Oh, the smell of fresh pencils and new notebooks! Back to school season always brings a little buzz of excitement, doesn’t it? It’s a time for fresh starts, seeing friends, and, of course, planning those perfect first-day outfits. And what completes any great outfit? A cute hairstyle! As a beauty editor, I know how important it is to feel confident and ready to take on the day, and a fun hairdo can make all the difference.
That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate guide: 26 cute & easy back to school hairstyles for girls. You might know me, Ella Kohn, from TressNails.com. I absolutely love helping women feel beautiful and stylish, and sharing easy ways to achieve great looks is my passion. My goal is to make beauty fun and accessible for everyone.
we believe that everyone deserves to feel their best. When it comes to back to school looks, I’ve got you covered. I’ve handpicked a mix of styles that are not only adorable but also super simple to create, even on those rushed mornings. Whether you have long, short, curly, or straight hair, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. We’re talking braids, buns, ponytails, and twists – all designed to keep hair neat and stylish throughout the school day. Get ready to find your new go-to looks!
26 Cute Back to School Hairstyles
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! I’ve rounded up 26 adorable back to school hairstyles that are perfect for girls of all ages. We have everything from simple ponytails to more intricate braids, but don’t worry, they’re all easy to do. My absolute top pick is coming up at the end of the list, but trust me, you’ll find a new favorite (or two!) as we go through these.
26. Simple Ponytail with Ribbon
You really can’t go wrong with a classic ponytail. It’s timeless and keeps hair neatly pulled back. To make it extra cute for back to school, I love adding a colorful ribbon. It’s such a simple touch but adds a pop of personality. This style works on pretty much any hair type and length that can be pulled into a ponytail.
How to Achieve This Look
Gather hair into a ponytail at your desired height. Secure with an elastic. Tie a ribbon around the elastic or weave it through the base.
25. Half-Up Half-Down with a Twist
This style is a great compromise. It keeps hair out of the face for learning and playing, but still lets some hang down. I like to add a little twist to the top section for some extra detail. This looks especially sweet on medium to long hair.
Styling Tip
Once you’ve twisted the section, secure it with a cute clip or a small, decorative scrunchie.
24. Space Buns
Space buns are just so fun and trendy! They’re a playful way to keep hair up and secure. You can make them sleek or a little messy, depending on the look you’re going for. They work for various hair lengths and textures. For extra sparkle, try adding some hair glitter or tiny braids around the base of the buns.
Variations
You can also do half-up space buns, leaving the bottom section of hair down.
23. Bubble Braids
Bubble braids are a fantastic alternative if traditional braiding feels tricky. They look really cool and are super easy to create. It’s all about creating little “bubbles” of hair down the length. This style looks best on straight or wavy hair to really show off the bubble effect.
Adding Accessories
Use colorful elastics between each bubble for a bright, fun look.
22. Low Bun with Side Part
For a simple yet polished look, a low bun with a side part is perfect. It’s practical for active school days because it stays put. This versatile style works beautifully for all hair types, keeping hair tidy and out of the way.
For a Polished Look
Apply a small amount of smoothing serum to the hair before gathering it into the bun for extra sleekness.
21. High Ponytail with Voluminous Crown
A high ponytail is always a winner, and adding a little volume at the crown gives it extra style. This is a great way to keep hair completely off the neck on warmer days. It works best if you have medium to thick hair to create that lift.
