25 Back-To-School Hairstyles That Are Cute And Easy To Copy The last thing you'll be worried about on the first day is your hair. By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough Sadik is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on July 24, 2024 Close Credit: Instagram/@thisislaurendavis Going back to school is a huge event on any given year, but especially this year. Whether you're a freshman in high school, senior in college, or an elementary school teacher, it never hurts to look extra presentable on the first day. However, you certainly don't want to be tardy, either. That's where these quick, easy, and memorable hairstyles come in. From a two-minute twist to the classic high pony to a fun set of braids, these 25 back-to-school hairstyles are simple enough to style at home in a flash. These cute back-to-school hairstyle ideas are the ultimate shortcut that'll have you making an entrance—in a good way. And if you're a mom of a little one, you can tweak these styles on her hair, too. From the first day of school through picture day and graduation, consider your back-to-school hair handled. 01 of 25 Pinned Curls Credit: @kinganthonyyyy Double up on statement clips for a look that's equally interesting and easy to style. Bonus points for matching the barrettes to your outfit or adding every Southerner's favorite accessory, pearls. 02 of 25 Double Buns Credit: @thisislaurendavis Quick, twisted buns have never looked so put together. Make sure to twist the two pieces of hair closest to your face back into the double buns. 03 of 25 Curly Side Braid Credit: @hairromance/Instagram Curly girls can pull off a braided look so prettily. Start with a diagonal French braid, and pull it into a low-side ponytail. Here's a secret: This curly hairstyle will mask Southern humidity like nobody's business. 04 of 25 Messy Half-Up Credit: @ashleyantoinebeauty This style is lightning-quick to achieve, making it your best friend whenever you're running late. Simply gather a handful of hair from each side of your head (about the length above your ear), meet your hands in the middle, and secure with a fun hair tie. 05 of 25 Half-Up Fishtail Braids Credit: Pinterest/Missy Sue This half-up style is equal parts laidback and dressed up. Get the tutorial from Missy Sue. 06 of 25 Easy Half-Up Style Credit: @kyleeheathhair/Instagram Ah, how we love a trusty half-up. Simply twist two pieces of hair from each side and secure them with a clear elastic. Finish it off with ribbon if desired to match your ensemble. 07 of 25 Double Buns Credit: @kayleymelissa Dress up that topknot by splitting it in two! It will look cool and keep your hair in place. This is a great style if you want to keep your hair out of your face. 08 of 25 Sleek Braided Topknot Credit: @kayleymelissa Your bun game just got a whole lot stronger. Start with a ponytail, braid the length, then twist it all into a bun. Scarf optional! 09 of 25 Loose Braided Half-Up Credit: @thisislaurendavis This look lets you accomplish volume with teasing at the hair's crown, but also allows for some fun with a half updo and loose braid and bow in the back. 10 of 25 Long Bubble Ponytail Credit: The Blessed Queens/Pinterest When working with curls, a bubble ponytail is an instant success. Don't be afraid to tug on the sections to really ramp up the volume. 11 of 25 Inside-Out Ponytail Credit: @hairbyshaylee/@ninezeroone Think of this as an upgraded ponytail. Simply pull hair into a low ponytail, and use your fingers to create a hole right above the base and hair elastic. Next, tuck the length of the ponytail into the hole and back out the bottom for the upside-down look. 12 of 25 Barrettes Galore Credit: @natalieannehair This easy style is the perfect way to wear curly hair down, but out of your eyes if desired. Simply comb your face-framing pieces behind your ears and line up multiple thin barrettes on both sides for extra flair. 13 of 25 Scarf Braid Credit: @natalieannhair Stay cool in the heat with this braided style that's so much fun. Tie a skinny silk scarf to one of the strands of hair that you're braiding before beginning. 14 of 25 Tied Low Bun Credit: @clairebalest Simple, yet chic, a messy bun can be easily dressed i[ with the addition of a pretty bow. Match the ribbon to your outfit, and be sure to keep the overall look in check by spritzing on an extra dose of hairspray. 15 of 25 Dutch Braid Pigtails Credit: @kayleymelissa Don't know how to Dutch braid? Don't fret. Instead of braiding all the way down, cinch each side into buns when you get to the nape of the neck. 7 Different Ways To Learn How To Braid At Home 16 of 25 Short Bouffant Half-Up Credit: @kristin_ess/Instagram Cue the bouffant-esque volume, please. This double half-up style gets a charming finishing touch with ribbons. 17 of 25 Half-Braided Low Pony Credit: @kathleen_hair Love the look of a braid but want something more unexpected? Use a tight braid at the base of your neck to tie the hair together, then let your waves shine in a pretty, loose pony. 18 of 25 Messy Bun With Face-Framing Pieces Credit: Instagram/@veronica_nunez When opting for a sleek topknot, leave out face-framing pieces to flatter your face. 19 of 25 Slicked Half-Up Credit: @veronica_nunez This style will keep wispy hairs out of your face, and it can easily be pulled up into a ponytail or bun. 20 of 25 Simple Chignon Credit: @nicoledredge/Instagram This wrapped bun hairstyle is the ultimate "I'm running late" look, and we're not mad about it. Find a tutorial here for a chignon that is as classy as it gets. 21 of 25 Knotted Low Ponytail Credit: Pinterest/Twist Me Pretty Knotted hair is usually something you don't want, except in the case of this cute ponytail. Get the tutorial from Twist Me Pretty. 22 of 25 Baby Bubble Ponytail Credit: Pinterest/The Right Hairstyles This one is easier than it looks. All you need is a handful of small clear elastics. Start with a low ponytail and work your way down, using the elastics to create little hair "bubbles." 23 of 25 Messy High Ponytail Credit: Pinterest/Barefoot Blonde There's no better way to get your hair out of the way and command attention than a classic high pony. Get the tutorial here from Barefoot Blonde. 24 of 25 Two-Minute Twist Credit: Pinterest/Cup of Jo Running late on the first day? You can still look put together with the quickest hairstyle ever. Bonus: It works great on second-day hair. Get the tutorial from Cup of Jo. 25 of 25 Half-Up Side Braid Credit: Pinterest/Lauren McBride This cute style could seriously not be easier, and it works with any texture hair. Get the tutorial from Lauren McBride. Frequently Asked Questions Which hairstyles work for frizzy hair? If you're fighting frizz, try wearing your hair up, in a ponytail, or pulled back by a bandana. Using a hair mask, oil, or cream can help add shine and definition back to your mane between washes. How do you style a quick messy bun? For an easy messy bun, cinch hair into a high ponytail. Separate the ponytail length into two sections and twist the two sections around each other at the base of the ponytail. Pin the twisted pieces of hair to the base of your roots. Explore more: Style Hair Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit