35 Best Back to School Hairstyles (Easy & Trendy)

OMG, back-to-school season always got me hyped but also low-key stressed, especially when it came to my hair.

I remember being a teen and waking up extra early just to make sure my hair was on point.

Like, you know that feeling when you want to look cute all day but don’t wanna deal with it getting all messy by lunchtime? Yeah, that was me.

So now, when I think of back-to-school hairstyles – like school braids that saved my day – I’m all about those cute yet low-maintenance looks that actually last through the day.

Like sleek ponytails, braids, or even those trendy half-up, half-down styles with a cute clip. The goal is to slay all day with minimal effort—because let’s be real, who has time to fix their hair between classes?

So, let’s look at the best and easy AND trendy back to school hairstyles that will last all day and make you look like all put together.

Cute Hairstyles for School

When it cam to cute hairstyles for school, I was all about keeping it stylish but simple.

I loved a good half-up, half-down look with a little twist or braid—it’s like the perfect mix of casual and cute.

Plus, on those days when I’m feeling a bit more adventurous, I might even try some loose waves or a high bun.

The key is finding a look that’s cute but won’t have me stressing about fixing it every hour. So let’s check out what the trendy back to school hairstyles are.

1. Double Braided Side Buns

Double braided side buns was my go-to when I wantedv something fun and different for school. I started by braiding two sections on each side, then twisted them into buns. It’s super cute, and stays put through the whole day!

2. Claw-Clipped Messy Bun

The claw-clipped messy bun was my ultimate lazy-day hairstyle. I’d just twist my hair up, secure it with a big claw clip, and let a few strands fall loose. It was effortlessly chic and literally took two minutes!

3. Low Messy Chignon for School

The low messy chignon was an easy back-to-school hairstyle I loved when I wanted to look put-together without trying too hard. I’d gather my hair at the nape of my neck, twist it into a loose bun, and let a few strands frame my face. Effortless and cute!

4. Flipped-Out Ends

Flipped-out ends were my favorite for a fun, retro vibe. I’d straighten my hair, then use a round brush to flip the ends up. It gave my look a playful, bouncy feel that was perfect for school days when I wanted something different!

5. 70’s Waves

My friends and I were obsessed with 70’s waves for school. We’d all rock those loose, effortless waves that gave off major retro vibes. It was like our little trend, and we loved how it made us feel like total vintage queens!

6. Bun With Curtain Bangs

This fall, curtain bangs are the hottest trend this fall, and pairing them with a chic bun is everything.

I love how the bangs frame your face while the bun keeps things sleek and stylish. It’s a look that’s both trendy and practical, perfect for those busy school days!

7. A Sleek Bun

When I had a bit more time, a sleek bun was my favorite for days when I wanted a polished look. It was easy to style, stayed in place, and instantly made me feel put-together.

8. Long Half-Up Soft Waves

Long half-up soft waves were a favorite when I wanted a mix of casual and pretty. I’d curl my hair into loose waves, then pin the top half back. It was the perfect blend of effortless and stylish for school days.

9. Side Twists into Ponytail

For something quick yet stylish, I loved doing side twists into a ponytail. I’d twist small sections from each side of my hair and pull them back into a ponytail. It added a cute, unexpected detail, perfect for school days.

10. Half Updo with a Casual Knot

For an effortlessly chic look, I loved doing a half updo with a casual knot. I’d pull the top half of my hair back and twist it into a loose knot. It was simple yet stylish, perfect for those laid-back school days.

Easy Hairstyles for School

When it comes to school mornings, the last thing you want is to spend forever on your hair.

That’s why I’m all about easy hairstyles that look great without taking up too much time.

From quick buns to simple braids, these styles keep me looking effortlessly put-together, even on the busiest of days. Plus, they’re perfect for staying cute through classes, gym, and everything in between.

11. Bubble Pony

The bubble pony was my favorite for a fun, playful look. I’d tie my hair into a high ponytail and add elastics down the length, creating “bubbles” in between. It was a super cute and easy style that always got compliments at school!

12. Side Part With Clips

The side part with clips was a trend my friends and I loved for school. We’d create a deep side part, then add colorful clips to hold it in place. It was a simple yet stylish way to keep our hair looking cute all day!

13. Barrette Pinned Side Part

The barrette-pinned side part was an easy hairstyle for back to school that my friends and I loved. We’d create a sleek side part and pin it with a cute barrette, adding just the right touch of flair. It effortlessly elevated our school look!

14. Updo With a Bandana

For a cute and casual back-to-school look, I loved doing an updo with a bandana. I’d pull my hair into a messy bun or low ponytail and tie a bandana around it. The bandana added a pop of color and made the style feel effortlessly cool and trendy.

15. Bobby-Pin Hair for School

Bobby-pin hair was my secret weapon for school days when I wanted something quick yet stylish. I’d create fun patterns or pin back small sections of my hair with colorful bobby pins. It was an easy way to add some flair and keep my hair in place all day.

16. Half-Up With a Scrunchie

You can never go wrong with a half-up with a scrunchie school hairstyle. It was my pick for a cute and easy school hairstyle. I’d pull the top half of my hair back and secure it with a colorful scrunchie. It added a fun, retro vibe and kept my hair out of my face all day.

17. Headband for School

Never leave the house without a headband! A headband was my go-to accessory for school when I wanted something quick and stylish. I’d slide on a cute headband to keep my hair in place while adding a pop of color or pattern. It was an easy way to look put-together with minimal effort.

18. Fun Space Buns

Space buns were my ultimate choice for a fun, bold look at school. I’d part my hair down the middle and twist each side into a high bun. It was playful, unique, and always made me feel a little extra confident throughout the day.

19. High Ponytail

A high ponytail was my pick for a sleek and easy school hairstyle. I’d gather all my hair up and secure it high on my head, keeping it tight and smooth. It was simple, stylish, and stayed in place all day long.

20. Piece-y Ponytail for School

And for a more casual look, create a ponytail and have pieces of hair dangling in the front.

Back to School Hairstyles: Braids Edition

When it comes to back-to-school hairstyles, braids are always a win.

Classic French braids, trendy Dutch braids, or cute braided pigtails—there’s a braid style for every vibe.

I loved how braids kept my hair neat and stylish all day long, even through gym class.

Plus, they’re super versatile—perfect for adding a bit of flair with colorful elastics or combining them with buns and ponytails for a fresh look. Braids are not just practical but also a fun way to mix up your hairstyle game for the new school year.

21. Braided Bun With Bows

A braided bun with bows is the perfect mix of cute and classy for school. Simply braid your hair, twist it into a bun, and add small bows for an extra touch of style.

22. Braided Pigtails

Braided pigtails were a favorite for a fun, playful look at school. I’d part my hair down the middle, braid each side, and secure with colorful elastics. It was an easy style that always looked cute and youthful.

23. Double Braid Ponytail

The double braid ponytail was a stylish choice for school when I wanted something different. I’d braid two sections from the front of my hair, then pull them back into a ponytail. It added a cool, intricate detail that always stood out.

24. Loose Curls with a Braided Front

Loose curls with a braided front was my go-to for a soft, romantic look at school. I’d curl my hair and then braid a small section from the front, pinning it back for an effortless style that looked both casual and put-together.

25. Dragon Braids

This will certainly turn heads!

Dragon braids are the perfect statement hairstyle for school. With their edgy, intricate design, they instantly elevate any look. Whether you’re heading to class or hanging out with friends, dragon braids keep your hair stylish and secure all day.

26. Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids are a go-to for a sporty yet cute look at school. They keep your hair in place all day, whether you’re in class or at practice, and they add a trendy vibe to any outfit.

27. Braid Into a Bun

This back to school hairstyle is the ideal hairstyle when you want something chic and secure for school. Start with a simple braid, then twist it into a bun. It’s a stylish, easy look that stays in place all day.