22 Popular Back to School Hairstyles to Wear in 2023

Back to school hairstyles have always been a hot topic during the fall season because they represent the perfect opportunity to try new things and express your personality in an environment where you go to learn every single day. Even with a global pandemic going on and the controversy surrounding whether or not children and teenagers should physically attend classes, it’s important to know exactly what you want and go with it.

This is why, in this article, we will present you with a plethora of simple but trendy back to school hairstyles that you can try regardless if you have short, medium, or long hair. After all, who says that you shouldn’t look good even when you’re sitting in front of your computer?

I. Short/Medium Back to School Hairstyles

1. Half Up Half Down Wavy Back to School Hairstyles

This wavy half up half down hairstyle is very simple yet cute and feminine. It’s definitely the perfect choice for a back to school hairstyle if your hair is medium length, naturally-wavy or if you like to style your locks so that they have those pretty loose waves. Make sure to secure the bun with bobby pins so it doesn’t fall off after a few hours in class.

2. Middle-Parted Straight Bob Cut

This is a very simple yet elegant and timeless hairstyle. The middle-parted straight bob cut is for those of you who want a classic approach for the back to school period. It requires almost no styling whatsoever, it looks good in any combinations, and it will make you feel like a star. Plus, this sleek hairstyle with that mask, amazing!

3. Messy Bun Back to School Hairstyles (3 styles)

It was inevitable and so we reached the part where we talk about the many variations of the messy bun that you can definitely do for school this fall. The first one is a massive high bun that you need to secure well with bobby pins. The second one is similar but the only difference is that you should twist a few hair strands around the bun’s root to change its appearance a bit. Finally, the third one is a medium-height messy bun that you will need to secure with both bobby pins and elastic to keep it in place. Use hairspray for extra hold and there you have it!

4. Low Messy Bun Back to School Hairstyles

This is one of those hairstyles that you go for when you’re running late for school and which also looks good, even if it’s essentially a hot mess. Just create a low ponytail like in the picture and twist it around the elastic to form that low messy bun. Make it as messy as possible so that it offers you an effortless vibe. Use some bobby pins and maybe even hairspray to keep everything in place.

5. Half Up Half Down Long Bob Cut (4 styles)

These four hairstyles are all half up half down and absolutely perfect for a back to school look that involves a long bob cut. You can create a braided crown around your head or you can simply gather the upper part of your hair and secure it with some bobby pins behind your head either in a simple manner or in a zig-zag pattern. The last example involves braiding your long bangs and securing them on one side of your head, in a romantic and feminine way.

6. Slicked-Back and Wavy Short Back to School Hairstyles (4 styles)

In case you are a fan of more elegant hairstyles and you have short hair, you can always try the slicked-back look. Use hair gel to keep everything straight and neat and bobby pins to secure your sides, either as they are or by creating small cornrows to make the sides short and the upper part of your hair higher. In case your hair is wavy or even curly, you can create a small side braid out of your long bangs or you can gather your bangs on top of your head and secure them with bobby pins for a feminine and very school-friendly look.

7. Middle- and Side-Parted Wavy Long Bob (4 styles)

In case you love a wavy long bob haircut and you’re getting ready to begin school again, these ideas might also help you when it comes to the color of your hair. You can either middle-part or side-part your bangs and create some loose romantic waves that will look cute for hours. Besides that, you can go for a balayage look, leave your hair natural or dye it in a darker shade, if you feel edgy and ready for a change.

8. Short and Medium-Length Shag-Like Hairstyle (4 styles)

In this case, all of these hairstyles are very simple and wearable. Regardless if your hair is short or medium-length, the iconic shag haircut will look good. Side- or middle-parted, wavy, or straight, this timeless hairstyle will be your best friend when you’re coming back to school this fall. Use hairspray for extra volume and maybe even backcomb it from time to time to get that edgy and cool vibe.

9. Messy Ponytail, Braided Hairstyle, and High Bun (6 styles)

These six back to school hairstyles are all different but rather similar because they are easy to wear and adapt for a school day. The first two are messy high and low ponytails with rebel strands, the second two are a messy low bun and a side braid with a braided crown, while the final two are high messy buns made elegant but still carefree and laidback. The choice is yours!

10. Simple Space Buns

If your hair is medium length, you can definitely go for a more childish hairstyle with these cute space buns. Just split your hair into two pieces and twist each one of them so that you form the two buns. Secure them well with bobby pins and leave out some strands for that carefree vibe.

II. Long Back to School Hairstyles

11. Low Ponytail with Braided Sides and Headscarf

When it comes to long hair, you have a lot of options to choose from for a back to school look. This one, for example, is a low ponytail made of two lateral braids and ties with a ribbon behind your head. It’s a preppy and cute look for this fall which you can definitely wear with an elegant and cool outfit.

12. Low Messy Ponytail with Ribbon

Again, this is another variation of the low messy ponytail but this time it’s simpler and takes a lot less time to do, especially if you are in a hurry to get to school. Just take two parts of your head and fold them one on top of the other, tying the ponytail with a cute ribbon. You can backcomb it a bit for extra fluffiness and then use hairspray.

13. Half Up Half Down Hairstyle with Braided Sides and Headscarf

This is a more intricate half up half down hairstyle that can also be considered a bit preppy and elegant. However, you are certain to make a strong impression if you show up to school with your hair like this. Create a thick side braid that you then tie back with some hair using a cute headscarf. Leave out some rebel strands for extra charm and use a curling wand for the ends of your hair, if you want to.

14. Half Up Half Down Wavy Hairstyle with Space Buns

This is another version of a half up half down look that’s amazing for back to school. It consists of two small space buns which you create on top of your head leaving the rest of your hair to fall graciously on your shoulders. You can make it wavy or keep it straight, it doesn’t really matter. Also, don’t forget to middle part your long bangs.

15. Two Simple Braids Back to School Hairstyles

This is a very basic yet very cute hairstyle that is the epitome of back to school, especially if you are a bit more childish and want a cute hairstyle for this fall. Make your long hair into two simple braids and secure them with elastic. You can add some nice accessories if you want or simply let your hair as it is and make an impression.

16. Straight Half Up Half Down Back to School Hairstyles with a Messy Bun

A half up half down hairstyle that is super simple yet very effective for that long-awaited first day of school, this one consists of straight long hair with a small messy bun quickly ties behind the head and secured with elastic. It’s not much but it can really make an impression with the right outfit and accessories.

17. Messy High and Low Ponytails with Headscarf (4 styles)

These ponytails are all messy, carefree, and tied with a headscarf for that extra charm and a more effective preppy look. Regardless if you prefer a high or low ponytail or if your hair is straight or wavy, these examples will definitely help you achieve the desired look on that first day of school. Preferably, you should use a long headscarf to add a bit more elegance to the whole look.

18. Wavy Long Back to School Hairstyles with Turban (4 styles)

This time, we are talking about long wavy hair, turbans, and what you can do with them, especially at school. You can buy real turbans which also cover the top of your head and simply wear them with big accessories or in a minimal manner. However, if you want to create your own turban, you can get a large headscarf and wrap it around your head. This way, the hair on top will also be visible and you can play around with it however you want. This is a chic and very trendy accessory that will do wonders at school.

19. Long Wavy Back to School Hairstyles with Headscarf (9 styles)

And speaking of headscarves, you can definitely create some half up half down looks, with a braid or not, using it. You can also go for low or medium-height buns in such a way that you also incorporate the headscarf in them, like in the pictures. Another idea is to go for braided crowns and pass that headscarf through them or tie it behind your head, at the base of the crown. Finally, you can always let your hair fall freely and just wrap the headscarf around your head in a classic way. Regardless of your choice or if your hair is wavy or straight, these looks will definitely act as inspiration for your first day of school.

20. Half Up Half Down Wavy Hairstyle with Small Cornrows

This half up half down look is a bit sassier and requires long wavy hair to look the best. You need to create three thin cornrows on top of your head which you then tie in a thin ponytail on top of your head. That intricate detail on top will offer this look a completely new vibe which you will adore and you will want to create it again and again, not only wear it during your first day of school.

21. Long Wavy Hair with Twisted Crown

In case you have long, wavy, and beautiful locks, this look can be perfect for that back to school look. The trick here is to have a thin headband that you use as a support for your hair crown that you create by twisting around some hair strands until the entire headband is covered. Secure it behind your head with bobby pins and there you have it!

22. Side Fishtail Braid Back to School Hairstyles

This rather simple hairstyle is still very popular and wearable, especially at school and if your hair is long. Create a side and thick fishtail braid, secure it with invisible elastic, and add some hairspray for extra hold. Put on that iconic red lipstick and start this year fresh and full of energy, despite the current situation.

Conclusion

All in all, we would like to think that these aforementioned back to school hairstyles are not only simple and trendy but also useful when it comes to the inspiration you need for those upcoming days. Fall time is always like this and considering what the world is going through right now, it’s only normal for us to try and give our best to get over this global pandemic in style. Even if you’re still taking online courses, who says you shouldn’t look your best, right? When on a break, check here more ideas for your pretty locks!