20 School Hairstyles for Women: Easy, Chic & Quick Looks

Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade of experience creating wearable, everyday looks. In this post you’ll find 20 school hairstyles for women, each photographed to inspire quick, polished hair for students, teachers, and busy campus life. I’ve chosen styles that work across hair textures and lengths: effortless ponytails, neat buns, braided looks, soft waves, and low-maintenance updos that hold up through a long day. My salon tips for success: prep with a lightweight leave-in or texturizing spray, use soft elastics and quality bobby pins, and secure styles with a flexible-hold hairspray so they don’t look stiff. I’ll also show simple swaps to adapt each look for fine, thick, curly, or straight hair. These styles are designed to be doable in 5–20 minutes — perfect for mornings, after gym class, or when you need a quick style change between lectures.

Double Crown Braided Buns — Loose Boho Braided Updo

Suitable for straight to wavy hair and fine-to-medium density (thicker hair works if you take smaller sections), this double crown braided bun is a relaxed, wearable updo. Start with a clean, detangled center part. Create two Dutch or French braids from the front hairline toward the crown, secure the braid ends with small elastics, then wrap each braid into a loose bun and anchor with sturdy bobby pins. Lightly pancake the braids for width and pull a few face-framing pieces to soften the look. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and an optional curling iron for finishing pieces. Products: texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, dry shampoo or root powder for hold, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways, and heat protectant if using hot tools. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfortable braiding technique and spatial awareness; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on silk or use a loose satin scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin any loosening sections, and mist with light-hold spray to extend wear. For slippery hair, pre-texturize roots before braiding.

Double Dutch Crown Braids — Textured Braided Crown Updo

Suitable for fine to medium and thick hair, and best on shoulder-length to long hair. Slight natural wave or textured hair will help the braids hold; very slippery or freshly washed hair benefits from added texture. Technique: create two Dutch (inside-out) braids starting at the temples, braid closely along the scalp toward the nape, secure the ends, then wrap and pin the braids into a crown. Pancake the braid loops slightly for fullness and pull a few face-framing tendrils for softness. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, tail comb. Products: texturizing or sea-salt spray, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, volumizing powder for fine hair, medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires consistent tension and neat sections; allow 20–35 minutes depending on skill. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a silk scarf to reduce frizz. Refresh with a light mist of water or dry shampoo at the roots, re-pin loose areas, and retouch edges with a toothbrush and light-hold gel. With good prep, the style will last 1–3 days.

Textured Side Dutch-to-Fishtail Braid with Voluminous Crown

Suitable hair types: best on medium-to-long hair; works well on straight to wavy textures. Fine hair benefits from added texture; thick hair may need sectioning for control. Styling technique: prep hair with a light texturizing spray or dry shampoo. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then begin a Dutch braid from the hairline, incorporating sections toward the back; transition into a fishtail braid at the nape for the tapered, twisted finish. Pancake (gently pull apart) the braid for width and softness, and tug small face-framing pieces for a lived-in look. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb or tail comb, paddle brush, small clear elastic, bobby pins, 1

Textured Messy Updo with Soft Curtain Bangs

This tousled textured updo with soft curtain bangs suits mid-length to long wavy or curly hair; fine hair can achieve the look with added texture or clip‑in volume, while thick hair benefits from layered shaping to reduce bulk. To create it, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and rough-dry with a diffuser or low heat to enhance natural waves. Section hair and use a 1 curling wand to add loose bends for straight hair. Lightly backcomb at the crown for lift, then gather hair into a loose, low-to-mid bun, twisting and pinning random sections with bobby pins to create a soft, messy silhouette. Pull out face‑framing tendrils and shape bangs with a round brush or flat iron for softness. Tools: blow dryer with diffuser, 1 curling wand, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray, dry shampoo for second‑day body. Difficulty: moderate — no advanced braiding but requires an eye for placement and pinning. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizing spray, re‑pin loose pieces as needed, and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks.

Textured Crown Braid with Loose Double Braids and Beachy Waves

This soft, boho-inspired look pairs a small crown braid with two loose side braids and relaxed beachy waves. Suitability: Works best on shoulder-length to long hair with medium to thick density; fine hair benefits from light texturizing spray or root powder for grip, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before braiding. Styling technique: Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand, brushing gently for soft texture. Take a front section and Dutch- or French-braid along the hairline toward the crown, pinning and pancaking the braid for width. Part hair down the middle and braid each side loosely from mid-length, finishing with small elastics and pulling strands apart for a tousled finish. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, paddle or boar-bristle brush. Products required: heat protectant, salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, optional dry shampoo for second-day texture. Difficulty level: intermediate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap with a scarf, refresh waves with a quick wand touch-up, revive texture with dry shampoo or spray, and re-pin or tighten braids as needed to extend wear.

Messy Double Buns with Face‑Framing Braids — Textured Space Buns

Suitable for medium to long hair and fine-to-medium thickness, this playful textured space-bun look also works well on naturally wavy or lightly curly hair. From salon practice, stylists create volume and soft shape while keeping the style wearable for daily wear. Technique: part down the middle, take two small front sections and braid them loosely to frame the face; gather the remaining hair into two high ponytails, twist each into a loose bun and pin, leaving ends or pieces to create a messy, lived-in texture. Tools needed: tail comb, brush, small elastic bands, bobby pins, 1 curling iron (optional) and clips. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, lightweight mousse or root lift for volume, flexible-hold hairspray and a smoothing oil for flyaways. Difficulty: medium — approachable at home with 20–35 minutes practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple the buns, refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, re-secure loose pins as needed and re-braid the front pieces daily to keep the shape intact without buildup.

Half-Up Crown Braid with Loose Waves — Long Hair Styling

This half-up crown braid with loose, soft waves is ideal for medium to long hair and flatters straight, naturally wavy, or lightly curly textures. For fine hair, add root-lifting products and a looser braid for volume; for thicker hair, smooth with a lightweight serum before styling. Technique: create a deep side part, take a 1–2-inch section along the hairline and Dutch- or French-braid toward the back on each side, pinning both braids at the crown; leave the remaining lengths loose and shape into relaxed waves. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1–1.25

Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids — Textured Braided Style for Medium to Thick Hair

Suitable hair types: Best on medium to thick straight or wavy hair; can be adapted for curly hair after light detangling. Works well with shoulder length and longer hair and adds structure to layered cuts. Styling technique: Start with a clean, detangled mane. Create a precise center part and clip one side away. On the working side, take three sections at the hairline and braid using the Dutch braiding method (cross outer strands under the middle), adding hair from the top and sides as you move toward the nape. Continue into a three‑strand braid to the ends and secure. Repeat on the other side. Gently pancake each braid for a fuller, textured look. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, paddle brush. Products required: light mousse or sea‑salt/texturizing spray (for grip), smoothing cream or serum for flyaways, light‑hold hairspray, dry shampoo for second‑day refresh. Difficulty level: Intermediate — 20–40 minutes depending on length and skill. Maintenance tips: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh roots with dry shampoo, mist and re‑smooth flyaways with a tiny amount of serum, and re‑tighten elastics as needed. For longevity, avoid heavy oils at the roots and rebraid loose sections the next day.

Double Dutch Braids with Loose Beach Waves — Textured Boho Braided Style

Suitable for medium to long hair and works especially well on straight to wavy textures and medium to thick density. Start with clean, towel-dried hair; apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a small amount of texturizing cream. Create a clean center part, take a front section on one side and braid a Dutch (inside-out) braid toward the back, adding hair as you move down; repeat on the other side. Secure each braid with a small elastic and gently pancake the edges for softness. Leave the remaining lengths loose and enhance with loose waves using a 1–1.25 inch curling iron or by braiding damp hair overnight for heatless waves. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, curling iron or flat iron, bobby pins. Products: leave-in conditioner, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for second-day volume. Difficulty: intermediate — braiding skill plus even tension required. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap hair, refresh texture with spray, re-tighten elastics as needed, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to avoid split ends.

Textured Twisted Low Ponytail for Wavy or Curly Hair

This relaxed, textured twisted low ponytail is ideal for natural waves and curls, or for straight hair that’s been curled first. It flatters medium to thick hair lengths from shoulder to mid-back and creates a soft, romantic silhouette with face-framing tendrils. Technique: prep damp hair with a light mousse or sea-salt spray, rough-dry with a diffuser to enhance natural texture. Create two or three loose twists at the crown, pinning each section back and gently tugging to build volume. Gather hair to one low side ponytail, secure with an elastic, hide the band with a wrapped strand and pull out pieces for an undone finish. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, and a curling wand (optional for straight hair). Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse, light texturizing spray or powder, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium; expect 15–30 minutes once practiced. Maintenance tips: sleep loosely wrapped in a silk scarf or pineapple; refresh with water + salt spray, re-twist loose sections, and use dry shampoo at roots between washes.

Vintage Victory Rolls with Barrel Curls — Long to Medium Retro Hairstyle

This polished retro look pairs structured victory rolls at the crown with soft barrel curls through the length. Best suited to medium-to-long hair and medium to thick density; fine hair also works with volumizing products and root padding, while very curly textures should be relaxed or smoothed slightly for clean rolls. Technique: prep damp hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then create 1–1.25 barrel curls or set with hot rollers. Form the victory rolls by backcombing roots at the crown for support, smooth the top layer, roll sections inward toward the face, and secure with bobby pins hidden underneath. Tools needed: curling iron or hot rollers, round brush, teasing/rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, mousse or root lift, medium-to-strong hold hairspray, light shine serum, dry shampoo or texturizing powder for grip. Difficulty: moderate — symmetry takes practice. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf or loose pin-up, refresh with dry shampoo and light re-curling as needed, avoid heavy brushing to preserve curl definition and roll shape.

Textured Double French Braids with Soft Face‑Framing Pieces

Suitable hair types: medium to long hair of straight, wavy or loose-curly textures; medium to thick density shows the most volume, while fine hair benefits from texturizing products for grip. Styling technique: create a clean center part and work one side at a time, French-braiding from the hairline down toward the nape. Keep sections slightly loose and pull gently to pancake the braid for a relaxed, lived-in look; leave a few face‑framing tendrils out at the hairline for softness. Tools needed: tail comb for parting, paddle brush, small clear elastics, sectioning clips and a few bobby pins for flyaways. Products required: light smoothing cream or leave‑in, texturizing spray or sea‑salt spray for grip, dry shampoo for midday refresh, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty level: easy–intermediate — basic French-braiding skills plus patience for even tension. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh roots with dry shampoo, re-tighten elastics every 2–3 days, and smooth frizz with a dab of serum. For longer-lasting style, refresh by re-braiding at night and trim ends regularly to prevent split ends.

Textured Rope Braid Ponytail with Face‑Framing Fringe

This look suits medium to long hair with natural texture or color dimension — fine hair benefits from added texture while thicker hair gives more volume. Start on towel-dried or second-day hair: apply a small amount of leave‑in conditioner, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, and rough‑dry while lifting at the roots. Section the top for light backcombing at the crown to build height, then gather hair into a high ponytail. Divide the ponytail and create two or more rope or loose fishtail braids, pulling gently on braid edges (pancaking) to widen and soften the shape. Finish by wrapping a small section of hair around the base and securing with pins. Tools: blow dryer, rat‑tail comb, wide‑tooth comb, curling wand (optional), elastics and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or mousse, flexible hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braid technique and pancaking for fullness. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely re-braid, refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to avoid frizz and split ends.

Mini Cornrows with Face‑Framing Braids — Textured Braided Updo

This look pairs small, textured cornrows at the crown with loose three‑strand face‑framing braids and a soft messy bun — a versatile braided updo suited to fine, medium and thick hair in short-to-mid lengths (3–10 inches and longer with extensions). Technique: start on clean, detangled hair; section with a rat‑tail comb, create narrow cornrows along the parting, secure ends with small elastics, then braid two or three loose strands from the front and pull the remaining hair back into a textured bun or pony. Tools: rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, tail comb, paddle brush and a blow‑dryer for pre‑stretching if needed. Products: lightweight styling gel or edge control for neat roots, texturizing or sea‑salt spray for grip, anti‑frizz serum on ends and a flexible‑hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — requires consistent tension and neat parting; allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on silk or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh roots with dry shampoo, re‑tension braids as needed, avoid heavy oils at the scalp, and remove after 2–4 weeks followed by a deep conditioning treatment.

Textured Loose Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, textured side fishtail braid suits medium-to-long hair and works especially well on wavy or naturally straight hair; fine strands benefit from texturizing products and light backcombing, while thicker hair gives a fuller, chunkier result. Start with towel-dried or day-two hair: apply a salt or texture spray and a small amount of lightweight mousse, then rough-dry while lifting at the roots. Create a deep side part, pull hair to one side and begin a loose fishtail (or two-strand rope) braid from the nape, securing with a small elastic. Gently pancake (pull apart) braid sections for width and softness and leave a few face‑framing tendrils free; optionally curl those pieces for added polish. Tools: wide-tooth comb, tail comb, hair dryer, small elastics, bobby pins, and a curling iron for touch-ups. Products: texturizing/salt spray, lightweight mousse, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium — salon finish with basic braiding skills. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, re-pancake as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and redo after 1–2 days to avoid product buildup.

Voluminous Dutch-to-Pull-Through Side Braid with Textured Waves

Suitability: Ideal for medium to long hair and medium-to-thick densities; works well on naturally wavy or straight hair. Fine hair can achieve the look with pre-texturizing; very curly hair benefits from a light blowout or smoothing before braiding. Styling technique: Create a deep side part and begin a Dutch braid along the crown, adding hair as you move toward the nape. Transition the braid into a pull-through or oversized three-strand braid down the shoulder. Secure with a small elastic, then “pancake” each braid segment by gently tugging the outer edges to create volume and soft separation. Finish by shaping the ends and loosening a few face-framing pieces. Tools needed: paddle or vent brush, fine-tooth (tail) comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron (optional). Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum or shine spray, dry shampoo for day-two refresh. Difficulty & maintenance: Intermediate—about 20–35 minutes in salon or at home. To maintain, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, refresh texture spray and reshape/pancake daily, and avoid heavy oils that weigh sections down.

Soft Braided Low Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium-to-long hair and works best on fine to medium density with natural wave or straight texture. Thick hair can also be styled but may require extra pins and sectioning. Technique: create a deep side part, take two side sections and French-braid (or use a single three-strand braid from one side) toward the nape; secure with an elastic and wrap into a low braided bun, pinning the braid into a loose, slightly pancaked shape to preserve softness. Pull a few face‑framing tendrils free and gently tug the braid for volume. Tools needed: tail comb, small clear elastics, assorted bobby pins, hair elastics, optional small donut or padding, and a brush. Products required: light texturizing or sea‑salt spray for grip, smoothing serum for flyaways, medium‑hold hairspray to set, and dry shampoo for added texture on day two. Difficulty level: intermediate — a stylist can complete it in 20–30 minutes; at-home practice shortens timing. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and resecure any loose pins, and use a weekly deep‑conditioning mask to keep ends healthy.

Romantic Textured Braided Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, romantic braided updo works best on straight to wavy hair and fine-to-medium density; thick hair will also hold the look but may need extra pins or thinning. Prep dry or day-two hair with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip. Create two loose French or Dutch braids along the crown, bringing them back and pinning the ends into a low, messy bun—alternatively twist the remaining lengths into a knot and secure with bobby pins. Pull gently at the braid crowns for volume and tug out a few face‑framing tendrils. Finish tendrils with a 19–25 mm curling iron for soft bends if needed. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, assorted bobby pins, curling iron (optional). Products: texturizing spray/dry shampoo, light mousse or root lift (for extra volume), flexible-hold hairspray, small amount of anti-frizz serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — 20–40 minutes in salon conditions. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo, re-pin loose sections, and touch up tendrils with a small wand; avoid heavy oils near the roots to preserve texture.

Loose Double Dutch Braids with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils

This relaxed double Dutch-braid look suits medium-to-long hair and works best on straight to naturally wavy textures; fine hair can benefit from a texturizing product for grip, while thick hair may require sectioning to control bulk. Technique: create a clean center part, begin small Dutch braids at the hairline on each side, then transition into loose three-strand braids down the length. Gently pancake each braid by pulling outer loops to add width and softness; pull a few face-framing tendrils free for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: tail comb, hair elastics, small bobby pins, and a wide-tooth brush. Recommended products: salt or texturizing spray for texture, light mousse for volume, smoothing serum on ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray to finish. Difficulty level: easy–intermediate — expect 15–30 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance tips: style on second-day hair for better hold, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake braids each morning, secure loose pieces with discreet pins, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap to preserve shape. Trim split ends regularly to keep braids neat.

Loose Double Dutch Braids with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This relaxed double Dutch braid works best on straight to wavy hair, medium to fine density and shoulder length to mid‑back. Start with a clean, towel‑dried base: apply a lightweight mousse or root volumizer for grip, blow‑dry with a round brush for smoothness, then create a precise center part. Section one side and begin a Dutch braid (underhand) from the hairline, incorporating hair as you move down toward the nape; repeat on the other side. Secure each braid with a small elastic, then gently pancake the braid sections to broaden and soften them and pull out a few face‑framing tendrils for a lived‑in look. Tools needed: comb, tail comb, small elastics, duckbill clips, blow dryer. Products required: lightweight mousse or texturizing spray, smoothing serum for flyaways, flexible hold hairspray and dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty: easy–moderate — basic braid skills and patience required. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely re‑braid to avoid frizz, refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea‑salt spray, and re‑pancake as needed; trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep braids neat. Adjust product amounts for thicker or coarser hair.

Choosing the right school hairstyle is about matching your routine, hair type, and comfort level. My professional advice: prioritize protective choices (braids, low buns, ponytails with fabric ties), limit daily heat styling, and always use a heat protectant when you do. Keep a small kit in your bag — travel brush, a few elastics, spare bobby pins, and dry shampoo — for fast refreshes between classes. For healthier hair long-term, schedule regular trims, use a moisturizing conditioner suited to your texture, and sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction. Practice a few favorite looks so they become second nature; that 5-minute bun or braided ponytail will become your go-to. If you want personalized tweaks for your length or curl pattern, I’m happy to help — book a consult or ask questions below.