Cute 2025 First Day of School Hairstyles for Girls – Trendy Braids, Ponytails, and Natural Looks

What can you wear on the first day back to make your outfit yell confidence without screaming that you over-did it? Do you full Y2K it, keep it toned down, represent your school uniform or simply wear some fly street clothes that feel so you? Whether you’re stepping into middle school 7th grade or starting over as a highschool freshman, what you wear says something before you even speak. Let’s make it say all the right things.

This guide is not all about trends but rather about setting the vibe that will suit your mood, your school dress code and the heat of August. Ready? First day of school outfits 2025 that do the most without doing too much, let’s go.

Side Braids and Soft Waves for That Effortless Cool

There’s something about soft, mermaid-like waves paired with tight braids that just screams confidence. The texture gives it motion without making it crazy, and the braids on either side of your face provide that candy-cane frame that is so innocent and hence ideal for the back-to-school corridors and last-minute selfies over your locker. In case you are into a more humble aesthetic with a slight punk twist, this outfit borders the two. It’s playful, laid-back, but still styled with intention.

Keep it smooth with a nourishing leave-in—Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk is one I swear by, especially if you’re going to class in hot weather. The key is to lock in those waves the night before with a loose braid technique and then wake up ready.

I actually wore something like this on my first day of 8th grade once-with baggy jean and a pair of Knu Skool Vans and I can still remember how cool I thought I looked. It is not always about chasing all the trends but rather about embracing your texture.

Want to punch this look up? Add a couple Y2K clips or butterfly barrettes. They are inexpensive, adorable, and completely aesthetic with a first day of school outfits black women or DTI aesthetic in case that is the look you are going after.

High Pony with Glam Waves for That Main Character Moment

This big high ponytail is not only a hair but a mood. It is red carpet, yet somehow still feels back to school with a killer outfit. The smooth roots provide shape and the length that dramatic ending. You’re not just arriving—you’re making an entrance.

To maintain this pony perfect, prepare your foundation with a serum such as Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil and then tighten with a wrap-around method to conceal the band. And you will need a good edge control to tame those flyaways- Ebin 24 Hour Edge Tamer is a holy grail.

The first time I attempted this look, it was to attend a college HBCU mixer, and? I felt like a doll. When your 9 th grade year of highschool is a complete restart, this ponytail can be your empowerment.

Wear it with a fitted Shein jumpsuit or uniform skirt when your school is on the stricter side but allows you to make things interesting. Believe me, this is effective even with a dress code and it attracts attention.

Simple Side Braid for Soft Girl Energy

The side braid, hidden behind the ear, is long and sweet-girl energy that we all adore. There’s something timeless and low-effort about this style. It would be perfect for those who are seeking first day of school outfits fancy or simply sticking to the minimalistic side but with a purpose. Ideal highschool uniform environment or when you need to tie your hair neatly due to labs or PE classes without compromising the style.

Candidly, this style is simpler when you braid freshly washed hair with a small amount of Moroccanoil Treatment Light to provide it with that glassy appearance. Frizz is not what you want here, the neater the sections, the better the effect will be.

This was my uniform when I was in a first day of school outfits Stockholm Pinterest phase, i.e. blush skirts, knit tops, soft sneakers. Fantastical, pragmatic, and completely suitable to a cold classroom in the A/C.

A cute add-on? Little flower pins, or a old-fashioned uniform blue ribbon tied at the end of the braid. It’s subtle but makes it feel yours.

Baby Braids with Loose Curls: Just the Right Amount of Drama

This one is to the girlies that do not want to invest in a full braid but still want something more. Voluminous curls all over and two clean, baby braids on the top- it is so early 2000s, and, yes, that is a compliment. Ideal when you are embracing the first day of school looks Y2K era or enjoy the combination of soft and edgy.

Heat-styling the curls? Don’t skip heat protection. I would always suggest Chi 44 Iron Guard- reliable and does not make your strands heavy. On the braids, a small amount of shine wax such as Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil on fingertips will keep them crisp.

This hairstyle is super versatile. You can wear it with shorts and a crop top or a hijab, when you tuck the curls and let the braids show through. It’s all about how you finish it.

Lowkey, anytime I see this look I feel like I am in a music video on my way to my locker. That main-character energy? It’s real.

Space Buns and Waves for Playful Confidence

Two buns on the top and flowing waves on the bottom- if that is not a shout out of I am back and I am better then what is? It’s playful, it’s loud, but it’s not too much. The combo is perfect when one wants to slay the first day of school outfits summer vibe, more so when you are in middle school 7th grade or when one wants to add light energy to their first day of school outfits uniform look.

The secret is to get the buns fastened without being too tight. Apply Invisibobble Power Hair Ties to get the hold without the headache. On the waves, a big barrel curler and a can of Living Proof Flex Hairspray can get you far.

This was my default my first day of highschool freshman year, layered over a streetwear tee, some chunky Knu Skool Vans, and baggy jeans. Felt like I was walking a runway—not a hallway.

And if you’re the artsy one in your group? This hair is completely alt without being try-hard at all. Go off, girl.

Classic Double Braids With a Denim Remix

Tight, centered double braids are another style you can never go wrong with when you need something that will last all day and still be bomb by 3rd period. This style is organized, classic, and it literally suits any dress code, whether it is middle school 7 th grade or highschool freshman. And then you just throw it with a cropped top and jeans and all of a sudden it has 2025 edge with a hint of Y2K.

Precision is the key to these braids, so you want to begin with a strong hold gel such as Got2b Ultra Glued and a fine-tooth comb to part. I love to spray ORS Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray on mine to finish- the shine is out of this world.

There is just something about this combination that brings me to a moment when I simply wanted to appear clean and cool without making it too obvious. Throw on some hoops or stack necklaces and all of a sudden it is fly without leaving the realm of modest.

In case you fear that the humidity or hot weather would destroy the appearance, braid wet hair before going to bed and wear a silk wrap. No heat needed and it stays neat all day.

Retro Waves With a Centered Pony

I think this is my favorite glam-elegant moment as a first day of school outfits elegant look. Low pony and carved blonde curls and those peekaboo curls? Chef’s kiss. If your school’s on the strict side, this one slides under every radar while still giving that “I woke up like this but make it runway” mood.

A 1-inch barrel curler will help to maintain these waves polished, then set them with Oribe Superfine Hairspray and brush the crown with TIGI Bed Head Wax Stick. And whilst you are at it, do not skip a shine spray-Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray never lets me down.

It is to the girls who like to make a statement yet not shout out to get noticed. Maybe you’re stepping into DTI programs or leading the student council—this style says you mean business, but make it fashion.

You can absolutely pair this with a plain skirt or a light pastel blazer and pink accessories. You’ll feel like the CEO of your own comeback.

Side Braided Crown With Sleek Ends

Angled, clean, and minimal, this side crown braid with super sleek length is more or less a power move. It is perfect when you are wearing a highschool uniform or you just want a hijab-friendly base that adds a bit of drama but does not violate any school policies. There is something about the sharpness of this style that is unrivaled and emits boss-girl energy.

A bit of edge wax and a tail comb will be your best friends to make the braids as close to the scalp as possible. Leave with a final run through of the GHD Platinum+ Flat Iron and set everything in place with a fine spray of Tresemm DS Extra Hold Hairspray.

I had something like this on my first day of highschool 9th grade and the rest was tucked in a nice bun and it just felt so clean and nice put together. The kind of style that makes you walk taller.

You may even tie a uniform blue head band or put small gems provided your school permits that. Only enough glitter to sparkle in the corridor.

Sleek Side Part With Beaded Details

This is a style that was designed to be a first day of school clothes uniform life but with a twist- literally. The side-parted braid adorned with small colored beads and secured with a huge bow simply looks different. It’s structured and polished for 8th grade, but the accessories give you room to personalize within your school’s rules.

This one is all about the slickness, so do not forego a smoothing cream, such as Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Pomade-to-Oil Treatment, prior to styling. Part using a sharp tail comb, braid tightly and allow your creativity to show using clip on beads or even mini barrettes.

What comes to mind when I look at this is a throwback to school prep, pleated skirt, white shirt, navy blazer, etc., with a bit of streetwear swagger. It is a combination that simply works, when you are the type of person who loves to play by the rules yet you also wish to feel special.

Bonus: this style lasts. You can go through gym, lunch and after-school club and no one will ever know you have been wearing it.

Statement Braids with Spiral Tendrils

It is the hairdo that screams: I am back and better. Sleek, daring braids and sharp spiral tendrils and flat-ironed edges? Obsessed. This is providing first day of school outfit black women, fly, and dress impress energy all in one. This style was not created by accident- and it shows.

You will need a leave-in conditioner with moisture, such as Camille Rose Curl Love and an edge control that is unbudgeable, such as Style Factor Edge Booster. For those curls? On wet spirals, Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel and a finger coil are a miracle worker.

There is that alt energy about this look when you dress it down with a band tee, or when you want to make a statement and pair it with a first day of school outfits shorts moment and sneakers. And yes—Knu Skool Vans would hit hard with this.

And if you, like us, happen to be seeking ways to make that day a day to remember, here is how you can make every corridor your catwalk.

Sculpted High Pony With Wave Drama

Slicked-back high pony with defined curls is not only a hairdo, but it is also a message. It reads, I am prepared to kill it in this school year and still get to last period drama club rehearsal. This one would be the perfect one when you are aiming at first day of school outfits dressy or when paired with a slim black ensemble and hoop earrings that contemporary streetwear flair.

I never leave the house without applying Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray and then gathering my hair back-there is no better product to tame those flyaways. For those dramatic waves? They get a camera-ready curve with a big-barrel iron and a little IGK Beach Club Texture Spray.

It is great to use in DTI presentations, college HBCU functions or when you simply need a pick me up that lasts. It’s giving “future CEO” and I’m here for it.

Want to add a twist? Twine the bottom with a strand of your own hair or slipped in a pink barrette to adding a bit of sparkle.

Messy Space Tails With Soft Volume

The space buns have been seen by us all- but this fun take on half-up tails with serious volume is fully delivering Y2K and I am not mad about it. It is relaxed enough with the loosely curled ends, parted fringe and somewhat dishevelled symmetry to be fun, casual and only rebellious enough to be acceptable on the first week back.

I comb through and lightly tease at the crown with a comb and then spray with Kenra Volume Spray 25 to achieve that volume. With Goody Ouchless Elastics, the tails remain perky and the curls? Use a 1¼-inch iron for that bounce.

I actually tested this on my first day of school outfits Stockholm vibe last year, and I can assure you that it was fantastic with a pair of baggy cargo pants, a cropped tee, and platform sneakers. It is also an adorable flex when you are trying to achieve a modest appearance but also want to be noticed.

Add a small clip-on bow or wear it with shorts and a cardigan, this hairstyle gets along with everything.

Half-Up Bun and Loose Baby Curls

A loose half-up bun with some natural curls cascading down is just simply adorable. The look is whimsical, but somehow entirely back-to-school appropriate, especially when you want to keep it simple in uniform or are simply trying to stay cool in the heat.

To keep curls bouncy, I love Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream—no crunch, just shine. The bun doesn’t need to be perfect. Actually, the slightly dishevelled look is what makes this appearance so charming.

This makes it all first day of school outfits summer-y, like pastel backpack, soft sweatshirt, possibly even pink ballet flats if you are that girl.

And when your school has a dress code, this is such a cute work around. It is not distracting, sweet, and can be easily re-applied with a bit of scrunch in the middle of the day.

Power Braid With Bold Ribbon Energy

This is how you wear a braid with intention. The single braid is high and clean and strong–but the over-large bow? That is the touch that makes it “practical” to “Pinterest icon.” When your school uniform skews formal, it makes this soft visual pop that nevertheless complies with the regulations. Major first day of school outfits uniform energy.

Tame edges with a smoothing balm, such as The Doux Swag Goo. Braid tightly for hold, then tie a large satin ribbon (matching your uniform blue or go bold with red).

I adore this appearance on 8th grade particularly, it is grown-up yet attractive, neat but personalizable. And the earrings–forget not the earrings–studs or small hoops are just the thing.

Bonus tip? Braid the night before, and cover with a silk bonnet. Easy morning routine, no chaos required.

Retro Headband With Pin-Straight Flow

We’re closing things out with a clean, nostalgic style that feels a little alt, a little preppy, and a whole lot of “I’ve got it together.” The straight as a ruler locks, the middle part that could only be described as flawless, the thick white headband, it is serving 1960s-meets-2025 realness. Imagine highschool freshman, first day of school looks elegant, or a crisp back-to-class after a big summer glow-up.

Apply high-glide flat iron, such as T3 Lucea 1” and finish off with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. Then add that daring white headband, and your whole image transforms basic to bold.

Once during orientation I wore this with a plaid uniform skirt, white button-up and black loafers. Was like I just came out of a movie set in Stockholm. And the best part? The headband gets hair out of your face all day, no fixing necessary.

And when your style is on the modest side, then this is just right with longer skirts, blouses that are tucked in or even cardigans that are layered. Instant polish without the fuss.

Princess Braid With a Cascade of Pink Ribbons

We will begin with a literal dream, a long single braid down with evenly spaced baby pink bows. It is whimsical, it is fairy-tale-like and it can absolutely pass in first day of school outfits black women, elegant or uniform skirt environments. It is somewhat first day of school clothes summer whimsical and yet she works in a conventional classroom.

I begin with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In to make this braid smooth and secure, then I use a boar bristle brush. The ribbons are secured with mini elastics and I hide Bobby Pins by Kitsch to secure everything.

In fact, I was wearing this same outfit to a DTI morning event, and I could not stop receiving compliments. It felt regal, yet simple. That sort of thing that makes even cafeteria food good.

Combine it with a puffed-sleeve top or a Shein babydoll dress, and voila, you become memorable before the second bell.

Two-Tone Sleek Half-Up With a Bold Bow

If you’re looking for that polished and powerful return-to-campus look, this is it. This style is screaming structure with a deep half-up pull, and clean, razor-straight ends. And that oversize neutral bow? An ideal reference to first day of school clothes Stockholm or highschool 9 th grade vibes.

Prep with OGX Brazilian Keratin Flat Iron Spray, and run through with a Remington Pearl Pro Ceramic Flat Iron to add shine and precision. That contrast color piece? Eye-catcher in total and a daring step when you are feeling alterative, yet clean.

I am in love with the way this style borders on being demure and enigmatic. It would look great with a solid blue vest, oxford shirt and loafers or reverse it and dress it up with baggy jeans and a fitted t-shirt.

It is tidy sufficient to be a personal school code yet wild enough to be the corridor catwalk.

Space Buns and Braids Combo With Beach Waves

Now THIS is the definition of playful confidence. Twisted buns with tiny braids and loose curls? It has all the vibes of the first day of school outfits, 8th grade energy, but with a Y2K twist and a touch of pink perfection. It is as though your personality is doing a little jig before you even say hi.

I prefer to prepare curls using Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Mousse and divide the hair using alligator clips. Buns are twisted and pinned, and then plaited through the middle part and wound up to meet all of them.

When I first laid my eyes on this combo, I just knew it was going to be a younger grade hit, especially those who desire to be stylish yet remain modest. It is also excellent in hot weather days as it is cool and elevated.

Extra points if you put some glitter clips in it or style it with some shorts and a tee- this thing is good to go anywhere.

Mini Cornrow Crown With a Sharp Center Part

Mini cornrows with a vicious part are simply unsurpassable when it comes to those of us who desire a zero-fuss, all-day-staying-power hairstyle. The style is fly, sleek and sharp, and would be perfect in first day of school looks black women, dress code environments, and even HBCU college life.

Apply Edge Booster Strong Hold Pomade to sculpt and Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Leave-In Conditioner to hydrate beneath. Precision is the secret–then take your time and use a rat-tail comb.

This appearance makes me always think of swagger, military, and sharpness. It doesn’t matter whether you’re reporting to work on day one and are prepared to be the boss or you simply want to maintain a minimalistic routine, this is the one.

Combine with everything: jeans, uniform, or the entire streetwear drip, it never lets you down.

Half-Braided Crown With White Bows

We are ending with tenderness, beauty and form combined. The half-up braided crown is a hairstyle that lifts the hair ever so slightly, and the inclusion of white bows on the hair puts it in the realm of first day of school outfits elegant. Its completely comfortable enough to wear in highschool uniform life, though, provided your school has an academic chic vibe.

A little Not Your Mother’s Royal Honey & Kalahari Melon Leave-In and a large-barrel curler sets the loose ends, while the braids stay neat with Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Soufflé.

I did something very similar to this with a sweater vest and Shein pleated skirt- it was preppy, polished but soft. It is that mysterious feeling you get when you enter the school library and you feel mysterious. Yeah. That.

This one is a crowd favorite for a reason. It’s gentle, polished, and has staying power.