Introduction
Tired of the same boring ponytail every single school day? Rushed mornings leaving your daughter’s hair looking messy and unkempt by first period? The struggle to create cute, age-appropriate hairstyles that actually stay put through recess, gym class, and after-school activities is real.
The Promise: These 23 trendy back to school hairstyles for girls will transform your morning routine and keep your little one looking stylish and confident all day long. Each style is designed to be both adorable and practical, ensuring hair stays neat from homeroom to dismissal.
My Expertise: As a professional children’s hairstylist and mom of three girls, I’ve spent over 12 years perfecting quick, cute, and kid-friendly hairstyles that work in real life. I understand the balance between style and practicality that busy parents need.
What You’ll Discover: In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn time-saving styling techniques, essential tools for quick morning routines, age-appropriate styles for different grade levels, and foolproof methods to make these hairstyles last all day through active play and learning.
Table of Contents
23 Trendy Back to School Hairstyles for Girls You’ll Love
#1 Braided Pigtails with Colorful Elastics
Classic pigtails get a fun upgrade with simple three-strand braids secured with bright, colorful hair ties. This timeless style works for all hair types and adds a playful pop of color that kids love. The braided texture helps prevent tangles throughout the day while keeping hair neatly contained for active play.
#2 Waterfall Braid on Long Wavy Hair
This romantic, flowing braid creates a stunning cascading effect that’s perfect for special school events or photo days. The waterfall technique allows sections of hair to flow freely while keeping the top portion elegantly controlled. Works best on medium to long hair with natural wave or added texture.
#3 Half-Up Twists with Hair Clips
With simple rope twists secured by decorative clips, this effortlessly pretty look keeps hair out of the eyes for reading and writing while letting the rest of the length flow freely. It’s the perfect style for girls who want to combine practicality with a way to show off their long hair.
#4 Short Bob with Headband Bangs
A chic bob cut styled with a colorful headband creates a retro-inspired look that’s both trendy and practical. The headband keeps shorter pieces in place while adding a pop of personality. This low-maintenance style is perfect for active girls who prefer shorter hair.
#5 Blunt Bob with Cute Hair Clips
A sleek, blunt-cut bob adorned with small decorative clips creates a modern, sophisticated look appropriate for school. The clips add visual interest while keeping any face-framing pieces neatly in place. This style grows out beautifully and requires minimal daily styling.
#6 Classic Ponytail with Navy Bow
The timeless high ponytail gets elevated with a sophisticated navy blue bow that complements most school uniforms. This clean, polished look is perfect for formal school events, picture day, or when you want a neat, traditional appearance that never goes out of style.
#7 Double Dutch Braids on Straight Hair
Two Dutch braids (braided under instead of over) create a sleek, athletic look that’s perfect for active girls. This style keeps all hair securely contained and looks neat all day, making it ideal for PE class, recess, and after-school sports activities.
#8 Braided High Ponytail with Beads
A high ponytail with a braided section and decorative beads adds cultural flair and personality to a classic style. The braid detail prevents slipping while the beads add gentle movement and visual interest. This style celebrates natural texture and cultural heritage.
#9 High Curly Ponytail with Bow
Natural curls gathered into a high ponytail and topped with a sweet bow creates a voluminous, joyful style. This approach embraces and celebrates natural curl patterns while keeping hair neat and controlled for school activities.
#10 High Pigtail Curls with Hair Ties
Two high pigtails showcasing natural or styled curls create a bouncy, energetic look perfect for younger elementary students. The high placement keeps curls out of the face while the symmetrical style looks neat and intentional.
#11 Textured Pixie Cut with Side Bangs
A short, textured pixie cut with swept side bangs offers ultimate convenience for busy mornings while looking effortlessly stylish. This modern cut requires minimal styling and works well for girls who prefer low-maintenance hair that still looks fashionable.
#12 Side Fishtail Braid with Pink Ribbon
An elegant side-swept fishtail braid woven with a delicate pink ribbon creates a fairy-tale worthy style perfect for special school events. The intricate braid pattern adds sophistication while the ribbon brings a touch of whimsy and color.
#13 Twisted Heart Half-Up Style
Hair twisted and pinned to create a heart shape at the crown adds a romantic, sweet touch to flowing hair. This creative style shows personality while keeping the front sections neatly away from the face during classroom activities.
#14 Messy Curly Bun with Volume
A deliberately tousled bun that embraces natural texture creates an effortlessly chic look. This style works beautifully with curly or wavy hair, allowing natural movement while keeping length contained in a sophisticated updo.
#15 Crown Braids on Long Hair
Dutch or French braids that wrap around the head like a crown create a regal, elegant appearance perfect for special school occasions. This protective style keeps all hair neatly contained while creating beautiful dimension and visual interest.
#16 Curly High Bun with Cornrows
Cornrows leading into a high curly bun combine protective styling with trendy appeal. This style celebrates natural texture while providing a secure, long-lasting option that can go several days between styling sessions.
#17 Soft Waves with Curtain Bangs
Gentle waves paired with face-framing curtain bangs create a relaxed, natural look that works for casual school days. This style enhances natural movement while the bangs add a trendy, youthful element.
#18 Half-Up Braids on Natural Curls
Two small braids pulled back from the face allow natural curls to shine while keeping hair controlled. This style celebrates natural texture while providing practical face-framing that doesn’t interfere with learning activities.
#19 Bubble Braids with Crimped Ends
Regular ponytails sectioned with elastics to create “bubbles” and finished with crimped ends add texture and fun to a simple style. This trendy technique works on various hair lengths and adds playful dimension.
#20 Space Buns with Face-Framing Tendrils
Two high buns positioned like “space buns” with soft pieces left out around the face create a trendy, youthful style. This fun look is perfect for themed dress-up days or when your child wants to try something different and playful.
#21 Blonde Bob with Side Clip
A sleek bob with a decorative side clip creates a clean, polished look that’s perfect for school photos or special presentations. The clip adds personality while keeping any shorter pieces neatly in place throughout the day.
#22 Side Braided Ponytail with Butterfly Clips
A ponytail positioned to one side with a decorative braid and adorned with butterfly clips creates a whimsical, nature-inspired look. This asymmetrical style adds visual interest while maintaining practicality for daily wear.
#23 Puffy Pigtail Curls with Braided Part
High pigtails with voluminous curls and an intricate braided part line create a style that’s both structured and playful. The detailed parting adds sophistication while the puffy texture celebrates natural volume and movement.
Why These Back to School Hairstyles Work
These carefully selected back to school hairstyles for girls offer the perfect combination of style, practicality, and age-appropriateness that parents and kids both love:
• Quick 5-Minute Styling: Each hairstyle can be completed in 5 minutes or less, perfect for busy school mornings when time is precious
• All-Day Hold: Styles are designed to withstand active play, PE class, and windy playground conditions without falling apart
• Age-Appropriate Cute Factor: Fun, trendy elements that make girls feel confident and stylish without being too mature or distracting
• Versatile for Any Hair Type: Options for straight, wavy, curly, thick, and fine hair textures, ensuring every girl can participate
• Affordable and Accessible: Uses common hair accessories and tools that most families already have or can easily purchase
Choosing the Right Back to School Hairstyle
Selecting the perfect hairstyle depends on several key factors that will ensure both you and your daughter love the results.
Best Styles for Different Hair Types
Fine Hair: Opt for styles that add volume and texture, such as braided ponytails, space buns, or teased half-up styles. Avoid heavy accessories that can weigh down delicate strands.
Thick Hair: Choose styles that can handle volume, like Dutch braids, high buns, or multiple smaller braids that distribute weight evenly across the scalp.
Curly Hair: Embrace natural texture with twist-outs, protective braids, or styles that work with curl patterns rather than against them. Avoid tight pulls that can cause breakage.
Straight Hair: Take advantage of sleek texture with clean ponytails, smooth braids, or styles that showcase the hair’s natural shine and movement.
Age and Grade Considerations
Elementary Ages (K-5): Focus on fun, colorful accessories and playful styles like pigtails, space buns, and decorated braids that reflect their youthful energy.
Middle School (6-8): Choose more sophisticated options like side braids, half-up styles, and sleeker ponytails that help them feel more mature.
Activity Level Assessment: Consider your child’s daily activities. Swimmers need styles that survive pool time, while dancers need secure styles that won’t interfere with movement.
School Dress Code Compatibility
Review your school’s hair policy to ensure chosen styles comply with rules about hair accessories, colors, and overall presentation. Most schools welcome neat, well-groomed styles.
Essential Tools & Preparation
Hair Prep Essentials
Clean Foundation: Start with freshly washed hair using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner appropriate for your child’s hair type and texture.
Detangling Process: Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush on damp hair with leave-in conditioner to prevent breakage and make styling easier.
Protective Products: Apply heat protectant if using hot tools, and use gentle styling products designed specifically for children’s delicate hair and scalp.
Styling Tool Must-Haves
Small Hair Elastics: Stock up on snag-free elastics in neutral colors and fun patterns. Having multiple sizes ensures the perfect fit for any style.
Bobby Pins and Hair Clips: Invest in quality pins that match your child’s hair color, plus decorative clips that add personality to simple styles.
Styling Brushes: A paddle brush for smoothing, a teasing brush for volume, and a small detailing brush for precise parting and finishing touches.
Accessory Organization
Morning Station Setup: Create a designated styling area with all tools and accessories organized in clear containers for quick access during busy mornings.
Backup Supplies: Keep extra elastics, clips, and bobby pins in your child’s backpack for touch-ups throughout the school day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should these hairstyles take to create?
Most of these back to school hairstyles can be completed in 5-10 minutes once you’ve practiced the technique. Start with simpler styles and gradually work up to more complex braids and updos as your skills improve.
What if my daughter has very fine or thin hair?
Fine hair actually holds many of these styles beautifully! Use volumizing products, tease gently at the roots, and choose styles that work with your child’s natural hair texture rather than fighting against it.
Can these styles work for very curly or textured hair?
Absolutely! Many of these styles are specifically designed to celebrate and protect natural texture. Focus on styles that work with curl patterns and use products designed for textured hair to maintain moisture and definition.
How do I make these styles last all day at school?
Proper preparation is key. Start with clean hair, use appropriate styling products, and secure styles with quality elastics and bobby pins. Send touch-up supplies in your child’s backpack for quick fixes if needed.
What if my child’s school has strict hair policies?
Most of these styles comply with standard school dress codes. When in doubt, check with your school’s handbook or contact the main office to clarify any specific restrictions on colors, accessories, or styling techniques.
My daughter gets headaches from tight hairstyles. What should I do?
Never create styles so tight that they cause discomfort. Use soft, snag-free elastics, avoid pulling hair too tightly, and check with your child throughout the styling process to ensure comfort.
How often should I wash my child’s hair when using these styles?
This depends on your child’s hair type and activity level. Generally, 2-3 times per week is sufficient for most children, with more frequent washing needed for very active kids or those with oily scalp conditions.
Can boys wear any of these hairstyles too?
Many of these styles can be adapted for boys with longer hair! Focus on simpler braids, ponytails, and half-up styles that work well for any child who wants to keep longer hair neat and styled for school.
Conclusion
Transform your morning routine and boost your child’s confidence with these 23 trendy back to school hairstyles for girls. From quick 5-minute styles for busy weekdays to special occasion looks for school events, these versatile options ensure your daughter looks and feels her best every single day.
Ready to start your school year with style? Begin with 2-3 simple styles that work with your child’s hair type and gradually expand your repertoire as you both become more comfortable with different techniques. Remember, practice makes perfect, and even imperfect styles done with love look beautiful!
Join thousands of parents who’ve discovered that beautiful school hairstyles don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming! Your daughter will love looking in the mirror each morning and feeling confident and stylish as she heads off to learn and grow.
