Back-to-school season is here! Along with fresh notebooks and cute first-day outfits, you’ll need some showstopping back-to-school hairstyles to match.
Whether you’re into intricate hairstyles for the first day of school, like princess braids or space buns, or you’re keeping it low-effort with heatless curls or a messy bun, we’ve rounded up 15 easy back-to-school hairstyles to start your new semester off with a bang.
First Day of School Hairstyles for Long & Medium Hair
While long and medium hair can sometimes look stunning with zero effort, it can also be nice to spruce it up a bit. And the first day of school is the perfect excuse to take it up a notch.
Two French Braid Pigtails
When it comes to cute back-to-school hairstyles, you can’t get more timeless than French braids. This hairstyle keeps your locks fresh and out of your face all day, and suits every outfit from preppy to sporty. All you need is 2 small hair ties and a brush or comb.
Steps:
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Part your hair down the middle.
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French braid each side from the hairline to the nape of the neck.
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Secure the ends with TELETIES small hair ties.
Heatless Curls
Want to look chic but don’t have the energy to actually do your hair in the morning? Heatless curls are the perfect lazy, easy hairstyle for school. And it’s a damage-free way to get bouncy curls perfect for picture day. In fact, it’s so easy, you’ll be opting for this hairstyle all year round.
Steps:
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Lightly dampen your hair.
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Divide your hair into sections and braid or twist each one.
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Secure with small silk scrunchies or small hair ties and leave overnight.
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Release in the morning and finger-comb to create loose curls.
Or, learn more by checking out our blog, 3 Easy-to-Do Hairstyles That Create Heatless Waves.
Pigtail Braids
Fun and youthful, this back-to-school hairstyle is super adaptable. Style it with a cute outfit for casual days at school, or add some colorful hair ties to make it work for a sporty school day. All you need is 2 tiny hair ties and a good brush.
Steps:
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Part your hair down the middle.
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Create 2 simple 3-strand braids on each side.
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Secure the ends with tiny hair ties.
Check out our blog, Medium Length Back-to-School Hairstyles, for some more inspiration!
First Day of School Hairstyles for Short Hair
Short hair is the perfect blank canvas for back-to-school hairstyles. You can add accessories for a touch of glam, or you can keep it simple and polished with an understated low bun.
Down & Natural with a Headband
Looking for cute, lazy hairstyles for school? Keep it casual with a relaxed, pretty headband to keep hair off your face. All you need is a spiral headband and, if you want, a curling wand.
Steps:
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Tousle your hair lightly to create texture or use a curler for a more polished look.
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Place a TELETIES headband over the crown to keep the front pieces in place.
Double Mini Claw Clip Twists
Claw clips are all the rage at the moment — and why not?! They’re such a cute addition to any back-to-school hairstyle. Mini claw clips are a great alternative that pull your hair back in a playful way. For short hairstyles, they’re also a fun way to add interest to your hairstyle. You just need 2 to 4 TELETIES tiny claw clips.
Steps:
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Part your hair down the middle.
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Take a small section from each side, twist back, and secure with tiny claw clips.
Low Bun
You can’t get more chic and polished than a low bun. Whether you pair it with a matching set for an elegant aesthetic, or you’re donning a tight tee and bright trackpants, a low bun can take your look to the next level. As long as you have hair that reaches your nape, you can do a low bun as your cute back-to-school hairstyle. You just need a small hair tie and some clips.
If you want your low bun to be a braid, that’s easy too. Learn how, in our blog, 8 Easy Steps to do a Low Braided Bun.
Steps:
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Gather your hair into a low ponytail and twist.
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Coil into a bun and secure with a small hair tie.
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Pin any loose ends with snap hair clips.
Back-to-School Hairstyles that Last all Day
After a summer of kicking back, suddenly you’re in school again, and the days seem longer than ever. Here are some foolproof hairdos that’ll take you through to the final bell, and beyond.
Space Buns
Not only are space buns playful and cute, they’re also super long-lasting. That makes them great for energetic school days. They’ll take you from first period to after-school sports without budging an inch. All you need is 2 small hair ties and a brush to create this first-day-of-school hairstyle.
Steps:
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Part your hair down the middle.
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Create 2 high ponytails and twist them into buns.
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Secure each one with TELETIES small hair ties.
Top Knot
The elegant older sister of a messy bun, a good top knot will stay perched atop your head all day through every class. Simply grab a large hair tie and smoothing gel to create this hairstyle for the first day of school.
Steps:
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Brush your hair into a high ponytail.
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Twist your hair into a tight bun and secure it with a large hair tie.
See more ways to wear this classic style and take your top knot a step further with our guide, 3 Ways to do a Top Knot Bun.
Slick Back Ponytail
There’s a reason the slicked-back pony is a go-to style for runways and high-fashion shoots. It looks chic and refined with minimal effort. And it stays put all day, so it's perfect for a back-to-school hairstyle. All you need is a small hair tie, some smoothing gel, and a brush.
Steps:
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Apply the gel and brush your hair straight back.
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Gather and secure it in a mid or high ponytail with a small hair tie.
Cute First Day of School Hairstyles for Girls
It’s your first day back after a summer away, so of course you want to look cute. Here are some ideas for a showstopping hairdo to ring in the school year.
Bubble Braids
For a fun way to keep a little bit of summer energy going into the school year, you can’t beat bubble braids. Choose TELETIES in your favorite color and incorporate them into this cute, lazy hairstyle for school. Reach for 4 to 6 tiny hair ties and a brush.
Steps:
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Gather your hair into a ponytail.
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Add tiny hair ties every 2 inches and gently pull each section of hair into “bubbles.”
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Add some tiny open claw clips to the bubbles for an extra touch.
Need a more in-depth explanation? Read our blog, How to do a Bubble Braid, for more!
Half-Up, Half-Down Ponytail
This one has been a classic for decades. A half-up, half-down ponytail is a sweet style that keeps hair off the face while showing off length. Add a ribbon or clip to take it from classic to cool in an instant. All you need is a flat round or flat square hair clip and a brush.
Steps:
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Take the top half of the hair and secure it at the crown.
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Leave the rest down.
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Add a small scrunchie or ribbon for a touch of sophistication.
Princess Braid
A fairy-tale inspired braid is perfect for those special school days — like your first day back after break, when you want to make an impression. All you need are some tiny hair ties and an optional ribbon.
Steps:
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Braid a small section of hair from each side of your head.
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Join them at the back with a hair tie, letting the rest of the hair flow.
Read our blog, The 5 Best Back-to-School Hairstyles for Girls, to get some more ideas on hairstyles for your girl’s first day!
Lazy Girl Easy Hairstyles for Busy Mornings
These lazy, easy hairstyles for school are for all the girlies out there who are simply not morning people. If you want to roll out of bed — but still look put together — add these simple hairstyles to your rotation.
Messy Bun
You can’t beat a messy bun. It’s a 2-minute style (if that!) and it looks effortlessly chic, pairing with any outfit. You just need a small or large hair tie.
Steps:
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Gather your hair into a high ponytail.
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Twist into a loose bun and secure with a hair tie.
Clipped Back & Down
This cute back-to-school hairstyle is the holy grail if you want to wear your hair down, but don’t want it to get in your way. It’s simple but practical, and super easy to execute. Simply grab some TELETIES snap hair clips or rectangle flat hair clips and you’re ready to get creative!
Steps:
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Wear your hair down. Straighten or add a wave with a curler, if you like.
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Clip back each side above the ears.
French Clip Hair Twist
There’s nothing more elegant than a French twist. And thankfully, it couldn’t be easier to pull off. All you need is a French twist hair clip. Just make sure it’s a cute one, like our large classic claw clip or a large open claw clip.
Steps:
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Gather your hair at the nape and twist upward.
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Secure with a claw clip and let the ends fan out.
Love a cute claw clip and keen to use it for more stunning looks? Check out our blog, 7 Easy-to-Do Claw Clip Hairstyles, for more inspo!
Back-to-School Final Tips for Great Hair Days
Here are some surefire tips to look your best for your first day back.
Prep Your Hair the Night Before for Easy Mornings
Save time in the morning by washing and styling at night. There are so many easy and cute back-to-school hairstyles that can be done the night before. For example, braid your hair or use silk scrunchies to create heatless waves without creases or damage. Wake up, shake out your locks, and you’re good to go.
Keep a Hair Emergency Kit in Your Backpack
Be ready for anything. Pack a few small TELETIES hair accessories, clips, and hair ties into our teletote, which you can easily stash in your backpack.
Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Styles Midday with TELETIES
Keep them guessing! Start the day with your hair down and clipped back, then twist it into a bun or claw clip updo for the afternoon. TELETIES makes sure your hair sees no dents and no damage, no matter what style you go for.
FAQs
What hairstyles should I do on the first day of school?
Your back-to-school hairstyles should make a good first impression! Think polished but effortless, like bubble braids, a cute half-up, half-down look, or a sleek pony. Basically: put-together without trying too hard.
How do I do quick and easy hairstyles for school?
For a quick and easy back-to-school hairstyle that doesn’t look lazy, TELETIES hair accessories are your best friend. A claw clip, a TELETIES hair tie, or a headband can turn a messy head of hair into a cute look in 30 seconds flat. Opt for messy buns or low ponies for minimal effort but high elegance.
What is the best hairstyle for schoolgirls?
The best hairstyles for the first day of school include anything that’s comfy, lasts through the day, and keeps hair out of your face. Braids, pigtails, and ponytails are classics for a reason.
Can I make school hairstyles last all day?
For the ultimate, long-lasting back-to-school hairstyle, you just need 2 things: strong-hold hair ties (like TELEIES) and a good texturizing spray. These will keep hairstyles in place from the first bell to after-school pickup.