There’s something incredibly liberating about the wind in your hair and the open road ahead. As someone who’s spent years perfecting looks for women who refuse to be boxed in by traditional beauty standards, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the bold, fearless spirit of biker culture. These hairstyles aren’t just about looking good—they’re about feeling powerful, confident, and authentically yourself while commanding respect on and off the road.
I remember the first time I worked with a group of women riders for a photoshoot. They taught me that biker hairstyles need to balance style with practicality, femininity with edge, and creativity with functionality. After years of experimenting and perfecting these looks both in my studio and on real riders, I’m excited to share these thirteen transformative styles that celebrate the fierce, independent spirit of women who ride.
The Classic Bandana Braid
What Is the Bandana Braid?
The bandana braid combines the timeless appeal of a woven braid with the rebellious edge of a bandana, creating a look that’s both practical and striking. This style weaves a colorful bandana directly into your braid, adding texture, color, and personality while keeping your hair secure during long rides. I discovered this style while working with a client who rode cross-country every summer. She needed something that would last for days without constant maintenance, and the bandana braid became her signature look.
How the Bandana Braid Works Best
This style is perfect for women with medium to long hair who want a bohemian edge with practical benefits. The bandana adds grip to your braid, preventing flyaways even in the windiest conditions. It works beautifully on all hair textures, though those with fine hair particularly benefit from the added volume. I’ve found this style especially flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces, as the braid draws attention to your cheekbones and jawline. The bandana braid shines during long rides when you need your hair completely secured but don’t want to sacrifice style.
How to Create the Bandana Braid
Start with day-old hair—the natural oils give you better grip and texture. Fold your bandana into a long strip, about two to three inches wide. Divide your hair into three sections at the nape of your neck. Place the center of the bandana at the base of your middle section, so equal lengths hang down both sides. Incorporate the bandana into your braid by treating each side as part of the outer sections. As you braid, the bandana weaves through, creating a beautiful ribbon effect. Keep tension consistent throughout—firm enough to withstand hours under a helmet. Secure the end with a clear elastic, then wrap any remaining bandana around the base and tuck it under.
Sleek Low Ponytail
What Is the Low Ponytail?
This edgy style combines the sophistication of a polished, low ponytail with the rebellious statement of hairs. It’s a study in contrasts—smooth and sleek on top, bold and daring underneath. When you’re wearing a helmet, nobody sees the undercut, but the moment you take it off, you reveal this stunning hidden element that speaks volumes about your personality. I’ll never forget creating this look for a client who was a corporate lawyer by day and a weekend warrior on her bike.
How This Style Works Best
This style is ideal for women with thick or heavy hair who find most updos become uncomfortable after hours in a helmet. The undercut removes weight and bulk, making your ponytail more manageable and reducing tension on your scalp. It works exceptionally well on straight to wavy hair textures. Women with strong jawlines or defined cheekbones particularly rock this look—the sleek ponytail accentuates those features beautifully. The undercut also provides natural ventilation, keeping you cooler during summer rides.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Low Ponytail
For the undercut itself, I always recommend visiting a professional for the initial cut. They can create clean lines and ensure symmetry. For the ponytail portion, brush your hair straight back using a boar bristle brush—this creates that signature sleek finish. Apply a small amount of smoothing serum to combat flyaways. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, just above the undercut line. Secure with a hair elastic, then take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to conceal it.
Double Dutch Braids
What Are Double Dutch Braids?
Double Dutch braids are two reverse braids that sit raised above your head, creating a dimensional, eye-catching look that’s incredibly practical for riding. Unlike regular braids where sections cross over each other, Dutch braids cross underneath, making them pop out from your scalp. I developed a real love for this style while working with athletes and performers who needed hair that could withstand intense physical activity.
Best Conditions for Double Dutch Braids
These braids work wonderfully on all hair lengths from shoulder-length to long, and they’re particularly effective on medium to thick hair. This hairstyle is perfect for women with round or square face shapes, as the vertical lines of the braids create a lengthening effect. They’re also excellent for active riders who need their hair completely out of the way—nothing escapes these braids.
How to Make Double Dutch Braids Last All Day
Start with completely detangled hair. Create a center part from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Beginning at your hairline, take a small triangular section of hair and divide it into three pieces. Cross the right section under the middle, then the left section under the middle—this is the reverse motion that creates the Dutch braid’s signature raised appearance. As you continue braiding down, add small sections of hair to each outer piece before crossing it under the middle. The key to braids that last all day is in the tension—firm enough to stay secure, but not so tight that they cause pain.
Messy Top Knot
Understanding the Messy Top Knot Style
This style brings together the casual, effortless appeal of a messy bun with the bold statement of messy hairs. It’s deliberately imperfect—the top knot has texture and movement, creating a carefree vibe that contrasts beautifully with the precision of the shaved sections. One of my favorite memories involves creating this look for a music festival where several riders were performing.
Who Should Try This Style?
This hairstyle is fantastic for women with medium to thick hair who want to remove bulk while maintaining length on top. The messy statement eliminate the hair that typically gets sweaty and uncomfortable under a helmet, while the top knot keeps your remaining hair secure and stylish. Women with oval, heart, or diamond face shapes particularly suit this style.
Steps to Create the Perfect Messy Top Knot
For the top knot, flip your head upside down and gather all the hair from the top section into a high ponytail. This upside-down technique creates natural volume. Secure with an elastic, then twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around the base. Secure the knot with bobby pins, inserting them at different angles for maximum hold. Apply a small amount of texturizing paste to the knot and scrunch it gently, enhancing that lived-in appearance.
Long Flowing Layers with Face-Framing Highlights
What Makes This Style Special?
This is perhaps the most traditionally feminine of biker hairstyles, celebrating long, beautiful hair with strategic layers that create movement and dimension. The face-framing highlights add brightness around your features, catching light and creating visual interest. I’ve worked with countless women who worried that having a motorcycle meant giving up their long hair. This style proves you can have both.
Best Features for Long Layers with Highlights
This style works beautifully on all face shapes and is particularly flattering for women who want to maintain a softer, more romantic aesthetic. The layers create natural movement that looks stunning in motion, whether you’re riding down the highway or walking into a venue.
Styling Tips for Long Layered Hair
After washing, apply a heat protectant throughout. Blow-dry using a round brush, directing hair away from your face to enhance volume at the roots. Once dry, use a large-barrel curling iron to add loose waves, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Finish with a light-hold hairspray that won’t make your hair stiff.
Faux Hawk with Braided Sides
Defining the Faux Hawk Look
The faux hawk with braided sides creates drama and edge without the commitment of actually shaving your head. The center section of hair is styled upward and back, creating the signature mohawk shape, while the sides are tightly braided against your scalp. This style is bold, artistic, and makes a serious statement about confidence and individuality.
Ideal Candidates for the Faux Hawk
This style works on various hair lengths, from medium to long, though having at least six inches of length gives you the most options. Women with oval or heart-shaped faces tend to rock this look most easily, as the vertical height balances facial proportions beautifully.
Creating Your Faux Hawk Step by Step
Section off the center strip of hair from your forehead to the crown. Starting on one side, create a tight Dutch or French braid beginning at your temple and working back toward the center strip. For the faux hawk, release the center section and backcomb it thoroughly from roots to mid-lengths. Use strong-hold gel or pomade to shape the hair upward and slightly back.
Vintage Pin-Up Rolls with Rockabilly Flair
What Are Pin-Up Rolls?
This retro-inspired style combines the glamorous victory rolls and pin-up aesthetics of the 1940s and 1950s with modern biker edge. It features sculpted rolls at the front of the head, often paired with a low ponytail or bun at the back. I fell in love with this style while researching vintage biker culture.
When Pin-Up Rolls Work Best
This style is ideal for women with medium to long hair who appreciate vintage aesthetics. Women with round or square face shapes benefit most from this style, as the height and volume at the crown creates a lengthening effect.
Mastering the Pin-Up Roll Technique
Section off the front portion of your hair from temple to temple. Divide the front section into two or three subsections. Take one section, backcomb the underside for volume, then roll it toward your face, creating a smooth, rounded shape. Secure with bobby pins inserted through the center of the roll and into your scalp, crisscrossing them for maximum hold.
Sleek High Bun with Wrapped Base
The High Ponytail Explained
This elevated take on the classic bun features hair pulled high and tight on the crown, with a section of hair wrapped around the elastic to create a polished, seamless appearance. It’s sophisticated yet edgy, simple yet striking.
Perfect Situations for High Bun
This style works on virtually all hair lengths from shoulder-length upward. The high bun is universally flattering, working with all face shapes. This style is perfect for hot weather riding, as it gets all your hair off your neck and back.
Quick Tutorial for the Wrapped Bun
Flip your head upside down and gather all your hair at the crown of your head. Secure firmly with a strong hair elastic. Take a small section from the underside of your bun and wrap it around the elastic, covering it completely. Secure the end with a bobby pin tucked underneath.
Boxer Braids with Colored Extensions
Understanding Boxer Braids with Extensions
Boxer braids are two braids that sit close to your scalp and travel straight back. When you add colored extensions, you introduce bold pops of color without the commitment of dyeing your natural hair. I started incorporating colored extensions into braided styles after seeing how much joy and confidence they brought my clients.
Why Boxer Braids Work for Riders
This style works on all hair lengths, as the extensions add both length and volume. The tight braiding technique means this style can last several days with proper care, making it perfect for long trips or multi-day rallies.
Installation Tips for Colored Extension Braids
Beginning at your hairline, take a small section and divide into three pieces. Before braiding, lay a piece of extension hair across the middle section. Begin a tight French braid, adding small sections of your natural hair as you work backward. The extensions should integrate seamlessly, adding color and length as you progress.
Textured Shag with Curtain Bangs
What Is a Textured Shag?
The textured shag is a modern take on the classic 1970s shag haircut, featuring choppy layers throughout that create movement and dimension. When paired with curtain bangs—those face-framing bangs that part in the middle and sweep to either side—the result is effortlessly cool.
Best Hair Types for the Shag
The textured shag works beautifully on short to medium hair lengths and is particularly stunning on naturally wavy or curly hair. For riders, this cut is practical because it looks good both styled and air-dried.
Styling Your Shag for Maximum Impact
After washing, apply a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse to damp hair. You can either air-dry for natural texture or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance waves. For the curtain bangs, blow-dry them using a round brush, rolling them away from your face.
Mohawk Braid with Shaved Underneath
Defining the Mohawk Braid
This dramatic style features a thick braid running down the center of your head from forefront to back, with the sides completely shaved or buzzed very short. It’s the ultimate marriage of feminine and fierce.
Who Can Pull Off This Bold Look?
This style requires medium to long hair in the center section. This bold style suits confident women with strong features and is particularly striking on those with oval or diamond-shaped faces.
Building Your Mohawk Braid
Section the center strip of hair from your forehead to your nape. Beginning at your forehead, take a small triangular section and divide into three pieces. Create a Dutch braid, adding hair from the sides as you work backward. The key is braiding tightly and pulling each section slightly upward as you add it.
Half-Up Top Knot with Loose Waves
The Half-Up Top Knot Concept
This style combines the ease of wearing hair down with the practicality of having it partially secured. The top section is gathered into a small, messy bun or knot on the crown, while the remaining hair flows freely in loose waves.
When This Style Shines
For riders, this style offers the best of both worlds—your face remains clear of hair that might blow around and obscure vision, while you still get to enjoy the feeling of long, flowing hair.
Creating the Perfect Half-Up Style
Section off the top portion of your hair from temple to temple and from your hairline back to the crown. Gather this section into a high ponytail on the crown of your head. Instead of pulling the hair completely through the elastic on the last wrap, stop halfway, creating a loop that becomes your messy bun.
Crown Style With Low Side Braid
What Is a Crown Braid?
This elegant style features a braid that wraps around your head like a crown, typically starting at one ear and traveling across the forehead or top of the head to the opposite ear. The remaining hair is gathered into a low bun at the nape of the neck.
Best Scenarios for the Crown Braid
The crown braid is universally flattering and works with all face shapes. For riders, this style is exceptional because it keeps hair completely secured in two separate structural elements.
Step-by-Step Crown Braid Instructions
Starting just above your ear on the heavier side of the part, take a section of hair and divide it into three pieces. Create a Dutch or French braid, working along your hairline toward the opposite ear. When you reach the opposite ear, gather all remaining hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail into a rope and wrap it around its base, creating a low Ponytail.
Conclusion
After years of creating looks for women from all walks of life, I’ve learned that the most beautiful hairstyle is always the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. These thirteen biker hairstyles represent more than just different ways to arrange your hair—they represent different facets of the modern woman who rides. Some days you want to feel fierce and bold with a faux hawk. Other times, you crave the romance of flowing waves or the vintage charm of pin-up rolls. The beauty is that you get to choose.
What I love most about biker culture is how it celebrates authenticity and individuality. Nobody’s telling you who to be or how to look. You define your own style, your own path, your own rules. These hairstyles are simply tools to help you express whatever version of yourself you’re feeling on any given day. They’re practical because they need to be—you can’t have hair constantly in your face when you’re commanding a powerful machine. But they’re also beautiful, because you deserve to feel beautiful.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with remarkable women who taught me that beauty and strength aren’t opposite forces—they complement and enhance each other. The woman who rocks a mohawk braid isn’t trying to hide her femininity; she’s celebrating it on her own terms. The rider with long, flowing layers isn’t any less serious about her bike; she’s simply expressing a different aesthetic. There’s room for all of it, all of us, in this incredible community.
When I work with clients who ride, I always emphasize that your hair should serve you, not the other way around. If a style makes you feel confident and empowered, if it stays secure during your rides, and if it reflects who you are—that’s the perfect style for you, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Trust your instincts, experiment with different looks, and never let anyone make you feel like you have to choose between being traditionally feminine and being a serious rider.
I encourage you to try some of these styles, adapt them to suit your personal preferences, and make them your own. Start with what feels comfortable and gradually push your boundaries if you’re feeling adventurous. Maybe that means adding a subtle undercut at first, or perhaps diving straight into a bold faux hawk. There’s no right or wrong way to explore your style—there’s only your way.
Remember that hair grows back, colors fade, and cuts can be changed. But the confidence you build by expressing yourself authentically? That’s permanent. That’s transformative. As I always tell my clients, beauty is not about perfection. It’s about confidence, creativity, and feeling empowered to express yourself however you choose. Whether you’re riding cross-country or just to the corner store, whether you’re heading to a rally or a meeting, your hair should make you feel ready to conquer whatever comes your way.
So choose the style that speaks to you, own it completely, and ride with the confidence of someone who knows exactly who they are. The open road is waiting, and you’re going to look absolutely stunning on it.