The back-to-school energy is different when your hair does the talking before you even utter the word, hi. You know, whether you are beginning 7 th grade, or it is your senior year in high school, or you simply want to make your little one experience that first day of school hair styles kids magic, one thing is certain: the way you do your hair makes the statement. Nothing screams confident like fresh, stylish and slightly you hair.
Then the question is, are you staying sleek, soft, twisted or bold this fall? So, whether you have a short, long, thick, thin, straight, or curly hair, let us stroll through some of the cute, trendy, and yet surprisingly fast and simple ideas by length, texture, and the vibe.
Soft Curls with Half-Twisted Crown
There is something ethereal about this loose and flowing hair down look that is polished enough. Loose half up half crown twist is a beautiful way that does not make you look as though you are trying. The loose curls are moveable, and would be ideal on medium length hair on teens, or even a teeny version of first day of school hairstyles on teens.
To make these waves feel glossy but touchable throughout the day, I would start with a lightweight heat protectant, such as the Color Wow Dream Coat and then seal the deal with the Ouai Wave Spray, never crunchy, always chic. When you desire bounce over stiffness, then this duo becomes your best friend.
The appearance takes me back to my own freshman year of 10th grade when I attempted a similar look and immediately felt like that girl. It is romantic, carefree, and it takes like a dream when you have that golden-hour homeroom light.
And do not be shy about placing a small barrette or pearl pin into the twist to add some sparkle. And sometimes it takes the tiniest bit of added-on to make you feel like you really styled it- not just did your hair.
Heidi Braids with a Cottagecore Vibe
Braids have always been in fashion, but this year, the aesthetic is all about softness and fairytale nostalgia. This halo Dutch braid into a low bun is the sort of braids kids or first day of school hairstyles for kids aspire to. It is traditional and soothing, yet funky enough to pair with sneakers.
The biggest thing with any full-head braid is hold. It is important to always apply the Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo before braiding, it gives it grip and holds everything together, without being sticky. And for flyaways? A toothbrush spritzed with hairspray is the insider move.
I would save this appearance to small children or even black 6 th grade girls with natural or straightened hair-it gets the strands away from the face and allows those features to do the talking. Once I wore something like this to a spring art show, and I received so many compliments of, Did you do that yourself?
Bonus: Undo the braid at the top of the head to prevent helmet-head. The thing that makes this style “sweet” to “statement” is volume.
Sculpted Ponytail with Soft Glam Waves
This style walks the line between polished and playful. These defined waves are best paired with a sculpted mid-level ponytail and is a perfect first day of school hairstyles curly look to those who want hair off the face but still want some glam. It’s giving “prepped for algebra,” but make it pageant-ready.
Keeping curls sculpted like this takes a little effort. I work with a 1.25” barrel curling iron and then pin the curl to set, then brush them out with a boar-bristle paddle. R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray is a magic wand in hold and bounce.
Real talk, this also takes big first day of school hairstyles wig vibes too- you could so do this with a well-fitted heat safe wig in black braids curly textures, and you might as well want the versatility without the long-term investment.
An interlude would switch the whole mood, by the way–so experiment with that based on your mood.
Bubble Braid with a Twist
The bubble braids revival is in full swing more than ever before- and this variation on the original style is by far one of my favorite methods of wearing long straight hair without looking like a princess. It makes it tidy yet dimensional and there is nearly a futuristic feel to the symmetry.
The trick is tension. A little tug at the sides is required to achieve that perfect roundness with each bubble and I am heroic by the use of those tiny clear elastics by Scunci. When it comes to straight hair, a smoothing serum, such as IGK Crybaby, will keep it all snatched and glossy.
I could totally envision this on a 9th grade girl who is going after something between cute and punk- maybe with some silver hoops and a little graphic liner.
And if you were doing this on black braides short, you could readily adjust it with a collection of pre-twisted hair strands and bubble through the length with satin ties to give it a more textured feel. Chic meets clever.
Curly Ponytail with a Bright Headband
So, let us discuss kids curly hair and the ways to make it exciting on the first day without the fuss. The sort of style that will take you through 7th grade short hair to full-on senior selfies is a high ponytail that allows the texture to breathe and a fun pop-of-color headband.
On damp hair, I enjoy applying Miss Jessie Pillow Soft Curls to achieve those springy frizz-free coils. Dry it in a pineapple over night and you are 90 percent through with it in the morning. The rest is about accessorizing smart.
This takes me back to when my cousin needed a style that she could go to when she started 8th grade braids but needed a day off protective styling- this provided her with definition, volume, and freedom.
Add a bright accessory (scrunchie, silk scarf, or satin band) and it’s immediately elevated without being overworked. Perfect if you’re in a rush and still want to look like you tried.
Classic Dutch Side Braid with Face-Framing Layers
This classic side-swept Dutch braid is secure and chic all at once, which is ideal when you need to leave in the early morning and want to have that somewhat-put-together-but-not-trying-too-hard vibe. It is an excellent reference to first day of school hairstyles braids that still expose some natural hair texture around the face, particularly medium hair or even younger braids 9 th grade students who adore softness.
To keep the plait looking tidy you will want to work a small amount of Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine cream through the hair before plaiting. It adds structure without the crunch and has a refined appearance that has freedom of movement.
This braid is the one that rescued me on so many occasions freshman year when I had no energy left yet still desired my chem partner to give me compliments. Bonus: the side positioning gives it a flirtatious asymmetry, but it is not so risque that it would get in trouble with school dress codes.
Make it yours with a colored elastic or clip in extension to give it a small personality. School style needs to be comfortable and authentic to you- not something that makes you feel like you dressed up to the Pinterest board.
