Back to school hairstyles should look cute, feel comfortable, and take very little time. This guide gives you 27 simple ideas that help kids and teens get out the door fast and still feel confident.
Each easy style works for real mornings, not picture day only. You get clear steps, time-saving tips, and visual ideas for many hair types and lengths.
Sleek High Ponytail
A sleek high ponytail is a classic back to school hairstyle that keeps hair out of the face. It looks polished but takes only a few minutes.
Brush hair up toward the crown and smooth bumps with a little gel or cream. Secure with a firm hair tie and wrap a small section of hair around the base for a clean finish.
This style works well for straight, wavy, and relaxed hair. It stays neat in class, during sports, and on windy days.
You can add a thin headband or scrunchie that matches the school outfit for a fun detail.
For busy mornings, prep the night before with a quick blowout or detangle session. In the morning you only need to smooth and secure.
This ponytail also helps show off earrings or glasses, which many students like.
Messy Top Knot
A messy top knot makes rushed mornings feel easy. Hair goes up and stays up, and a few flyaways just add to the look.
Gather hair at the top of the head and twist it into a loose bun. Secure with an elastic and a couple of bobby pins, then pull small pieces out for a relaxed feel.
This back to school hairstyle works for straight, wavy, and curly hair. It hides second-day or third-day hair very well.
You can spray a little dry shampoo at the roots first to add grip and volume.
Students who do sports or dance love this top knot because it does not swing into their eyes. The bun also fits under most hats and hoodies.
You can dress it up with a scrunchie or silk scarf when picture day comes.
Classic Low Ponytail with Ribbon
A low ponytail with a ribbon feels sweet and timeless for school days. It keeps hair controlled but still looks soft.
Brush hair back into a ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure with an elastic. Tie a ribbon or thin scarf around the base to cover the band.
This style works for straight and wavy hair and for many lengths. It is gentle on the scalp, so it suits younger kids too.
You can match the ribbon color to school uniforms or favorite outfits.
To keep the ponytail smooth, add a small amount of leave-in conditioner or serum to the length. This stops frizz and adds shine.
The low height also makes this a good choice for kids who lean back in chairs a lot or ride buses.
Half-Up Half-Down Twist
A half-up half-down twist gives the best of both worlds. Hair stays out of the face, but the rest falls naturally.
Take two small sections from each side of the head, twist them back, and secure them together with a small elastic or clip. Leave the rest of the hair loose.
This back to school hairstyle works for straight, wavy, and curly textures. It looks soft and romantic without feeling too formal.
You can add a small braid to each side before twisting for extra detail.
This style also grows with the child. It suits elementary students, middle schoolers, and high schoolers too.
Use a light curl cream on waves or curls to define the loose part and reduce frizz through the school day.
Simple Side Braid
A simple side braid looks cute and keeps hair controlled on one side. It is easy for kids to learn and style on their own.
Gather hair over one shoulder and divide into three equal sections. Cross the outer sections over the middle until the braid reaches the ends, then tie with an elastic.
The side position makes this braid more visible in photos and selfies. It works for medium to long hair and many textures.
Students can loosen the braid slightly for a softer, fuller look.
You can add a small bow or bright elastic to the end for extra charm. This helps younger kids enjoy getting ready.
Use a tiny amount of styling cream to keep small flyaways from popping out during the day.
Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids look sporty and strong while keeping hair fully tucked away. This back to school hairstyle stays put even during PE.
Part hair down the middle and clip one side away. On the loose side, pick three small sections near the hairline and cross them under the middle while adding hair as you move back.
Repeat on the other side so you end up with two tight braids. Secure both with small elastics at the ends.
This style works well for straight, wavy, and curly hair and can last more than one day.
Double Dutch braids also help stretch natural curls and coils gently. They can protect hair from tangles and friction with backpacks.
Light gel or mousse helps braids stay smooth, especially near the hairline.
Low Bun with Middle Part
A low bun with a middle part looks calm and stylish. It gives a neat profile for students who like a tidy look.
Part the hair down the center and smooth each side back. Gather the hair at the nape, twist it into a bun, and secure with an elastic and pins.
This back to school hairstyle works well for straight, wavy, and relaxed hair. It flatters glasses and frames the face evenly.
You can keep it tight for a sleek style or slightly loose for a softer effect.
Use a fine-tooth comb and light gel to smooth flyaways along the part. This helps the style last all day.
Add a simple barrette above the bun for a little shine without feeling too fancy.
Headband Puff for Natural Curls
A headband puff is perfect for natural curls and coils. It shows off volume while keeping curls away from the face.
Start on moisturized hair and slide a stretchy headband or puff cuff up from the neck to the crown. Stop when curls form a full puff on top.
This back to school hairstyle protects edges and gives a cute, round shape. It works well for short to medium lengths of natural hair.
Use edge control on the hairline for a smooth frame around the puff.
Students can pick headbands in school colors or bold prints. This adds personality without extra effort in the morning.
A light oil or cream keeps the puff soft and defined through the day.
Quick Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail looks fun and trendy for school. It turns a simple ponytail into something a little extra.
Tie hair into a mid or high ponytail. Add small elastics every few inches down the length, then gently tug between each elastic to create rounded bubbles.
This hairstyle works best on medium to long hair. It works for straight, wavy, and slightly curly hair.
Students can use clear elastics for a subtle look or colorful ones for more impact.
A bubble ponytail stays secure during class and playtime. It also looks great in photos and videos.
Use a light hairspray on each bubble to keep the shape from falling flat.
Claw Clip Twist
A claw clip twist is one of the fastest back to school hairstyles. It works especially well on medium and long hair.
Gather hair at the back as if making a low ponytail. Twist the hair upward, fold it, and secure the twist with a large claw clip in the middle or at the top.
Some ends can stick out of the clip for a casual look. This feels light on the head and takes under a minute to do.
You can use a neutral clip for a clean style or a bright one for more fun.
Students who remove their hoodie or jacket often like this style. The clip does not pull much and goes back in easily if it shifts.
This hairstyle also keeps hair off the neck, which helps on warm days.
Braided Headband Style
A braided headband hairstyle keeps hair away from the face without using an actual headband. It looks sweet and stays in place.
Take a small section of hair from behind one ear and braid it toward the other side. Bring it across the top of the head and pin behind the opposite ear.
Leave the rest of the hair loose or in soft waves. This creates the look of a headband made of hair.
It works for straight and wavy textures best, on medium to long lengths.
This back to school hairstyle suits picture days and special events. It still feels simple enough for normal class days.
Light hairspray keeps the braid smooth and flat on the head.
Half-Up Space Buns
Half-up space buns give a playful, creative look for school. They keep hair out of the face while leaving length free.
Part the hair down the middle on top and section off the upper half. Twist each top section into a small bun and secure with elastics or pins.
Leave the bottom half of the hair loose and combed. This style works for straight, wavy, and curly hair.
You can add small clips or glittery scrunchies for extra fun.
Kids and teens who like unique styles love half-up space buns. This back to school hairstyle looks great in photos with friends.
Use a bit of gel on the roots to keep the top smooth and let the lower half stay natural.
Low Braided Pigtails
Low braided pigtails bring a cute, classic school feel. They hold hair neatly on both sides of the head.
Part hair down the middle all the way to the nape and brush each side smooth. Braid each side from just below the ear down to the ends and secure with elastics.
This hairstyle works for younger kids and older students who like a soft, simple look. It suits straight, wavy, and moderately curly hair.
You can leave the braids tight or pull them out slightly for more volume.
Low braids fit under hats, hoods, and sports helmets easily. They also keep hair from knotting on windy days.
Use small bows or ribbons at the ends to tie in school spirit colors.
Sleek Braided Ponytail
A sleek braided ponytail combines polish with stay-all-day power. It looks sharp for older students and teens.
First, brush hair into a high or mid ponytail and smooth with gel or cream. Then braid the ponytail length down and secure with an elastic.
This back to school hairstyle resists tangles and frizz. It works for straight, wavy, and relaxed hair.
You can wrap a small piece of hair around the base to hide the elastic and pin it in place.
For extra shine, use a little serum on the braid surface. This keeps the braid smooth through a full school day.
The style stays put in sports and clubs too, which saves restyling time.
Curly Pineapple Updo
A curly pineapple updo is perfect for protecting curls at school. It shows off volume and shape in a fun way.
Gather all curls at the very top front of the head and secure with a soft elastic or scarf. Let curls fall forward and to the sides like a pineapple top.
This back to school hairstyle works best for medium and long curls and coils. It reduces friction from collars and backpacks.
Use a satin scrunchie to help prevent breakage.
Students can pair this look with cute earrings and glasses. It leaves the face open and bright.
Apply curl cream or mousse first to define curls and cut down on frizz.
Easy Fishtail Braid
An easy fishtail braid looks detailed but takes only a few minutes with practice. It brings a boho feel to back to school hairstyles.
Gather hair into a low ponytail and secure with a small elastic. Split the ponytail into two sections, then move thin pieces from the outer edge of one section to the other until you reach the ends.
Tie the braid with another elastic and snip off the first one near the top. Gently pull on sections to make the braid look fuller.
This style works best on medium to long straight or wavy hair.
Students who like creative styles but short prep time enjoy this braid. It looks great with a simple sweater or dress.
Use a bit of texturizing spray first so the hair grips and does not slip while braiding.
Short Hair Half-Up Clip
Short hair still has great back to school hairstyle options. A half-up clip style is fast and chic.
Take the top section of hair from temples to crown and gather it at the back. Secure with a cute barrette or mini claw clip.
Leave the lower half loose and brushed. This style works well for bobs, lobs, and chin-length cuts.
It keeps hair off the face without needing a full ponytail.
Students can swap clips to match outfits or mood. Sparkly clips feel fun, and matte ones look minimal.
A light spritz of hairspray helps short layers stay in place around the clip.
School-Ready French Braid
A single French braid is a classic, practical school style. It keeps hair tidy from homeroom through after-school clubs.
Start near the top of the head with three small sections. Cross side sections over the middle while adding more hair each time until you reach the nape, then finish as a regular braid.
Secure with an elastic and gently tug the sides for a softer look. This back to school hairstyle works for straight and wavy textures.
It is comfortable under hats and headphones.
Students who ride bikes or buses like the way this braid resists tangles. It also keeps hair off the neck in warm weather.
Use a leave-in conditioner spray before braiding to protect hair and add slip.
Rope Braided Ponytail
A rope braided ponytail looks sleek and modern. It is easier to do than it appears.
Tie hair into a mid ponytail and split it into two sections. Twist each section in the same direction, then wrap them around each other in the opposite direction and secure the end.
The twist locks in place and resists unraveling. This style suits straight and wavy hair best.
You can wear it high, mid, or low based on comfort.
This back to school hairstyle works well for days with sports or labs. It keeps hair fully contained and off the shoulders.
A bit of gel or cream on the sections before twisting helps keep the rope braid smooth.
Protective Box Braids Ponytail
For students with box braids, a high or low ponytail changes the look quickly. It turns long protective braids into a sporty back to school hairstyle.
Gather all braids into a ponytail at the crown or nape and secure with a large elastic. Wrap one braid around the base to hide the band if desired.
This style keeps braids off the face while still showing length. It works for long-lasting protective sets.
Students can switch between ponytails, buns, or wearing braids down through the week.
Decorative beads and cuffs on the braids add personality to the ponytail. They show movement when the student walks.
Use a soft scarf at night to protect edges and keep the base smooth for the next day.
Bandana or Scarf Top Knot
A top knot wrapped with a bandana or scarf gives fast style impact. It is perfect for second-day or third-day hair.
Pull hair into a high bun on the top of the head and secure. Fold a bandana or thin scarf into a long strip, wrap it around the base, and tie a knot or bow.
This back to school hairstyle works for straight, wavy, and curly hair. It hides frizzy roots and flyaways nicely.
Students can pick prints that match their outfits or show their favorite colors.
The scarf also helps support the bun and keeps it from sagging. It spreads pressure more gently across the head.
Use a few pins through the scarf and bun if school days involve a lot of movement.
Simple Slicked Back Bun
A slicked back bun is clean, quick, and very low fuss. It gives a put-together look for exams, presentations, or any school day.
Brush hair straight back, adding gel or styling cream for hold. Gather it at the nape or mid-head, twist into a bun, and secure with an elastic and pins.
This back to school hairstyle works for almost every hair type that can be gathered into a bun. It keeps the focus on the face.
You can pair it with simple studs or small hoops.
To avoid tension, do not pull the bun too tight. Students can adjust to a comfortable firmness that still stays neat.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray for all-day control.
Twisted Low Ponytail
A twisted low ponytail looks elegant but takes almost no time. It is a nice upgrade from a basic pony.
Gather hair into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic. Above the elastic, split the hair to make a small opening and flip the ponytail up and through that gap to create a twist.
Gently tighten the twist and smooth the length. This back to school hairstyle works well on straight and wavy hair.
You can add a barrette or clip just above the twist for detail.
Students can wear this style with casual clothes or dressier outfits. It looks good from the back in class or in photos.
Use a bit of serum or cream on the loose ponytail to keep it soft and tidy.
Pull-Through Braid
A pull-through braid gives a big, full braid look without complex weaving. It works well for thick or fine hair.
Make a series of small ponytails down the back of the head. Split the top ponytail in two, pull the next ponytail through the split, and secure the two split pieces around it, then repeat.
The result looks like a chunky braid. This back to school hairstyle holds shape all day.
You can pancake the sections by pulling them out gently for extra volume.
Pull-through braids look amazing in photos for events or spirit days. They also keep hair controlled for younger kids.
Use clear elastics for a polished look or colored ones for more fun.
Natural Wash-and-Go with Headband
For students with curls, a natural wash-and-go with a headband gives speed and style. It shows texture with minimal steps in the morning.
Start on clean, conditioned hair and apply curl cream or gel evenly. Scrunch and let curls air dry or diffuse the night before.
In the morning, slide on a soft fabric headband behind the hairline to keep curls out of the face. Fluff the roots with fingers for volume.
This back to school hairstyle respects natural texture and avoids heat.
Students can choose thin, wide, printed, or solid headbands. The accessory switches up the look with almost no time.
Light oil or spray refresh helps curls stay defined between wash days.
Braided Crown for Long Hair
A braided crown wraps hair around the head in a soft, romantic style. It looks more complex than it is.
Part hair down the middle and create a braid on each side starting near the ear. Bring each braid up and over the head and pin them in place like a crown, tucking ends under.
The result is a halo of braids that keeps hair off the neck and face. This back to school hairstyle works best for long straight or wavy hair.
You can leave some face-framing pieces loose for a gentle finish.
Students may enjoy this look for school events, concerts, or presentations. It still holds up on a regular day too.
Use small, hidden pins and a bit of hairspray to keep the braids secure.
Quick Accent Braids for Loose Hair
Accent braids add interest to loose hair with almost no extra time. They work on many lengths and textures.
Leave most of the hair down, brushed, or lightly waved. Take one or two small sections near the temples and braid them tight, then secure with tiny elastics.
These mini braids frame the face and give a boho school vibe. They suit straight, wavy, and curly hair.
Students can add small beads or cuffs to the ends for more detail.
This back to school hairstyle keeps the main length free for movement. It still keeps a bit of hair controlled near the face.
Use a light mist of texturizing spray to help the small braids hold and to give the loose hair some grip.
How can I make back to school hairstyles last all day?
Use a small amount of gel, cream, or mousse at the roots and along braids or ponytails before you style. Finish with light hairspray to lock in the look without making hair stiff.
What are the fastest back to school hairstyles for busy mornings?
Top knots, claw clip twists, sleek ponytails, and half-up clips are some of the fastest options. Each usually takes under five minutes once you know the steps.
How do I choose a school hairstyle that fits my hair type?
Look at styles based on texture first, such as puffs and pineapple updos for curls or claw clip twists for straight hair. Pick looks that do not fight your natural pattern and that feel comfortable.
Are tight styles bad for kids’ hair?
Very tight styles can cause tension on the scalp and edges over time. It is best to keep ponytails, buns, and braids snug but not painful and to change part lines often.
What products help with frizz during the school day?
Leave-in conditioner, light curl cream, and anti-frizz serum help a lot. Apply a small amount on damp hair and avoid heavy products that weigh hair down.
How can students with very thick hair save time in the morning?
Do some prep at night, such as braiding, banding, or stretching thick hair. In the morning, turn that base into fast styles like buns, ponytails, or puffs.
What are good protective back to school hairstyles?
Box braids, twists, Dutch braids, French braids, and puffs all protect ends from friction. These styles help reduce daily heat and combing damage.
How often should kids change their school hairstyles?
Students can change simple daily styles as often as they like, as long as hair and scalp feel healthy. For tighter or protective styles, aim for a break after a few weeks and keep the scalp clean and moisturized.
Conclusion
Back to school hairstyles do not need to be hard or time consuming to look great. With a few reliable styles, kids and teens can feel confident and ready before the first bell.
From quick ponytails and buns to braids and protective looks, this list gives options for many hair types, ages, and routines. Pick a few favorites, keep basic tools and products on hand, and turn rushed mornings into easy style moments.