How to Do Your Hair for School

Co-authored by Shun Pittman and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: June 27, 2022 References

No outfit is school-ready without a great hairstyle…but with all the different options out there, how are you supposed to decide on the perfect look? There’s no need to worry—whether your hair is short, long, natural, straight, or textured, we’ve got you covered with plenty of easy and cute looks that you can do in a cinch. In a matter of minutes, you’ll be ready to take on the school day with plenty of style!

1

Trendy Ponytail

A classic ponytail is a quick and easy way to style your hair before school. Start by pulling your hair back with both hands. Then, grab a hair tie and slip the ponytail through the elastic. Twist the elastic into a figure-8 shape and pull the hair through again. Then, keep twisting the elastic and pulling your hair through until the elastic is tight.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.}
- Feel free to tie your hair with a scrunchie, a ribbon, or a bow in your school colors as a fun alternative to a traditional hair tie.
- If you don't want your hair tie to be visible, take a strand of hair and wrap it around the base of your ponytail several times, covering the elastic. Tuck the end of this strand into your hair tie, just beneath your hair. Then, secure it in place using a bobby pin.
- You can wear your ponytail high on the top of your head, low at the base of your neck, or medium-high at the very back of your head. You can even wear it on the side of your head, if you’d like.

2

Flipped Ponytail

A flipped ponytail is a fun way to spice up your look. Start by tying your hair up in a low ponytail. Then, create a small opening in your hair just above the hair tie between the back of your head and the elastic. Pass the ponytail through the hole, and tug along the base of the ponytail to complete the look.^{[2]
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- Be sure to split your hair evenly on either side of the opening. Also, make sure you don’t tie your elastic too tightly.

3

Flicked Ponytail

Try a flicked ponytail if you have some time before school. Take a few moments to straighten your hair with a flat iron and tie your hair back in a traditional ponytail. Then, take your flat iron and run it through random, 1 in (2.5 cm) sections of hair at the bottom of your ponytail. Lift and flip each hair section 180 degrees with your flat iron—this creates cool, stylish “flicks” that really enhance your ponytail.^{[3]
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- You can do as many or as few flicks as you like. It’s totally up to you!
- If you don’t feel like putting your hair up, feel free to keep your hair down before adding flicks.

4

Traditional Braid

A simple braid is an easy but iconic way to jazz up your look. Start by separating your hair into 3 even sections. Take the section of hair to the left and cross it over between the other 2 sections. Then, take the section on the right and cross that over to the center of the other 2 sections. Once you’ve finished your braid, tie it off with a hair tie.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.}
- Continue braiding until you have 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of hair left.
- You can make 1 braid at the back of your head or 2 braids to either side of your head. If you are making 2 braids, start them behind your ear.

5

Bubble Braids

Bubble braids are a simple but unforgettable way to stand out at school. Use both hands to pull and tie your hair back into a ponytail. Then, grab a hairband and tie it 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) down from the base of ponytail. Gently tease and puff out the hair in-between the elastics so it looks like a bubble.^{[5]
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- Continue adding extra hairbands and teasing each section of hair to finish off this iconic braid.
- Bubble braids work best if you have long hair.
- Small hair elastics work especially well with this hairstyle.

6

Basic Bun

Add a sophisticated touch to your hairstyle with a simple bun. Start with a high ponytail on top of your head. Then, take your ponytail and twist it into a coil. Wap this hair coil around the elastic as many times as you can. While holding the hair in place with one hand, secure the newly-created bun with some bobby pins.
- Stick your bobby pins along the front, back, left, and right sides of the bun to hold everything in place.
- As a finishing touch, spritz the bun with a small amount of hairspray and smooth down any flyaway strands with a little bit more product.
- Add a bit of detail to the bun by braiding a strand of hair and wrapping it around the bun. Then, secure the braid in place with a bobby pin.

7

Messy Bun

A messy bun gives your hair some extra style and character. Twist your hair into a coil and wrap it around the base of your ponytail, creating a bun shape. Secure your hair by wrapping a hair tie around the base of your bun. Then, shake your head around and loosen a few strands of your bun to make it look more tousled and messy.

8

Space Buns

Give your hair some intergalactic flair with space buns. Split your hair into 2 sections and tie them both off in low ponytails. Then, twist and coil each ponytail until it creates the shape of a bun. Stick a few bobby pins into each bun to hold it in place, and you’re good to go!^{[6]
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- Make your look even more out of this world with some space-themed hair accessories.

9

Half-up Half-down

A classic half-up half-down look is both easy and elegant. Start by gathering a small section of hair at the top of your head (about eye level and up). Then, pull this section towards the back of your head. You can either clip it in place or tie it using a smaller hair elastic.
- Play around with some stylish hair clips to really add some personality to your look.
- To give your look some extra flair, try curling or straightening your hair.

10

Wash-and-Go

A wash-and-go is one of the simplest looks ever for natural hair. Hop in the shower and wash your hair with your go-to shampoo and conditioner. Before heading out of the shower, apply your favorite styling products to your hair, whether that’s a curl cream, mousse, or gel. Then, let your hair air-dry as you get ready for school—that’s all there is to it!^{[7]
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- This style looks gorgeous on long, medium, or short cuts.
- If you don’t want to let your hair air-dry all the way, dry it off with a diffuser or hooded dryer.

11

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a quick and easy way to show off your natural hair. Wash and dry your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo. Then, use an edge-controlling styling gel to separate your hair into different sections. Divide each section of hair in half and use two-strand twists to tie it into a small bun. Pin the twist in place, and then repeat with all the other sections of your hair.^{[8]
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- Each section of hair represents 1 Bantu knot. The more Bantu knots you want, the more hair sections you’ll need.

12

Chunky Twist Updo

A chunky twist updo keeps your natural hair up and away throughout the day. Using a stiff-bristled brush, pull your hair into a high ponytail along the top of your head, holding the base of your hair in place with gel. Then, divide and twist your hair into 4-6 smaller sections. Loop each section along the bottom of your ponytail and add some bobby pins to hold everything in place.^{[9]
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- This style works best for people with shoulder-length or long hair.

13

Cornrows

Long-lasting cornrows are a great choice for natural hair. Beginning at your hairline, start braiding the hair to the right of your hair part. Incorporate extra sections of hair into the braid as you go, tucking them beneath the braid. Once your braid is level with your ear, braid normally without adding in any extra hair. Then, repeat the same process along the left section of your hair.^{[10]
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- Feel free to make as many cornrow braids as you’d like—just don’t tie your hair too tightly!
- Prevent frizz by slipping a silk cover over your pillow before bed.^{[11]
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- Care for your cornrows each day to keep them in great condition.
- Braids can last for several weeks, but take them out as soon as your hair starts to feel really itchy or weighed down.^{[12]
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14

Gel Spikes

Gel-spiked hair adds some fun energy to your look. Apply a small amount of gel or wax to the palm of your hand and rub it between your fingers. Next, run your fingers through your hair and start fluffing it upwards, starting from the roots.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.}

15

Headbands

Headbands are a fun, stylish addition for any hairstyle. You can use a metal or plastic headband, or tie a scarf or bandana around your head for a chic, breezy vibe. If you’re feeling super casual, feel free to hold your hair back with a sporty headband, too.
- For a chic, boho look, choose a flower crown or wrap a colorful scarf around your head, like a headband.
- Headbands work well with both straight and natural hair types.

16

Small and Stylish Hair Accessories

Anyone can pull off some small accessories in their look. Play around with a variety of accessories and see what fits your personal aesthetic. You could experiment with patterned scrunchies, pearl barrettes, coiled hair ties, floral hair pins, and/or any other accessory that strikes your fancy.
- You can use floral hairpins, patterned scrunchies, and pearl barrettes as a fun, stylish accent to your hair.
- Coiled hair ties are a lot more gentle on your hair than regular hair elastics and might be a more comfy option if you tie your hair up on the regular.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

I want my hair to be a little more wavy without using heat products. What can I do?

Community Answer

Use non-heat curlers and sleep in them, then mess it up a lot and it should go into loose waves that will last throughout the day.
Question

What if a bully tries to mess up my hair?

Community Answer

Make a tight ponytail by using multiple elastic bands so that if they try to pull it out the extra bands hold it in place. Also, I recommend that you tell a trusted adult about the bully.
Question

What if I have thick, shoulder-length hair?

Community Answer

I have the same kind of hair, and some things that work for me is doing two pigtail buns on top of each side of my head, or even low pigtail buns. You can try half-up half-down styles, or even just one or two French braids. The next time you're in a salon, ask the stylist what would look best on you. You can ask your parents and friends, too.