3 4 inch barrel curling iron

19 TRENDY BACK TO SCHOOL HAIRSTYLES FOR 2024

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.

how to curl your hair with a curling iron

Curling hair is a popular hairstyle choice for both casual and formal occasions. While there are many different methods and tools to achieve curls, using a curling iron is one of the most effective and long-lasting options. 

This article provides you everything about how to curl hair with curling iron, including important information, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and key facts. So let’s get started!

What to know before you curl

Before jumping into the steps on how to curl your hair with a curling iron, it’s important to have a good understanding of the tool itself. A curling iron is a heated styling tool that creates curls by wrapping sections of hair around a heated barrel. The heat breaks down the hydrogen bonds in the hair, allowing it to reshape into a curled form. Curling irons come in various sizes, from thin barrels for tighter curls to thicker barrels for looser waves.

When using a curling iron, remember that heat can cause damage to your hair. It’s essential to always use a heat protectant product and not to apply too much heat for an extended period of time. Additionally, using a high-quality curling iron with adjustable heat settings can help minimize damage and give you more control over the level of heat applied to your hair.

What You’ll Need:

  • A curling iron
  • Heat protectant spray
  • Hair Brush or comb
  • Hair clips or pins
  • Hairspray (optional)

how to curl hair with curling iron for beginners

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

Start with clean, dry hair. To keep your locks safe from heat, spritz on some heat protectant spray. Use a comb or hairbrush to ensure your hair is knot-free and ready to roll.

Step 2: Heat Up Your Curling Iron

Plug in your trusty curling iron and give it some time to heat up. The temperature you choose depends on your hair type – thicker hair can handle higher heat, while fine hair should go for a lower setting. Always begin with a lower heat setting and adjust as needed to prevent any hair harm.

Step 3: Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into sections. If your hair is on the thicker side, you may want more sections, but remember that smaller sections will give you more defined curls. Use clips or pins to keep those sections separate.

Step 4: Start Curling

Take a small section of hair, roughly an inch wide, and hold your curling iron vertically. You can start close to the roots for some extra volume or leave a bit of space if you prefer a looser look. Wrap your hair around the curling iron’s barrel, ensuring that the ends are tucked under the clamp.

Step 5: Hold and Release

Hold your hair in place for about 5-10 seconds – the exact time can vary based on your hair type and the curl you’re going for. Release the curl by opening the clamp and gently sliding the curling iron out. Hold the curl for a few seconds to let it cool while it sets.

Step 6: Keep Curling

Continue curling different sections of your hair, working from the bottom layers to the top. Remember to curl away from your face for a more natural look. Mix it up by curling in different directions for added texture.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once you’ve curled all your sections and the curls have cooled down, use your fingers to gently separate and tousle your curls for a more relaxed look. If you want your curls to stay put, a touch of hairspray will do the trick.

Step 8: Finish the Look

Style your newly curled hair any way you like. Leave it down, put it up in an updo, or add some fun accessories for extra pizzazz.

Remember, curling your hair with a curling iron might take a bit of practice, so don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect on your first try. With a little time and patience, you’ll be a curling pro in no time!

Special Tips & Tricks

  • For a more natural and effortless look, alternate the direction of each curl, curling some sections towards your face and others away from your face.
  • If you have fine or thin hair, use a lower heat setting to avoid damaging your hair.
  • If you’re looking for more volume, start curling your hair at the root instead of the ends.
  • To achieve a looser and more beachy wave, use a larger barrel and wrap bigger sections of hair around the curling iron.
  • Don’t forget to clean your curling iron regularly to remove any product buildup and maintain its performance.

Key Facts

  • The smaller the barrel of a curling iron, the tighter the curls will be.
  • Curling irons with ceramic or tourmaline barrels are less damaging and create smoother, shinier curls.
  • It’s essential to let your hair cool down before brushing or running your fingers through it to ensure the curls stay intact.
  • Using a heat protectant is crucial to minimize damage and keep your hair healthy.
  • With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality curling iron can last for several years.

FAQs

1. What type of curling iron should I use?

When choosing a curling iron, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the barrel. Smaller barrels (around 1 inch) create tighter and more defined curls, while larger barrels (around 2 inches) create looser and more voluminous curls. You can also choose between a clip or clipless curling iron, depending on your personal preference.

2. How do I protect my hair from heat damage?

Before using a curling iron, make sure to apply a heat protectant product to your hair, such as a spray or serum. This will help minimize damage and keep your hair healthy.

3. Can I use a curling iron on wet hair?

No, you should never use a curling iron on wet hair as it can cause severe damage. Make sure your hair is completely dry before using a hot tool like a curling iron.

4. How long should I hold the curling iron on each section of hair?

This depends on the thickness and texture of your hair, as well as the desired level of curl. As a general rule, hold the curling iron for 8-10 seconds for fine hair, 10-15 seconds for medium hair, and up to 20 seconds for thick hair.

5. How can I make my curls last longer?

To ensure your curls stay in place for as long as possible, apply a small amount of hairspray after each section of hair is curled. You can also use a texturizing spray or mousse before curling to give your hair more grip and hold.

Conclusion

Curling your hair with a curling iron may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and techniques, anyone can achieve beautiful curls. Remember to always prioritize the health of your hair by using heat protectant products and not applying too much heat for an extended period of time. With practice and patience, you’ll be a pro at curling your hair with a curling iron in no time!