First Day of School Hairstyles: 15 Cute Ideas to Start the Year Right
By Sophi, your hairstyle bestie for easy school-morning hair.
First day styles need to look sweet, feel secure, and survive a busy classroom day.
These first day of school hairstyles mix braids, ponytails, bows, and tidy finishes for a confident start.
Bubble Pigtail Braids With Mini Elastics
This double pigtail style feels playful but still neat enough for uniform days. The hair is parted cleanly down the centre, then each side is shaped into a soft braid effect with small elastics spaced through the length.
It is a lovely choice for younger children because it keeps hair away from the face without needing loads of pins. The repeated elastics also help the style stay put through lessons, lunch, and playground time.
Styling tip: Use snag-free elastics and gently puff each section with your fingers to make the pigtails look fuller without pulling at the scalp.
High Ponytail With Braided Bubble Sections
This high ponytail has a polished school-photo feel, especially with the oversized bow sitting neatly at the crown. The length is divided with elastics, while small braids run through the sections for extra detail.
It works beautifully on medium to long hair and gives a simple ponytail a more special first-day finish. The style looks decorative from the back but is still practical for a full school day.
Styling tip: Smooth the crown with a soft brush first, then add the bow after the ponytail is secure so it does not slip.
Classic Dutch Braid Down The Back
A single Dutch braid is one of those school hairstyles that always looks tidy and intentional. The braid begins high at the crown and continues down the back, keeping the whole shape sleek and secure.
This is especially good for children with thick hair because the raised braid controls the volume without making the style feel too tight. It also suits PE days when loose hair can get in the way.
Styling tip: Add a tiny amount of leave-in conditioner through the lengths before braiding to reduce flyaways and make each section easier to handle.
Twin Braided Half Up Style For Curls
This half up look keeps curls loose and natural while adding two neat braids at the top. The centre part gives the style a tidy school-ready shape, and the little clips at the ends add a sweet finish.
It is a good option when you want to show off natural texture without leaving the front sections loose around the face. The braids give structure, while the curls still feel soft and bouncy.
Styling tip: Refresh the curls with a light mist of water and curl cream before braiding the top sections, so the loose lengths stay defined.
Double Dutch Braids With Clean Partings
Double Dutch braids are perfect for a smart first-day look that will not fall apart by morning break. The braids sit close to the scalp and run evenly down both sides, giving a balanced and confident finish.
This style is brilliant for longer school days because it controls the hair from roots to ends. It also works well with jumpers, collars, and backpacks because the braids do not tangle as easily as loose hair.
Styling tip: Use the tail of a comb to make the centre parting crisp before you begin, as that is what makes the whole style look polished.
Side Part Braids With Crossing Detail
This braided look uses a bold side part and a crossing braid detail to make two pigtails feel more creative. The top section is sleek, while the braids keep the style strong and school-friendly.
It is a fun choice for children who like something a little different but still need hair tucked away for writing, reading, and play. The diagonal parting adds instant shape without needing accessories.
Styling tip: Work with slightly damp hair for sharper partings and smoother braids, then let it dry naturally during the morning.
Braided Ponytail With Soft Scrunchie Bow
This ponytail combines a neat side braid with a soft scrunchie bow for a pretty but practical school look. The braid leads into the ponytail, giving the style more interest than a plain everyday tie-back.
It is ideal when you want the hair lifted off the neck but still want some movement through the ponytail. The bow makes it feel first-day special without being too fussy.
Styling tip: Place the scrunchie over a regular elastic for extra hold, especially if the hair is thick or very silky.
Sleek Ponytail With Clip Accents
This sleek ponytail has a fun row of clips along the braided front sections, making it feel cheerful for the first day back. The rest of the hair is pulled into a high ponytail, so the look stays clean and practical.
It is a great style for children who love accessories because the clips can match a uniform, backpack, or favourite colour. The front braids keep shorter pieces controlled around the hairline.
Styling tip: Keep the clips lightweight so they decorate the braid without weighing it down or feeling uncomfortable.
Twin Ponytails With Braids And Bows
This sweet twin ponytail style mixes neat braids at the top with curled ends for a more dressed-up first-day look. The bows sit at the base of the braids, making each ponytail look polished and playful.
It is lovely for photos because the shape has volume, movement, and clear detail from the back. The braids also help stop the front sections from slipping forward during the day.
Styling tip: Curl only the ponytail ends and brush them out gently, so the style feels soft rather than overly done for school.
Rope Braid Ponytail With Wrapped Finish
This ponytail has rope braid sections sweeping from both sides into a wrapped base. It looks sleek and clever, but the overall shape is still simple enough for a school morning.
The style is especially pretty on straight or smoothed hair because the rope detail shows clearly against the glossy lengths. It is a nice alternative to a standard low ponytail when you want something tidier.
Styling tip: Twist each side section firmly in the same direction, then pin it underneath the ponytail so the finish looks seamless.
Long Hair With A Tiny Side Braid
This simple loose hairstyle is perfect for children who prefer wearing their hair down. A tiny side braid adds a neat first-day detail, while the fringe and long lengths stay soft and natural.
It is best for calmer school days or older children who can manage loose hair without it getting in the way. The little braid makes it feel intentional without taking away from the natural length.
Styling tip: Clip the tiny braid near the top with a small accessory to stop it slipping into the face during the day.
Side Braid Ponytail With Bow
This side braid ponytail has a smooth top section, a chunky braid, and small elastics placed down the length. The bow at the base gives it a cute school-ready finish without making the style complicated.
It is a practical pick for medium to long hair because everything is gathered low and secure. The side placement also makes the braid easy to bring forward at the end of the day for quick tidying.
Styling tip: Match the mini elastics to the bow for a coordinated look that feels neat with a school uniform.
Fishtail Braid With Flower Clips
This fishtail braid feels delicate and tidy, with the smooth top section keeping the look smart for school. The flower clips add a gentle decorative touch at the start and end of the braid.
It is a lovely choice when you want something more detailed than a regular plait but still secure. The fishtail shape also helps the braid look thicker through the middle.
Styling tip: Pull very small pieces from each side as you braid, then gently loosen the edges for a fuller fishtail finish.
Low Bun With Twists And Bow
This low bun is a tidy option for children who need hair fully off the shoulders. The side twists feed into the bun, while the bow adds a cheerful first-day detail at the back.
It is especially useful for warm days, school performances, or any day when loose hair might feel distracting. The bun keeps the style compact and comfortable under coats or backpacks.
Styling tip: Use a few small pins around the bun and tuck the ends underneath so the shape stays secure without feeling heavy.
High Braided Ponytail With Side Braid
This high braided ponytail has a smart side braid leading into a thicker plait, finished with a striped bow. It gives a sporty school hairstyle a more polished first-day feel.
The lifted shape keeps hair off the face and neck, while the braid controls the length so it does not tangle easily. It is a strong choice for active children who still want something pretty.
Styling tip: Secure the ponytail first, then braid the length firmly and add the bow at the base for a clean, long-lasting finish.