Are you excited for back-to-school? No? We get it. School can be boring.
But…and hear us out…there’s a way to make it a little less mundane and even make the calculus and history classes a little more enjoyable (we mean tolerable).
Enter: stunning celeb-inspired back-to-school hairstyles. A good hairdo can turn your school year around and boost your confidence as you strut through those hallowed hallways.
So, if you’re ready to turn around your luck this school year, here are some of the coolest and cutest back-to-school hairstyles inspired by none other than your favorite celebrities and influencers.
Oh, and don’t worry about the cost. Most of these back-to-school hairstyles are easy to do and might not even cost you over $50.
Bob Box Braids
Take a trip down memory lane with a braided bob. This blonde version seen on Amandla Sternberg makes for the perfect back-to-school and works perfectly for anyone who doesn’t want to feel hair on their back.
Knotless High Bun Braids
When in doubt, go for the classic back-to-school hairstyle: traditional box braids. And if you don’t want them in your face, put them in a high bun like Ms. Chilombo (Jhene Aiko) here.
Platinum Fulani Braids
And if box braids are not your jam, you could always do so with some stunning blonde Fulani braids. They’re the most effortless back-to-school hairstyle and make for a statement-making look.
Red Box Braids
Zendaya will always be the princess of braided style, And these simple red box braids make for the best back-to-school hairstyle. You can always style them as you please: top knot, half-up, half-down, or in a high pony. The options are endless.
High Bun With A Few Braided Pieces
Another high bun look. Instead of a complete braided look, work some cornrow braids at the front, then leave the hair behind as is. Then, hold it all in a messy bun (with some loose ringlets) as Jhene did.
Jumbo Braids With Unfinished Ends
Another Yara Shahidi classic. These prep girl back-to-school jumbo braids are easy to do and require hair pomade/braiding gel and killer styling skills. Make sure to leave the ends unfinished for a jaw-droppingly beautiful final look.
Half-Up Cornrows, Half-Down Straightened Hair
If you want a sexy prom night or homecoming look, try this Zendaya-approved half-up cornrows, half-down straightened hair look. It’s easy to achieve and also maintain. Plus, it’ll turn heads and get your crush sending compliments your way,
Jumbo Faux Locs
Dominique Thorne’s stylist, @alexander_armand, did the thing with this look. And it may look like a costly back-to-school hairstyle, but it’s one of the easiest to achieve.
You just need three to four packs of faux locs, some lightweight curls + flaxseed edge control, and coconut milk weightless oil mist.
Double Bun With Two Face-Framing Twists
Lee Rodriguez (Fabiola on Never Have I Ever) really looks beautiful in these double buns with two face-framing twists.
Half-Top Knot, Half-Down Faux Locs
A gorgeous way to rock your faux locs is in a half-up top knot like Skai Jackson. The updo creates a flattering elevation above your forehead while allowing the rest of your locks to flow down the back, making it the perfect back-to-school hairstyle.
Ombre Faux Locs
And if you don’t want to go with the traditional black faux locs, this ombre look makes for the perfect alternative.
Completely Shaved Down
Gossip Girl’s Jordan Alexander took a stand against hair insecurity with this completely shaved down look, and lawd does she look incredible.
If you don’t want the stress of combing your hair every morning or making regular braid maintenance appointments, this look should be at the top of your back-to-school hairstyles list.
Plus, you only need some hair spray/oil and clippers to keep it short and sexy.
Slicked Back Hair With Three Braided Ponys
One of the most fabulous back-to-school hairstyles is this Normani-approved three-braided ponys. Remember to wear a bonnet or hair scarf before bed for easy maintenance.
Jumbo Passion Braids
If you don’t want to pack your butt down for over six hours getting braided, jumbo passion braids are the way to go. Taking them down is quite effortless, too.
Slicked Back Hair With Puff Low Pony
If you don’t want a pony, slick back your hair and then hold the rest of your hair in a low-pony puff. If you don’t have long hair, you can get a drawstring puff pony and clip it over your natural hair to cash in on the look.
Short Natural Hair
Another beautiful and bodacious back-to-school hairstyle brought to you by the gorgeous Thuso Mbedu. Just make sure to oil your hair regularly and lay your edges for a pretty, put-together look.
Curly Pineapple With Side Face-Framing Pieces
Rather than smoothing out your strands to create a prim and proper look, work with your type 3c curls by holding them in a bun. Make sure to leave some face-framing pieces on your go-to side.
Embellished Locs With Shaved Sides
To add some pizzazz to your faux locs, add gold hair strings like Thuso Mbedu here and get the mean girls at school scrambling, trying to recreate your look.
Messy Updo With Bangs
Yara is the queen of cute back-to-school hairstyles. And this messy puff with bangs is the cutest and easiest to achieve. After a quick wash-and-go, air dry your hair and place it in a messy updo with bangs.
Tousled Space Buns
If you’re tired of rocking your natural hair in a pony or bun, you could always wear it in a messy space bun like Janelle Monae here. And to give your hair some added flair, place some fun accessories at the base of each bun.
Messy Prep School Top-Knot
If you’re late for class and don’t have an idea how to style your braids, a messy top knot is the best way to go.
Alexandra Shipp here is giving prep school vibes.
Braided Cornrows
About to take your yearbook photo and don’t know which style to go with? Try this Logan Browning-approved cornrow braids look.
Gray Highlights
Gray color on short natural hair is another stunning back-to-school look. Kiercey Clemons went the highlights way, and we’re nothing short of impressed.
Side Cornrow Braids
If you’re still willing to risk a neck injury to emulate these Beyonce-approved waist-length braids? Of all her lemonade braid hair moments, this look is one of her most jaw-dropping.
Black Rope Twists
Halle Bailey twists make our list for the prettiest protective style and the perfect back-to-school hairstyle. And while we can’t deny that they look ah-mazing, they’re also a solid option if you want to style your locs differently.
Brown Unfinished Knotless Braids
To give your braids a little twist, have your stylist leave them unfinished and achieve a stunning look like Pearl Thusi here.
And remember to oil the unfinished parts daily to prevent them from tangling. Putting them in a high pony also helps keep them fresh and neat.
Lemonade Tree Braids
Want to know how tree braids would look when they’re pulled in a pony? Beyonce here can show you. It’s a gorgeous style no matter the occasion, but particularly as your back-to-school hairstyle.
Successorize
Dress for success like Aisha Dee with some loose, statement-making curls.
Natural Faux With Braided Sides
Hold your curls at the center and braid the sides for this stylish back-to-school faux look when all else fails.
Twist Outs
Keke’s twist-outs here are so dreamy. They bring definition to your natural hair and are tightly packed into a neat, uber-curly afro that is perfect for school.
Back-To-School Pigtail Braids
Stormi Reid pigtail braids here are a perfect back-to-school hairstyle and help keep your braids off your face.
Braided Cornrows With A Pony
If you don’t want to go with the traditional cornrows, have your stylist recreate this intricate style – a jumbo cornrow braid at the center, followed by two small cornrows and criss-cross braids on the side.
When done, hold them together at the center, clip them in a ponytail, and then bedazzle your look with some cuffs, hair strings, and pearls.
It’s the perfect college girl back-to-school hairstyle.
Half-Up Bantu Knots Half-Down Honey-Blonde Braids
For days when you need a little pick-me-up (school can be boring), go with this Bantu knot style. It’ll amp up your confidence and get you feeling better by the time you clock the school gate.
Boho Knotless Braids
You could never go wrong with some boho knotless braids; Priah Ferguson here proves that.
Wrapped Braids (The Janet Jackson)
Jayden Rey decided to recreate the iconic Janet Jackson (Poetic Justice) look here, and she bodied it! We also think it could be the perfect back-to-school hairstyle, especially during Black History Month or whenever you need to channel some Janet Jackson energy.
