Need some back to school hairstyles for middle school and high school? Well, keep reading! Middle School High School can be 50% awkward and 50% right of passage; you’re not a little kid anymore, but you’re also not grown, and that can cause some confusion when it comes to stepping into your own personal look and style–especially when it comes to things like makeup and hair.
Luckily, there’s a bunch of cute looks that are more mature and on-trend, but still, age-appropriate. Here are 8 great back to school hairstyles (and tips!) to help your preteen and teenager start the school year off confidently!
Curly Ponytail w/ Jumbo Gold Clips
You can never go wrong with a basic and natural ponytail, but sometimes it can get boring. One thing all young women should eventually learn to do to elevate their look? Accessorize. Adding these huge gold clips or some extra curly crochet hair to your ponytail makes it look a lot more put together.
Tip: If they aren’t yet comfortable with their hair length and extensions are not an option, go for a bun! A bun will give the illusion of length and thickness for short and/or thin hair that a ponytail cannot. Things like hair donuts and stretching your curls could help to make your bun look bigger.
Sleek, Natural Top Bun
For this hairstyle, all you need to do is brush your hair up into a bun–only securing an elastic hair band over it one time to make the bun bigger instead of smaller and tighter. Typically, when you hear the word “sleek”, you think your hair will be slicked into straightness. Not this time! Slick your hair up, but allow your natural wave pattern to come through!
Tip: Laid edges or intricate baby hair can easily elevate this look. A toothbrush and some gel or edge control to the edges can work wonders–especially for those of us with larger forwards who try to stay away from buns.
Straight Half Up Half Down w/ Top Knot
The half up and half down hairstyle can be achieved with anything from 4C natural hair texture to a loose wave weave, but this style here uses straight hair which is exciting for girls whose hair has never seen a flat iron before! It’s very simple, straight hair down in the back with a cute top knot up in the front.
Tip: The girl in the picture above may very well be using weave for this look, but it’s not necessary. Visit a shop or salon where they can flat iron and trim hair in a healthy way. If more length and volume is needed, try one or two clip ins instead of crochet or a partial sew in.
Jumbo Braids w/ Curly Buns
Braids are a go-to for pretty much every age group because they are among the most versatile and convenient looks when it comes to hairstyling. Here you see 4 jumbo cornrows adorned with braid cuffs, and instead of being braided all the way down, are secured into cute, curly buns. This style is the best to do for young ladies who are in sports or are pressed for time because it can be wrapped at night and worn for days at a time.
Tip: To add more of your personal style to it, zigzag the parts, add different braid jewelry, and/or curl your hair with flexi rods before putting it into buns or leaving it down!
Back To School Hairstyles For High school
High school is the first step to entering into adulthood so we get it if you want to experiment a little more with color or protective styles. Here are a few suggestions:
Natural Face Framing Curls With Highlights
If you want to play with color then highlights might be a great choice for your natural hair. This decision does not mean copying what you see on Instagram in your bathroom, but rather a discussion with mom and dad first and a visit to the salon. A great cut to frame the face and then professionally done highlights are always recommended.
Straight Weave with Side Part
Let’s face it, girls love a good weave, and honestly, there is nothing wrong with trying one at this stage in your lie. Try not to go Nicki Minaj long but something with some length that you can play with is just fine.
Again, see a stylist and get your hair professionally done!
Flat Twist Buns
Mega Puff On Short Natural Hair
Read our latest hair care for kids eBook here.
