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The Editors
Updated on August 09, 2021
School’s in session, which means that the race for easy but creative back to school hairstyles is on. When you’re pressed for time, turning to Pinterest for inspiration may sometimes leave you feeling more stressed out than when you started. Avoid the headache by checking out these 20 cute hairstyles for school that are sure to make your child stand out.

Fun and Cute Back to School Hairstyles

The most of the hairstyles listed below feature braided elements, and there are also a couple of cute ponytails, buns and updos. Choose your favorites among lovely simpler styles and more sophisticated and intricate-looking ones.

1. Checked Braids

Blacknatural hair is often difficult to style. Instead of using styling products that’ll damage your daughter’s curls, put her hair in prettycriss cross braids. Get this protective style by precise sectioning of the parts that run diagonally and result into a high pony from kinky twists.

braided back to school hairstyle for black girls

@Instagram

2. Fishtail BraidUpdo

As far as braided hairstyles go, this tucked fishtail braid is super quick and easy to do. There are different ways to replicate this cute hairdo, but the most popular way involves dividing your hair into two big sections. Cross and blend the small pieces from one section with the other section.

simple braided back to school updo

@Instagram

3. Side Inside-Out Braid

The intricate side French braid is one of the top school hairstyles that look great on long and slightlycurly hair. Whether your child is in elementary, middle school or high school, she can pull off this cool look. Decide on how messy or tight you want this hairstyle to be before you start, as the process for these two looks is slightly different.

pony with a side braid

@Instagram

4. Four Strand Braid

The four-piece braid is extremely elegant for long hair. An added perk is that it’s relatively fast and easy to do. Separate your hair into four strands. Cross the first strand over the second one, then the first under third, and the first over the fourth one. Continue the pattern until you hit the end.

side braid with a ribbon

@Instagram

5. Flower Braid Ponytail

Not only is the flower braid ponytail perfect for long hair, it’s also great for school dances. It’s as simple as parting her hair into two sections, then braiding the top half and rolling it into a flower design, and then making a high sleek pony. Etvoilà! Your pretty princess is all set for her first day of school.

ponytail with a side braid and flower

@Instagram

6. Headband Braid

Here is a simple but great-looking hairstylefor medium hair. Today a rareback to school hairstyle would be complete without a headband braid. You can also get this awesome look using a fishtail braid. It takes roughly the same amount of time.

back to school hairstyle for medium hair

@Instagram

7. Double Crown Braid

Styling shoulder length hair doesn’t have to be a major source of a headache anymore. You’re in luck because double crown braids were practically made for shorter hair. Adding a cute hair clip will really bring everything together.

hairstyle for shorter hair with double braid

@Instagram

8. Double Circular Braid and Side Pony

This layeredupdo is a fun alternative to the double French braided hairstyle. Remember that you can update the previous style with circular braids. Put the loose hair in a sleek or curlyponytail, and add a tender bow.

side pony with braids back to school hairstyle

@Instagram

9. Braided Half Up, Half Down ‘Do

Is baby hair along the hairline driving you up the wall? Tiny rubber bands are about to become your secret weapon. Hide those pesky strands by moisturizing mixed hair and incorporating them into silken braids. This braided half up, half down hairdo may also suit the kinky curls of naturalistas – it’s surely one of the most stunninghairstyles for school.

back to school hairstyle with colorful elastics

@Instagram

10. Ladder Braids

There’s no hairdo quite like this ladder braid ponytail. The best part is that you can take this look from casual and chic to red carpet worthy. The ladder braid adds some visual thickness to medium and long hair, so it may become any long-haired girl’s go-to style!

braided pony hairstyle for girls

@Instagram

11. Easy Side Braid Ponytail

Ponytails and side braids are two of the biggest high school trends right now. Your teen can lift her school hairstyle to the next level by securing her ponywith her own hair. All she’ll need to do is to wrap a strand around the base of her ponytail for a more polished style.

side braid into pony for medium layered hair

@Instagram

12. Four Strand Ribbon Braid

Having straight hair that is silky and long makes it a lot easier to rock certain ultra glam school hairstyles. This fun take on the four strand braid is no exception. To get this sweet braided look, weave the ribbon using the same pattern as you would for a regular four strand braid.

ribbon braid back to school hairstyle

@Instagram

13. Lace Braided Bun

This low maintenance bun-inspired updowill compliment your young one’s straight locks. Grab a bun maker or sock to get the maximum volume in five minutes. Because buns can be dressed up or down, they are totally ideal for school dances.

cute updo for girls

@Instagram

14. Dutch Side Braid

The Dutch side braid may be pretty simple to copy, but that doesn’t make this age-appropriate look any less stunning. Kids with long andthick hair will appreciate how sleek and low-key this do is. Pin a light flower above her ear for a lovely Rapunzel effect.

side braid hairstyle for long hair

@Instagram

15. French Braid Bun

An updo is a great pick forthick hair. Begin with an upside down French braid. Make a high pony. Twist the rest of the hair around the pony base to make a bun and tie it with a stylish ribbon. Whether your daughter is sporty or not, ribbons are a perfect accent for cute hairstyles for school.

braid into bun back to school hairstyle

@Instagram

16. Headband Braid With Mini Hair Flower

Just because your little one has fine hair doesn’t mean that you can’t go all out. Keep it nice and simple with a lace braid that ends as a precious flower. One of the reasons why braids work so well on thin hair is because they aren’t as heavy and will hold their shape. Use a weave for this hairstyle if necessary.

braid and pony hairstyle for girls

@Instagram

17. Heart Shaped Twists and a Low Bun

These adorable heart shaped loop twists are just what the doctor ordered. After you blend the side twists together, fix them at the nape with bobby pins to achieve your desired look. This exciting alternative to the traditional braided bun is great for formal occasions.

braided low bun girls' hairstyle

@Instagram

18. Lace Rolled Updo

When it comes to cute hairstyles for school, what can be better than a coolupdo with atwist? This one is adorable beyond words. While pinning flowers in a chignon is fun, accentuating your child’s sleek hair with a lace braid resting on a low roll is even more exciting! Special for any occasion, this low ‘do speaks for itself.

formal braided roll updo for girls

@Instagram

19. Layered Braid

Whether your wee one’s tresses are too thick or thin, you’ll still be able to copy this radiant style. The intricate details of this layered five strand braid will awaken your creativity. The mini flower hairband works as a gorgeous final stroke.

braided hairstyle for girls

@Instagram

20. Knotted Headband

The knotted headband is an exciting remedy to those boring headband days! It consists of a series of loose square knots and loops. Maintain that bounce with hairspray to last. The lovely hair clip is a bonus!

knotted headband hairstyle

@Instagram

Getting your child ready for school in the morning can be difficult when you’re worrying about which back to school hairstyles work best. If you have little experience in braiding, start with simpler styles. And you’ll see that with little practice, more complicated ‘dos won’t seem like a big challenge anymore.  
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