15 Cute Back to School Hairstyles for Girls 2025

Back-to-school mornings can feel rushed, but that doesn’t mean hairstyles have to be boring. In 2025, back to school hairstyles for girls are all about being practical yet stylish, quick yet creative. Whether your little one prefers braids, ponytails, buns, or loose waves, these looks are classroom-friendly, age-appropriate, and perfect for busy mornings.

From classic ponytails that never fail to trendy bubble braids and bow buns, this list covers cute and easy hairstyles for school that girls can rock with confidence.

Why Back to School Hairstyles Matter in 2025

• Boost Confidence: A neat and stylish hairstyle helps girls feel good walking into school.
  
• Practical & Comfortable: Keeps hair away from the face during studies and activities.
  
• Trendy & Fun: Adds a touch of creativity that matches personality and outfit.
  
• Low-Maintenance: Most of these hairstyles can last all day without constant fixing.
  

1. Classic High Ponytail with Ribbon

The classic high ponytail never loses its charm, and in 2025 it’s still one of the best go-to school hairstyles for girls. Simple, sleek, and practical, it’s perfect for keeping hair out of the face during classes, sports, or after-school activities. Adding a colorful ribbon, scrunchie, or bow instantly makes the look more youthful and school-ready.
Why It Works: This style is quick to do in the morning, keeps hair neat throughout the day, and pairs well with almost any outfit or school uniform.
Pro Tip: To elevate the look, wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic to hide it. This gives a polished, magazine-worthy finish without adding extra styling time.

2. Double Dutch Braids

When it comes to practical back to school hairstyles for girls, double Dutch braids are unbeatable. These inside-out braids secure hair tightly, making them ideal for busy school days, gym class, or playground activities. They also protect natural hair, helping reduce tangles and breakage.
Why It Works: The braids stay in place all day, making them one of the most low-maintenance yet stylish options. Plus, they work well for short, medium, or long hair.
Pro Tip: Loosen the edges of each braid slightly after finishing to create a fuller, trendy look that feels fresh and modern in 2025.

3. Half-Up Bow Bun

Looking for a hairstyle that’s as playful as it is unique? The half-up bow bun is the answer. Instead of the usual bun, twist and loop sections of hair into the shape of a bow  the result is an adorable, photo-worthy hairstyle that stands out on picture day or special school events.
Why It Works: This hairstyle strikes the balance between fun and formal, giving a stylish yet age-appropriate vibe. It’s a creative way to make mornings exciting for young girls.
Pro Tip: Use bobby pins or small clear elastics to secure the bow. A light mist of hairspray helps it stay put all day without losing shape.

4. Bubble Ponytail

For girls who love ponytails but want something a little different, the bubble ponytail is a fun upgrade. Start with a standard ponytail, then section it into “bubbles” by adding hair ties every few inches. Gently pull each section apart to create volume and texture.
Why It Works: It looks elaborate but takes only minutes to style, making it a parent-approved choice for busy school mornings. Plus, it works with both straight and curly hair.
Pro Tip: For extra school spirit, use glitter elastics or hair bands in the school’s colors. This small touch adds personality while keeping the style easy.

5. Side Braid with Ribbon

The side braid with ribbon is the ultimate quick-and-cute hairstyle. It’s as simple as braiding the hair to one side and tying the end with a ribbon that matches the school outfit. This makes it an excellent choice for mornings when time is short but style still matters.
Why It Works: The braid keeps hair tidy, prevents tangles, and has a feminine, classic appeal that works for girls of all ages.
Pro Tip: Choose ribbons in complementary colors  for example, pastel shades for a soft look or bold patterns for a more playful vibe.

6. Messy Top Knot

The messy top knot is the ultimate quick back to school hairstyle for rushed mornings when time is short but style still matters. It combines practicality with a trendy, carefree vibe, making it a favorite among schoolgirls of all ages. By pulling hair up into a high bun and leaving a few loose strands, you get a look that’s both effortless and chic.

Why It Works: This hairstyle is low-maintenance, keeps hair out of the face, and works with straight, wavy, or curly textures. It also transitions easily from school to after-class activities.

Pro Styling Tip: Use a soft scrunchie or a bow clip to elevate the look  and instantly transform a “just rolled out of bed” bun into a polished yet playful style.

7. Pigtail Braids

A timeless school hairstyle, pigtail braids are cute, playful, and practical. This look involves parting hair into two equal sections and braiding them down, keeping strands secure throughout the school day. It’s especially loved by younger girls but can look stylish for teens too when accessorized.

Why It Works: Pigtail braids are durable, protective, and perfect for active days at school, keeping hair neat from morning until the last bell.

Pro Styling Tip: Add colorful elastics, beads, or ribbons at the ends to personalize the style. For a more modern twist, try Dutch pigtail braids instead of the classic three-strand.

8. Headband with Loose Waves

For girls who prefer wearing their hair down, loose waves paired with a headband are the perfect solution. The waves add texture and bounce, while the headband keeps hair away from the face during class. This look blends comfort with elegance, making it great for both everyday school wear and special occasions like picture day.

Why It Works: It’s a cute school hairstyle that flatters medium to long hair, is easy to create with heatless overnight curls, and can be dressed up or down with different headband styles.

Pro Styling Tip: Choose a fabric or embellished headband to match the outfit  from sparkly designs for special days to simple cotton bands for casual mornings.

9. Low Twisted Ponytail

The low twisted ponytail is a chic take on the classic ponytail. To achieve this, twist two sections of hair above the ponytail base before securing it at the nape. The result is sleek, tidy, and elegant, making it a great option for schoolgirls who want a polished look without too much effort.

Why It Works: It’s easy to style in just a couple of minutes, keeps hair neat, and looks equally good on straight or wavy textures.

Pro Styling Tip: For extra charm, wrap a satin ribbon around the base of the ponytail or curl the ends for a soft finish.

10. Double Space Buns

Double space buns are fun, youthful, and a little playful  perfect for schoolgirls who want to stand out. This style involves parting hair down the middle and twisting each section into a bun on either side of the crown. It’s a throwback-inspired hairstyle that’s making waves again in 2025 thanks to Y2K trends.

Why It Works: Space buns keep hair secure, add a fun vibe, and can be worn neat or slightly messy depending on personality. They’re also ideal for themed school days or casual Fridays.

Pro Styling Tip: Add glitter clips, butterfly pins, or colorful scrunchies to make the buns pop and turn them into a statement style.

11. Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is one of the most romantic and eye-catching school hairstyles for girls. By letting strands “fall through” the braid, it creates a cascading effect that looks soft, elegant, and picture-perfect. It’s a favorite for school events, picture days, or dances, since it adds a touch of sophistication without being overly formal.

Why It Works: This hairstyle frames the face beautifully, keeps some hair away from the front, and adds movement and texture to the overall look. It works especially well for wavy or curly hair.

Pro Styling Tip: Create soft waves before braiding for extra dimension. Secure the braid with a discreet elastic or bobby pin to keep it in place all day.

12. Side Ponytail with Bow

The side ponytail is a classic back-to-school hairstyle that gets an instant upgrade with a pretty bow. By pulling the ponytail to one side, it adds a youthful, playful twist that works for both everyday classroom looks and special school activities.

Why It Works: It’s easy to style, quick for busy mornings, and flattering on both straight and curly hair textures.

Pro Styling Tip: Choose a bow that matches the outfit or school uniform for a coordinated look. For a more polished version, wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic.

13. Crown Braid

Also known as a halo braid, the crown braid wraps around the head for a regal, protective hairstyle. It’s practical for long school days because it keeps hair secure while still looking elegant. This style is perfect for school recitals, parties, or themed dress-up days.

Why It Works: The crown braid is both functional and stylish, making it an excellent choice for girls who want a neat look with a touch of princess-like charm.

Pro Styling Tip: Add mini flower clips, pearls, or dainty pins for an extra-special touch during celebrations or school events.

14. Half-Up Pigtails

The half-up pigtails hairstyle is fun, youthful, and playful, perfect for girls who want a balance between wearing their hair down and keeping it out of their face. By tying two mini-pigtails at the crown and letting the rest flow freely, it creates a carefree, spirited school look.

Why It Works: It suits medium-length hair best, looks cute on active girls, and is quick to style.

Pro Styling Tip: Add soft curls to the loose section for more bounce, or use bright scrunchies to give it a cheerful twist.

15. Sleek Low Bun

The sleek low bun is the ultimate polished hairstyle for schoolgirls. It sits neatly at the nape of the neck, making it a favorite for uniform schools, formal school functions, or picture days. While it’s simple, it looks incredibly refined.

Why It Works: It’s neat, professional-looking, and keeps hair secure all day. Ideal for thin or fine hair, since it creates a smooth, elegant finish.

Pro Styling Tip: Use hair gel or smoothing serum to tame flyaways and ensure a sleek, glossy bun that lasts throughout the school day.