Are you excited about heading back to school? We’re not just talking about classes and study sessions—we’re focusing on the cute hairstyles that will make you stand out and impress your new classmates. Whether you want to rock a different look every day or plan ahead, we’ve got you covered. Check out these 19 trendy back-to-school hairstyles, including quick and easy options for those mornings when hitting snooze is all too tempting.
FOUR-STRAND WATERFALL BRAID
If you prefer to maintain the same hairstyle throughout the week and want something simple yet captivating, try this 4-strand waterfall loop braid! It’s ideal for any hair length and adds a unique touch to your look. For those with fine hair, use a bit of dry shampoo or a volumizing product to give the braid more thickness and texture.
INSIDE-OUT PONYTAIL
Think of this as an upgraded version of the classic ponytail. Start by pulling your hair into a low ponytail. Create a hole above the base and hair elastic using your fingers. Then, tuck the length of the ponytail into the hole and pull it back out the bottom for an inverted, stylish look.
MESSY HALF-UP
This style is perfect for those hectic mornings when you’re running late. Simply gather a section of hair from each side of your head (about the length above your ear), bring the sections together in the middle, and secure them with a fun hair tie. It’s a quick and easy way to keep your hair looking stylish with minimal effort.
HALF-UP FISHTAIL BRAIDS
This half-up style strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and polished. It’s ideal for those days when you want to look effortlessly chic. For a detailed guide on achieving this look, check out the tutorial from Missy Sue. The step-by-step instructions will help you create a stylish half-up hairstyle that’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re heading to class or out for a casual outing.
MESSY HIGH PONYTAIL
There’s no better way to keep your hair neatly out of the way while making a bold statement than with a classic high ponytail. For a detailed tutorial on achieving this sleek and striking look, check out the guide from Barefoot Blonde.
VOLUMINOUS THREE-STRAND BRAID
If you’ve got the length—whether natural or with extensions—this braid is perfect for you. Impress your classmates with a voluminous Dutch braid that extends to the base of your neck, then seamlessly transitions into a second style of braid. This dynamic look will elevate your braid game and turn heads.
BUBBLE PONYTAIL
This retro style is both playful and ideal for Fridays. Start by teasing the hair in your ponytail to add volume and thickness. Then, use elastic bands to create a “bubble” effect by sectioning the hair and gently pulling each section out to form bubbles. These fun and easy back-to-school updos might require a generous amount of hairspray, but they don’t take much effort to achieve.
HEATLESS CURLS
Curling your hair with a curling iron can be time-consuming and may cause heat damage. Enter the latest trend in no-heat hairstyles: heatless curls! This technique saves you time and protects your hair. You can buy a heatless curls kit online, but you can also achieve the same effect with items you probably already have at home.
DOUBLE BUNS
Elevate your topknot by splitting it into two sections for a stylish and secure look. This variation not only adds a cool, unique touch but also helps keep your hair neatly in place. It’s a fantastic option if you want to keep your hair out of your face while maintaining a chic appearance.
TWO-MINUTE TWIST
Running late on the first day of school? You can still look polished with the quickest hairstyle ever. It’s also fantastic for second-day hair. Simply gather your locks into a high ponytail, secure it with a hair tie, and then twist it into a loose bun. For an extra touch, pull out a few face-framing strands. It’s polished, practical, and takes just minutes!
SLICK BACK BUN
Perfect for day 2, 3, or whatever day it is at this point, the slicked-back bun is a stylish hairstyle that stays put and looks great all day. Favored by off-duty models for its sleek appearance and ease, it’s ideal for those mornings when you want a quick, polished look. To achieve this style, you’ll need a good hair gel and a boar brush to smooth your hair and create a sleek finish.
SLEEK BRAIDED TOPKNOT
Your bun game is about to get a major upgrade. Start by creating a ponytail, then braid the length of the hair. Twist the braided section into a bun for a sleek and sophisticated look. Adding a scarf is optional, but it can give your bun an extra touch of style.
BEACHY WAVES
Beachy waves are incredibly flattering and versatile, making them perfect for any school year look. While there are many ways to achieve those tousled waves, our favorite method is both simple and effective, especially for day-two hair. All you need is a hairbrush, a curling iron with at least a 1-inch barrel. The large barrel of the curling iron helps you quickly achieve the waves, making the process efficient and easy.
SIMPLE CHIGNON
The wrapped bun hairstyle is the perfect choice for those frantic mornings when you’re running late, and it’s a look we absolutely love. This elegant style can be achieved in just minutes, making it both practical and stylish.
LOOSE BRAIDED HALF-UP
This look combines volume with a touch of fun. Tease the hair at the crown to create lift, then style a half updo with a loose braid and add a bow at the back. The result is a playful and elegant hairstyle that offers both volume and charm.
HALF-UP SIDE BRAID
This cute hairstyle is incredibly easy to achieve and suits any hair texture, making it a versatile choice for everyone. Whether you have fine, thick, curly, or straight hair, this style will work its magic. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual days to school or work. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking stylish.
TIED LOW BUN
Simple yet chic, a messy bun can be elevated with the addition of a pretty bow. Coordinate the ribbon with your outfit for a polished touch, and use a bit of hairspray to keep everything in place and ensure the overall look stays intact throughout the day.
SIDE BRAID WITH LOW PONYTAIL
Finish off the week with a cute and simple braided ponytail, ideal for complementing a football jersey and jeans at the school game. To achieve this look, create a loose braid and wrap it around the base of your ponytail, securing it with a bobby pin. This effortless style adds a touch of flair to your game day outfit while keeping things stylish and practical.
SPACE BUNS WITH FRONT STRANDS
Why not embrace a trendy back-to-school classic like space buns? The beauty of this style lies in how it looks more complex than it actually is. For a fun and easy option, try this classic look for bold-braid Wednesday: simply part your hair into two ponytail sections at the top of your head, loosely braid each section, and then wrap them into a playful Princess Leia-inspired style. This chic hairstyle adds a touch of whimsy while remaining surprisingly simple to achieve.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, these 19 back-to-school hairstyles offer a perfect blend of style and practicality for the new school year. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy for busy mornings or a chic look for special occasions, there’s a hairstyle here to fit every need and hair type.
