Have a Simple Hairstyle for School

When you're getting ready for school in the morning, you want a hairstyle that's simple enough to do quickly but still cool enough to help you stand out from the crowd. From a classic pony to a slightly more involved bun, there are styles that go with any outfit and are great for all sorts of hair types. You’ll only have to take a few minutes to fix your hair before dashing out the door, ready to take on a brand new day at school!

Steps

Perfecting 5-Minute Hairstyles for All Hair Types

  1. Leave your hair au naturel. Your hair may look good enough as-is in the morning, allowing you to forego washing it, especially if you have short hair. Instead, apply your favorite styling serum, put on your trusted headband or hair clip, and dash out the door.
    • If you have curly, frizzy hair, spray a diluted version of the serum in your locks to avoid weighing them down.
    • To avoid greasy or frizzy hair, shampoo every 2 to 3 days, use a conditioner specifically designed for your hair type every day, and apply weekly or bi-monthly moisturizing masks.
    • Your hair will look best if you get it trimmed every 6-12 weeks, use a low heat setting when drying your hair or let it air-dry, and apply nourishing hair oils when the ends are dry.[1]
  2. Make a quick low pony. If you have medium to long hair, try a basic low pony for neat, polished hair. Brush your hair back, and calm frizz and flyaways with a smoothing serum. Pull your hair back tightly or slightly relaxed at the nape of your neck, and secure with an elastic for an easy, breezy 'do.[2]
    • For an even more put together but effortless look, take a strand from the base of your hair and wrap it around the elastic to hide it.
  3. Try a twisted bun. Gather all your hair at the crown, using your non-dominant hand to hold it up. Twirl the entire length of your hair with your other hand, and then wrap it around itself at the crown of your head to form the bun. Use bobby pins or an elastic to secure it in place.
    • If you're having trouble forming the bun, it may help to create a ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic. Wrap the length of the pony around the base to form the bun.

Styling Your Hair by Type and Length

  1. Side-sweep your pixie cut. Divide your hair into two sections by parting it above the highest point of your eyebrow. Work through your hair with a fine tooth comb to separate the sections, and tuck any remaining bits behind your ears.[3]
    • Finish with a spritz of hairspray or a cute bobby pin for staying power.
  2. Try braided bangs. If you have more of a bob, deep-part your hair and make a simple three-strand Braid Short Hair with your bangs. Use a small elastic to tie off the end of the braid, and use bobby pins to tuck the braid under the hair on the side of your head opposite your part, right above your ear.[4]

  1. Braid short sections of hair. Short, wavy hair lends itself well to mini-braids. Create tiny two- and three-strand braids from the hair around your bangs, even if you can only do a few twists with each braid. Next, pull the braids back and tuck them into your waves for a fun look.[5]
    • To make sure they stay put, pin the braids back with bobby pins.
  2. Try an angled bob. Emphasize your bob's natural waves by loosely wrapping a few dry strands around a curling iron for a few seconds, then spritzing a wave-defining product on your hair. Next, create a subtle side part so some of your hair falls in front of your face.[6]
    • For a fun touch, tuck some hair back behind your ear and secure it with a decorative pin.
  3. Go for a textured bob. For a carefree, just-got-out-of-bed look, go a few days without shampooing. Then, use a round brush to “blowdry” the already dry hair to get even more texture. Add a touch of spray wax or pomade on your fingers and run it through your hair for definition.[7]

  1. Go natural with short hair. Short, curly hair can be tricky to work with, so sometimes, the best thing you can do is let it take its natural course. Wash it before you go to school and apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse.[8]
    • Define your curls by twirling them with your fingers as you let your hair air-dry.
  2. Try a full side-sweep. If your hair is less pixie, more short bob, this is a cute, easy look to pull off for short curly hair. Create a very deep side part by placing the part right above where your eyebrow ends.[9]

  1. Create a simple front twist. Create a rounded part on the front of your hair using an afro comb. Starting from the left side of the front part, take a piece of hair and twist it over towards the right. Pin the end of the strand into your hair, and comb back the rest of your hair.[10]
    • To finish off the look, pin the remaining strands onto the back of your head with additional bobby pins.
  2. Try a quick scarf afro. Open up a rectangular silk scarf and align the middle part with the back of your head. Tie the scarf once right above your forehead, and tighten it backwards until the knot is sitting about one to two inches behind your forehead. Tie the scarf once more, securing it at the back of your head. [10]
    • Before tying the scarf, spritz moisturizer your hair to keep it from getting frizzy.
    • All your hair should be above the scarf when you tie above your forehead.
    • After you first tie the scarf, be sure to smooth out its back so it doesn’t look crumpled.
    • Tuck in any of the scarf's loose ends to keep the 'do looking neat.

  1. Wrap medium-length hair into a low bun. Create a middle part down the back of your head, as if you were making two low ponytails. Knot the two pieces of hair as if they were shoelaces to create two twists, one right below the other. Secure the loose ends of hair underneath the knot with bobby pins.[11]
    • For added volume, backcomb your hair around your face.
    • When you backcomb your hair, apply a shine cream so it won’t look messy, just voluminous.
  2. Try a soft side part. Create a part right above the middle of your eyebrow, and allow your hair to air dry. Next, pull back your side-swept hair with a pretty barrette right above your ear. [12]
    • For added drama, use a curling iron to define the ends of your strands.
  3. Go for a super-sleek center part. Part your hair straight down the middle. Apply a heat-protectant shine cream, then use a hair straightener to define the sleekness.[13]

  1. Try a medium-length fishtail. Divide your hair into left and right sections. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of one side and cross it over to the inside of the other section. Repeat the process with the other side of the hair, and keep crossing small outer strands with the inside pieces until you reach the end.
    • Secure the braid with a hair tie or elastic.
    • When you're starting the braid, the smaller the piece of hair that you take the better.
  2. Make a loose, low pony. If your hair has that rough but cute second-day hair texture, just pull it back into a loose pony at the nape of your neck. Next, pull out pieces of hair from the pony so they frame your face for a soft, casual look.
    • Spritz your hair with a flexible hold hairspray to make sure your hair stays in place.
  3. Try beachy waves. Start by shampooing and conditioning your hair the night before. Part your hair however you prefer, and divide it into four sections. Apply a sea salt spray, and braid your hair before you go to bed. In the morning, take out the braid, spray a bit more product, and you’re ready to go![14]
    • After you apply your texturizing spray, twirl your hair so it really soaks up the product.

  1. Make a top-knot with medium length hair. Flip your head upside down and secure it in a ponytail at the crown of your head with an elastic. Pull it through a styling donut until the donut rest at the base, and wrap the ponytail around the donut, securing it with bobby pins.[15]
    • If you'd like, you can pull some strands loose around your face for a softer look.
    • If you don't have a styling donut, you can also use a sock to create a top knot.
  2. Amp up the volume. When your hair is still damp, apply a volume-boosting product to the roots and use a rattail comb on your roots to boost the volume even more. Diffuse or air dry your hair.[16]
    • If you don’t mind a little frizz, you can gently backcomb pieces of your hair all around your head. Don’t go overboard and tease your whole ‘do, though.
  3. Leave your hair alone. Curly hair already has all the texture it needs to stand out, so you don't need to do much. Wet your hair in the morning and apply a leave-in conditioner while it’s still damp. Comb through the conditioner with a wide-tooth comb, and let your hair air-dry.[17]
    • Once your hair is dry, don’t touch it - doing so will just create frizz.

  1. Go for a chunky twist-out. Gather a 2-inch section of hair from the front of your head and create a two-strand braid with it. Curl the end of the twist and secure it with a bobby pin. Repeat with the rest of your hair, then cover it with a silk scarf and let it set for 30 minutes. Remove the scarf, apply oil on your twists, and then separate the twists.[18]
    • Be sure to start with moisturized hair.
    • Fluff your twists with your fingers or an afro comb.
  2. Tuck and pin for a protective style. Twist two strands from the bottom, back of your head upwards and pin it in place. Keep twisting and pinning until you reach the top. At the front, part your hair into three sections. Twist and pin the sides of your hair as you were doing in the back. For the front, twist and pin strands of hair sideways, tucking the hair into itself.[19]
    • Make sure to tuck and pin down all of your hair.

  1. Pull straight, long hair up into a high pony. Add some dry shampoo to your hair, and pull your hair up to the crown of your head. Hold your hair with one hand and with the other brush out any bumps so your pony looks sleek. Center the pony so it’s visible from the front, and secure it with a hair elastic.[20]
    • It may be easier to flip your head upside down and gather all the hair atop your head.
    • You can take a thin strand of hair from the underside of the pony and wrap it around the elastic so that the tie is not visible.
    • Brush out flyaways by spraying a toothbrush with hairspray and running it with a front-to-back motion across your hair.
  2. Try an easy chignon. Twirl the hair that frames your face into two chunks. Pull them and the rest of your hair back into a pony at the nape of your neck. Take the top layer of the pony and pull it through the elastic. Repeat with the remaining hair from your pony. Secure the ends of the hair into the elastic with bobby pins.[21]
    • Spray your chignon with hair spray to ensure that your hair stays in place.
  3. Make a loose low knot. Towel-dry your hair, and apply an extra-strong mousse. Blow dry your hair with your head upside down to add volume. Twist your hair into a knot at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic.[22]
    • For a more delicate look, allow a few pieces of hair to fall and frame your face.

  1. Make a half-up, half-down long hair look. Part your hair slightly off-center, and loosely gather a medium-sized strand from each side of your head. Pull those sections back one at a time to the back of your head. Secure the pieces together with a hair elastic or a sparkly barrette.[23]
    • Don't gather your bangs or the hair framing your face when you pull back your hair. Let them fall naturally.
  2. Create a french braid. Divide the middle section from the top of your hair into three strands, and crisscross them once as if you were making a basic braid. Next, add a small section from the right side of your hair to the right section in the braid. Move the new strand to the middle and the middle strand to the right. Repeat the pattern until you run out of hair.[24]
    • Secure the end of the French braid with a small elastic.
  3. Make a double pony. Wash your hair, apply your typical hair products, and air dry it. Section your hair into two horizontal parts. Pull the lower part into a low pony and gather the top of your hair back into a somewhat loose pony to help maintain volume.[25]
    • The trick with this style is to leave your hair slightly loose rather than tightly pulled back. This will give it an effortless, casual feel.
    • For greater volume, create a Do a Deep Side Part at the top of your hair to allow for more poof.

  1. Try a long hair side-sweep. Open a cotton towel on a counter or a table, and place your head down against the towel, with all your curls on top of your head. Put the towel over your head to the nape of your neck, and twist the sides of the towel. Pin it in rolls on the back of your head to your head and them your hair sit for 20 minutes.[26]
    • Make sure to start with hair that's still wet. You can apply a mousse or cream if you like.
    • After air-drying, part your hair at the highest point of your eyebrow. Finger-comb your curls to the appropriate side of your head.[27]
  2. Make a bubble pony. Pull your hair up into a ponytail at the top of your head. Put small elastics every inch or so along the entire length of the tail. Pull on each “hair bubble” gently to increase the poof.[28]
    • If it’s easier, you may want to flip your head downwards to create the original ponytail.
  3. Diffuse your hair for a boho chic look. Run a curl control or curl hold cream through your hair after showering. Set your blow dryer on medium and use the diffuser attachment to gently dry your hair. Spray on a medium-hold hairspray to keep your look intact throughout the day.

  1. Go for full curls. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and apply a nourishing oil, such as coconut or olive oil. If your hair is especially dry, you might want to apply both a water-based leave-in conditioner and then a naturally-occurring oil to seal in the moisture.[29]
    • A leave-in conditioner with nourishing oils can also work well.
    • Sleep with a satin pillowcase or cap to preserve the moisture.
  2. Braid cornrows. Part your hair where you want the cornrow to start, and create a small, traditional 3-strand braid with the first section of hair. Continue to braid, adding more small strands to the middle section of the braid, until you reach the end. Secure the braid, and repeat until your whole head is braided.
    • With this hairstyle, you’ll only have to wash your hair every few days. You might even be able to get away with once weekly.[30]
  3. Try a coiled top knot. Part the front section of your hair, and create five or six mini-twists with the hair from that front part. Move the twists upward and gather the ends on top of your head. Twirl that section of hair into a knot, then secure it atop your head with bobby pins or a colorful elastic.[31]
    • Start by moisturizing your hair with oil and a leave-in conditioner so your locks are more manageable.

Perfecting Your Look

  1. Wear headbands. Headbands work well with all hair lengths and types. The key is to part your hair or comb it over, then slip on the headband ½ inch to one inch (between 1-2 cm) past your forehead. You can then push some strands under the band or keep it all swept back.
    • To make your look more striking, go for a patterned, sparkly, or knit headband.
    • You can also switch up your style by pulling your hair into a bun or a side braid after you’ve put the headband in place.
  2. Try hair clips or barrettes. Clips give you lots of easy, versatile options to work with for the school day. A big jaw clip can keep longer hair out of your face if styled into a bun or ponytail, while a pretty barrette can be used to tuck your hair behind your head.
    • If you have short hair, you can still use hair clips. For example, if you have bangs, you could part them to one side or swoop them up and secure them with cute mini claws.[32]
    • A banana barrette can be used to clip your ponytail vertically so that accessory is visible from the side.
    • Don’t forget the almighty bobby pins. They may get lost easily, but if you need to secure a bun, there’s no better choice.
  3. Get creative with hair ties. If you have medium or long hair, a cute hair tie can do wonders. Go for a non-slip grip tie so you don’t have to constantly re-do your updo. You can get a mixed pack so you can try different colors, or stick to a color that resembles that of your hair so the tie is less noticeable.[33]
    • For more of a fashion statement, pick up a hair tie that’s decorated with a flower or a gem, or choose a tie that has a patterned band.
    • Don’t use rubber bands in place of hair elastics - they’ll break your hair, not to mention it’ll be really painful to take them out.[32]
  4. Use ribbons. Wrap a ribbon around your head for a look that’s similar to a headband. Cap it off with a simple bow on top of or near your neck for an extra cute look. You could also weave a ribbon into a braid for a multi-colored, easy fashion statement.
  5. Adorn your hair with flowers. While a full-on flower crown may be better suited for Coachella than math class, you can still incorporate flowers into your everyday looks. Pick up a flower clip and place it to the side of your head. Or pin your hair to the side and tuck in a silk flower.[34]
    • Stick to medium-sized flowers for a school-appropriate look.
    • When using flowers, place them near hair pins so you don’t have too much going on at the same time.
    • Some headbands have flower detailing, so that’s a cute way to incorporate an element of nature into your school-day as well.

  1. Revitalize hair with a spray. You don’t have to wash your hair every single day. A quick and easy way to make unwashed hair look better is to fill a spray bottle with a few tablespoons of your favorite styling product mixed with equal parts water, shake it up, and spritz your hair all around.[35]
    • Washing your hair every two to three days can actually be better for your tresses than washing daily.[36]
    • Make this refresh spray on Sunday night so it’ll last you the entire week and you won’t have to worry about creating it in the morning.
    • Try not to go longer than 3 days without washing your hair.
  2. Use dry shampoo for greasiness. Dry shampoo removes most of the excess oil from your hair. It’s the perfect go-to if you wake up with greasier hair than you’d like. Apply the shampoo to the bottom layer of your hair, and avoid spraying it on top of your head because it can leave noticeable residue. [37]
    • If using a spray dry shampoo, spritz it at least 6 inches from your scalp to avoid heavy build-up.
    • Don’t fret if your hair looks white after applying the dry shampoo. Run your hands through your hair to distribute the product and get rid of the white cast.
    • Dry shampoo comes in two main forms: powders and sprays. Spray products are usually easier to control.
  3. Apply molding paste to revamp hair volume. Restore volume to your hair by applying flexible molding paste to the roots of your hair. It’ll polish your look and give your hair that slight oomph that it may be lacking.[38]
    • Warm thick hair paste between your fingers for a smooth application.[39]
    • Apply the molding paste to the bottom layers of your hair so it's not visible.
    • Dry shampoo can also restore the appearance of volume, so you can try that as well.
  4. Combat dullness with shine. To restore shine to your hair, apply one to two pea-sized drops of smoothing serum or oil. Warm it between your hands to activate the ingredients and work the product throughout the length of your hair. To avoid greasy-looking hair, avoid your roots and focus mainly on the ends of your hair.[38]
    • Use Coconut Oil for Your Hair, castor, macadamia, argan, or olive oil work well for boosting your hair's shine.
  5. Avoid buildup with a scalp exfoliating treatment. The best way to avoid buildup is to wash your hair. If you don't have time to shampoo daily, using a scalp exfoliating treatment once a week can wash away dead skin cells and lift the build-up.[38]
    • Many exfoliating treatments contain gritty particles that you have to make sure you rinse out well.[40]
    • If your hair is particularly greasy, you can try using this treatment twice a week.
  6. Sleep on satin. If you have curly, frizz-prone, or otherwise unruly hair, you may be waking up with rough hair because of your bedding. Cotton sucks the moisture from your hair, while silk and satin pillowcases help maintain the moisture in your hair.[41]
    • If you don't have silk or satin pillow cases, wearing a silk scarf, or satin cap can help protect your hair as you sleep.

Tips

  • If you don't like frizzy hair, don't brush it after a plait - this will make it frizzy.
  • Try to avoid sleeping on a silky pillowcase - it'll make it friction, possibly break it.
  • When showered, make sure your hair is dried if you are going to straighten it, otherwise it will take a minimum of one hour to straighten your hair.
  • Don't use too much hairspray it will just make your hair harder to put up, it will also affect the ozone layer! Plus it will make your hair look greasy and you don't want that!! Use oil/grease based spray or water.
  • Don't have the hairstyle which all your friends have, only the one you think is best so you can also be unique over the hair. If you have pesky baby hair around your hairline you can rough it up and make it look modern.
  • Whilst curling your hair put hair spray on the hair you're curling so it stays in longer.
  • Try hot rollers for hair that gets frizzy when braided. You get the same beachy waves without frizz.
  • Twist your hair to help gather for a ponytail. Add in hair tie when twisted. (This will not make your hair curly.)
  • If you don't want to use heat to curl your hair you can plait it overnight and in the morning you will have curly/ frizzy hair. You can straighten by having a shower (shampoo and condition) then hair dry it after brushing it through and through. Use hairspray to keep the straight hair in place.
  • Try not to have the same hair style everyday, it could damage your hair. Also try to have your hair down once or twice every week, or more.
  • If you put coconut or almond oil in your hair it will make it more sturdy.
  • Running your fingers through curls can make them look more natural. If you sprayed your hair with hairspray, run your fingers through to stop hair becoming brittle and stiff.
  • If you plait your hair after it is wet, and you sleep in it, then you will get nice wet curls and they look very pretty.
  • You won't get it right at first so try it on the weekends. You can use some hair gel and a little water to flatten it down and push it in the right direction.
  • Don't towel dry your hair! It makes it frizzy and dry and gives it less volume and shine. Always use a hair dryer but be careful to not turn up the heat to the point it becomes harmful to your hair. If possible, gently pat your hair dry with a soft, micro-fiber cloth, if available.
  • Instead of just curls, you can put a small plate on one of sides of your hair and add a little hairspray to secure.
  • Avoid using too much hairspray or gel, because it can damage the natural beauty of your hair.
  • If your hair gets tangled during the night just do a simple side braid or a messy bun before you go to bed and after it will be a lot easier to brush.
  • Make sure you don't wash your hair every day because it can damage it from the chemicals on the shampoo and conditioner.
  • If you have thicker hair, braiding is harder for you. Try to choose a hairstyle that has minimum braids as this will be quicker and easier for you.
  • Never straighten your hair when it is wet. It can cause damage and burn your hair.
  • Take a piece of hair from the side of your head, twist it then use a clip to secure it and hairspray to keep it in.
  • When your Bobby pins won't slide in spray them with some hairspray or if you don't have hairspray, flip the Bobby pin over then insert it.

Things You'll Need

  • Hair bands
  • Hair clips/Head-bands
  • Comb/Brush
  • Hairspray or water
  • Bobby pins in your hair color (optional)
  • Conditioner & shampoo
  • A mirror

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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