The first day of school always comes with a mix of nerves and excitement. Whether you’re heading into a new grade, a new building, or just hoping your outfit hits, one thing is for sure—your hair sets the tone. And if you’re not exactly a morning person (same), you need a style that’s cute, effortless, and doesn’t require a curling iron or 45 extra minutes.
That’s where these effortlessly pretty first day of school hairstyles come in. They’re quick, no-heat, and honestly so cute you’ll keep rewearing them all semester long. From sleek ponytails to soft braids and claw clip buns, there’s something here for every vibe—and every skill level.
Back-to-School Hair Essentials
The tools you’ll need to recreate all these first day of school hairstyles—quick, easy, and affordable.
- Hair Ties: You’ll need these for ponytails, buns, and braids—basically every hairstyle in this post. Look for snag-free, strong-hold options that won’t damage your hair.
- Hair Slicker: This is a lifesaver for smoothing flyaways and baby hairs. It looks like a mascara wand, but works to clean up edges and polish your style—especially for buns and slicked-back looks.
- Tail Comb: Perfect for parting, sectioning, and creating sharp lines. Whether you’re doing a middle part, zigzag, or a clean side section, a tail comb makes everything easier and neater.
- Hairspray: Not too stiff, not too sticky—this gives your hair just the right amount of hold while still letting it move. Use it to lock in styles without making them crunchy.
1. Sleek High Ponytail with Fringe
The ultimate go-to when your hair is on day 3 (or 4…) and you still need to look sharp. This slick ponytail lifts your face, hides greasy roots, and gives you that “clean girl” vibe without washing your hair. Plus, if you flick the ends a little? Chef’s kiss.
HOW TO:
- Start by parting your hair down the middle.
- Section out your front pieces (these will frame your face later), and brush the rest of your hair up into a high ponytail using water or hairspray and a slicking brush.
- Secure the ponytail with a hair tie. Then, slick the front fringe pieces down and pin them behind your ears.
- You can leave them straight or curl them slightly with a straightener for a polished finish.
TRY THIS:
- Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush
- Kenra Professional Platinum Working Spray 14
- CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron
2. Low Wavy Ponytail with Front Pieces
Soft, romantic, and perfect for lazy mornings when you still want to look like you tried. This one’s got major “mermaid energy” and looks even better if your hair’s a little messy.
HOW TO:
- Part your hair down the middle and pull out two face-framing strands.
- Brush the rest back into a low ponytail and secure it.
- If you didn’t prep your waves the night before, use a hair crimper or small curling wand to add texture to the ponytail.
- Lightly curl the front pieces away from the face. Finish with a bit of shine spray or oil if you want extra gloss.
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3. Sleek Side-Part Bun
The kind of hairstyle that makes you look like you read Vogue on your lunch break. It’s polished, professional, but still super wearable for school, uni, or even a casual day out.
HOW TO:
- Create a soft side part and separate out a small fringe section.
- Brush the rest of your hair back into a high ponytail, using water or gel for hold.
- Twist the ponytail into a tight bun and secure it with a hair tie.
- Smooth the side part across your forehead and pin behind your ear with a small clip.
- Tidy the edges with a slicking stick or your fingers.
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4. High Ponytail with Braided Fringe
This one’s so cute and surprisingly easy. The braids at the front add just enough detail to make it feel elevated without being overdone. Plus, it gives that clean, structured look even if you’re on second-day hair.
HOW TO:
- Section out two front pieces and braid them down each side.
- Tie them off with tiny clear elastics. Then brush the rest of your hair into a high ponytail and secure.
- You can wrap a strand of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the hair tie if you’re feeling fancy.
TRY THIS:
- Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush
- DAE Hair Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream
- Kenra Professional Platinum Working Spray 14
5. Curled Top Knot with Face-Framing Pieces
This look is fun, flirty, and works great if your hair has some natural wave or curl to it. Even better? It hides dirty roots and makes you look awake.
HOW TO:
- Pull all your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
- Use a small curling iron to curl the ponytail in sections, then loosely wrap it into a messy bun and secure with a tie.
- Pull out a few small front pieces and curl those too, focusing on soft bends rather than tight curls.
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6. Clipped Side Fringe with Bang (Hair Down)
This one’s perfect for those days when you want to leave your hair down but still look polished. Just adding a couple of clips instantly takes your look from basic to “wait, that’s actually cute.” It works especially well with uniforms or simple outfits when you want to add a little flair.
HOW TO:
- Part your hair to the side and section off a soft fringe piece.
- On the opposite side, take a small front section and slick it back using hairspray or a styling stick.
- Clip both pieces behind your ears using small barrettes or matching clips.
- Let the rest of your hair flow freely.
- Bonus: Match the clip color to your outfit or school colors for a more styled vibe.
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7. Half-Up Ponytail with Volume Clip
Don’t sleep on this one—it looks like you have thick, bouncy hair even when you don’t. It’s a super sneaky trick that lifts your ponytail and gives effortless volume with minimal effort. Lazy girl–approved and TikTok-tested.
HOW TO:
- Pull the top half of your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
- Then flip the ponytail upward and clip a small claw clip right at the base underneath it.
- The clip will prop up the ponytail and give it that full, lifted shape.
- Tidy up with a slicking brush and pull out a few face-framing pieces if you like.
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8. Half-Up Pigtails with Mini Braids
Giving Bratz doll energy in the best way. This one’s playful, feminine, and just the right amount of extra. Adding mini braids makes it feel fresh and fun—even if the rest of your hair is just doing its thing.
HOW TO:
- Part your hair down the middle and section off the top half on both sides.
- Tie each into high half-up pigtails.
- Then take small sections from each pigtail (and even the loose bottom layer if you want) and braid them tightly, securing with mini elastics.
- Tug gently on each braid for shape. The more mini braids, the cuter it gets.
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9. Double Braided Pigtails (2 Plaits per Side)
Not your average schoolgirl pigtails. This version doubles up on braids for a fuller, more styled look. It’s fun, sporty, and gives you instant personality. Ideal for gym days, spirit weeks, or anytime you want your hair to do the talking.
HOW TO:
- Split your hair in half down the center. Tie each side into a high pigtail.
- Then divide each pigtail into two equal sections and braid them separately, so you have two braids on each side (four total).
- Secure each with a small elastic and fluff them gently to add body.
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10. Twisted Messy Bun with Clips
This isn’t your classic throw-it-up messy bun. It’s more structured—but still casual—and uses two simple twists and a couple of clips to hold everything in place. The result: a chic, effortless look that won’t fall out halfway through the day.
HOW TO:
- Tie your hair into a loose ponytail. Divide it into two sections.
- Twist each section loosely and then twist them around each other.
- Coil into a bun and secure each side with a clip instead of pins or elastics.
- Pull out a few strands in front for softness. Optional: use a little hairspray to finish and hold.
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11. Half-Up Pigtails
There’s something effortlessly cute about this look—it’s playful, youthful, and weirdly flattering on everyone. Perfect for those mornings when your hair is doing okay, but you still want to look like you tried.
HOW TO:
- Part your hair down the middle.
- Section off the top third on both sides (from your ears upward) and tie each into a mini pigtail.
- Let the rest of your hair down.
- You can leave it straight, wavy, or curled—whatever’s happening that day will work.
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12. Side Braided Half-Up
This one’s TikTok-famous for a reason. It gives soft, romantic energy while keeping your hair out of your face. Add a ribbon or bow, and you instantly look Pinterest-ready.
HOW TO:
- Part your hair down the middle and section off the front pieces.
- Starting close to your part, braid each section back in a French braid style (adding a bit of hair with each cross).
- Tie each braid off with a mini elastic, and let the rest of your hair flow naturally.
- Add accessories if you’re feeling fancy.
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13. Y2K Bubble Rows
It’s retro, it’s fun, it’s giving Barbie-core—but in the best way. This style looks like you put in effort, but it’s surprisingly easy (and very secure).
HOW TO:
- Divide the top half of your hair into two equal sections.
- Working down each side, tie off sections with small elastics about an inch apart.
- Once you’ve got 3–4 tied sections, gently tug at the “bubbles” to create volume.
- Repeat on both sides, and leave the bottom half of your hair down.
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14. Side-Part Half-Up Ponytail
For when you want something simple, sleek, and just a little different from the middle part you wear every day. This one looks extra cute with chunky earrings or layered necklaces.
HOW TO:
- Create a side part and section off a small front piece.
- Then, gather the top half of your hair into a ponytail, brush it smooth, and secure it at the crown of your head.
- Clip or pin the side fringe back behind your ear for a clean finish.
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15. Half-Up Bun
If a ponytail feels too basic but a full bun feels too much—this is the sweet spot. It’s quick, comfy, and has just enough edge to feel styled.
HOW TO:
- Section the top half of your hair and tie it into a ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail around itself to create a small bun and secure it with an elastic or pins.
- You can leave the ends loose for a more casual vibe or tuck them in for a sleeker finish.
- Let the bottom half down and brush it out.
16. Mini Braided Bun with Unicorn Part
Okay, this one looks like you spent ages on it—but really, it’s two tiny braids and a bun. It’s clean, creative, and totally school- or work-appropriate.
HOW TO:
- Part your hair down the middle and then section out a small square at the very front center of your head (your “unicorn” piece).
- Clip it out of the way. Pull the rest of your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun.
- Then divide the unicorn section in half, braid each piece tightly downward, and let them frame your face or pin them back.
17. Braided Chignon
This braided half-up chignon gives effortless French-girl energy. It’s one of those first day of school hairstyles that instantly elevates your whole look without needing much time or heat. With soft waves, a delicate braid, and a low bun, it’s the perfect balance of classy and relaxed.
HOW TO:
- Start by parting your hair naturally.
- Take the top section and create a loose braid on each side or as one central braid.
- Gather the rest of your hair at the nape and twist it into a low chignon, combining it with the braid.
- Pin gently to hold, leaving some softness.
- If your hair is very straight, you can lightly wave the ends for added texture.
- Let a few wispy pieces fall around your temples for that undone finish.
18. Twisted Half-Up with Claw Clip
If you want something soft, simple, and quietly stylish, this twisted half-up with a claw clip is one of the prettiest first day of school hairstyles to try. It gives just enough shape without feeling too “done,” and it pairs beautifully with minimal outfits, gold jewelry, and soft makeup.
HOW TO:
- Start with straight or slightly wavy hair and part it naturally.
- Take small sections from each side of your head, gently twist them toward the back, and secure with a small claw clip.
- Let the remaining hair fall down your back or over your shoulder.
- Lightly pull out a few front strands to softly frame your face.
- Optional: bend the ends of your hair with a flat iron for a soft finish.
more style picks
- Back to School Essentials
- Game Day Hair Ideas
- Game Day Outfit Ideas
These first day of school hairstyles aren’t just for day one—you’ll want to wear them again and again. They’re quick, pretty, and actually doable.
Now the only question is: which one will you try first?