20 Fresh Back-to-School Hairstyles to Kick Off the New Year

Starting a new school year is the perfect opportunity to refresh your style and make a great first impression. Whether you’re looking for something chic, easy, or completely unique, the right hairstyle can elevate your entire look. With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect back-to-school hairstyles can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 20 fresh back-to-school hairstyles that will help you start the year with confidence and style. From sleek low ponytails to playful space buns, these hairstyles are designed to be versatile, easy to create, and perfect for any day at school.

 

1. Smooth and Sleek Low Ponytail back-to-school hairstyles

• Description: A sleek low ponytail that sits elegantly at the nape of the neck. This hairstyle is perfect for a polished and sophisticated back-to-school look that’s both easy to achieve and maintain throughout the day.
• How to Style: Start with straightened hair for a smooth finish. Part your hair in the middle or slightly to one side. Gather all the hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie. For added sleekness, apply a styling gel or serum to tame flyaways. Wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie for a polished look, and secure it with a bobby pin underneath the ponytail. Finish with a shine spray for a glossy finish.

2. Braided Halo Crown Style

• Description: A delicate braided crown that encircles the head, giving a boho-chic vibe perfect for school days. This style keeps hair off the face while adding a touch of elegance.
• How to Style: Part the hair down the middle. Take a section of hair from one side and braid it towards the back. Repeat on the other side. Wrap the braids across the top of the head like a halo and secure them with bobby pins. Loosen a few strands around the face for a softer look and finish with a light-hold hairspray.

3. Casual Messy Bun

• Description: A relaxed messy bun that’s perfect for rushed mornings or casual school days. It’s quick to style and gives a laid-back yet chic appearance.
• How to Style: Gather all your hair into a high ponytail without worrying about making it too neat. Twist the ponytail around itself to form a loose bun and secure it with an elastic or bobby pins. Pull a few pieces out around the face to frame it, and lightly tousle the bun for a messy effect. Set with a flexible hold hairspray.

4. Effortless Half-Up, Half-Down hairstyle

• Description: The classic half-up, half-down hairstyle provides a balance between having hair up and flowing down. It’s versatile and works for both straight and wavy hair.
• How to Style: Section off the top half of your hair from ear to ear. Gather this section and secure it with a hair tie or clip at the back of the head. Leave the bottom half loose, either straightened or with natural waves. For added texture, curl the bottom half slightly. Finish with a light texturizing spray.

5. High Ponytail with Braided Detail

• Description: A high ponytail with a unique twist—adding a small braid for a pop of style. This look is energetic and fun, perfect for sports or an active school day.
• How to Style: Pull the hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Take a small section from the ponytail and braid it to the end, securing with a small elastic. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie and secure with a bobby pin. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

6. Soft, Loose Waves hairstyle

• Description: Soft, loose waves that add volume and movement to your hair. This hairstyle is simple yet elegant, suitable for any school day.
• How to Style: Apply a heat protectant to your hair and use a curling wand to create loose waves. Wrap large sections of hair around the barrel, holding for 5-7 seconds. Once all sections are curled, use your fingers to loosen the waves for a natural look. Finish with a sea salt spray for added texture.

7. Textured Fishtail Braid Hairstyle

• Description: A detailed fishtail braid that is both intricate and stylish. It’s great for keeping hair neatly in place while adding a creative flair to your school hairstyle.
• How to Style: Divide your hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right section. Repeat on the other side, alternating until you reach the end of the hair. Secure with a small elastic. Pull on the edges of the braid gently to add texture and fullness. Set with a light-hold hairspray.

8. Playful Space Buns Hairstyle

• Description: Two high buns that sit on either side of the head, giving a playful and quirky look perfect for a fun school day.
• How to Style: Part your hair down the middle. Gather each half into a high ponytail and twist the hair around itself to form a bun. Secure with an elastic or bobby pins. Repeat on the other side. For a messier look, pull out a few strands around your face and the buns. Finish with a setting spray.

9. Side-Swept Braid Hairstyle

• Description: A loose, side-swept braid that adds a romantic touch to your everyday look. This style is great for long hair and keeps it manageable and stylish.
• How to Style: Sweep all your hair to one side and start braiding from the nape of your neck downwards. Secure the braid with a hair tie. Pull on the braid slightly to create a fuller, more relaxed look. For a soft finish, leave a few strands loose around the face. Finish with a light-hold hairspray.

10. Chic Top Knot Hairstyle

• Description: A high, sleek top knot that is quick, easy, and perfect for a polished back-to-school style. It keeps hair neat and tidy while still looking chic.
• How to Style: Pull all the hair into a high ponytail at the crown of the head. Twist the hair around the base of the ponytail to form a knot and secure with bobby pins. Use a gel or serum to smooth any flyaways. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray.

11. Double Dutch Braids Hairstyle

• Description: Two tight Dutch braids that keep hair neatly in place. This sporty and stylish look is great for an active school day or gym class.
• How to Style: Part the hair down the middle. Start on one side, taking three small sections at the front and crossing the outer sections under the middle section. Continue braiding down to the ends and secure with an elastic. Repeat on the other side. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to control flyaways.

12. Slicked Back Ponytail Hairstyle

• Description: A sleek, slicked-back ponytail that exudes confidence and style. Perfect for a neat, put-together school day look.
• How to Style: Apply a smoothing serum to your hair and brush it back to remove any parting. Secure it in a low or high ponytail. Use a flat iron to straighten the ponytail for a sleek finish. Wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray for a glossy look.

13. Trendy Bubble Ponytail Hairstyle

• Description: A fun and modern take on the classic ponytail, the bubble ponytail adds volume and style to any back-to-school outfit.
• How to Style: Pull your hair into a high or low ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie, then add additional hair ties every few inches down the length of the ponytail. Gently pull the sections between the ties to create a “bubble” effect. Finish with a setting spray.

14. Elegant Waterfall Braid Style

• Description: A flowing waterfall braid that creates a cascade effect. This hairstyle is delicate and perfect for a romantic school day look.
• How to Style: Start with a small section of hair near the front and begin braiding as you would for a regular braid. After crossing the outer sections over the middle once, drop one section and pick up a new one from behind to replace it. Continue this pattern along the side of the head, securing it with a bobby pin at the back. Finish with a light-hold hairspray.

15. Low Bun with Deep Side Part Style

• Description: A sophisticated low bun paired with a deep side part, giving a refined and polished look perfect for school events.
• How to Style: Part your hair deeply on one side. Gather the hair into a low ponytail and twist it into a bun at the nape of the neck. Secure with bobby pins and use a smoothing serum to tame any flyaways. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray.

16. Bouncy Voluminous Curls Style

• Description: Big, voluminous curls that add body and bounce to your hair, perfect for a fun and lively school day.
• How to Style: Apply a heat protectant and curl large sections of your hair with a curling iron. Once curled, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently separate the curls for extra volume. Finish with a volumizing spray and a light-hold hairspray.

17. Chic Braided Ponytail Style

• Description: A sleek ponytail with a braid added to it for a stylish, modern look. This style is both practical and trendy.
• How to Style: Gather hair into a high or low ponytail. Take a section from the ponytail and braid it to the end. Secure the braid with a small elastic. For added style, wrap a section of the hair around the base of the ponytail. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray.

18. Twisted Half-Updo Style

• Description: A unique twist on the classic half-up, half-down hairstyle with added twists for a more dynamic look.
• How to Style: Take two small sections of hair from either side of your head, twist them, and bring them to the back. Secure them with a small elastic or clip. Leave the rest of the hair down in loose waves. Finish with a texturizing spray for volume.

19. Classic French Twist Style

• Description: A timeless French twist that brings elegance to any look. This style is perfect for a more formal back-to-school occasion.
• How to Style: Gather the hair at the nape of the neck and twist it upwards. Tuck the ends inside and secure the twist with bobby pins. Smooth down flyways with a light-hold hairspray and finish with a shine spray for a polished look.