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This collection of back to school hairstyles for girls includes everything from quick morning styles to more detailed braids for special days!
Getting ready for a new school year is more fun when you’ve got the perfect hairstyle to match your little one’s personality. Whether she’s into braids, bows, or bold bangs, there are so many cute and creative looks to try.
Scroll through and find something she’ll be excited to show off on the first day!
1. Waterfall Bubble Braid
This fun twist on the bubble braid has a cascading, waterfall effect that looks fancy but is actually super doable. Great for picture day or spirit week!
2. Sectioned-Heart Hairstyle with Curls
Section the hair into a side part, then section it again to create the heart design. Twist the two halves of the heart together in towards each other and secure them with a bow, then braid the remaining strands down the length of the hair.
3. Ponytail with Braid and Bow
If you click through to see the image gallery from The Hairstyle Mumma, you’ll see there are actually two Dutch braids at the top of the head that then join into this ponytail braid with a bow. That’s a more complex style for those of us with practiced hands! But if you’re looking for something simple that still looks elegant, try an easier ponytail braid and bow for a polished look.
4. Pull Through Pigtails
These chunky pigtails are made from pull-through ponytails, which are way easier than they look! They’re perfect for keeping hair tidy and styled all day.
5. Hair Clip Half Crown
Use tiny butterfly or flower clips to pin back the sides of the hair into a half-crown. It’s easy, fast, and super cute for school days or playdates.
6. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are parted down the middle or slightly off-center and blend into the side layers. They frame the face like little drapes. You’ll often see this style on girls with natural waves or straight hair that has been curled at the ends for bounce. Let the layers air dry with a bit of texture spray or scrunch with mousse for wavy hair.
7. Headband with Curly Bun
This look is equal parts cute and practical. Just gather the curls into a loose bun and finish it with a pretty headband. This one’s great for keeping hair off the face while still looking dressed up.
8. High Space Buns & Braids for Short/Midlength Hair
Here’s a great tip for girls with short hair who still want the cutest space buns! Section off the bottom half of the hair, secure it with an elastic then split it into two tiny braids that join up to the buns. This look will save you from having hair hanging down on her neck as it escapes the style throughout the day.
9. Pigtails with Twists
The twisted sections add texture and keep everything secure, while the pigtails themselves give it a playful, school-ready vibe. It’s a cute upgrade from classic pigtails, and the twists help keep flyaways in place throughout the day.
10. Mid-length Straight Hair with Fringe
This sleek, straight cut with a soft fringe is polished but still playful. It’s a perfect look for back-to-school photos or class presentations. The fringe adds personality while the length is easy to manage. Sometimes a cool haircut can save you from needing to do too much styling.
11. Mini Twists into Ponytail
Section the top half and bottom half, then split the top half of the hair in two with a middle part. Add an elastic to each of the top sections, then create three twists from each of them. Bring together two twists from each side and elastic them together, repeat this step with the other two twists, then finish this look off with one ponytail at the bottom.
12. French Braids into Space Buns
French braid each side and twist them into high buns for a playful look that holds up all day. Add scrunchies or bows to match the outfit!
13. Bubble Braid Pigtails
These puffy bubble braid pigtails are fun and quick to do—just add elastics down the length of each pigtail and gently pull at the bubbles to puff them out.
14. Elastics and Pigtails
This style might look intimidating at first, but if you can get through the first step, sectioning the hair, it’s actually quite easy! Grab the top ⅓ of hair and section it into 5 even sections with elastics. Then separate the bottom ⅔ of the hair into a middle part. Once you’ve got your sections, it’s easy to follow along to create this cute style.
15. Half-Up Infinity Braid With a Bow
Section off the top half of the hair and use an elastic to secure it. Make an infinity braid (similar to a fishtail braid) with the top section of hair and add a bow to finish off this cute, tidy look.
16. Curls
Whether you’re going with heatless curls by using an overnight hair-tool, or quickly using a curling iron before heading off to school, curls are classic.
17. Dutch Braids or Pull Through Braids With Color
Dutch braids take less time than pull through braids, which might make them easier for a busy school morning. But whichever braid style you go with, adding some color can make a big impact! You can use hair elastics with built-in colored hair extensions to perfect this edgy look!
18. Wrapped Double Dutch Braids
These aren’t your average pigtails! This look features two sleek Dutch braids that start at the hairline and travel all the way down, wrapped with thin pastel ribbons for a sweet, detailed finish. The ribbons are woven in as the braids are formed, adding color and charm without being over-the-top.
19. Bubble Braid with a Microbraid
This bubble braid is made extra special by adding a tiny microbraid in the middle of it. It’s great for adding texture and dimension without much extra effort.
20. Two Dutch Braids
This classic look keeps hair super secure and neat. You can dress it up with bows or wear it as-is for a sporty, active day.
21. Pull-through Half-Pony into Pigtails
Start with a pull-through half-ponytail, split the ponytail into two braids, then section the bottom half of the hair into a middle part and secure it with low pigtails for a clean and cute look!
22. Box Braids & Cornrows with Beads
This protective style mixes cornrows and box braids with added beads for fun movement. It lasts for weeks and keeps hair neat with minimal morning effort.
23. Dutch Braid into a Side Ponytail
This Dutch braid wraps across the top of the head and ends in a sleek side ponytail. It’s a polished style that holds up well through a long school day.
24. Twist & Clip Half-Up Style
This adorable hairstyle is a playful mix of sectioned ponytails and twisted connections, finished with soft curls and decorated with cute butterfly clips. It’s perfect for school picture day, parties, or just a fun weekend look!
25. Crisscross Braids
Section off the top ⅓ of hair and then split it with a middle part into two small braids. Cross the braids over each other to make an ‘x’ and add the ends into pigtails that use up the rest of her hair.
26. Chin-length Bob
This is a no-fuss haircut that still looks super put together. It’s great for busy school mornings, just a quick brush and you’re out the door. Plus, it works well with clips, headbands, or even a mini braid.
27. Half-Up Hair Bow
Turn hair into an actual bow! This half-up hairstyle shapes the top section into loops and a center wrap to mimic a bow. It’s super cute and guaranteed to get compliments.
Wrapping Up
From playful pigtails to polished braids, these Back to School Hairstyles for girls are a fun way to start the year off in style. Whether you’re looking for something easy and practical or detailed and photo-ready, there’s a look here for every school day. Save your favorites and try a few out to keep mornings fresh and fun all semester long!
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