First Day of School Hairstyles 2025: 10 Cute Looks for All Hair Types

Side French Braid with Loose Waves

This hairstyle is honestly giving main character energy. The Side French Braid with Loose Waves is perfect if you want a soft, romantic look that still feels age-appropriate and effortless. It’s especially great for medium to long hair and works on both naturally wavy or heat-styled textures. The side braid keeps hair out of your face (a must during those busy back-to-school mornings), while the flowing waves add volume and that “I woke up like this” vibe.

If you have layered hair, don’t worry—those shorter pieces will actually give the braid even more dimension. Just a little wave action with a curling wand or heatless overnight braid, and boom—you’re ready for that first day selfie. Bonus tip: add a tiny ribbon or pearl pin at the end of the braid for a soft glam finish. This one’s also super cute under a school cap or beanie once fall hits!

Top Knot with Curtain Bangs

Okay, the Top Knot with Curtain Bangs is for the girlies who love structure but still wanna look cute and playful. This style is a game-changer if you’ve got bangs, because it lets you show off your fringe while keeping the rest of your hair up and out of the way. It’s especially flattering for round and heart-shaped faces, and it works great on second-day hair (thank you, dry shampoo!).

Whether your curtain bangs are styled straight, softly waved, or blown out for volume, they instantly elevate the top knot. You can make the knot tight and slick for a clean look, or keep it messy and undone for that effortless cool-girl aesthetic. Add a claw clip at the base or scrunchie for some extra detail—it’s giving Pinterest baddie realness. Perfect for first day nerves when you don’t want to stress over your hair.

Braided Crown with Loose Hair

The Braided Crown with Loose Hair is like wearing a literal halo made of hair—and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds. This look wraps two braids across the top of your head like a crown, while the rest of your hair flows down freely. It’s dreamy, princessy, and totally back-to-school picture ready. This style works with straight, wavy, or textured hair and looks especially pretty with highlights or balayage, since the braid shows off color dimension.

If you’re someone who loves that boho vibe or just want something unique for your first day, this one’s it. You can braid your crown with fishtails or regular 3-strand braids depending on your skill level, and add tiny accessories like floral pins or gems if you’re feeling extra. Pair it with a flowy blouse or denim jacket for that effortlessly cute school look that screams 2025 trends.

Flat Ironed Straight Look with Clips

Sometimes, simple just hits different—and the Flat Ironed Straight Look with Clips is one of those styles that never goes out of fashion. If you’ve got naturally straight hair or love your flat iron, this sleek look gives instant polish and confidence. It’s ideal for school because it stays neat all day and gives that clean, put-together energy, even if you woke up 10 minutes before the bell.

Now let’s talk clips—don’t underestimate the power of accessories! From pearl barrettes to colorful snap clips or aesthetic claw pins, you can match your outfit or add a little pop of personality. Part your hair down the middle or go deep side part, straighten it to silky perfection, and then just let the clips do the talking. It’s minimal effort with maximum “you look amazing” reactions.

Mini Buns with Defined Curls

If you’ve got curls, coils, or waves, Mini Buns with Defined Curls are such a fun and playful first-day hairstyle. Part your hair into four or six sections (depending on how thick your hair is), create mini buns up top or around your crown, and leave the back down to show off those juicy, defined curls. It’s a cute mix of structure and volume that’s perfect for school and super expressive.

What’s great about this look is it gives your curls room to shine while keeping things tidy and stylish up top. Use a bit of curl cream or gel to enhance your texture and make the buns pop. You can even add little gold cuffs or hair rings to the buns if you want to give it that TikTok-approved look. It’s a go-to for natural hair girls who want something fresh and bold without doing the most.

Afro Puffs with Beaded Parts

Talk about power hair! Afro Puffs with Beaded Parts is such a strong, confident first-day hairstyle that celebrates texture, creativity, and culture. It’s the kind of look that turns heads in the best way. You can part your hair into two or more sections (middle part, zigzag part, or even hearts if you’re talented) and secure those iconic high puffs. Then comes the best part—add beads to the parted sections for a fun and unique touch.

This style is perfect for 4C or tightly coiled hair types and is protective without being boring. The beads come in endless colors—go classic clear or bold with neons or metallics. Add edge control to your hairline, some swooped baby hairs, and you’ve got a whole vibe. It’s stylish, expressive, and totally first-day fabulous!

Braided Bangs with Ponytail

Braided Bangs with Ponytail is such a cool remix on the basic ponytail—it gives that little extra flair that makes all the difference. Instead of letting your bangs hang loose, you braid them along your forehead and pin them to the side, while the rest of your hair is swept up in a mid or high pony. It’s trendy, practical, and great for both short and long bangs.

This style is awesome for warm days or active school events when you want your hair off your face but still styled with intention. Use a cute scrunchie, wrap a piece of hair around the base of your pony for a seamless finish, or even braid the ponytail itself. If you’ve got curly bangs, twist them instead of braiding—it still gives that same pulled-together energy with a soft, romantic touch.

Soft Waves with Butterfly Clips

If you’re a Y2K girly or just love a whimsical, feminine vibe, then Soft Waves with Butterfly Clips are a whole mood. This hairstyle screams back-to-school sweetness and looks so good on medium to long hair. Just curl your hair into loose waves—heatless overnight braids work too—and place colorful butterfly clips down your part or around your crown for that playful detail.

This style is giving Pinterest board dreams and it’s super low-maintenance. The butterfly clips aren’t just adorable—they also help keep hair in place during long school hours. Whether you go pastel, glittery, or metallic with your clips, they add that ✨extra✨ touch that makes a simple wavy style look curated and fun. Ideal for both straight and wavy hair types!

Half-Up Rope Braids

The Half-Up Rope Braids hairstyle is one of those “how did you do that?” styles that’s actually way easier than it looks. You just twist two sections of hair on each side, cross them over like a rope, and pin them back—super cute, super elegant, and perfect for school. It’s a unique twist (literally) on the basic half-up look, and works on all textures from straight to curly.

This look holds its shape well all day, so it’s great for long classes or after-school plans. You can dress it up with pearl pins, small bows, or even a scrunchie at the back to secure both rope braids together. It frames your face beautifully while keeping your hair off it, which is great for staying cool and looking polished on your first day back.

Textured Bob with Deep Side Part

Short hair baddies, this one’s for you! The Textured Bob with Deep Side Part is chic, modern, and a total power move for your first day of school. Whether your bob is straight, wavy, or curly, adding texture gives it that effortless, editorial vibe. The deep side part adds volume and a dramatic twist that’s super on trend for 2025.

This style is perfect for girls who want to keep things low-maintenance but still bold. Add sea salt spray or dry texture spray for volume and definition, tuck one side behind your ear, and maybe throw on a statement earring. You’ll look like you just walked out of a Pinterest board, no lie. Bonus: it’s great for humid or rainy days when you need something that holds up!

Sleek Box Braids in High Bun

Sleek Box Braids in High Bun is a protective style that’s equal parts functional and fabulous. Box braids are already a back-to-school favorite because they last for weeks and let you sleep in a little longer every morning. Putting them in a high bun is the cherry on top—it’s neat, polished, and perfect for keeping cool during those early September heat waves.

This style works beautifully for any length of braids—longer ones give you a fuller bun, while medium-length looks cleaner and lightweight. Lay those edges down, secure your bun with a strong hair tie or scrunchie, and accessorize with gold cuffs or colorful wraps. It’s bold, professional, and totally stylish for the classroom or the hallway