Girl in school with backpack

42 Cute And Easy Hairstyles For School

Picking a school hairstyle is as easy as ABC with our inspo guide.  

After a night of revision, thinking about what hairstyle you should wear to school may be far from your mind. But with our selection of quick and easy school hairstyles, you’ll never be short of inspiration.

Due to uniform policies, school hairstyles can be restrictive, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. So whether you’re starting a new school term or need to get out of your style rut, there’s never been a better time to revamp your look with a cute hairstyle.

3 Easy Braided Updos

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Need some quick and easy braided hair inspiration? Look no further than these stylish updos. From boxer braids perfect for gym class to a stylish ponytail upgrade and a sweet side braid, we’ve got all your hair needs covered.

Effortless Messy Bun   

Woman with messy blonde bun hairstyle
Super sweet. Credit: Instagram.com/kaitlynnbell

Hit the snooze button one too many times? A messy bun will solve all your problems and since it’s not meant to look neat, it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Accessorised Long Hair 

Woman with long dark brown wavy hair with bobby pins
It’s all about the accessories. Credit: Instagram.com/barefootblondehair

We can’t talk about school hairstyles without mentioning bobby pins! Instead of using them to secure your favourite long hairstyle, wear them in a cool arrow design.

Sleek Top Knot  

Sleek top knot
Pretty and practical. Credit: Instagram.com/malikapalmerhair

A quick and easy top knot is a seriously underrated way to keep your hair (or most of it) off your face. So, we reckon you’ll love this sleek one!

TRESemmé Freeze Hold Hairspray Front

Editor’s tip: Set this lovely look with the TRESemmé Freeze Hold Hairspraywhich will help keep frizz at bay and boost shine.

Neat Dutch Braids 

Woman with dark hair styled into Dutch braid
Neat for school, without sacrificing on style. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Need a hairstyle that’ll outlast the school day and extracurricular activities? You’re looking at it! Learn how to get the look with our tutorial.

Sweet Side Braid 

Woman with shoulder length side braid
Subtle side braid vibes. Credit: Rupert Laycock

If you struggle with braiding or have shorter hair, try weaving a simple side braid.  

The Blow Dry 

Woman with golden blonde hair styled into a wavy blow dry
Bouncy blow dry. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Why go to the salon when you can create this smart blow-dry hairstyle at home? It’s totally chic for your lessons, lunch breaks and everything inbetween. 

TRESemmé Body & Volume Shampoo Front

Editor’s Tip: Boost your hair natural volume with TRESemmé Body & Volume Shampoo– add it to your hair care routine for an extra dose of silk protein and collagen that will revitalise dull hair without weighing it down.

Long Braid Hairstyle 

Woman with dark long hair braided
Braids like this were made for long locks. Credit: Instagram.com/sophiadorena

What’s not to love about this plaited ‘do? It’s neat, tidy and just what you need when you don’t want to worry about your hair while at school.

Classic High Ponytail 

Woman with blonde high ponytail
It’s hard not to smile with a hairstyle like this. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

You can’t go wrong with this cute high ponytail hairstyle ⁠- plus, it only takes about 5 minutes to put together.

Cute Crown Braid 

Woman with dark hair styled into a crown braid
A crown braid is the perfect look for school. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Want to add some glam to your everyday school look? This sweet crown braid is sure to make them look the part. 

Fancy French Braid 

Person wearing a French braid
Wearing a French braid is basically in our hairstyle rulebook. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Doing your little one’s hair for school? This budge-proof French braid is the perfect and practical solution. And when you go to pick them up, it’ll still be in tact (hopefully!).

Pretty Half-Up With Clip 

Brunette with naturally curly hair in a half-updo with a pineapple clip
Some appreciation for the pineapple clip, please? Credit: Rupert Laycock

A half-up half-down is one of the easiest ways to style your hair for school and takes no time at all.

Cool Fishtail Braid 

Woman with long hair styled into a fishtail braid
A fishtail braid is a must-try for school. Credit: Instagram.com/shelbyweatherholtzhair

This fishtail braid is easier to create than it looks, promise. Just watch our quick fishtail plait tutorial to get this eye-catching school hairstyle. 

Sleek Sock Bun  

Woman with a brunette high sock bun
One thing’s for sure, this bun won’t get in your way as your go about your day. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

School is stressful enough without having to worry about your hair, too. Keep strands in check with this slicked-back sock bun and it’ll last right through until the final bell goes.

Classic Ponytail 

Woman with classic low ponytail hairstyle
A classic classroom hairstyle. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Need a simple hairstyle for school that looks ultra-polished? This classy ponytail is destined for you.

Basic Bun 

Woman with golden hair styled into a bun
Oh-so-smart. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

If your little one has really long hair, this basic bun does a lovely job of keeping it secure and looking school-appropriate.

Curly Half-up Ponytail 

Woman with medium length hair styled into a half-up ponytail
A gorgeous style for everyone. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Get the best of both worlds with this cute half-up, half-down ponytail. Give your look a ‘90s touch by leaving two pieces of hair out at the front.

Pancaked Braided Pigtails 

Two girls with long hair styled into braided pigtails
You’ll want to match with your bestie. Credit: Instagram.com/yourbraids

Take the dread out of your next P.E class by rocking these braided pigtails. And better still, double up with your bestie. Remember, pancaking means gently pulling out your braids once they’re done to make each part look wider.

Messy Side Ponytail 

Woman with dark brunette hair in a messy low side ponytail
Messy ponytails are a top contender for your school look. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Are you devoted to your ponytail? Well, the good news is you don’t have to stray too far away from the style with this side ponytail.

Retro Pixie With Headband 

Woman with a platinum blonde pixie cut with a scarf tied around
How adorable is this look? Credit: Rupert Laycock

Don’t let short hair stop you from having all the fun. Team a short cut with a headband and there you have it – a quick, easy and super cute hairstyle for school.

Double Dutch Braids 

Woman with medium length dark brown hair styled into dutch braids
Double Dutch braids are a winner. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Dutch braids are easy to create once you get the hang of it and can be worn on shoulder-length hair or long hair. The overall look? Neat and fun.

Mini Braids 

Woman with short blonde hair with mini braids
They might be mini, but they look mighty good. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Give their school hairstyle a little edge with mini braids. Trust us, you’ll love creating this on your little one’s hair, whatever the length.

Dreamy Half-Up With A Ribbon 

Credit: Instagram.com/allthingshairuk
What colour ribbon will you go for? Credit: Instagram.com/allthingshairuk

This picture-perfect hairstyle doesn’t need to be reserved for school photo day. By adding a ribbon, you’ll instantly make this half-up, half-down look extra special.

Simple Side Parting With A Low Pony 

Side parted blonde hair in a ponytail
It’s the year of the side parting. Credit: Rupert Laycock

If you’re tired of your middle parting and want to try something different, simply switch to a side parting. It really is the easiest way to update your style and it looks great with a low ponytail.

Wavy Braided Low Ponytail 

Brunette woman with a braided curly low ponytail
Just divine. Credit: Emily Scarlett Romain

This clever hairstyle combines our love for braided styles with a super simple ponytail. Notice the tonged curls on the ponytail – we love it!

’90s Pigtails

Long blonde hair in pigtails half-up, half-down
Pigtails are basically school essentials. Credit: Instagram.com/lorenxgray

No school week is complete without pigtails. For a more on-trend look, we love this half-up, half-down option. Doesn’t it look sweet?

Statement Buns and Bows 

Woman with dark hair styled into a bun with red hair bow
The combination you never knew you needed, until now. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Make your hair your best accessory with this bun and bow combo.

Beautiful Bows and Clips 

Brunette woman with a low ponytail with pearl hair clips and a hair bow
Meet our latest hair obsession. Credit: Instagram.com/leletny

If your school uniform doesn’t leave much room for creative flair, get inspired with these hair accessories instead.

Girly Statement Bows 

Blonde woman with a ponytail with a red bow
The bigger the bow, the better. Credit: Instagram.com/goldsalty

No school hairstyles round-up would be complete without a hair bow. Add it to your ponytail (oh and you’ll want to make sure the bow colour matches your uniform).

Easy Long Braids 

Woman with ash brown hair in single braid
Looks profesh. Credit: Instagram.com/okevaaa

Long hair can be time-consuming to style, but with this quick single braid you can be the best tressed in the classroom (in under a minute).

Half-Up Braid  

Woman with brunette and blonde ombre hair in a half-up half-down braid
Add this to your braided hair options for school. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Half-up braids are some of our favourite heatless hairstyles and there are so many different looks you can try.

Unicorn Braid 

Woman with long wavy dark brunette hair in a unicorn braid
This fierce look slays. Credit: Emily Scarlett Romain

No time to wash your hair? Don’t fret, braids work best on dirty hair, so this fun unicorn braid is a winning look to try between hair wash days.

Charming Milkmaid Braid 

Woman with dark brown milkmaid braid
It’s a lot easier to master than it looks. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Leave some face-framing strands out of this milkmaid braid for a casual-smart look or add some flowers or hair pins for a formal school night. 

Headband 

Woman with headband and long black hair
Bad hair day? Reach for a headband. Credit: Instagram.com/so_narly

One of the reasons that we love headbands so much is that they can instantly upgrade any hairstyle.

’90s Clipped Back Bob 

Woman with a purple highlighted bob with a pink snap clip
Bobs and big clips = a dreamy combo. Credit: Instagram.com/xandervintage

Feel like your hair is too short to do anything with? Wrong. This clipped-back bob look couldn’t be simpler and it’s a great way to get in on the snap clips trend.

Perfect Ballet Bun 

Blonde woman with a tight ballerina bun
Ballerina hair, incoming. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Ballerina buns are designed to stay put so if they can handle pirouettes, science class will be a breeze.

Slicked Back Ponytail 

Woman with brown ombre hair in slick ponytail
This is perfect for all hair lengths. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Keep things smooth and simple for school with this slicked back ponytail.

Bumped Quiff 

Woman with bump quiff ponytail wearing green
It’s time to jump on the quiff bandwagon. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Give your ponytail some voluminous flare with a hair quiff. This bumped up style is great for creating the illusion of height. 

Easy Half-up Bun 

Woman with curly medium length styled into a half-up look
This quick and easy hairstyle gets a thumbs up from us. Credit: Rupert Laycock

This charming half-up bun is well-suited for all hair lengths and types. So stylish!

Braid and Ponytail 

Woman with Dutch braids and ponytail
Don’t forget the hair jewellery. Credit: Instagram.com/yourbraids

Give your regular ponytail an upgrade for the new term with this easy Dutch braid version.

 

Recommended reads:

33 Prom Hair Ideas You’ll Love

66 Plaited Hair Ideas For All Lengths

41 Easy Hairstyles You Can Do In Minutes

 

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