24 Easy Back-to-School Hairstyles for a Fresh Look

Catch your classmates off guard with hairstyles that are playful, polished, and perfectly ‘you.

In our guide, you’ll find Dutch Braided Pigtails, effortlessly neat for those busy school activities, or the whimsical Double Buns that keep your hair out of your face and your style on point.

Practical and chic, these hairstyles suit every occasion, whether it’s the daily grind or a special event.

They offer a fresh start to your school year, keeping hair neat and manageable with minimal fuss.

Curious to find your signature look this year?

Dive into these simple yet stunning styles.

Let’s make your back-to-school transition seamlessly stylish and full of creativity!

24 Easy Back-to-School Hairstyles

1. Dutch Braided Pigtails

Create two braid sections from a middle part for an adorable yet functional look.

Begin at the hairline and braid under the hair, instead of over, to achieve the Dutch braid effect.

Secure the end of each braid with hair ties.

This hairstyle keeps your hair neat throughout the day, making it ideal for school activities.

Adjust the tension for a more relaxed or tight style.

It works well with any hair length past shoulder-length and suits most hair textures.

Keep it in place with a light spritz of hairspray.

2. Bubble Braids

Bubble braids are perfect for a playful yet polished look.

Start by creating a high or low ponytail depending on your preference.

Secure sections of the ponytail with small hair elastics spaced evenly down the length.

Gently tug the hair between the elastics to puff out and create the “bubbles.

” Repeat on additional ponytails if desired.

This style works for any hair length and holds up well during a busy school day.

3. Double Buns

Double buns are a playful and practical choice.

You section your hair down the middle, then twist or braid each section into a bun and secure them at the top or back of your head.

It’s a versatile style suitable for any hair texture.

Ideal for keeping hair out of your face during busy school days, double buns can be dressed up with accessories or left simple for a more casual look.

They’re also a quick hairstyle to create, perfect for hectic mornings.

4. Half-Up Space Buns

Create two small buns at the top of your head while leaving the rest of your hair down.

Part your hair down the middle to separate the top section into two even parts.

Twist or braid each section, then secure them with elastic bands or hair ties into neat buns.

This style is fun and playful, balancing a classic look with a touch of whimsy.

It works well for medium to long hair and keeps your hair out of your face, perfect for a busy school day.

5. Low Textured Ponytail

Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.

Leave a few pieces out to add texture.

Use a curling iron for soft waves if needed.

Secure with an elastic.

Gently tug sections of the ponytail for volume and texture.

Finish with a soft-hold hairspray to keep the style in place all day.

Ideal for busy mornings, this look is practical yet stylish, giving you an effortless appearance.

Perfect for any school day when you want simple yet chic hair.

6. French Braid Ponytail

This hairstyle combines a classic French braid with a high ponytail, giving a polished and practical look.

Start by creating a French braid from your crown, working your way to the nape of your neck.

Gather the remaining hair and secured it into a ponytail.

This style keeps hair out of your face, ideal for busy school days.

It works well with medium to long hair and can be styled on freshly washed or second-day hair for added texture.

Easy to accessorize with ribbons or hair ties for a personalized touch.

7. Half Up Half Down Messy Bun

The half up half down messy bun is a relaxed yet stylish look.

Gather the top section of your hair and secure it into a loose bun at the crown, allowing some tendrils to fall naturally.

Leave the rest of your hair flowing down your back.

It’s perfect for keeping hair out of your face while maintaining a casual vibe.

Suitable for all hair types, it can be dressed up with hair pins or accessories.

Ideal for busy mornings, this hairstyle gives the impression of effortless style and is low maintenance throughout the day.

8. Slick Back Bun

With a slick back bun, you achieve a polished and tidy look.

Start by brushing your hair back to remove any tangles.

Use a styling cream or gel to smooth your hair, pulling it tightly into a ponytail at the back of your head.

Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins or an elastic band.

This hairstyle keeps your hair out of your face, great for focusing on school activities while maintaining a sleek appearance throughout the day.

It’s simple, effective, and gives a neat finish.

9. Twisted Ballerina Bun

Create a stylish and sleek twisted ballerina bun with minimal effort.

Start by making a tight ponytail.

Divide the ponytail into two sections, twist each section, and then wrap them around the base of the ponytail to form a bun.

Secure with bobby pins.

This hairstyle keeps your hair in place all day, perfect for a busy school day.

Its neat appearance suits any outfit and keeps your hair out of your face.

Ideal for those with medium to long hair, it’s a practical choice for classroom comfort.

10. Side Braid

A side braid is a simple yet elegant way to keep your hair neat and stylish.

Start by gathering your hair to one side of your head.

Divide it into three sections, then cross the side strands over the middle one, alternating sides.

Continue until you reach the ends, then secure with a hair tie.

You can make it loose for a casual look or tighten it for a more polished appearance.

This style keeps hair away from your face, making it practical for busy school days.

11. Knotless Box Braids

Knotless Box Braids feature small, square-shaped divisions across your scalp.

Instead of a knot at the base, the stylist feeds in small amounts of braiding hair to reduce tension.

This makes the braids lightweight and more comfortable.

Ideal for low-maintenance styling, knotless braids can last for weeks while offering versatility in how you wear them—up, down, or in a bun.

Perfect for school days as they keep your hair neat and manageable, allowing you to focus on your studies without fuss.

12. Wavy Braided Topknot

This style combines two popular elements.

Braid a section of your hair along the crown, then twist it into a topknot.

Leave the rest of your hair down and add waves for texture.

It’s a chic and practical look, keeping hair out of your face while still offering some style.

Perfect for busy school mornings when you need something quick and trendy.

Adjust the braid and waves based on your hair length and texture for a personalized touch.

13. Beachy Waves

Beachy waves are loose, tousled curls that mimic the natural texture of hair after a day at the beach.

You can achieve this hairstyle by using a curling iron, flat iron, or sea salt spray for added texture.

After curling, gently run your fingers through your hair to break up the curls.

This style adds volume and gives a laid-back, effortless look perfect for school.

Beachy waves work well on medium to long hair and can be adjusted for different hair types.

It’s versatile and low-maintenance, ideal for a quick yet stylish back-to-school update.

14. Fishtails Half Updo

A fishtails half updo combines two fishtail braids that merge at the back of your head to create a playful and practical hairstyle.

Start by parting your hair in half, braid each side into a fishtail braid, and secure them together at the crown.

It’s a great choice for keeping your hair out of your face while still showcasing those intricate braiding skills.

Ideal for those looking for an easy yet trendy look appropriate for school.

15. Curled Ponytail

A curled ponytail adds some flair to a classic look.

Tie your hair back into a ponytail and use a curling iron to create soft curls.

You can adjust the height of the ponytail to suit your style.

High for a sporty vibe, low for something more relaxed.

It’s quick, easy, and keeps hair out of your face while adding a touch of elegance.

A quick spray of hairspray can help maintain the curls throughout your day.

Perfect for those busy school mornings when you want to look polished without much effort.

16. Messy High Ponytail

Gather your hair into a ponytail high on your head.

Secure it with a hair tie, then loosen some sections to create a relaxed, messy look.

Let a few strands fall around your face for added softness.

Ideal for busy mornings when you want style with minimal fuss.

Great for students needing a practical yet trendy look, and it can be paired with any outfit.

The messy high ponytail holds your hair back while keeping the vibe relaxed.

17. Double French Braids

Double French braids keep your hair neat and out of your face, which is handy for a busy school day.

Starting at the top of your head, part your hair down the middle.

Braid each side, adding sections of hair as you go along.

Secure the ends with elastics.

This style works well for all hair types and lengths and stays put throughout the day, making it both practical and stylish.

Perfect for a school routine when you’re short on time.

18. Simple Low Ponytail

A simple low ponytail is quick and practical for busy mornings.

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic band.

This style keeps hair out of your face and maintains a neat appearance throughout the day.

It works well with most hair types and lengths, offering a timeless, understated look that’s appropriate for school.

To switch up the style, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic or add a decorative hair tie.

Perfect for a fresh, pulled-together look with minimal effort.

19. Afro

An Afro is a natural hairstyle where your hair is left to grow out naturally in a curly, full shape around your head.

It’s a versatile look that embraces the natural texture of curly or coily hair.

You can keep it shaped with regular trims and enhance volume with a pick or wide-tooth comb.

Maintenance involves regular moisturizing to prevent dryness and keep your curls defined.

The Afro can be styled in various shapes and sizes to suit your personal preference.

It’s a proud, bold look perfect for expressing your individuality.

20. Silk Press

A silk press gives natural hair a sleek, straight look without chemicals.

It uses a flat iron at the right temperature with minimal product application.

For the best results, start with freshly washed and deep-conditioned hair to minimize heat damage.

You want your hair completely dry and sectioned off before pressing.

A silk press enhances shine and movement, providing a straight look that can last a week or longer if maintained carefully.

Avoid applying too much product afterward to keep the hair from becoming oily or weighed down.

21. Half-Up Braid

The half-up braid combines practicality with style, making it perfect for school.

You gather the top section of your hair and create a braid that falls down your back, leaving the rest free.

This style keeps hair out of your face while still showing off length.

It’s simple to do, ideal for rushed mornings.

You can adjust it depending on hair length and texture.

A fun twist could be adding a ribbon or using a fishtail braid.

Suitable for any school day, it offers a neat look while keeping it a bit playful.

22. Claw Clips Up-Do

Pull your hair into a twist or bun and secure it with a claw clip.

This style works well for any hair length and keeps your hair out of your face.

It’s quick and practical, making it perfect for busy mornings.

Choose a clip that complements your outfit for a cohesive look.

If your hair is thick, opt for a larger clip to hold everything in place.

This up-do offers a laid-back vibe while still appearing polished.

Perfect for school or any casual setting.

23. Celtic Knot Style

The Celtic Knot Style is an intricate braid that resembles traditional Celtic patterns.

Start by sectioning your hair and creating two loose braids.

Wrap these braids around each other to form a knot-like appearance.

Secure with pins to hold the structure.

This style keeps your hair out of your face while adding a unique twist.

It’s especially appealing for medium to long hair, giving a distinctive touch to your everyday look.

Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of creativity with minimal maintenance required throughout the day.

24. Five-Strand Dutch Ponytail

A Five-Strand Dutch Ponytail is a variation of the classic ponytail with a twist.

Instead of the usual three-strand braid, you use five strands to create a more intricate look.

Start by dividing your hair into five sections.

Weave the outer strands under the central strands, creating a braid that appears to sit on top.

As you continue, add new hair to each outer strand before weaving under.

Once completed, secure the braid at the nape of your neck with a hair tie.

This style adds texture and interest, making it ideal for a fresh school look.