17 First Day Of School Hairstyles With Braids, Ponytails And Updos

The first day of school is the ultimate opportunity to showcase a fresh look. Choosing the right style sets a positive tone for the entire academic year ahead.

Confidence begins with a look that feels authentic and secure. These styles prioritize durability and flair to ensure a seamless transition from the bus to the classroom.

Whether the preference is a classic braid or a sophisticated updo, variety is key. This collection offers something for every texture, length, and personal aesthetic.

Explore these versatile options to find the perfect match for that big morning. Get ready to make a lasting impression with these standout 17 first day of school hairstyles.

1. Classic Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids are a timeless choice for anyone wanting a secure and stylish look. By crossing sections under rather than over, the braids sit prominently on top of the hair for a 3D effect.

This style is exceptionally durable, making it ideal for a long day of classes and extracurricular activities. It keeps hair completely out of the face while maintaining a symmetrical and polished appearance.

To finish the look, secure the ends with clear elastics or colorful ties that match an outfit. This style works beautifully on various hair lengths and remains frizz-free throughout the school day.

2. Sleek High Ponytail with Wrap-Around

A high ponytail is the epitome of “cool and collected.” Elevating this look involves smoothing the hair toward the crown and securing it firmly to create a lifting effect.

The secret to making this professional is the wrap-around technique. Take a small strand of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to hide the elastic.

Use a light-hold hairspray or edge control to tame any flyaways for a glass-like finish. This hairstyle is functional for gym class yet stylish enough for school photos.

3. Playful Space Bun Updo

Space buns bring a sense of fun and personality to the first day of school. This updo involves parting the hair down the center and creating two symmetrical buns high on the head.

You can customize this look by making the buns messy and voluminous or sleek and tight. Adding small braids leading into the buns can provide extra texture and visual interest.

This style is perfect for keeping hair off the neck during warmer months. It serves as a creative canvas for adding glitter or colorful clips to express individual style.

4. Intricate Fishtail Accent Braid

If a full braid feels too heavy, an accent fishtail braid offers a sophisticated middle ground. This involves taking a small section of hair and weaving it into a tight, two-strand pattern.

The fishtail texture looks far more complex than it actually is, giving the impression of effort and detail. It can be pinned back or allowed to hang loosely for a bohemian vibe.

This style works best on straight or slightly wavy hair where the intricate weave is visible. It provides a subtle touch of elegance without requiring a total hair overhaul.

5. Trending Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail has taken the world by storm because it is incredibly easy to achieve. Start with a standard ponytail and place additional elastics every few inches down the length.

After securing each section, gently pull at the edges to “fluff” the hair into a bubble shape. This creates a voluminous, architectural look that stays secure from morning until the final bell.

This style is especially effective for those with very long hair who want to prevent tangles. It is a modern, playful take on the traditional ponytail that requires minimal tools.

6. Elegant Crown Braid

A crown braid offers a regal and polished look that frames the face beautifully. This style involves French or Dutch braiding around the circumference of the head to create a “halo” effect.

It is an excellent choice for keeping hair completely contained and secure. The crown braid is often associated with a clean, academic aesthetic that feels both traditional and fresh.

For a softer look, pull out a few face-framing strands or “baby hairs” to add a touch of romance. This updo ensures that hair stays neat even through physical education or recess.

7. Polished Low Chignon

The low chignon is the ultimate choice for a sophisticated and understated first day. By gathering the hair at the nape of the neck, you create a timeless silhouette that exudes calm.

This updo is versatile enough to be worn sleek or slightly undone for a more relaxed feel. It pairs perfectly with statement earrings or a decorative headband for added flair.

Securing the chignon with U-shaped pins ensures a comfortable hold that doesn’t pull on the scalp. It is a mature style that transitions perfectly from the classroom to after-school events.

8. Half-Up Top Knot

The half-up top knot offers the best of both worlds: hair is out of the eyes, but length is still showcased. This involves sectioning off the top half of the hair and twisting it into a small bun.

This style is perfect for those who want a “lived-in” look that still feels intentional. It works exceptionally well with natural curls or beachy waves, providing great volume at the crown.

The top knot can be secured with a scrunchie for a retro vibe or a clear elastic for a modern look. It is a quick solution for busy mornings when time is of the essence.

9. Voluminous Pull-Through Braid

For those who want the look of a thick braid without the complicated weaving, the pull-through braid is the answer. It uses a series of small ponytails looped through one another.

This technique creates incredible height and dimension, making it a favorite for those with thinner hair. It results in a sturdy structure that won’t loosen or sag throughout the day.

The pull-through braid looks stunning when finished with a decorative bow at the bottom. It provides a high-fashion aesthetic that is surprisingly simple to execute at home.

10. Romantic Side-Swept Braid

A side-swept braid brings a soft, asymmetric balance to any first-day outfit. By gathering all the hair to one side, you create a look that is both relaxed and intentional.

You can use a standard three-strand technique or a more complex four-strand weave for added texture. This style is particularly comfortable as it doesn’t put pressure on the back of the head.

This braid is easy to touch up during the day if any strands come loose. It pairs beautifully with a side part and offers a gentle, approachable vibe for meeting new people.

11. Wrapped Bubble Updo

Taking the bubble ponytail to the next level, the wrapped bubble updo involves tucking the end of the ponytail under itself. This creates a sculptural, bun-like effect with unique segments.

It is a great way to handle thick hair that might feel too heavy in a traditional bun. The segments add a modern, geometric interest to the back of the head.

Using colorful elastics for each “bubble” can allow for coordination with school colors or a favorite outfit. This style is unique enough to stand out in any hallway.

12. Artistic Twisted Halo

For those who find braiding difficult, the twisted halo is a perfect alternative. Instead of weaving, you simply take two sections of hair and twist them around each other.

As you move around the head, incorporate more hair into the twist to secure it against the scalp. The result is a soft, rope-like crown that looks intricate and ethereal.

This style is great for showcasing highlights or multi-tonal hair colors. It stays flat against the head, making it a comfortable choice for students who wear headphones or hats.

13. Cascading Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is a show-stopping style that lets the hair flow freely while adding a braided element. It involves dropping a strand of hair from the braid to create a “waterfall” effect.

This style is ideal for those who love wearing their hair down but want a special detail for the first day. It works on various hair textures and looks particularly striking on wavy hair.

While it looks complex, the pattern is repetitive and easy to learn with a little practice. It provides a delicate, feminine touch to a standard school look.

14. Multi-Ponytail Mohawk

The multi-ponytail mohawk is a bold and edgy choice that keeps hair secure and stylized. This involves creating a vertical line of small ponytails from the forehead to the nape.

This style is excellent for short to medium hair that might not fit into a single high ponytail. It creates a “faux-hawk” look that is both playful and high-energy.

You can leave the ends of the ponytails loose or loop them into small buns for added texture. It is a fantastic way to keep hair away from the face during active school days.

15. Braided Bun Combo

Combining a braid with a bun offers the security of an updo with the detail of a weave. You can start with an upside-down French braid from the nape of the neck leading into a high bun.

This “surprise” element at the back makes the hairstyle interesting from every angle. It is a favorite for dancers and athletes who need their hair to stay completely immobile.

The bun can be wrapped with a braid or left messy for a contrast in textures. This style is sophisticated and shows a high level of attention to detail.

16. Sky-High Messy Bun with Accessories

The messy bun is a staple for a reason: it is effortless and always in style. For the first day, elevate it by placing it very high on the head and adding strategic accessories.

Use a velvet scrunchie or a set of decorative pearl pins to make the “messy” look feel deliberate. This style is perfect for those who want a relaxed, approachable image.

The key to a great messy bun is volume, so consider teasing the hair slightly before pinning. It is the ultimate “I woke up like this” look that still feels put-together.

17. Ribbon-Intertwined Braid

Adding a ribbon to a standard braid is the easiest way to customize a first-day look. Simply pin a ribbon to the base of your braid and treat it as one of the hair strands.

This adds a pop of color and a touch of classic charm to the hairstyle. You can match the ribbon to your backpack, shoes, or school uniform for a coordinated aesthetic.

This technique works with French, Dutch, or traditional three-strand braids. It turns a simple everyday style into a festive, “first day of school” celebration.

How do I make these styles last all day?

To ensure durability, start with slightly damp hair or use a light-hold mousse before styling. Securing braids tightly at the base and using high-quality elastics will prevent sagging during the school day. Finishing with a light mist of hairspray helps control flyaways and keeps the style looking fresh through lunch and recess.

Which style is best for thick hair?

The Double Dutch braids and the Wrapped Bubble Updo are exceptional for thick hair. These styles distribute the weight of the hair evenly across the head, preventing the “heavy” feeling or headaches associated with high ponytails. They also offer the most security for containing high-volume hair textures throughout a busy day.

Are these styles suitable for short hair?

Many of these looks, such as the Space Buns, Multi-Ponytail Mohawk, and Twisted Halo, are very short-hair friendly. Using smaller sections of hair allows those with bob-length or even pixie-style cuts to achieve braided and pinned looks. Decorative clips can also be used to secure shorter strands that might not reach a ponytail.

How can I save time on school mornings?

Planning is the best way to save time; consider braiding the hair the night before for a “ready-to-go” look or to create heatless waves for the morning. Gathering all necessary tools like elastics, brushes, and ribbons in one spot the night before prevents a frantic search. Many of these styles, like the Bubble Ponytail, take less than five minutes once mastered.

What accessories should I keep in my locker?

Keeping a small “emergency kit” in your locker is a great idea for midday touch-ups. Include a few extra hair elastics, bobby pins that match your hair color, and a small travel-sized brush. A decorative scrunchie or headband can also be kept on hand to quickly transform a loose style into an updo if needed.

Can these styles be done on all hair textures?

Yes, these styles are highly versatile and can be adapted for straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair textures. For tighter curls and coils, ensure the hair is well-moisturized with a leave-in conditioner before styling to maintain health and shine. The beauty of braids and updos is that they celebrate the natural volume and structure of all hair types.

17 First Day of School Hairstyles with Braids, Ponytails and Updos