The Best Hairstyles for Snowboarding That Will Not Budge

Female snowboarding hairstyles blend practicality with style, catering to the dynamic nature of the sport while allowing personal expression.

Braids are a popular choice; from classic French braids to playful fishtails, they keep hair secure and out of the face, minimizing distractions during runs. Ponytails, especially high ones, offer a simple yet effective solution, keeping hair tangle-free and accommodating helmets comfortably.

For shorter hair, beanies or bandanas are not only trendy but functional, keeping hair in place and providing extra warmth.

Snowboarding Hairstyle Advice

Snowboarding is one of the best ways to spend the winter months. However, that much time in the cold can have a huge impact on your hair if you don’t take a few steps to ensure your locks are healthy.

• Consider getting a cut or trim before you head out to the slopes. Shorter hair is easier to tuck into your helmet and out of your eyes, so it can be a perfect low-maintenance solution if you love practicing winter sports.
• No matter what, try to cover all your hair so it doesn’t get damaged by the elements, like cold or wind. In addition to your helmet, coat, and scarf, apply sunscreen to your hair before heading out, even if it seems like a cloudy day. This one from COOLA is lightweight and applies like a mist.
• Cold air is notoriously dry, which can make your hair brittle, no matter how healthy it is. Apply a little hair oil, like this one from Olaplex, to your hair in the evening or before heading out for the day to lock in hydration and keep your hair from breaking.
• Don’t skip the conditioner. Using moisturizing and nourishing conditioners, like this one from Redken, can help prevent frizz, breakage, and dryness in your hair while out on the slopes.
• While you should definitely condition your hair often during the winter, make sure you don’t over-shampoo your tresses. Washing your hair too much can strip away natural oils that help protect your hair and scalp.
• If you notice a lot of oil buildup or just want a little extra texture to help keep your hair in place, spritz some dry shampoo onto your scalp in the morning before going out in the snow. Moroccanoil makes one for light-toned hair and one for darker shades, so you can take plenty of photos without unflattering white or dark casts.
• Keep every strand in place under your helmet with a good hairspray, like this one from Chi. Not only will it keep your hair from getting in your eyes, but it will also help minimize the effects of helmet hair on your look.
• After your day on the slopes, wash out all the products you used in your hair with a clarifying shampoo, like this one from Neutrogena.
• It might be tempting to pull your hair back into a tight bun, braid, or ponytail. However, that can cause excessive breakage or even hairline recession. Opt for looser styles if possible, or use silk hair ties, like this one from Kitsch, to minimize damage.
• You might even want to invest in a satin or silk pillowcase to use during the winter. This set from Bedusure comes in a variety of colors and sizes. You can even pack 1 or 2 with you when you head out of town for a snowboarding trip.
• As tempting as it might be, try not to use hot water on your hair, as it will dry it out and make it more vulnerable to damage.

Snowboarding Hairstyle Ideas

Frosty Faux Hawk Pixie

This icy platinum pixie is the ultimate cool-girl cut for the slopes. The piecey texture gives it major movement, and the short length means zero helmet hassle.

I love adding a little pomade to spike up the top—it’s edgy, effortless, and totally windproof.

Soft Waves with Dimensional Highlights

Loose, lived-in waves like these look gorgeous peeking out from under a beanie. The warm blonde highlights add so much dimension against the natural brunette base.

I always recommend a little dry shampoo to keep it fluffy even after a full day in your helmet.

Blunt Bangs and Rose Melt Bob

This blunt fringe and rose-to-silver melt is such a playful look for snow days. The short bob length keeps it from tangling in scarves and jackets, and the dusty pastel tones give it that wintry magic.

I’d add a leave-in cream to keep it soft and smooth in the cold air.

Wild Purple Waves with Volume

Talk about statement hair! These voluminous, windswept waves in deep violet tones bring serious snowboard queen energy.

I’d prep this style with a curl cream for bounce, then let the snow do the rest—this look just gets better with a little messy texture.

High Platinum Top Knot

This high, icy blonde top knot is perfect for active days—keeps your hair out of the way but still looks so chic with goggles.

I love using a scrunchie and teasing the bun a bit to give it some volume on top.

Twin Silver Dutch Braids

These thick, icy silver Dutch braids are the dream combo of cute and functional. They hold everything in place while you ride and keep your ears warm too.

I always pull a few pieces loose around the face for that softer, slightly undone finish.

Braided Mohawk Bun

This look is everything—tight little braids feeding into a voluminous top knot gives total warrior energy. It’s practical, stylish, and seriously secure for shredding.

I like to mist a little texturizing spray through before braiding for extra grip.

Platinum Curls with Electric Blue Tips

These silver curls with blue dipped ends are such a vibe. The curl pattern is perfectly defined and playful, while the blue gives a fun twist.

I’d scrunch in a curl-enhancing mousse before hitting the slopes so it holds up even in helmet hair situations.

Braided Crown Updo with Bangs

This intricate braid crown with icy gray tones is so elegant and totally helmet-friendly. I’m obsessed with how it keeps all the hair off the neck but still has those soft bangs for framing.

Great for après-ski photos too!

Loose Side Braid with Face-Framing Layers

A classic side braid like this is snowboarder-approved—secure, stylish, and easy to manage. Those face-framing layers give it a breezy, effortless feel.

I always tug on the braid to pancake it out for that fuller, more relaxed finish.

Smoky Silver Layers with Windswept Texture

This silver-blended charcoal look is giving all the snowy mountain goddess vibes. The layers are perfectly cut to move with the wind—seriously, it’s like built-in drama every time you turn your head.

I always say if you’re going to ride with your hair down, give it some structure with layers like this.

A little leave-in conditioner before you hit the slopes helps keep strands soft and manageable despite the chill.