What does your first day look say about you? It could be your 5 th grade or your last year of high school, but back to school hairstyles are not about being polished, it is about making a statement even before you utter your first word. Whether it is natural hair plaits to soft wavy hair, classic cornrows to simple twists, this season is about making it personal, fresh and manageable.
So whether you’re a mom planning her daughter’s braids for kids black, or you’re a teen wanting back to school hairstyles for short hair that don’t take hours in the mirror, I’ve rounded up the most versatile, wearable, and stylish looks for 2025—starting right here.
Polished Waves with a Bold Blue Bandana
Loose wavy hair and a wide, floral scarf have something eternal about them. It exudes a self-assured, put-together attitude that remains feminine and friendly. The slight curves in the hair begin low and fall easily to the ends and this would be ideal on those in middle school, 9 th grade or even 11-12 year olds who are seeking something low-key but stylish.
To maintain this appearance throughout the week at school, it is necessary to moisturize those ends. I would recommend the Verb Ghost Oil any time I want shine without weight, it has that frizz free finish which is great on hectic mornings and sticky afternoons.
I have a similar style worn to casual events in school and the scarf always attracts compliments. Bonus? You may change it according to your mood or clothes. And, frankly, I believe that every girl should have a scarf rotation, it is an entire aesthetic.
It is one of those back to school hairstyles that you do not need to use heat every day, all you need is a large curling wand on the first day, some dry shampoo in the middle of the week, and some attitude to pull it off.
Half-Up Curls with a Polka-Dot Bow
This hairstyle will give you the big volume and old Hollywood glamour vibes in case you are a fan of such things. The large, springy curls, tied up half-up with a gentle bow? Adorable. Imagine 5 th grade school pictures or middle school girls who are braids moving on to more adult hair styles. It’s also functional, ……hair out of your face, but you don;t lose any movement or play.
To ensure this style survives gym class and lunch line mayhem, you will want to prepare this style with a lightweight mousse such as Kenra Volume Mousse 12. Add a satin pillowcase and you’re golden.
What I love here is the versatility. Replace the bow with a scrunchie and you become instantly more relaxed. Add glitter barrettes and suddenly it’s picture day-ready. It is one of those back to school hair styles for kids that grows up with them.
I think this is ideal if you are a student who adores soft glam and does not want any fuss. It provides effort, though not trying too hard, which is literally the middle school holy grail.
Double Braided Top Knots with Defined Curls
This look speaks for itself—cute, edgy, and absolutely playful. Ideal on black teens natural hair with no braids or anyone trying protective styles that do not entail full-on black kids cornrow hairstyles. The two French braids on the hairline provide shape, and the natural curls earn out the bounce.
To curl those without crunch, I would apply Camille Rose Curl Maker, it is one of my staple products to define my curls without making them stiff or controlling frizz. Diffuser, in case you have time in the morning, or air dry, in case you do not.
The first time I noticed this look trending on TikTok I could not stop watching tutorials. It is cool and fun yet not too complex to be worn to school.
This would be ideal for 8th grade or even back to school hairstyles black teens who want to display a little bit of personal style and still have their hair covered and tamed.
Glossy Bun with a Chic Ribbon Wrap
On the mornings that you have to appear like you have it all together- this sleeked back high bun with a ribbon wrap is a lifesaver. It shouts refined and fancy but it is, in fact, one of the fastest back to school hairstyles black girls or anybody can do when they have hit the snooze button one time too many.
To achieve that smooth shine I would use the ECO Style Professional Styling Gel with Olive Oil- best to keep all those baby hairs at bay and has a dream hold. A good edge brush will also come in handy to do touch-ups.
This is definitely one of my favorite back to school hairstyles when you have short hair or when you wear wigs or quick weave. It is also flexible and does not battle with your natural texture- it embraces it.
I could observe this on a high school junior who aced her AP exam and the hallways. It’s got that energy.
Criss-Cross Crown Braids into a Low Ponytail
This is one to the girls that are interested in something complex, yet not too complex. The crown-style braids crossing each other at the back and flowing into a low ponytail are an ethereal mixture of the natural hair cornrows and something romantic. I could envision this being absolutely gorgeous in 6th grade braids or braids 7 grade styles that have to be neat, but never dull.
This one will take a little time in the morning, I would recommend doing this one the night before. Apply SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Curling Butter Cream to prevent the hair dryness and make it smooth.
To me, this is a back-to-school kind of style, even though it might be a huge grade change or simply a new-beginning-of-a-week sort of thing.
Ideal for braids kids, natural hair cornrow in, or black kids natural hair no braids types who desire a dependable protective style with only a touch of flair to make it feel thrilling.
High Pony with a Striped Ribbon Accent
There’s something undeniably energetic about a high ponytail. Tie on a striped ribbon and you know you are not going to homeroom, you are arriving. This style provides clean lift at the crown and a perfect amount of bounce at the ends making it an ideal style for back to school hairstyles black teens, middle school or 11-12 year olds who prefer confidence without complexity.
To hold that does not flake I swear by Tresemmme Extra Hold Mousse at the roots before you pull it up. It adds volume without crunch and allows the pony to retain its perkiness all day- even during the math class.
My favorite thing here is the sporty chic mix. It is not overdone, but the ribbon element is just sufficient to make it seem deliberate and playful.
It also suits virtually all hair types and lengths, which are able to reach a ponytail. It’s one of those back to school hairstyles for short hair or medium cuts that doesn’t leave you out of the braid-and-bun game.
Sleek and Simple Middle-Part Length
Sometimes, less is seriously more. This straight, sleek middle-parted style is the one when you adore clean lines and nonchalant appearance. With younger children in 5th grade or 6th grade, this is among those effortless styles that nevertheless seem grown-up and age-suitable. It gives a chance to shine the natural hair texture especially black kids natural hair no braids or braids for kids black when you need to give hair a break to wear a looser style.
A leave-in conditioner, such as Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In, is always my suggestion to make strands soft, manageable, and frizz-free on a busy day.
Personally, I can say that this kind of style is best on those days when you do not have time to use curling irons or braid your hair yet you need to feel presentable. A small amount of serum and a center part can make wonders.
If you’re someone who switches between natural hair cornrows and free styles, this is the perfect pause that lets your strands breathe without sacrificing style.
Blunt Bob with a Barely-There Pin
A soft blunt bob and a golden hairpin are nothing that screams quiet luxury. This haircut makes that fresh “new semester, new me” impression. Whether you’re coming off a summer chop or looking to keep it light and minimal, this is one of the most wearable back to school hairstyles short hair styles I’ve seen this year. It also blends perfectly well with wigs or quick weave styles in case you feel like changing it up.
I apply Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray on towel-dried hair to make it look sleek without heat damage. It locks out humidity and gives that fresh-from-the-salon gloss.
I always say: if you’re wearing a bob, lean into the structure. Put in one bold pin, part it carefully, and leave the cut to speak.
If you are sick of long hair care, this is the cut that will provide you with the best reset, neat, modern, and quietly powerful.
Soft Platinum Bob with Center Part
This straight platinum bob is all about clean drama. The platinum tone makes it brighter and the centered portion makes everything symmetrical and soothing to the eye. It’s perfect for girls who want to make a statement with minimal styling—a bold choice that still feels totally wearable for school. Imagine 9 th grade, black teens natural hair not braiding trying something new, or students that put on wigs to experiment with color.
Platinum requires TLC. To prevent brass and preserve that ice-cool colour I would suggest using Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo once a week.
I, who have gone through my blonde period, will tell you: it is worth the maintenance, in case you adore high contrast and attention-getting appearances. This one feels like confidence in a clean line.
This bob is also a perfect back to school weave style, it is bold enough to be worn by seniors yet professional enough to fit in any dress code.
Loose Curls in a Tousled High Ponytail
Here’s a go-to style for when you’re running late but still want to give “I made an effort.” The high pony is voluminous and wispy with relaxed curls that aren’t sloppy. It’s giving cozy coffee runs and hallway catchups. I adore it on natural hair plaits removed, curled slightly or even back to school hairstyles curly hair days when you require something adorable and safe.
To avoid the stiffness, use a flexible hold spray such as Not Your Mother Shes a Tease Volumizing Hairspray to maintain that lift. And do fluff out the curls a bit with your fingers–you need never brush them.
I think it is one of those back to school hairstyles braids black girls can do after removing the braids. It only takes a bit of curling and it appears effortless yet planned.
Best part? It’s season-proof. It survives the humid September or dry January and leaves you photo-ready.
Mini Crown Braid with a Sparkly Bow Accent
Short hair doesn’t mean limited options—this look proves it. A small side crown braid gives a nice amount of texture to an otherwise sleek bob, but a glittery blue bow ties the entire look together with a fun flair. It is cute, organized and highly functional on younger girls in 5 th grade or 6 th grade, and particularly on those who desire braids kids styles without having to sit still and be quiet for hours on end.
To tame the braid and keep flyaways at bay, I adore Original Sprout Natural Styling Balm: it is mild enough even for younger children, non-toxic, and has a heavenly scent.
If you are a mom, or a big sister doing this before the first bell rings, you will love how fast it comes together. It stays on until recess, is neater than a bow and makes any school morning just a bit more special.
It is also an excellent style to break up natural hair cornrows, or a pre-wash day style that needs to look polished.
Low Bun with Wispy Curtain Pieces
This low bun keeps it simple but elevated. The center-parted pieces of the curtain fall loosely on the cheeks, making the appearance casual yet slightly punk at the same time. Perfect on high schoolers who are looking something that can work with sweaters, blazers and all in between- it is quietly confident. An ideal option on braids high school off-days or even black teens natural hair no braids when you are changing things up.
I apply Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo at the roots before styling, even when it is freshly clean hair to prevent that oily appearance. It will add volume at the roots and will help to anchor those fine strands.
It has become one of my favorites when I am lazy to wash my hair yet I have to look like I did it. On cold mornings especially when a high pony is too breezy.
And to those who have back to school hairstyles short hair aspirations, this one is actually achievable, even with medium length layers.
Loose Waves with a Blush Velvet Bow
There is nothing more romantic than the soft curvy hair that caresses the shoulders and is gathered together, just a bit, and held with a large velvet bow. This appearance is book club president meets dance team sweetheart, and it is equally as appropriate in 7th grade braids transition styles or back to school hairstyles curly hair situations when you need to extend a twist-out with some sophistication.
Spray Batiste Volumizing Dry Shampoo on those waves to make them bouncy in the middle of the week. Also, a wide paddle brush, used in brushing the ends to the roots, will keep the volume soft.
Something very dreamy regarding this look, it is not very screamy about being trendy but falls directly into that timeless category. It would perfectly suit natural hair plaits that have been stretched and lightly heat-styled to give a more casual appearance.
This would certainly be one of my favorites on school picture day or a classroom presentation- it is so easy, but has a bit of bling.
Center Part Bob with Dual Clips
Prefer your looks a little neater and more sleek? This center-parted blonde bob is all about providing clarity. The face is framed by two jet-black clips that keep the front strands at bay with symmetry and polish. It is a style that screams I am ready- fabulous on girls who are going back to school and want their hairstyles to be structured or wig wearers who want to keep it simple and stylish.
The only way to maintain this look glassy-smooth is by investing in a good flat iron and heat protectant. I apply CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray and do one pass with titanium plate straightener.
This bob makes me think of those girls that will always arrive to the classroom 10 minutes early with their notes color-coded. It’s cool, calm, and completely ready to crush it.
And in case you have a hectic morning, this is perhaps one of the simplest styles on the list requiring no braiding, no curling, just smoothness and a couple of statement clips.
Half-Up Mini Braids with Ribbons
Fun, current, and un-ashamedly crafty- this mini-braided crown ponytail with ribbon details is a game-maker. Small parted braids intersect the top of the head and are twisted into two tails, an ideal style black kids braids cornrows or black teens braids cornrows that need something dramatic yet fast. The mini elastics and tied ribbons add a bit of festive touch to it that is simply appropriate on 8th grade or back to school hair days when you need to add the fun.
I always have a rat-tail comb and Eco Style Olive Oil Gel to assist me in part and sectioning. It’s great for laying edges too.
The thing I adore about this style is its expressiveness. It is open to imagination- beads, color elastics, bows, glitter gel… the possibilities are limitless.
This is a look I’d recommend for the first week of school—it’ll get you noticed (in the best way) and bring those celebratory new-year vibes right into the classroom.
Messy Top Bun with Loose Strands
It is the bun that gives an impression that you did not really put a lot of effort into it- yet somehow you killed it. The bun is loosely held and on top of the head, the texture is high and the front pieces frame the face softly. Perfect for early class rushes or cozy library days. The style is particularly effective with individuals with thick or wavy hair seeking fast back to school hairstyles short hair to mid-length hair.
When I want to achieve this style, I always use OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray, which provides me with grit and volume without making my hair stiff. A soft scrunchie helps keep the vibe relaxed.
It’s a go-to for those just-not-in-the-mood mornings. But surprisingly, it works for more polished outfits too. It is that type of hairstyle that allows your face and style to shine through.
I particularly suggest this to girls who are growing out bangs or layers- this bun conceals the in-between so nicely.
Air-Dried Textured Lob
There’s something effortlessly French-girl about this chin-length cut. It is a lob with soft bends, a little bit of motion, and no clear styling, which is essentially a dreamy appearance to back to school hairstyles short hair and does not require heat or excessive contemplation. This cut can be combined with middle or deep side part, so it can be used on many different school days.
The secret to nailing this? A good leave-in like Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique. It makes the ends silky and promotes natural texture even without blow-drying.
This is the cut I suggest when a person tells me “I want something pretty, but easy.” And, it goes easily between gym, class and weekend plans.
It’s subtle but has presence—a perfect balance for someone just entering high school or embracing a quick weave alternative.
Side-Braided Waterfall with a Pink Bow
This is a style that invokes all the coziness and fairytale magic. The side braid is braided around the head like a crown and falls loosely into waves held together by a pink satin bow. This is such a sweet and feminine take for natural hair plaits, black kids natural hair twist, or even braids kids styles when you’re letting texture show in a playful, half-up way.
To enhance waves, I recommend Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie—it’s nourishing and smells amazing.
It brings significant classroom fairy tale vibe and I adore the fact that it seems to be age-bendable, you could put this on a kindergartener or a senior and it would still work.
Ideal for a whimsical day at school, a birthday or simply to make any Tuesday a little more special.
Classic Pigtail Braids with a Middle Part
Down-the-middle braids will never come out of fashion- and this simple one with smooth parting lines and face-framing strands demonstrates it. It’s ideal for black teens braids cornrows, braids 7 grade, or even natural hair cornrow in prep days when you want a style that holds up but doesn’t require a full install or weave.
A rat-tail comb and a dab of Shine n Jam Conditioning Gel will keep those parts sharp. It smooths flyaways and works for any texture.
It is more of a comfort zone style of mine, though, simple to do, completely safe, and it looks good with hats, hoodies, or headbands. And it goes smoothly after the classroom to sports or after-school hangouts.
Pigtail braids also make a cute reference to the past but do not feel dated at all. Honestly, it’s always a win.
Sleek Double Buns for a Statement Look
This outfit is fancy, daring, and fit to dominate the corridors. The hair is parted in the center and slicked taut into two buns perched up high like space buns, but without the dishevelled effect, everything neat and tidy. It’s perfect for black kids cornrow hairstyles, back to school hairstyles black, or anyone rocking black kids natural hair no braids with high hold and futuristic flair.
To get the slickest finish I apply Ebin 24 Hour Edge Tamer on the hairline. It lasts longer than hairspray, and it is particularly good when you need that clean separation.
It is one of those back to school hairstyles black teens can definitely make their own- it is cool, on trend and lasts through gym, dance and hallway drama.
Also? It is so good with graphic tees, mesh tops or big earrings- aka the entire vibe.
