Creative Hairstyles for Your Aerial Showcase Performance

Comfort and Temperature: Aerial work is physically demanding. If you tend to overheat, keeping hair off your neck can help you stay cool and focused through your entire performance.

Apparatus Compatibility: Some hairstyles work better with certain apparatus. Consider what you'll be doing—are you wrapping fabric around your head? Pulling the fabric over your head? Doing a skill that will twist up longer hair or require you to pull on it to free it from the fabric? These factors matter.

Creative Hairstyle Ideas for Aerial Performers

The Braided Crown 

Perfect for lyrical or romantic pieces, this style weaves braids around your head like a crown while keeping everything secure. Add flowers or jeweled pins for extra flair.

Best for: Silks, lyra, romantic or nature-themed pieces
Pro tip: Spray with strong-hold hairspray and bobby pin every few inches

Tutorial: Here is the tutorial

The Sleek High Ponytail

A high ponytail creates beautiful lines during drops and extensions. For added security, braid the ponytail itself or wrap a section of hair around the elastic for a polished look.

Best for: Contemporary pieces, high-energy routines, showing off neck and shoulder costuming
Pro tip: Use two elastics and finish with a bungee-style hair tie for maximum hold

Tutorial: Here is the tutorial

Double Dutch Braids with Optional Low Bun

Two Dutch braids (reverse French braids) that meet at the nape of the neck and twist into a low bun combine security with elegance. The braids prevent flyaways while the low bun stays out of your way.

Best for: Classical pieces, any routine with lots of inversions
Pro tip: This style keeps hair completely off your neck for maximum cooling

Tutorial: Here is the tutorial

The Twisted Rope Bun

Create two high ponytails, twist them into tight rope braids, then wrap them around each other in a bun. This creates beautiful texture and interesting dimension while being incredibly secure.

Best for: Dynamic pieces with lots of spinning
Pro tip: The double-twisted structure makes this one of the most secure options

Tutorial: Here is the tutorial

Faux Hawk with Tight Sides

For edgy, powerful pieces, try slicking the sides back tightly and creating volume or braiding along the center. You can make this as subtle or dramatic as your character demands.

Best for: Strong, fierce characters, contemporary or rock-inspired pieces
Pro tip: Use gel for the sides and add texture spray to the center section

Tutorial: Here is the tutorial

Variation Tutorial: Half-Up Version Finished with a Ponytail

Low Braided Chignon

Multiple small braids gathered into a low, elegant chignon at the nape of the neck. This sophisticated style works beautifully for classical or elegant pieces.

Best for: Lyrical performances, vintage-themed pieces, showcasing back details of costumes
Pro tip: The multiple braids mean even if one loosens slightly, the style stays intact

Tutorial: Here is the tutorial

Variation Tutorial: Easy Rolled Chignon

Space Buns

For playful or retro-inspired pieces, consider space buns (two high buns) or victory rolls. These styles make a statement while keeping hair completely secured.

Best for: Playful characters, retro themes, pieces with a sense of humor
Pro tip: Make sure they're tight and use plenty of pins—these styles can be heavier

Tutorial: Here is the tutorial

Here are some additional options:

Half Up Elastic Hairstyle

Quick Twisted Half Up Half Down

5 More Easy Secured Hairstyles 

3-D Pull Through Braid

Essential Hairstyling Products and Tools

• Hairspray: Professional-grade strong hold is non-negotiable
• Bobby pins: Get the wavy ones—they grip better. Match them to your hair color
• Hair elastics: Use thick, quality elastics and consider doubling up
• Gel or pomade: For sleek looks and controlling flyaways
• Texture spray: Adds grip to help styles hold better
• Hair nets: Invisible nets can add extra security under buns
• Edge control: For sleek, polished edges
• Hairpins/U-pins: Longer pins for securing buns and heavy hair

Additional Resources for Hairstyle Inspiration

Here is a great YouTube Channel for further inspiration with short videos and easy to follow tutorials:

Princess Hairstyles

The Week-Before Hair Prep Checklist

Now (One Week Out):

• Decide on your hairstyle and practice it at least twice
• Purchase any products or accessories you need
• Test your style with your performance to ensure it will stay and doesn't get in the way of your skills.
• Try on your hairstyle with your costume to ensure they look good together.

Showcase Day:

• Don't wash your hair the night before or morning of (slightly textured/dirty hair holds styles better than freshly washed)
• Give yourself plenty of time—rush jobs don't hold as well
• Bring emergency supplies: extra pins, elastics, hairspray, and a small comb
• Have a backup plan in case something doesn't work

Final Thoughts

Your hairstyle is your crown—wear it with confidence! The best hairstyle is one that makes you feel powerful, beautiful, and free to perform without worry. When your hair is secured perfectly, you can focus entirely on your artistry and performance.

Remember, what works for someone else might not work for you, and that's okay. Your hair texture, length, and thickness are unique. Don't be afraid to adapt these suggestions to work for YOUR hair.

Still unsure? Come to the studio before rehearsal next week and let's figure it out together. We're here to help you shine!

Now go practice that routine—and that hairstyle—and get ready to absolutely nail your showcase performance!

What hairstyle are you planning for the showcase? Share in the comments below—we'd love to see your ideas!