Okay, real talk—there’s something about the first day back to school that hits different. New notebooks? Check. Cute outfit? Absolutely. But the hair? That’s where the magic really happens. Your hairstyle is literally the first thing people notice, and if you show up looking like you just rolled out of a salon (even if you totally didn’t), you’ve already won.
Whether you’re aiming for “effortlessly cool,” “I woke up like this,” or full-on “main character energy,” I’ve got you covered. These 15 back-to-school hairstyles are easy enough to do before your morning coffee kicks in, but trust me—they look anything but basic. Let’s get into it.
1. The Sleek Low Bun (AKA Quiet Luxury Hair)
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This is THE look if you want to scream sophistication without actually screaming. A sleek low bun sits right at the nape of your neck and gives off those clean-girl, got-my-life-together vibes—even if you’re running on four hours of sleep.
Here’s the move: brush your hair back with a boar bristle brush (game changer for smoothness), slick it down with a lightweight gel or styling cream, and secure it into a low bun. Use bobby pins that match your hair color because visible pins? We’re not doing that anymore. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to tame flyaways, and you’re golden.
Why you’ll love it: It stays put all day, works for literally every hair texture with the right products, and makes you look like you have your entire semester planned out. Spoiler—you probably don’t, but they don’t need to know that.
2. Curtain Bangs + Natural Waves
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Curtain bangs are still having a moment, and honestly? They deserve it. There’s something so effortlessly French-girl about them, and when you pair them with loose, natural waves, it’s chef’s kiss.
If you already have curtain bangs, you’re halfway there. If not, maybe bookmark this for your next salon visit. For the waves, wrap sections of hair around a 1.5-inch curling iron (or use a flat iron if you’re feeling fancy with the technique), then shake them out with your fingers. No brushing—we want that lived-in, “I didn’t try too hard” texture. A bit of texturizing spray adds that piecey definition that keeps things from looking too polished.
This look is peak “I’m cool but approachable,” and it works whether you’re sitting in AP Lit or grabbing coffee after school. Plus, those bangs frame your face in the most flattering way possible.
3. The High Pony with Volume
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Listen, a high ponytail will never go out of style, but we’re not talking about the sad, flat version you threw together in gym class. We’re talking volume, baby.
Start by teasing the crown of your hair—just a little!—to create height. Then, brush everything up into a high ponytail and secure it with a strong elastic. Here’s the secret: gently pull at the crown to lift it even more and create that rounded, voluminous shape. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it, and pin it underneath. Boom, instant polish.
Want extra points? Curl the ponytail itself with a curling wand for bouncy, flirty ends. This hairstyle means business but also knows how to have fun, you know?
4. Braided Headband
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This one’s for when you want to look like you put in effort but actually spent less than five minutes on your hair. A braided headband is basically a cheat code for “cute and put-together.”
Take a small section of hair from behind one ear, braid it (regular three-strand is fine, nothing fancy), and pin it across the top of your head like a headband, securing it behind your opposite ear. Leave the rest of your hair down—straight, wavy, whatever you’re feeling. You can even pull out a few face-framing pieces for that soft, romantic vibe.
Why it works: It keeps hair out of your face during class (because leaning over your desk with hair in your eyes? No thanks), and it looks way more intricate than it actually is. People will think you’re a braiding wizard. Let them.
5. Space Buns (But Make It Chic)
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Space buns had their Coachella moment, but here’s the thing—they’re actually perfect for school when you style them right. We’re going for polished space buns, not festival chaos.
Part your hair down the middle and create two high pigtails. Twist each section and wrap it around the base to form a bun, securing with bobby pins. The key is keeping them neat and tight—loose, messy space buns can read more “I gave up” than “I’m trendy.” Smooth down any flyaways with a bit of gel or edge control.
This look is playful without being over-the-top, and it’s surprisingly practical for long school days. Plus, if you’re into Y2K fashion (and who isn’t right now?), this pairs perfectly with that aesthetic.
6. Half-Up, Half-Down with a Twist
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The half-up, half-down is a classic for a reason, but let’s add a literal twist to keep things interesting. Instead of just pulling back the top section, twist it as you go.
Take sections from each side of your head, twist them back toward the crown, and secure them together with a clear elastic or decorative clip. The twist adds texture and detail that makes this look feel more intentional. Leave the bottom half loose and flowing—add some waves or curls if you’re feeling it.
This style is perfect for those days when you can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down, so you just… do both. Problem solved.
7. Low Pigtails (Yes, Really)
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Hear me out—low pigtails are making a comeback, and they’re giving major cool-girl energy. We’re talking pigtails that sit at the base of your neck, not the high, bouncy ones from elementary school.
Part your hair down the middle (or slightly off-center for a modern twist) and create two low ponytails. Keep them sleek or add some texture with a sea salt spray before securing. You can even wrap a small section of hair around each elastic for a polished finish.
IMO, this look is underrated. It’s unexpected, it’s easy, and it has this effortless, editorial vibe that makes you look like you know something everyone else doesn’t.
8. The Messy Top Knot
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Sometimes you need a hairstyle that says, “I’m here to learn, but I’m also too cool to care.” Enter: the messy top knot.
Flip your head upside down, gather all your hair at the crown, and twist it into a loose bun. Secure with an elastic, and here’s the important part—don’t try to make it perfect. Pull out a few pieces around your face, let some bits stick out, and embrace the undone vibe. This is supposed to look like you threw it together in 30 seconds (even if it took you three tries to get it right).
It’s the ultimate “I woke up late but still look cute” hairstyle, and it works for literally everything from class to study sessions to last-minute hangouts.
9. Sleek Side Part with Tucked Ear
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This one’s SO simple but looks so expensive. All you need is a sleek side part and a single bobby pin.
Create a deep side part—we’re talking like 80/20 here—and brush your hair smooth with some shine serum. Take the hair on the smaller side and tuck it behind your ear, securing it with a bobby pin right at your temple. The other side flows freely, covering part of your face in that mysterious, glamorous way.
This hairstyle is giving Old Hollywood meets modern minimalism, and it’s perfect for when you want to look polished without doing anything complicated. Plus, it shows off your earrings if you’re wearing cute ones (which you should be).
10. Bubble Ponytail
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If you want something fun and Instagram-worthy, the bubble ponytail is calling your name. It looks way harder than it actually is, which is always a win.
Create a regular ponytail—high or low, your choice. Then, add elastics down the length of the ponytail at even intervals (every 2-3 inches works). Gently pull at each section between the elastics to create those signature “bubble” shapes. The more you fluff them, the better they look.
This style is playful, trendy, and honestly just fun to look at. It’s perfect for days when you’re feeling a little extra but don’t want to commit to anything too serious. Also? It photographs really well.
11. Classic French Braid
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Never underestimate the power of a perfectly executed French braid. It’s timeless, it’s practical, and it makes you look like you actually know what you’re doing with your hair.
Start at your hairline and French braid down the back of your head, incorporating new sections as you go. Secure at the ends with an elastic, and if you want a softer look, gently pull at the edges of the braid to loosen it up a bit. This is called “pancaking,” and it makes the braid look fuller and more romantic.
Why everyone loves this: It keeps your hair completely secured (no touching or adjusting needed), it looks intricate, and it works for literally any occasion. School, sports practice, fancy dinner with your parents—the French braid does it all.
12. Textured Lob (Just-Out-of-Bed Waves)
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If you’ve got a lob (long bob), this is your moment. Textured, beachy waves on a lob length are peak cool-girl vibes, and they’re shockingly easy to achieve.
Spritz damp hair with a salt spray, scrunch it with your hands, and let it air-dry. If you’re impatient (same), use a diffuser on low heat while scrunching. The goal is that tousled, I-just-came-back-from-the-beach texture that looks effortless but intentional.
This style works whether you’re growing out a bob or just love that shoulder-length sweet spot. It’s low-maintenance, it’s stylish, and it gives “I’m naturally cool” even if you’re secretly stressing about your math test.
13. Double Dutch Braids
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Double Dutch braids are THE sporty-chic hairstyle, and they’re having a serious moment right now. They’re basically French braids but reversed, which gives them that raised, 3D effect.
Part your hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids (braiding under instead of over as you add sections). Secure at the ends and you’re done. If you want to soften the look, pull out a few face-framing pieces before you start braiding.
This hairstyle is perfect for active days—gym class, sports practice, or just running around between classes. It looks sporty but also lowkey trendy, especially if you’re into athleisure fashion. Plus, it stays put no matter what you’re doing.
14. The Claw Clip Updo
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Claw clips are back, and honestly, they never should’ve left. A claw clip updo is the easiest way to look put-together when you literally have two minutes to spare.
Gather your hair at the back of your head (mid-height works best), twist it loosely, and secure with a large claw clip. Let some pieces fall naturally—this isn’t meant to be super tight or structured. You can also pull out a few strands around your face for a softer, more romantic vibe.
This is the “I’m running late but still need to look cute” hairstyle, and it works every single time. Bonus: claw clips come in so many colors and styles now, so you can match them to your outfit or mood.
15. High Bun with Wrapped Scarf
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
Want to take a basic high bun and make it feel special? Add a silk scarf, and suddenly you’re the main character in a coming-of-age movie.
Create a high bun (messy or sleek, whatever you prefer), then wrap a silk or satin scarf around the base of the bun and tie it in a bow. Let the ends flow down for that extra flair. You can also wrap the scarf around your head headband-style, before creating the bun—both ways work.
This look is chic, it’s trendy, and it adds a pop of color or pattern to your whole vibe. Plus, silk scarves are having a major fashion moment right now, so you’re basically just being on-trend.
There you have it—15 back-to-school hairstyles that’ll have you feeling confident, stylish, and ready to take on whatever the semester throws at you. Whether you’re into sleek and polished or messy and undone, there’s something here for every vibe and every skill level.
The best part? These styles are practical enough for real life but cute enough that you’ll actually want to wear them. Because let’s be real—your hair should make you feel amazing, not stressed. Now go ahead and screenshot your favorites, practice them this weekend, and show up on the first day looking like the absolute icon you are.
