How to Do Your Hair for School

Co-authored by Shun Pittman

Last Updated: December 29, 2021

Having a collection of easy back-to-school hairstyles makes getting ready for school in the morning so much easier. Whether your hair is short, long, straight, textured, or anywhere in between, we’ve got you covered with a variety of classic and trendy hairstyles. Here are 16 ideas to help change up your look this school year.

Method 1

Method 1 of 16:
Make a trendy ponytail.

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A classic ponytail is a quick and easy way to style your hair before school. With one hand, brush or pull your hair back, trying to avoid fly-away strands. With the other hand, grab a hair tie and slip the ponytail through the elastic. Twist the elastic, forming a figure-8, and pull the hair through again. Keep twisting the elastic and pulling your hair through until the elastic is tight.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.}
- Consider covering the hair tie with a scrunchie, a ribbon, or a bow or ribbon in your school colors.
- If you don't want any hair ties visible, take a strand of hair and wrap it around the base of your ponytail several times, covering the hair tie. Tuck the end into your hair tie, under your hair. Secure the hair strand using a bobby pin.
- You can wear your ponytail low at the base of your neck, high on the top of your head, or medium-high at the very back of your head. You can even wear it on the side of your head.

Method 2

Method 2 of 16:
Create a flipped ponytail.

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Also known as an upside-down ponytail, this style is a fun way to spice up your look. Start by tying your hair up in a traditional ponytail. Make a hole in your hair just above the hair tie, between the back of your head and the tie. Be sure to keep equal hair on either side of the hole. Pass the ponytail through the hole, and give it a tug. You can then tie a scrunchy or a bow around the base of the ponytail. You can also add a bow hair clip above it.

Method 3

Method 3 of 16:
Tie your hair into a simple bun.

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Add a sophisticated touch to your hairstyle. Start with a high ponytail on top of your head. Take your ponytail and twist it into a rope, then wrap it around the elastic as many times as you can. While holding the hair in place with one hand, start securing the bun with some bobby pins. Place a bobby pin in the front, back, left, and right sides of the bun, then place another bobby pin between them. Finally, spritz the bun with a small amount of hairspray, and smooth down any flyaway strands with a little bit more hairspray.
- Add a bit of detail to the bun by braiding a strand of hair and wrapping it around the bun. Secure the braid with a bobby pin.

Method 4

Method 4 of 16:
Make a messy bun.

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A messy bun gives your hair some extra flair and character. Start with a high ponytail. Twist your hair into a rope, and wrap it around the base of your ponytail, creating a bun shape. Secure your hair by wrapping a hair tie around the base of your bun—be sure to get the hair tie over the ends of your hair. Shake your head around and pull a few pieces out until you get the messiness you want.

Method 5

Method 5 of 16:
Do a half-up, half-down style.

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This classic look is both easy and elegant. To do this, gather a small section of hair at the top of your head (about eye level and up). Pull it towards the back of your head. You can clip it in place or tie it using a smaller hair tie.
- Consider curling or straightening your hair.

Method 6

Method 6 of 16:
Make a simple braid.

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A braid is an easy but iconic way to jazz up your look. Start by separating your hair into three even sections. Then, take the section of hair to the left and cross it over so that it ends up between the other two sections. Then, take the section on the right and cross that over so that it ends up between the other two sections. Repeat these steps until you have about an inch or two left of hair. Tie the braid off with a hair tie.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.}
- You can make one braid at the back of your head, or two braids to either side of your head. If you are making two braids, start them behind your ear.

Method 7

Method 7 of 16:
Wear longer hair in braids, ponytails, or buns.

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Long hair gives you a lot more stylistic freedom. Feel free to try high ponytails, low ponytails, buns, one braid, or two braids. You can even try French braiding your hair.
- Put your hair in a braid the night before and take it out in the morning; this will make your hair wavy. If you have a little more time on your hands, curl your hair and put it in loose-side ponytails, or curl random parts and let it be slightly messy, or put it up in a messy bun.
- Consider leaving a few of your bangs in a side parting and the rest of your hair in a high/side ponytail.

Method 8

Method 8 of 16:
Pin shoulder-length hair back using bobby pins.

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There’s no right or wrong way to pin back your hair. In fact, you can do it with one section, on the top of your head, or on either side of your head in two sections.

Method 9

Method 9 of 16:
Curl or straighten medium-length hair.

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This is a great option if you have some free time in the morning before school. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, take your straightener and straighten your hair. Then, just at the ends, turn the straightener out so you will get flicks.
- If you’re pressed for time, you can always put your hair into a messy bun or just brush it and wear it down.
- Use your curler or straightener (whatever you prefer) and curl your hair. Make the curls really tight or loose. Also, curl bits of hair and clip your fringe back.

Method 10

Method 10 of 16:
Spike short hair with hair gel or wax.

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Spiked hair adds some fun energy to your look. Apply a small amount of gel or wax to the palm of your hand and rub it between your fingers. Next, run your fingers through your hair and start fluffing it upwards, starting from the roots.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.}

Method 11

Method 11 of 16:
Get your hair cornrowed.

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Cornrows last multiple days, so you won’t have to redo your hair each morning. Just be sure to keep your head wrapped up with a silk scarf or a net to prevent your cornrows from getting messed up while sleeping. Wash and condition your hair before redoing the cornrows the next week.
- Use hair gel or hair spray to tame any new growths experienced during the week.

Method 12

Method 12 of 16:
Wear short, highly-textured hair with a headband.

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A cloth headband can help keep your hair out of the way. Pull the headband down over your head so that it is around your neck like a collar, then tug the part that's in front of your up over your face. Position it so that it is resting right at the top of your head. Gently tug the sides of the headband behind your hair.

Method 13

Method 13 of 16:
Use bobby pins and headbands to keep your bangs out of the way.

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You won't be able to concentrate well in school if you keep on having to mess with your bangs. Luckily, bobby pins and headbands come in many different colors and patterns—try getting some that match your outfit or your school's colors.

Method 14

Method 14 of 16:
Keep your hair back with a headband.

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Headbands work on just about any hair length. You can use a metal or plastic headband, or a cloth that wraps around your entire head.
- For a chic, boho look, choose a flower crown or wrap a colorful scarf around your head, like a headband.

Method 15

Method 15 of 16:
Look cute and girly with a few bows.

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Clip-on bows and ribbons are both fair game. Stick clip-on bows right above a ponytail, or tie a ribbon around the end of a braid. Keep up the school spirit by choosing your school colors.

Method 16

Method 16 of 16:
Stick to smaller accessories.

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Putting a massive accessory on your hair for school might be a bad idea. Not only may it get you into trouble, but it may also earn you a few mean laughs. Consider using a small hair accessory or two instead.

Community Q&A

Question

I want my hair to be a little more wavy without using heat products. What can I do?

Community Answer

Use non-heat curlers and sleep in them, then mess it up a lot and it should go into loose waves that will last throughout the day.
Question

What if a bully tries to mess up my hair?

Community Answer

Make a tight ponytail by using multiple elastic bands so that if they try to pull it out the extra bands hold it in place. Also, I recommend that you tell a trusted adult about the bully.
Question

What if I have thick, shoulder-length hair?

Community Answer

I have the same kind of hair, and some things that work for me is doing two pigtail buns on top of each side of my head, or even low pigtail buns. You can try half-up half-down styles, or even just one or two French braids. The next time you're in a salon, ask the stylist what would look best on you. You can ask your parents and friends, too.
Question

How do I do a stylish bun?

Community Answer

Once you make a high ponytail, try fishtailing it and then wrapping it into a bun. It'll look great!
Question

How would you do your hair to impress a boy?

Community Answer

Honestly, most boys are not going to notice your hairstyle. Try something that makes you feel confident. A bouncy high ponytail or pinning one side back with a pretty barrette might do the trick.
Question

I don't have much time to get ready for school. How do I do a flipped ponytail? I didn't understand the article.

Anna Lucia

Community Answer

Just put your hair in a normal ponytail, divide the hair above it into 2 sections and pull the ponytail through.
Question

Any ballet bun tricks up your sleeve?

Community Answer

The easiest and fastest way I know of is to use a bun donut. You put your hair in a ponytail, and stick the donut in that ponytail. Continue to turn until the hair is on the outside of the bun. Fasten with a hairband and you're done!
Question

What am I supposed to do with my long, straight, red hair for school?

Community Answer

Red hair looks really pretty curled. It depends on the length, though. I also suggest avoiding pink tops if you're wearing your hair down.
Question

How should I do my hair for school photo today?

Community Answer

I would suggest you tie it into a simple high ponytail or do a French braid.
Question

What are some ideas for a unique and modern hairstyle for school?

Community Answer

Maybe try a high ponytail with a small braid in it, a braided bun, or Dutch braids.