Finding the perfect school hairstyle can be challenging when you’re balancing style, comfort, and time constraints. Whether you need a quick 5-minute look or something special for picture day, we’ve got you covered!
These hairstyles are perfect for busy mornings when you need to look put-together quickly, or for special school events when you want to make a statement. From simple ponytails to intricate braids, there’s something here for every skill level and hair type.
Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, these 30 versatile styles will keep you looking stylish throughout the school day while following most dress codes and staying comfortable during activities.
I. School Hairstyles for Short Hair
1. Easy Short Hair Haircut for School
The fastest and easiest way to style your short haircut before school or university? Just put on a headscarf hairband and you are all good to go!
2. Twin Braids Style on Short Hair
For short haircuts that go past the pixie length shown above, you can also play around with braid styles. Take the photo above as example of how you can go for a double braids crown-like hairstyle on short hair.
3. Braided Messy Updo
We love, love, love messy hair, especially when it results in such a put-together look. Follow the steps above and get a lovely updo that won’t take ages to make and which you can do even with shorter hair.
4. Simple Updo for Short Hair
In a rush and don’t know what to do with your hair? Simply pull it all back and create a high, messy ponytail. Leave a few strands free to frame your face and create that lovely, summer feel effect above.
5. Easy Wacky Hairstyle
This is one of the easiest to sport edgy hairstyles for school as you probably won’t get in trouble for it. It’s basically a pixie cut with long bangs and an undercut that’s made wacky by its textured and layered nature.
II. School Hairstyles for Medium & Shoulder Length Hair
6. Medium Hair Hairstyle
Ah, the good ol’ scrunchie! Once your hair reaches medium-length again, you’ll be able to just throw your hair in a ponytail and secure it with a cute scrunchie that will add a 90s vibe to your look (in the best way possible).
7. Side Braid in Medium-Length Hair
We’ve shown you how you can sport braids if you have short hair; now here’s another braided hairstyles for school idea, this time, for medium hair. Instead of going for a half-crown or pigtail, opt for a side braid!
8. Space Buns for Shoulder Length Hair
This adorable look combines not one, but two very popular hairstyles. You’ve got the half up, half up down hairstyle (the first of several on this list) which ends in a pair of adorable space buns – former festivals must that have now transformed into everyday wear.
9. Simple Low Messy Bun
Another gorgeous half up, half down bun combo, this time, an even easier one. Simply gather two sections of your hair and wrap them in a messy bun at about chin level. It’ll look extra messy and cool if you have wavy hair.
10. Hair Accessories – Headscarf Inspiration
Just one headscarf simply wouldn’t have been enough! For a completely new look, simply add a hair accessory to your school hairstyle. You’ll glam them up or make them as sweet as can be, it’s your choice!
III. School Hairstyles for Long Hair
11. Long Hair School Hairstyle
I bet you’ve seen this hairstyle before, and that it seemed very complicated and time-consuming. However, simply follow the low braided bun tutorial above and get a gorgeous hairstyle in no time! (It will get even easier and faster once you’ve done it 2 or 3 times and really got the hang of it).
12. Cute Braided Double Buns
Take your space or simple double buns up a notch with some braids! Start with two braids that you then transform into buns while showcasing their braided base. Frame your face with some wispy strands, and you are done!
13. Half Up Half Down with Small Braid
You only need two things to make this simple and fast half up ponytail hairstyle look special. One: wrap a strand of hair over your hair tie to cover it up. Two: add some small braids to the half down portion for a boho feel.
14. Triple Braids and Crown Braid
Now this is a hairstyle made in braids heaven! First up, we have a crown braid that ends in a beautifully made fishtail braid.
Then, as if it weren’t enough, two other braids come down on each side of it, while the rest of the hair is left to flow freely down the back. It all looks uber cool on this blonde, straight-haired gal.
15. Simple Long Haired Girl Hairstyle for School
Lo and behold, one of the simplest and cutest hairstyles for school for girls with long hair: pigtails. Simply go for a pair of high such ponytails and look absolutely adorable whether you’re going to a prep meeting or just for your usual school day.
IV. Quick and Easy Hairstyles for School
16. Easy Hairstyles for School – Mid Length Plaits
Feeling like going for some braids, but not full ones? Then go for a pair of mid-length plaits! This half up hairstyle looks particularly good on wavy hair and will showcase your highlights (natural or dyed alike).
17. Stunning Fishtail Braid
A cute easy hairstyle for school can look very complicated but actually be very easy to make. Take, for example, this beautiful fishtail braid that you can totally do on your own in minutes!
18. Quick Messy Low Ponytail
You’ll need less than five minutes to get this look. Simply gather all your hair in a lower, messy ponytail and wrap a strand of hair over the hair tie to make it look more elegant. The face-framing strands are optional (but really pretty and recommended).
19. Cute and Easy Hairstyle for School – Just Use a Hair Accessory!
The power of hair accessories! Doll up your hairstyle by adding an accessory, like this dragonfly hair clip, to your ponytail – instant effect!
20. Simple Braids Hairstyle
Boho girls will especially love this romantic look. Create a pair of simple French braids and then gather them to create a crown-like effect. Leave the rest of the hair flowing free (including the end of the crown hair braid).
21. 5 Minute Hairstyle for School
Follow this tutorial to create an absolutely gorgeous and elegant looking hairstyle in less than 5 minutes! Separate your hair into three strands. Use one to create a ponytail and then cross the other two to get the effect above,
22. Double Dutch Braid Bun
It can’t get prettier than this in the world of braided updos. Although a bit more complex to make than the other hairdos on the list, follow this great tutorial and learn how to make a double dutch braided bun. As with most other hairstyles, practice makes perfect, so give it a shot, try making it twice or more, and see how much easier it will get with each try.
V. Special Hairstyles for School
23. Cute Hairstyle for the First Day of School
So you’re looking for an impressive hairstyle for the first day of school, but one that won’t make it seem like you tried too hard. Then consider this Dutch braid with braided underside and ponytail and Wow! them all!
24. Waterfall Braid Hairstyle
A waterfall braid will be a total showstopper no matter if you decide to wear it at Homecoming, Prom, the first day of school, or simply any other day!
25. Cute Hairstyle for Middle School
Little girls can be just as stylish as a woman, and in an age-appropriate way too. Help your little sister, cousin, or daughter sport this really cute braided half up that has two French braids intersecting one another.
26. Teenage Hairstyle
Spruce up your high pigtails by braiding them up! Split your hair into two even parts, and even go for the French or the Dutch braiding technique to get pretty braided pigtails like the ones above.
27. Casual Hairstyle for University
Let’s face it, most Uni girls don’t have the time or the energy to spend ultra styling their hair before that really early morning course. So look stylish and put-together by going the messy way with a disheveled but cool top knot half up hairstyle.
28. University Hairstyle
For a more elegant look that still won’t take up too much of your time, gather up your hair in a higher ponytail and wrap a headscarf around the hair tie for that touch of je ne sais quoi.
29. Curly Hair Hairstyle
Having really curly hair can be a dream and a nightmare in terms of styling. So, as you are looking for some cool hairstyles for school for curly hair, take into account this high full bun with loose corks falling out.
30. Cornrow Hairstyle
African-American gals have many great hairstyles to choose from – be them protective ones or styles that will celebrate their ancestry. One of the ways you can get a bit of both is by going for cornrows, as the cool girl above!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best quick hairstyles for busy school mornings?
The fastest school hairstyles include simple ponytails, messy buns, headband styles, and basic braids. These can be done in 2-5 minutes and require minimal tools. Keep hair ties, bobby pins, and a brush by your bedside for even quicker styling.
Are there school dress code restrictions I should consider?
Most schools allow natural hairstyles and colors, but avoid extreme styles, bright unnatural colors, or distracting accessories. Simple braids, ponytails, buns, and neat styles are universally accepted. Check your specific school’s handbook for any unique restrictions.
How can I make my school hairstyle last all day?
Use good-quality hair ties and bobby pins, start with slightly textured (day-old) hair for better grip, and carry a small emergency kit with extra ties and pins. Light hairspray or texturizing spray can help maintain the style through gym class and activities.
What tools do I need for basic school hairstyles?
Essential tools include a good brush or comb, elastic hair ties in colors matching your hair, bobby pins, and basic hair clips. Optional items that help include a small mirror, light hairspray, and simple accessories like headbands or scrunchies.
Can I do these hairstyles on different hair textures?
Yes! These styles work on straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair textures. You may need to adapt techniques slightly – for example, using more bobby pins for thick or curly hair, or adding texturizing products for fine hair to help styles hold better.
Ready to Change Your Look?
These 30 school hairstyles prove that looking stylish doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated.
Whether you’re rushing to catch the school bus, heading to an important presentation, or getting ready for a special school event, these versatile styles will help you look confident and put-together. The key is finding styles that work with your hair type and daily routine.
Start with the simpler styles like ponytails and basic braids to build your confidence, then work your way up to more complex looks. Remember, the best school hairstyle is one that makes you feel comfortable and confident throughout your day.
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Susan is a successful hair stylist who chose to combine two of her biggest passions: writing and styling! When she is not sharing her experience with out readers, Susan updates her skills and knowledge with new styling courses and trainings. She specializes in event hair and makeup and is working on her own illustrated hairstyle book.
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