30 Back-to-School Hairstyles to Try This Year
The first few weeks of school can feel a little hectic. Mornings get busy, alarms seem to go off too early, and there’s rarely much time to stand in front of the mirror trying to decide what to do with your hair.
That’s where having a few easy hairstyles ready can help.
Whether you’re heading to a new school, starting another year with your friends, or simply want to switch up your everyday look, these back-to-school hairstyles give you plenty of options. Some take only a few minutes, while others are great when you have a little extra time before heading out the door.
You’ll find ponytails, braids, buns, half-up styles, and a few cute looks that work especially well with ribbons, bows, clips, and other simple accessories. Many of them can also be adjusted for short, medium, or long hair.
1. High Ponytail with a Bow
A high ponytail is one of those hairstyles you can do almost without thinking. Pull your hair up toward the crown of your head, smooth the sides with a brush, and secure it with a strong elastic.
Add a small bow around the base for a sweeter back-to-school look. A black, navy, burgundy, or checked ribbon can work well with school outfits.
If you have layers or shorter pieces around your face, leave a few loose strands at the front for a softer finish. For a cleaner look, smooth a little styling cream over the top before tying your hair.
2. Sleek Low Ponytail
For something simple and neat, try a sleek low ponytail. Part your hair in the center or slightly to one side, then gather everything at the nape of your neck.
Use a brush to smooth down flyaways before securing the ponytail. You can wrap a small section of hair around the elastic if you want to hide it.
This style works especially well on straight hair, but wavy hair can look just as nice with a little texture left through the ponytail. It’s also a good choice for mornings when you want your hair out of your face all day.
3. Half-Up Half-Down Waves
If you like wearing your hair down but still want it to stay away from your face, a half-up style is an easy middle ground.
Start with loose waves through the lengths of your hair. Take the top section from around your temples and pull it toward the back of your head. Secure it with a small elastic, bow, or decorative clip.
You don’t need perfectly shaped waves for this hairstyle. Slightly undone texture can actually make the look feel more relaxed and suitable for everyday school.
4. Classic French Braid
A French braid is a dependable option for school days, especially when you want your hair to stay secure from the morning bell through the afternoon.
Begin near the top of your head and gradually add small sections of hair as you braid down. Keep the braid fairly close to your head so it doesn’t loosen too much during the day.
You can make it neat and tight or gently pull at the braid after securing it for a fuller appearance. A simple elastic at the end is all you need.
5. Double French Braids
Double French braids give a classic school hairstyle a fun update. Split your hair down the center and create a French braid on each side.
Try to keep the sections fairly even as you work down toward the ends. Secure both braids with small elastics.
This style is especially handy for active school days because the hair stays close to your head. You can also sleep in the braids and loosen them later for soft waves.
6. Dutch Braids
Dutch braids look similar to French braids, but the sections are crossed underneath instead of over the middle section. This makes the braid sit more visibly on top of the hair.
Create one braid on each side for a symmetrical look, or make a single Dutch braid down the back.
If you want a slightly fuller style, gently loosen the outer edges of each braid once you’ve finished. Don’t pull too hard or the braid may come apart.
7. Braided Ponytail
Take an ordinary ponytail and add a braid through the length for a quick change.
Start by gathering your hair into a high or mid-height ponytail. Secure it first, then divide the ponytail into three sections and braid it down to the ends.
For a little extra detail, leave a small piece of hair out when making the ponytail. Wrap that piece around the elastic and pin it underneath.
It’s an easy hairstyle when you want something more interesting than a basic ponytail without spending a lot of time getting ready.
8. Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is playful and surprisingly easy once you have a few small elastics.
Pull your hair into a ponytail and place additional elastics down the length, leaving a few inches between each one. Gently tug the hair between the elastics to create rounded sections.
You can make the bubbles large or small depending on how much hair you have. Clear elastics keep the style simple, while colorful ones can give it a more youthful look.
9. Messy High Bun
A messy high bun is perfect for mornings when your hair isn’t cooperating.
Gather your hair high on your head and twist it loosely into a bun. Secure it with an elastic or a few bobby pins, then pull out a couple of small pieces around your face.
Don’t worry about making every strand perfect. The loose shape is part of the style.
For school, add a simple scrunchie or small ribbon if you want to dress it up a little.
10. Sleek Low Bun
When you want something polished but still easy, a sleek low bun is worth trying.
Create a center or side part, brush your hair back, and gather it at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins or a hair tie.
A little gel or styling cream can help keep shorter hairs in place. You can also leave the front completely smooth for a clean look or pull out two thin pieces near the temples.
11. Half-Up Top Knot
The half-up top knot keeps the hair around your face pulled back while leaving the rest of your hair loose.
Take the upper section of your hair from both sides of your head and gather it at the crown. Twist that section into a small bun and secure it.
The rest of your hair can stay straight, wavy, or naturally textured. A tiny claw clip or scrunchie can also be used instead of a regular elastic.
This hairstyle is particularly useful for second-day hair when you want to refresh your look without starting from scratch.
12. Claw Clip Updo
A claw clip can turn a basic school-day hairstyle into something that looks put together in less than a minute.
Gather your hair at the back of your head and twist it upward. Fold the ends down toward the twist and secure everything with a medium or large claw clip.
For a relaxed look, allow a few ends to stick out above the clip. If you prefer a cleaner style, tuck the ends underneath before clipping.
Choose a clip that holds your hair comfortably without pulling. Smaller clips can work well for fine or shorter hair, while thicker hair may need a larger, stronger clip.
13. Half-Up Claw Clip Style
If you like the look of a claw clip but don’t want all your hair up, try a half-up version.
Take the top section of your hair from around your temples and gather it toward the back. Twist it once or twice, then secure it with a small claw clip.
Leave the rest of your hair loose. Straight hair gives this style a clean finish, while waves or natural texture make it look more relaxed.
A small tortoiseshell, black, or neutral clip works well for school.
14. Low Ponytail with Face-Framing Pieces
A low ponytail doesn’t have to look too formal. Leave two small sections loose around your face before gathering the rest of your hair at the nape of your neck.
Secure the ponytail with a simple elastic, then gently loosen the hair at the crown if you want a little more volume.
The loose front pieces soften the hairstyle and make it feel more casual. You can also curl those pieces slightly if you have a few extra minutes before leaving.
15. High Ponytail with Braided Detail
Give a high ponytail a small twist by adding a braid.
Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it firmly. Take a section from underneath the ponytail, braid it, and wrap the braid around the base.
You can pin the end underneath the ponytail so the elastic stays hidden. Another option is to braid the entire ponytail for a more noticeable style.
This works especially well with long hair because the braid has plenty of length to stand out.
16. Side Braid
A side braid is an easy choice when you want something simple but don’t feel like wearing a regular ponytail.
Bring your hair over one shoulder and divide it into three sections. Braid it loosely all the way down, then secure the end with a small elastic.
For a softer look, gently loosen a few sections around the face and along the braid. If your hair is layered, don’t worry if a few shorter pieces fall out.
A ribbon tied at the bottom can also make the hairstyle feel a little more special for the first week of school.
17. Rope Braid Ponytail
This hairstyle looks more complicated than it really is.
Start with a ponytail at your preferred height. Divide the ponytail into two sections and twist both sections in the same direction. Then wrap them around each other in the opposite direction.
Secure the bottom with an elastic.
The finished braid has a twisted, rope-like shape that works well with straight or slightly wavy hair. Keep it tight for a neat school look or loosen it slightly for a more casual finish.
18. Double Dutch Buns
Double Dutch buns are a fun option when you want a hairstyle that feels a little different from your everyday look.
Part your hair down the center and create two Dutch braids, starting near the front and working toward the back of your head.
Once you reach the nape, gather each side into a small bun. Secure them with elastics or bobby pins.
You can keep the buns compact for a neat style or pull them apart slightly to give them more volume. This look also keeps a lot of hair securely off your face.
19. Space Buns
Space buns are playful, quick, and easy to personalize.
Split your hair into two sections and make a high ponytail on each side. Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure it.
For a cleaner version, smooth your hair before making the buns. If you prefer a relaxed look, leave a few wispy pieces around your face.
Small bows, colorful elastics, or simple clips can be added if your school dress code allows accessories.
20. Half-Up Braided Hairstyle
Combine a half-up style with a small braid for a simple hairstyle that has a little more detail.
Take a section of hair from each side of your face and bring both sections toward the back. Braid each one, then connect them with a small elastic.
You can leave the braids hanging together or pin them slightly higher for a more secure half-up style.
This works with straight, wavy, or naturally curly hair. The braid also gives the hairstyle some texture without requiring much styling.
21. Ribbon Ponytail
Sometimes one small accessory is enough to change a basic hairstyle.
Start with a regular high, mid, or low ponytail. Tie a ribbon around the elastic and let the ends hang down with the ponytail.
For a school-friendly look, choose a ribbon that isn’t too long or bulky. Solid colors can create a simple finish, while plaid or patterned ribbons can add a little personality.
You can also match the ribbon to your backpack, shoes, or another small accessory.
22. Headband with Loose Waves
A headband is useful when you want to wear your hair down but keep it away from your face.
Start with loose waves or your natural texture. Place a comfortable headband a little behind your hairline and gently adjust the front pieces.
A fabric headband gives the style a soft, casual feel. A thin hard headband creates a cleaner look.
This is especially handy on mornings when you don’t have time to style every section of your hair. The headband does much of the work.
23. Slick-Back Ponytail
A slick-back ponytail is a clean option for busy mornings. Brush your hair straight back and gather it into a ponytail at the middle or back of your head.
Use a small amount of gel or styling cream to smooth flyaways and shorter pieces. Don’t use too much product, especially if you want the ponytail to move naturally.
The style works well with both high and low ponytails. You can leave the ponytail straight or add a few waves through the ends.
24. Low Twisted Ponytail
A low twisted ponytail is a simple way to make a regular ponytail look more finished.
Gather your hair at the nape and secure it loosely. Create a small opening above the elastic, then flip the ponytail through the opening.
This creates a twisted shape around the base without needing complicated braiding.
You can leave the ponytail straight or add soft waves. Pull gently at the crown afterward if you want the style to feel less tight.
25. Easy Twisted Half-Up Style
This twisted half-up hairstyle is a good choice when you want something a little more polished without spending much time on it.
Take a small section of hair from one side of your head and twist it backward. Repeat on the other side, then bring both sections together at the back and secure them with a small elastic or clip.
You can leave the rest of your hair straight or add loose waves. Gently loosen the twists with your fingers if you want them to look softer.
It’s simple enough for an ordinary school morning but still feels different from a basic half-up ponytail.
26. Pigtail Braids
Pigtail braids have a classic school-day feel and work particularly well when you need your hair to stay neat for several hours.
Part your hair down the middle and divide it into two equal sections. Braid each side from around the nape down to the ends, then secure both with small elastics.
Keep the braids tight for a tidy look or gently pull at the edges to make them a little fuller. You can also leave a few short pieces around your face for a relaxed finish.
27. Bubble Braids
Bubble braids are a fun alternative to traditional braids and don’t require much braiding skill.
Divide your hair into two sections and secure each side into a low or mid-height ponytail. Add small elastics down each ponytail, leaving a few inches between them.
Gently pull the hair between the elastics outward to create the bubble shapes. Try to keep the sections similar in size so the two sides look balanced.
Use clear elastics for a simple look or colorful ones for a more playful school hairstyle.
28. Messy Side Braid
A messy side braid is perfect when you want something relaxed and quick.
Bring your hair over one shoulder and loosely braid it all the way down. Secure the end, then gently pull apart a few sections of the braid to give it a fuller shape.
You can leave some face-framing pieces loose instead of pulling every strand into the braid. This is especially easy on naturally wavy or textured hair.
For a little extra detail, tie a small ribbon around the bottom.
29. Heatless Overnight Waves
If you don’t want to use a curling iron before school, try creating your waves the night before.
Start with slightly damp hair and divide it into sections. Twist or braid the sections before going to bed, then gently undo them in the morning.
Run your fingers through the waves rather than brushing them out completely. A small amount of lightweight styling product can help keep the shape in place.
This approach can save time on busy mornings, especially when you already know you have an early start.
30. Simple Everyday Ponytail
Sometimes the easiest hairstyle is the one you’ll actually wear again and again.
Gather your hair into a ponytail at the height that feels comfortable for you. It can be high, medium, or low depending on your preference and hair length.
Smooth the crown with a brush, or leave a little natural texture if you prefer a more relaxed look. Add a scrunchie, bow, ribbon, or simple elastic to finish it.
For an everyday school hairstyle, comfort matters just as much as appearance. Make sure the elastic isn’t pulling too tightly, especially if you’ll be wearing the ponytail for several hours.
