School Hairstyles That’ll Make You Turn Heads

School mornings can be chaotic, but your hair doesn’t have to show it. Whether you’ve got five minutes before the first bell or a little more time to spare, the right hairstyle can completely change your look—and your mood.

From effortlessly chic low ponytails to playful space buns and braided accents, these 22 school hairstyles are designed to turn heads without eating up your morning routine.

No matter your hair type or vibe, you’ll find a style that’s cute, practical, and perfect for showing up confident in the classroom or on campus. Let’s dive into the looks that’ll have everyone asking, “How did you do your hair today?”

Sleek Low Ponytail

Forget boring ponytails – this is the ultimate cool-girl style. Start by smoothing your hair with some hair serum to knock out frizz and create mega shine.

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic that matches your hair color. Pro tip: Wrap a small strand around the elastic to hide it and instantly elevate the look.

This style works for literally every hair length and texture. Whether you’ve got stick-straight locks or bouncy curls, the low pony is your secret weapon for looking put-together with zero effort.

Braided Crown

Who says braids are just for kids? This royal-inspired look is pure magic for school days. Begin by creating two braids – one on each side of your head.

Carefully wrap these braids around your head, pinning them in place to create a crown-like effect. The key is to keep things loose and slightly messy – perfect school vibes that say, “I tried, but not too hard.”

This style is a total game-changer for bad hair days. It keeps your hair out of your face and looks like you spent way more time getting ready than you actually did.

Half-Up Top Knot

The ultimate lazy-girl hairstyle that still looks intentional. Grab the top section of your hair – think about the area from your temples up – and twist it into a cute little bun.

Secure the bun with bobby pins or a small elastic. Leave the rest of your hair down and natural, whether that’s straight, wavy, or curly. The contrast is what makes this style so cool.

Perfect for those mornings when you hit snooze one too many times but still want to look like you’ve got your life together. Bonus: it works with literally any hair texture.

Messy French Braid

Forget those super-tight, perfect braids your mom used to make. This version is all about that lived-in, effortless cool. Start by gathering all your hair and begin a traditional French braid.

The magic is in the technique – pull the braid slightly apart after braiding to create a softer, more relaxed look. Don’t aim for perfection – the more undone, the better.

This style is a total lifesaver for gym days, bad hair days, or when you just want to look put-together without trying too hard. Curly-haired friends, this works for you too!

Bubble Ponytail

This isn’t your grandma’s ponytail – it’s a total statement style that takes zero skill. Start with a basic ponytail at whatever height you prefer.

Every few inches down the ponytail, add another elastic and gently pull the hair between the elastics to create a “bubbled” effect. Play with how much you pull – more pull means more drama.

It looks like you spent hours styling, but it takes less than five minutes. Pro move: match your elastics to your outfit for extra style points.

Space Buns

Two little buns that scream fun and playful – perfect for showing off your personality at school. Part your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails.

Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure with bobby pins. The key is keeping things a bit messy – nobody wants those super-tight, cheerleader-perfect buns.

Works with straight, wavy, or curly hair. Plus, it keeps all your hair off your face during those long class periods.

Twisted Side Sweep

Romantic, elegant, and super easy to pull off. Start by gathering all your hair to one side and creating a deep side part.

Take small sections and start twisting towards the back of your head, pinning as you go. The goal is a soft, flowing look that seems like it just happened naturally.

This style works magic for presentations or when you want to look slightly more dressed up without trying too hard.

Low Twisted Bun

Sophisticated but not try-hard – the ultimate school hairstyle. Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck and start twisting.

Wrap the twist around itself to create a low bun, securing with bobby pins. The trick is to keep it slightly loose and not too perfect.

Looks amazing with simple earrings and works for basically every hair type and length.

Braided Headband

Who needs actual hair accessories when you can braid your headband? Take a small section of hair from one side and start a tight French braid.

Bring the braid across your hairline, tucking and pinning the end underneath your hair on the other side. The result? A super cute “headband” that’s part of your hair.

Works especially well if you’re growing out bangs or just want to keep hair away from your face during class.

Sleek High Ponytail

Channel your inner pop star with this ultra-smooth style. Start by applying a bit of hair serum or gel to smooth down any flyaways.

Pull your hair up high – right at the crown of your head – and secure with an elastic. The key is making sure it’s super smooth with no bumps.

Pro tip: Wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic to hide it and add an extra touch of polish.

Twisted Mini Buns

Think space buns’ cooler, more relaxed cousin. Create two low sections of hair on either side of your head.

Twist each section and wrap into a small, loose bun. Pin in place, but don’t stress about making them perfect. Messy is the whole point.

Great for days when you want to look cute but can’t be bothered with complicated styling.

Side Dutch Braid

A total showstopper that looks way more complicated than it is. Start a Dutch braid (that’s a braid where you cross sections under instead of over) on one side of your head.

Continue the braid down, incorporating all your hair. The key is keeping it relatively loose and not pulling too tight.

Works beautifully with waves or straight hair, and keeps everything out of your face during those intense study sessions.

Sleek Low Double Braids

Two braids that are giving major cool-girl vibes. Part your hair down the middle and create two standard braids.

Keep them smooth but not too tight – you want that relaxed, effortless look. Secure with small elastics that match your hair color.

Perfect for gym days, bad hair days, or when you just want to switch things up.

Silk Scarf Ponytail

Take a simple ponytail and elevate it with a silk scarf. Create a low or mid-height ponytail, then tie a cute scarf around the elastic.

Let the scarf hang down or wrap it around the ponytail for extra style. Instant upgrade to the most basic hairstyle.

Works with basically every hair type and adds a pop of color to your look.

Mini Clips Accent

No need for a full, complicated style – just add some cute mini clips to whatever hair texture you’ve got.

Place clips asymmetrically – maybe two on one side, one on the other. Mix different styles for extra personality.

Zero skill required, maximum style points earned.

Slicked Back Wet Look

Channel your inner model with this super-sleek style. Apply gel or mousse to damp hair and smooth everything back.

Use a fine-tooth comb to create super-smooth lines. The key is making sure there are zero flyaways.

Works amazingly well for presentations or when you want to look extra polished.

Claw Clip Twist

The easiest style that looks like you tried. Gather your hair and twist it up, then secure with a large claw clip.

Let some pieces fall out for that intentionally messy look. The bigger the clip, the more trendy the style.

Takes 30 seconds and looks like you spent way more time.

Braided Pigtails

Not the kid version – this is the cool, grown-up take on pigtails. Part your hair down the middle and create two braids.

Keep them loose and slightly messy. The goal is “effortlessly cool,” not “elementary school.”

Works with any hair texture and keeps everything out of your face.

Sleek Middle Part

Sometimes, simple is everything. Create a super-straight middle part and keep hair smooth and straight.

Use a tiny bit of hair serum to add shine and knock out any frizz. Zero styling required.

Looks amazing with basically every outfit and hair type.

Bubble Braids

Like the bubble ponytail, but make it a braid. Create a standard braid, then add elastics every few inches.

Gently pull apart the sections between elastics to create those signature “bubbles.” More pull means more drama.

Looks way more complicated than it is.

Scrunchie High Ponytail

Bring back the ’90s with a cute scrunchie. Pull hair into a high ponytail and secure with a fun, textured scrunchie.

Choose a scrunchie that adds a pop of color or texture to your outfit. Instant style upgrade.

Works with literally every hair type and adds a playful touch.

Twisted Back Pins

For days when you want to look slightly more dressed up. Take small sections of hair and twist them back.

Pin each twist with cute bobby pins. Mix different pin styles for extra personality.

Looks like you spent way more time styling than you did.

Pro Tips for All Styles:

• Always keep a few bobby pins and hair elastics in your backpack
• Dry shampoo is your best friend for quick touch-ups
• Embrace your natural texture – confidence is the best accessory