Naomi Osaka’s hairstyle at the French Open protects hair during sport and everyone should copy it

On May 26, 2026, on the Suzanne Lenglen court, Naomi Osaka caught everyone’s eye. Her gold sequined outfit was the talk of the town, but her hairstyle deserves just as much attention. She’s hiding a real secret for protecting her hair during sport in the heat.

A tennis look that stands out from the crowd

The 28-year-old arrived to face Germany’s Laura Siegemund in a tailored look. Her sequined gold outfit, upcycled from Nike clothing by Swiss designer Kevin Germanier, contrasted with the more classic outfits of her opponents.

And yet, beyond the clothing, it was the hairstyle that caught the eye. Practical, stylish and perfectly suited to hot weather, it summed up the player’s philosophy: combine fashion and performance without choosing.

Once again, Naomi Osaka proves that she’s as popular with sports fans as she is with beauty fans. Her choice of hair this Tuesday was not insignificant.

“A hairstyle that’s not only very stylish, but above all practical for racket sports that require you to be unhindered by the slightest movement.”

Plaited braids and a half-bun: the winning duo

The chosen combination combines braids plastered to the head and a half-bun that allows the lengths to protrude. This duo offers solid support without compressing the hair. What’s more, it completely clears the face and nape of the neck, reducing the sensation of heat during exertion.

Plaited braids have another advantage: they limit repeated rubbing during movement. This friction weakens the hair fiber over the long term. By keeping hair firmly in place, they also reduce unnecessary handling after each exchange.

• Plaited braids clear the face and neck to limit heat.
• The hold reduces friction that weakens the hair fiber.
• The half-bun avoids excessive root tension.
• Lengths left free retain their moisture despite the heat.
• This style is ideal for textured, curly or frizzy hair.

Why the demi-chignon protects better than a classic ponytail

A pulled ponytail repeatedly tightens the roots. In contrast, a half bun lifts lengths without creating excessive tension. This keeps roots more supple and less exposed to breakage.

What’s more, allowing the ends to protrude allows the hair to breathe better. The lengths retain their moisture, which is often vulnerable to breakage when exposed to intense heat. It’s a simple detail, but it changes everything over time.

As a result, this hairstyle protects each part of the hair in a different way: the roots thanks to supple hold, the ends thanks to aeration. It’s a rare balance in sports hairstyles.

A hairstyle designed for textured hair

This combination of braids and half-buns is particularly suited to textured, curly or frizzy hair. Braids limit tangles, reduce the need for daily styling and help keep hair healthy despite frequent sweating.

For these hair types, sweating during sport is a real challenge. The combined effects of friction and humidity can damage hair structure. This hairstyle reduces precisely these two weakening factors.

A hair trend for summer 2026

Beyond the tennis court, this style also appeals outside sport. It remains elegant and modern, which explains why it’s so popular in the warmer months. You can wear it for a sports session in the morning, then keep the same style for the day.

What’s more, the player sublimated her hairstyle with a Nike cap, adding extra sun protection for the scalp. It’s a simple gesture that prolongs the protective effect of the hairstyle during long hours outdoors.

By choosing this hairstyle on the Suzanne Lenglen court on May 26, 2026, Naomi Osaka offered much more than a fashion moment. She showed how to take care of her hair even under the most intense conditions, without sacrificing style.

• Naomi Osaka