10 Back to School Hairstyles for Teen Girls to Try This Year
Back-to-school season calls for hairstyles that are both stylish and easy to manage. Teen girls often need looks that work for busy mornings and long school days while allowing them to express their personality. Choosing the right hairstyle can boost confidence and simplify their routine.
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This list of 10 back-to-school hairstyles for teen girls features simple, trendy styles like braids, ponytails, buns, and half-updos that can be done quickly without sacrificing style. These hairstyles suit various hair types and lengths, making it easy for any teen to find a look that fits their preferences.
The styles combine practicality and flair, ensuring teens look polished without spending too much time. Whether for everyday wear or special school events, these options provide a fresh start to the school year.
Trendy Braided Back to School Hairstyles
Braids combine style and function, keeping hair controlled throughout busy school days. They suit various hair types and lengths, from neat updos to playful pigtails.
Classic French Braid
The classic French braid is a clean, timeless choice that pulls hair away from the face. It starts by sectioning hair at the crown, gradually adding strands as the braid moves down the back of the head.
This braid offers a polished look and holds well, making it great for active teens. It can be worn as a single braid or adapted into two side French braids for a sporty appearance.
Maintaining even tension is key. It ensures the braid lies flat and lasts all day without loosening or frizzing.
Dutch Braid Pigtails
Dutch braid pigtails flip the traditional braid technique, weaving strands under instead of over. This creates a raised, 3D effect that stands out.
Ideal for medium to long hair, Dutch braid pigtails provide a youthful and practical style. They divide the hair into two sections, braiding each tightly to avoid stray hairs during school.
This style suits casual days and makes a neat base for adding accessories like ribbons or clips. It is simple to customize by varying the thickness of each braid.
Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is a decorative option that lets some hair strands cascade freely through the braid. It typically wraps around one side of the head like a crown.
This braid works well for teens wanting a stylish look with less tightness around the scalp. It keeps hair partly controlled while showcasing texture or natural waves.
The key challenge is maintaining consistent spacing for the “falling” strands. Practicing the technique ensures elegance and balance without messiness.
Accent Braids
Accent braids are small, subtle braids added to complement other hairstyles. They can be woven into ponytails, buns, or left trailing through loose hair.
These braids add texture and visual interest without the complexity of a full braid. They allow for quick styling upgrades and suit all hair types.
Students often use accent braids to personalize their look with only a few minutes of effort. They can be combined with hair accessories for an extra touch.
Quick And Easy Ponytail Styles
These ponytail styles save time while adding style to a teen girl’s look. They work well with different hair lengths and textures, providing polished or playful options without much effort.
Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail breaks the hair into evenly spaced sections using multiple hair ties. After securing the hair in a standard ponytail, additional ties are added down the length at regular intervals. Gently pulling on each segment creates rounded “bubbles.”
This style adds volume and fun texture, making it a good choice for girls who want a youthful and creative ponytail. It also holds securely through a busy school day. The bubble ponytail works best on medium to long hair and requires minimal tools: hair ties and optionally a light hairspray to control frizz.
High Sleek Ponytail
A high sleek ponytail is gathered at the crown with smoothing products applied for shine and control. Hair is brushed tightly back to avoid bumps, and the ponytail itself lies straight and smooth.
This style creates a polished, confident appearance suitable for school and special events. It suits fine to thick hair that can be easily smoothed but may require additional pins or gel on flyaways. The high sleek ponytail balances simplicity with elegance and can be enhanced by wrapping a small strand of hair around the base to hide the hair tie.
Side-Swept Ponytail
The side-swept ponytail is positioned just below one ear, with hair brushed to one side and secured loosely to allow soft movement. This style often features gentle waves or curls for a casual, feminine look.
It is easy to execute and offers versatility, fitting different face shapes by adjusting the height and tightness. Side-swept ponytails work particularly well on medium-length hair and can be accented with accessories like clips or ribbons to add personality. The relaxed hold makes it comfortable for long school days.
Chic Buns And Top Knots
Buns and top knots offer stylish and practical options for teen girls heading back to school. They keep hair neat, work well with different hair lengths, and provide versatility for both casual and polished looks.
Messy Top Knot
The messy top knot balances ease with style, making it ideal for busy mornings. It involves loosely gathering the hair at the crown and twisting it into a bun without smoothing every strand. This method creates a relaxed, effortless look that remains secure throughout the day.
To achieve this style, teens should start with lightly textured hair—adding a bit of dry shampoo helps hold the knot. Using a hair tie and a few bobby pins can secure stray hairs and keep the bun in place. The messy top knot works well with various hair types and does not require heat styling.
Braided Bun
The braided bun combines the sophistication of braids with the functionality of an updo. It starts by braiding sections of the hair—such as a classic three-strand or fishtail braid—and then wrapping the braid around into a bun shape.
This hairstyle offers more control over flyaways and can last through active school days. It suits medium to long hair best and can be adjusted for sleekness or volume depending on the braid’s tightness. Using hairspray or styling gel can enhance hold and polish the overall look.
Half-Up Hairstyles For Teen Girls
Half-up hairstyles blend convenience with style, keeping hair out of the face while allowing room for creativity. These looks work well with various hair types and lengths, making them versatile choices for school.
Half-Up Space Buns
Half-up space buns create a playful look by sectioning the top half of the hair and twisting each part into a small bun. The style can be adjusted by placing buns high or low on the head, depending on preference.
This style is easy to achieve and stays secure through a school day. It works best with medium to long hair and can be accessorized with colorful scrunchies or clips for a personalized touch.
Half-Up Twists
Half-up twists start by taking two sections from the front or sides of the hair and twisting them towards the back. These sections are then pinned or tied together to keep the hair neatly away from the face.
This option suits all hair textures and lengths, especially those looking for a polished but effortless style. Twists can be combined with loose waves or straight hair for added dimension and appearance.
Protective Back to School Hairstyles
Protective hairstyles help maintain hair health by minimizing damage and promoting growth. They also save time on daily styling, offering neat, long-lasting looks suited for busy school days.
Box Braids
Box braids are individual plaits that can vary in size but typically are medium thickness. They encapsulate the hair strands, shielding them from environmental stress and friction.
This style is low maintenance and lasts several weeks. Students can wash and moisturize without disturbing the braids, which helps retain moisture and reduces breakage.
Box braids work well for all hair types but are especially beneficial for naturally curly or textured hair. They provide versatility in styling—braids can be worn loose, in buns, or ponytails, adapting easily for both casual and formal school days.
Twist Outs
Twist outs are achieved by twisting sections of hair, letting them set, and then gently separating the twists to create defined curls. This style offers a natural, voluminous look.
It protects hair by reducing manipulation and exposure to heat. Twist outs keep strands stretched, which minimizes tangling and breakage.
This style requires proper moisture locking and gentle detangling. When maintained well, twist outs can last several days, allowing for quick mornings without redoing the entire hairstyle. This is ideal for teens seeking stylish but protective options that highlight natural hair texture.
Hairstyle Tips For Staying Stylish All Semester
Consistency is key to maintaining stylish hair throughout the semester. Teens should set aside a few minutes each morning for quick hair touch-ups or protective styles.
Using simple accessories like hair clips, scrunchies, or headbands can instantly elevate a look without much effort. These items also help keep hair in place during busy school days.
Regular hair care prevents damage and promotes healthy growth. Washing hair appropriately for the hair type and using conditioner ensures it stays manageable and clean.
A quick daily routine might include:
- Brushing or detangling gently
- Applying leave-in conditioner or hair serum for shine and protection
- Styling with heatless methods like braids or buns to avoid heat damage
A mix of hairstyles, such as ponytails, half-up styles, and braids, allows variety while limiting stress on the hair. Alternating the styles helps prevent breakage and scalp tension.
It’s helpful to invest in versatile tools like a wide-tooth comb, a few good-quality elastics, and hairpins. These support easy styling and enable quick fixes between classes.
Finally, planning hairstyles the night before reduces morning stress and ensures a polished appearance. Preparing ahead supports a consistent, stylish presence all semester long.
Essential Tools And Accessories For Back to School Looks
Having the right tools and accessories is key to creating and maintaining stylish back-to-school hairstyles. Basic items make daily hair routines quicker and more efficient.
A wide-tooth comb helps detangle without causing breakage. Alongside this, a sturdy brush smooths hair and shapes styles like ponytails or buns.
Hair ties in various sizes and materials are necessary. Elastic bands that do not snag hair prevent damage. Scrunchies are also popular for their gentle hold and trendy appearance.
Bobby pins and hair clips are essential for securing styles like braids or half-up looks. They come in different sizes and finishes to blend with hair color or add subtle decoration.
Heat tools like straighteners or curling irons can be useful but should be used with caution. A heat protectant spray is important to minimize damage when styling with heat.
Additional accessories such as headbands, claw clips, and decorative pins offer options to personalize and elevate everyday hairstyles.
| Tool/Accessory | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wide-tooth comb | Detangling | Gentle on hair |
| Hairbrush | Smoothing and shaping | Choose according to hair type |
| Hair ties | Securing styles | Use snag-free types |
| Bobby pins/clips | Holding hair in place | Match hair color if possible |
| Heat protectant spray | Protecting hair from heat damage | Use before heat styling |
| Headbands & clips | Style enhancement & personalization | Adds flair |
With these essentials, teens can create versatile looks suited for every school day.
