Back-to-School Hairstyles for Teens: Trends and Easy Styles

The start of a new school year is the perfect time for a fresh start, and that includes experimenting with your hairstyle. For teens, ages 12 to 18, it’s a great time to express individuality and try out new looks. Whether you prefer a low-maintenance style or something more elaborate, there’s a hairstyle out there for you. This article explores a variety of trendy and easy-to-achieve hairstyles perfect for the back-to-school season, from protective styles to heatless options, ensuring you start the year looking and feeling your best.

Trending Styles for the School Year

Several styles are making waves this back-to-school season. Kids are always on the move, which is why fades, braids, low-maintenance hairstyles, and protective styles are trending. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular choices:

Fades

The versatility of a fade is what keeps this style trendy. Fades are a consistently popular choice, offering a versatile and stylish look for all hair lengths. This is a great choice if your child wants to stand out from the crowd with this trendy mullet. Sharp designs can be added to make the fade even more unique.

Braids

Braids are incredibly versatile, with endless possibilities for experimentation. From classic French braids to trendy boxer braids, there's a braided style for everyone. Braided styles offer the best of both worlds.

Buns

Buns are a classic hairstyle that will never go out of style. Buns are a timeless and elegant option. For a fun twist, consider double buns, a showstopper that can be rocked year-round!

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Ponytails

This ponytail deserves an A+. Ponytails are a practical and stylish choice for school. A simple ponytail is easy to create and can be dressed up or down. Once you take it down, it will fall into loose waves.

Highlights and Balayage

Start this school year with a new balayage or highlights. Adding highlights or balayage can instantly refresh your look. These techniques add dimension and brightness to your hair, creating a stylish and eye-catching effect.

Easy and Quick Hairstyles

For those mornings when you're short on time, these quick and easy hairstyles are your go-to solutions:

Heatless Curls

Curling your hair with a curling iron not only takes a long time in the morning but can also cause heat damage to your tresses. Heatless curls are the new hottest no-heat hairstyle that will save you time in the morning. You can achieve beautiful curls without heat using items like a bathrobe belt, leggings, or long socks. Simply wrap your hair around the chosen item, leave it in overnight, and wake up to gorgeous curls. In the morning, finger-comb your curls, touch up with more dry shampoo if needed, and get on with your day.

Half-Up Double Buns

If you want a new hairstyle that stands out from the crowds and can be yours in minutes, look no further than a half-up double bun! This hairstyle is great for short hair since it only needs the hair on the top of the head. The half-up double buns hairstyle also works for textured hair and helps keep your hair out of your face throughout the day. This hairstyle can also be done between washes on slightly dirty hair since it will keep your buns more secure on your head.

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To create this look:

1. Separate your hair in half, following from the top of your ears to the crown of your head.
2. Find your middle part and separate the two sections of hair.
3. Smooth one half of your hair back into a ponytail at the top of your head and secure with an elastic. If you have textured hair, dampen your hair with some water beforehand to better snatch back your hair.
4. Once in a ponytail, begin to twist the hair and then wrap around the base of the ponytail.
5. Secure your bun with a couple of bobby pins. If your hair is shorter, you’ll want to loop your hair tie once more and pull your locks only halfway through to create a little bun.

Claw Clip Hairstyles

Claw clips have been a huge trend for hairstyles recently, so this is the perfect back-to-school look, especially on those mornings when you’ve hit the snooze button (maybe many times) and are pressed for time! Claw clips hold your hair securely in place using the grips on its claws so you can run to class without messing up your hair.

To style with a claw clip:

1. Section off the front pieces of your hair from the rest of your hair.
2. Dampen the front pieces of your hair and then part in your preferred style.
3. Let down the rest of your hair and collect it with the tiny ponytail underneath your head. If you have textured, coily hair, you should pull the rest of your hair into a ponytail for extra security.
4. Twist your hair and secure with the claw clip. If your hair is on the longer side, you can twist your hair and then pull up from the center of your hair to double up the hair for a less chaotic hairstyle.

Slicked Back Bun

Best for day 2, 3, or whatever-day-it-is-at-this-point hair, the slicked back bun is a cute hairstyle that stays and slays all day. It’s an off-duty model's favorite, and for good reason. It’s sleek and easy to achieve when you want to wake up and get out the door.

Steps to achieve this look:

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1. You will need a good hair gel and a boar brush to get your hair as smooth and sleek as possible.
2. Brush your hair back towards the nape of the neck with a boar brush.
3. Twist the hair and wrap it in a circle.

Bubble Braids

If braiding isn’t your strong suit, you may be surprised to find out that bubble braids are way easier than you expect - there aren’t any actual plaits involved. This fun, youthful hairstyle is taken straight from Y2K so you can channel your inner Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera. You can make them tiny, or you can make them huge depending on your style, and they work on most hair lengths and most textures.

Here’s how to create bubble braids:

1. Part your hair in the middle of your head and follow down the back.
2. Secure the two sections of hair just behind your ears.
3. About two inches down from the first elastic, tie in another elastic.
4. Follow this formula down the entire ponytail.

Afro Puffs

If you have kinky, coily, or curly hair, an afro puff is a cute hairstyle that shows off your natural hair in all its glory! The style gained popularity in the 1960’s and has remained a staple in hairstyles for textured hair.

To create the perfect afro puff:

1. Start by using a wide-tooth comb or pick to gently detangle your hair from the ends up to the roots.
2. Use a styling gel or cream to define your curls and create the shape you want.
3. Use a pick or wide-tooth comb to lift your hair from the roots, creating volume and shape.
4. Finally, use a hair pick or comb to shape your afro into the desired style. Don’t let greasy hair ruin your afro after a couple of days!

Double Braided Pigtails

Double braided pigtails are a fun take on the traditional three-strand plait pigtails. Rather than looking like Pippi Longstocking, the double braids are trendy and feminine, especially when paired with the hottest accessory on social media: a ribbon. This hairstyle is another great option when your hair is a little dirty.

Steps to create double braided pigtails:

1. Section your hair into two halves down the back of your head.
2. Gather your hair into a ponytail about 1/3 of the way up your scalp from the base of your neck.
3. Split the ponytail in half and braid the first section like you would a normal braid and secure at the bottom with an elastic.
4. Braid the second section of the ponytail the same way.
5. Repeat on the other side.
6. Add a ribbon or barrette for added personality.
7. If you want a more advanced braid, you can also try this look with mermaid braids!

Braided Styles: From Simple to Intricate

Braids offer a wide range of options, from simple and classic to intricate and eye-catching. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next braided look:

• Dutch Braid: The showy inverted French braid is really worth it! Have you learned how to Dutch braid your hair yet?
• Small French Braids: Instead of a chunky braid, which has a more bohemian vibe, small French braids provide edge to a basic loose look.
• Boxer Braids: Boxer braids are a popular way to add personality and style to your look. Fuse the two styles into the ultimate trendy look. Boxer braids (two French braids) are quickly gaining popularity and compete - or complete - ponytails. They are practical and give off a cool, sporty vibe that works for anything from workouts to a night out. Impress your classmates and friends?
• Braided Headband: If you don’t like hair falling onto your face and keep tucking the front pieces behind your ears, you can fix the problem in a fancier way by braiding a headband.
• Dragon Braids: Spice up your straight hair and express your personal style with creative dragon braids, decorated with golden hair cuffs or beads.
• Waterfall Braid: A waterfall braid looks stunning but it does take some practice sessions.
• Braided Knot: Enjoy wearing your locks free-flowing? Braid the section above your forehead to keep those locks from falling into your face. Stop on the crown and finish the braid with a messy knot.
• Basket Weave: Plenty of online tutorials are available to help you master a basket weave.
• Four-Strand Braid and Low Bun: Perfect both for school and a fancy occasion, this style is a combination of a four-strand braid and a low bun.
• Thick Pull-Through Braid: A thick pull-through braid is a bold and eye-catching style that adds tons of volume and texture.
• Infinity and Bubble Braids: Combining infinity and bubble braids gives your hair a cool, eye-catching look while keeping it tidy and pulled back.

Updos for a Polished Look

Updos are a great way to keep your hair out of your face while adding a touch of sophistication to your look. Here are a few updo ideas for school:

• Low Twisted Bun: A low twisted bun is a popular quick and easy updo but it may seem too boring for some.
• Mohawk Buns: Wish for something one-of-a-kind? Mohawk buns are a fantastic way to add a playful and trendy touch to curly or kinky hair.
• Textured Bun: Messy updos like this cute textured bun are particularly great for frizzy hair while allowing for a fun and youthful appearance.
• Bohemian Updo: This updo gives us carefree Bohemian vibes! Its versatility makes it equally charming for music festivals and wedding guest looks.

Ponytails: A Classic Choice with a Twist

No wonder a ponytail remains one of the most popular hairstyles for many generations. Ponytails are a classic and versatile hairstyle that can be adapted to suit any occasion. Here are some ways to elevate your ponytail game:

• High Ponytail with Curls: High ponytail styles with curls look ‘candy cute,’ especially when paired with shaped cornrows. By pulling your hair back into a high pony hairstyle, you open up your face and showcase your youthful and lively appearance.
• Low Ponytails or Puffs: Low ponytails or puffs are a fabulous choice for kinky or coily hair, combining style and ease.
• Medium Pony: Looking for a perfect graduation hairdo? This medium pony is a splendid option to consider.

Styles for Different Hair Types and Lengths

The best hairstyle for you will depend on your hair type, length, and personal style. Here are some ideas for different hair types and lengths:

• Short Hair: The half-up double bun is a great option for short hair.
• Long Hair: Long hair offers a myriad of ideas for casual hairstyles limited only to one’s imagination and creativity.
• Medium to Thick Hair with Highlights: Cute and sophisticated, this hairstyle will work great on medium to thick hair with highlights. The longer your hair is, the thicker the bun will be.
• Kinky or Coily Hair: Low ponytails or puffs and Mohawk buns are great options for kinky or coily hair.

Protective Styles for Hair Health

Protective styles are designed to minimize manipulation and protect your hair from damage, promoting healthy hair growth.

Knotless Box Braids

One of the trendiest hairstyles for curly hair types is the knotless box braid. Knotless braids feed hair into your braided hair rather than creating a knot at the root, which can cause tension on the hair follicle and damage your hair. This technique helps reduce tension and stress on the scalp and hairline, making knotless box braids a more comfortable and protective hairstyle. Plus, knotless box braids can be more natural-looking and less bulky than traditional box braids. Be sure to oil your scalp at least once a week to keep your scalp from getting flaky and dry. Oiling your scalp will also help your baby hairs lay down and your braids appear neater.

Wigs

Wigs are the ultimate style change for back-to-school! Long, short, blonde, or red, you can get a wig in practically any style you can dream of. Wigs can be made of natural hair, synthetic hair, or a blend of both. Dry shampoo can be used a couple of different ways for your wigs. If your synthetic wig is looking, well, plasticky, spray dry shampoo onto the hair and comb through gently to reduce the shine. Our extensive line of dry shampoos come in a variety of scents and benefits for your hair type, so there’s one for everyone.

Maintaining Your Hairstyle

No matter which hairstyle you choose, proper maintenance is key to keeping your hair looking its best. Here are a few tips:

• Dry Shampoo: One of the great things about dry shampoo is its versatility. Extend your good hair days and save time so you can do more of what you love!
• Braid Refreshers: A week or two goes by and you already have crazy new growth. My go-to for braids upkeep is washing them and using braid refreshers.
• Silk Press: Start the school year with a silk press. Silk presses are a great way to get that perfectly sleek hairstyle for back to school if your natural hair is curlier and coily. This service provides an excellent opportunity to trim ends for healthy hair. Silk presses are less damaging than a relaxer or texturizer since there are no chemicals used - all you need is a blow dryer and flat iron. Silk presses are also a great starting point to venture into other hairstyles like beachy waves or a slicked-back bun.
  • Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair.
  • Blow dry your hair using a paddle brush or a round brush. Use the nozzle of the blow dryer to direct the airflow down the hair shaft and smooth out the cuticles.
  • Once your hair is completely dry, use a flat iron to straighten your hair in small sections. Take a small section of hair and clamp the flat iron as close to the roots as possible. Slowly glide the flat iron down the length of the hair, using a comb to guide the hair through the flat iron.
  • Style a fresh silk press into a fun half-up, half-down style. Add some curls for volume and a long-lasting look.

Expressing Yourself Through Hair

12 to 18 years is a great time for experiments with hair. Whether you opt to rock a half-shaved punk style, a razor haircut or an Emo look, that’s all fine if you are a teenager. But you may choose a sweet look too and have fun styling DIY braids and cute updos. Good taste and style are beyond age.

Adding Accessories

Hair accessories are known to style up any hairstyle, plus you can reuse the accessories all year long. Sometimes the best hairstyles are the simple ones - like those using a cute accessory to hold hair in place. This long style is pulled together with a pretty bow. Add even more color with full highlights! Add curtain bangs to your back-to-school look.

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