to help out, braid the entire head! If desired, use hairspray or gel to strengthen the hold. Consider using an elastic headband or other alternative to keep braids against the top of your head and off of your face.

Improvised headband - 
Pre-wrap, also known as under wrap, traditionally serves as a soft and comfortable barrier between athletic tape and the athlete’s skin when a trainer tapes up his or her injuries. It is designed to keep the tape from chafing and sticking to the athlete’s skin. For years if not decades, athletes have been swiping strips of pre-wrap and using them as headbands to keep their hair out of their eyes and off their faces while playing sports. College athletes, teenage athletes, soccer players, softball players, field hockey players, runners and just about any female athletes around enjoy the look and feel of pre-wrap in their hair before, during and after an athletic event.

Pre-wrap is colorful, easy to use, affordable, and best of all, it works. Foamy and stretchy, the pre-wrap material sticks to itself, which means it doesn’t slip like normal headbands. This makes it ideal for use as an inexpensive, versatile headband. You can purchase pre-wrap at most sporting goods stores and online. Pre-wrap is sold in rolls for about $2 or $3, where just one roll can equate to 50 or more headbands!

Most athletic leagues prohibit the use of hair accessories with the exception of elastic ponytail holders. Many leagues, however, permit the use of pre-wrap.

If elastic headbands are not among the selection of barrettes and clips in your personal hair care inventory don’t worry. Try to get some pre-wrap from your team’s athletic trainer if possible, or barring that, find an old T-shirt and cut off one sleeve. Cut the sleeve again, but just at the seam that stitches it from bicep to armpit. Open up the sleeve and cut tiny strips about one-half inch thick and the entire length of the sleeve, starting the scissors along the edge where you just cut the seam. After cutting the strips, pull fabric gently but firmly to tighten and tie around head, holding hair down securely. This improvised fashion statement could actually accommodate your entire team with hair bands for all, if cutting both sleeves of an old T-shirt.

As a fun tradition, get a few friends together before the game and help each other with an athletic hairstyle. Braiding each other’s hair to keep it out of the eyes and off the neck can provide some relaxing downtime just prior to the opening whistle while putting everyone in a positive mood. Help each other get psyched up and ready to play!

How to use pre-wrap as a headband:

Using pre-wrap as a headband is quick and easy, and takes only seconds. Follow these steps to get your hair ready for the game:

• Grab your favorite color of pre-wrap, or your team colors.
• Quickly wrap the pre-wrap around your head to measure.
• Tear off a strip at the appropriate length.
• Grab one end of the pre-wrap in each hand.
• Roll a bit between your fingers on each end.
• Tie a simple knot with both ends.
• Put your pre-wrap headband on just like a regular headband.
• Go out there, look great and WIN!

How to use pre-wrap without a knot:

As soft as velvet, pre-wrap can stick to itself without sticking to other materials. While most leagues allow the use of pre-wrap, some may specify that the pre-wrap cannot be knotted. You can easily create a pre-wrap headband without ever tying a knot…just follow these simple directions!

• Grab your favorite color of pre-wrap.
• In a lunge position, wrap it around your thigh.
• Wrap it around two or three times.
• Tear off at the appropriate length.
• Start rolling the pre-wrap until it forms a tighter loop.
• Roll your new headband down and off of your leg.
• Put it on your head just like a normal headband. No knot!

Ideas for special and creative pre-wrap hairstyles:

• Twist or braid two or more colors together for a fun and different look. Choose your favorite colors, your team colors or colors at random for a new style you and your friends will love.
• French braid the pre-wrap into your hair – especially if you use the double braids hairstyle above. Tear off a strip of pre-wrap and carefully twist the end around one of the three hair sections in your braid. Keep twisting and crossing the pre-wrap with that same hair section through the whole braid until you get to the end. Fasten the braid as usual. It may be easier if a friend or your mom can help you with this style.
• Instead of twisting and rolling the pre-wrap, wear it flat and wide like a decorative headband. You’ll be amazed at how it still keeps the hair off your face and neck!
• Make tiny bows with your favorite colors of pre-wrap or use teeny pieces to fasten the ends of your micro-braids.
• Get creative; the possibilities are endless!

Besides the basic natural tone, pre-wrap is available in black, blue, green, red, orange, purple, hot pink, light pink, maroon, and yellow/gold. Get psyched up with your team colors, choose your favorite hue or pick a shade based on your mood. Put on your game face, prepare to take on the competition and look great for your photos during the game!