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Back to school season is the perfect excuse to switch up your look with some cute hairstyles for school. Whether you're starting senior year or starting a new semester in college, the right back to school hairstyle can set the tone for your vibe this year.
From low-effort messy buns to cute fishtail braids, there are endless hairstyles for school that are both trendy and practical. Here are 20 quick and easy back to school hairstyles for girls and guys—and how to try them virtually with YouCam Makeup's AI hairstyle changer.
15 Easy & Heatless Back to School Hairstyles for Girls
- Fishtail Braid
- Classic Ponytail
- Bubble Ponytail
- Top Bun
- Pixie Cut
- Messy Bun
- Pigtail Braids
- Space Buns
- Two Braids
- French Twist
- Half-Up, Half-Down
- Halo Braid
- Low Bun
- French Braid
- Braided Ponytail
1. Fishtail Braid
Level up your everyday look with a fishtail braid, one of the most stylish hairstyles for school. It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.
How to do the hairstyle: Divide your hair into two sections and crisscross small strands over to the opposite side. It works best on medium to long hair and looks even better with a little texturizing spray for grip.
2. Classic Ponytail
Source: Pinterest
The classic ponytail never goes out of style. Whether you wear it high, mid, or low, it’s a quick fix that still looks polished.
How to do the hairstyle: Try it like Ariana Grande and wrap a strand of hair around the base to hide the elastic, or add a bow or scrunchie to match your outfit. This one’s a go-to for busy mornings.
3. Bubble Ponytail
Source: Pinterest
Add a fun twist to your regular ponytail with the bubble ponytail. This is a playful back to school hairstyle everyone will notice.
How to do the hairstyle: Place small elastics down the length of your ponytail and gently pull between each one to create cute bubbles. Use colored elastics for a pop of fun or go clear for a clean look.
4. Top Bun
A top bun is chic, simple, and perfect for keeping your hair off your face during class.
How to do the hairstyle: Just gather all your hair at the crown, twist, and pin it into place. You can keep it sleek or mess it up a bit for a more relaxed look. Want that perfect round shape? Use a bun donut.
5. Pixie Cut
Looking for cute hairstyles for school that don’t need much effort? A pixie cut is bold, cool, and takes no time to style.
How to do the hairstyle: Slick it back with some pomade or let it get a little tousled for an edgy vibe. It's especially great if you're all about that low-maintenance life.
6. Messy Bun
The messy bun is a vibe all on its own. Great for days when you're running late or just want something chill.
How to do the hairstyle: Loosely gather your hair into a bun and let a few strands fall out. Tease it a bit for volume and you're good to go.
7. Pigtail Braids
Source: Pinterest
Pigtail braids are a throwback that’s totally back. This cute hairstyle for school is easy to do and always brings the charm.
How to do the hairstyle: Just part your hair down the middle, braid each side, and you’re done. Want a softer look? Loosen the braids a bit to add volume.
8. Space Buns
Source: Pinterest
Feeling a little extra? Space buns are a fun, trendy option that adds serious personality to your back to school hairstyle.
How to do the hairstyle: Split your hair in two and make twin buns on either side of your head. Great for casual days or just showing off your playful side.
9. Two Braids
Two braids are practical, cute, and perfect for school. Whether you go for French, Dutch, or regular braids, this look keeps your hair neat while still letting you style it up.
How to do the hairstyle: Split your hair in half right in the middle. Braid from the top of your head or start midway for a looser style. You can even accessorize with clips or ribbon for something extra.
10. French Twist
Want something a bit more elegant? A French twist gives major polished vibes and is perfect for presentations, picture day, or any time you want to look a little more grown up.
How to do the hairstyle: Just twist your hair upward at the back and pin in place. It’s easier than it looks and always turns heads.
11. Half-Up, Half-Down
Source: Pinterest
Half-up half-down is the ultimate school hairstyle when you want something cute but low effort.
How to do the hairstyle: Just pull the top section of your hair back and clip it with a scrunchie, claw clip, or barrette—whatever matches your vibe. Leave the rest flowing or add loose waves for extra flair.
12. Halo Braid
Channel your inner fairy princess with a halo braid. This gorgeous braided crown look is perfect for special school days or even picture day.
How to do the hairstyle: Braid one side of your hair, wrap it across the top of your head, and pin it down
13. Low Bun
Source: Pinterest
The low bun is sleek, simple, and always a win. Whether you are running late or dressing up for a school event, this style has your back.
How to do the hairstyle: Gather your hair at the nape, twist it into a bun, and secure it. Bonus tip: It looks even better with some soft pieces left out at the front.
14. French Braid
French braids are a go to for a reason. They are cute, classic, and keep your hair totally out of your face. Perfect for gym days or when you want a hairstyle that stays in place through a full schedule.
How to do the hairstyle: To do it, start by sectioning off a small part of hair at the crown, split it into three pieces, and gradually add more hair as you braid down
15. Braided Ponytail
Source: Pinterest
Level up your basic ponytail by adding a braid into the mix.
How to do the hairstyle: Just tie your hair back and braid the ponytail for a cool sporty chic look that stands out in the halls. It is practical and pretty, which makes it school hairstyle goals.
5 Cool & Easy Back to School School Haircuts for Guys
1. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a timeless style that keeps things super simple and clean. If you’re all about a low effort look that stays sharp all day, this one is for you.
How to get this hairstyle: It’s done by trimming your hair very close to the scalp, which means zero styling needed in the morning.
2. Crew Cut
A crew cut gives you a bit more style than a buzz while still being easy to manage. It works for almost every hair type and face shape, making it a go to for school or campus life.
How to get this hairstyle: The sides are short, and the top has just enough length for a touch of shape.
3. Slick Back
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Want something a little more polished? The slick back is a smooth look that’s great for longer hair. It gives off confident, put together energy whether you’re heading to class or a night out.
How to get this hairstyle: Just comb it back and use a bit of gel or pomade to hold it in place.
4. Textured Crop
Source: Pinterest
The textured crop is perfect if you want something cool and a little more modern. It looks especially great on wavy or curly hair and adds instant edge to your look.
How to get this hairstyle: The top has layers to create a messy, lived in vibe while the sides are shorter.
5. Side Part
For a classic and effortless style, try the side part. It works in both casual and dressed up settings and looks clean without trying too hard.
How to get this hairstyle: Just part your hair to one side, keep the sides short and leave a bit of length on top. A small amount of styling cream can help keep it neat all day.
Try Easy Hairstyles for School with YouCam Makeup
Trying out the latest hairstyles for school has never been easier, thanks to the AI Hairstyle tool in the YouCam Makeup app. With this innovative technology, both girls and boys can experiment with top trending hairstyles from the comfort of their homes.
Whether you're aiming for a sleek, modern cut or a fun, stylish new look, the YouCam Makeup app makes it simple to explore and find the perfect hairstyle for your school days.
Back to School Hairstyles FAQs
Which hairstyle is best for school?
For school, practical, easy-to-maintain yet stylish hairstyles work best. For girls, a simple ponytail, braid, or bun is often ideal, keeping hair tidy and out of the way. For boys, a classic crew cut, side part, or short textured style is typically low-maintenance and versatile.
How to do your short hair for school?
For a quick and stylish school look, try a classic side part or a simple textured crop. Use a lightweight pomade or gel to keep your hair in place without making it too stiff. Just a few minutes in the morning can give you a polished, ready-for-class appearance.
How to do easy back to school hairstyles?
The easiest back to school hairstyles include ponytails, braids, messy buns, and half-up styles. These looks take just a few minutes and work on most hair types.
If you’re unsure which style suits you best, try different looks virtually using the YouCam Makeup app. With just one photo, you can preview trendy back to school hairstyles and pick the perfect one before styling.
How to do cute quick and easy hairstyles for school?
Start with a basic hairstyle like a low ponytail or messy bun, then add a cute twist like a braid, scrunchie, or hair clip. For a super quick refresh, try a high half-up ponytail or bubble braids.
Not sure where to start? Use the YouCam Makeup app to try cute and easy school hairstyles virtually for instant inspiration.
What hairstyle to do on the first day of school?
Go for something fresh but not fussy. A sleek ponytail, braided half-up style, or trendy curtain bangs make a great first impression. For guys, a clean buzzcut or styled slickback can look polished. Test out your first day of school hairstyle in advance with YouCam Makeup to feel confident before you walk into class.
What are some Gen Z hairstyles?
Gen Z hairstyles include curtain bangs, wolf cuts, bubble braids, blunt bobs, messy buns, and soft layers. For guys, textured crops, mullets, and fade styles are popular. These looks combine effortless style with individuality.
Want to see how a Gen Z hairstyle would look on you? Use YouCam Makeup to preview them virtually for free.
How to do your hair when you're going to school?
Choose a style that’s simple, comfy, and stays put through the day. Braids, low buns, ponytails, or classic part styles are perfect. Add a cute accessory like a scrunchie or clip for a fun touch.
If you're stuck choosing, YouCam Makeup lets you try various school hairstyles on your selfie to see what looks best before doing your hair.
