As the new academic year approaches, getting ready for school involves more than just packing a lunch and grabbing the necessary books. For many, it’s also about finding a hairstyle that’s both stylish and practical.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!I’m excited to share 19 stunning hairstyles that are perfect for natural and curly hair, helping you or your child start the new school year with confidence and style. These looks are designed to be low-maintenance, heatless, and protective, promoting healthy hair while keeping you looking fabulous.
From quick styles for rushed mornings to more elaborate protective styles that last for weeks, there’s something for every preference and hair type. Whether you’re in high school, college, or helping your little one prepare for their school days, these styles will tick all the boxes: time-saving, humidity-resistant, low-effort, and undeniably stylish.
Key Takeaways
- 19 stylish hairstyles for natural and curly hair
- Low-maintenance and heatless styles for busy school days
- Protective styles that promote healthy hair
- Options for every hair type and preference
- Time-saving and humidity-resistant styles
- Undeniably stylish and effortless looks for the new academic year
Styling Natural Hair for a New School Year
Embracing natural beauty while keeping up with school demands is easier with the right hairstyle. As the back-to-school season approaches, many Black girls face the challenge of finding a hairstyle that is both stylish and manageable.
Styling natural hair for the new school year can be overwhelming due to the numerous options available and the limited morning time. To achieve a balance, it’s crucial to consider factors like hair length, texture, and density when selecting a hairstyle.
- Finding a style that is both amazing and practical enough to last throughout the school day is key.
- Protective styling is beneficial as it minimizes hair manipulation, reduces breakage, and protects natural curls from harsh weather.
I’ve curated styles that work with your natural texture, celebrating its versatility and beauty while ensuring you look put-together for school. These hairstyles are not only stylish but also promote hair health.
Quick and Easy Back to School Hairstyles Natural Hair
Back to school season is here, and with it comes the opportunity to try out new, exciting hairstyles that celebrate natural hair. For those busy mornings, it’s essential to have a few simple yet stylish options up your sleeve.
High Puff with Bangs
A high puff with bangs is a chic and effortless style that works wonders for natural hair. It’s a great way to keep your hair out of your face while looking stylish.
Afro Puffs
Afro puffs are another fantastic option, offering a cute and playful look that’s perfect for school days. They can be styled in various ways to suit your mood and outfit.
Wash & Go with Accessories
Embracing your natural curls with a wash-and-go style and enhancing the look with colorful headbands, clips, or bows can add a playful touch. Apply a curl-defining product to damp hair, scrunch gently, and let your curls air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.
Protective Braid Styles for School Days
Protective braids are a fantastic option for school days, offering a low-maintenance yet stylish solution for natural hair. I recommend exploring different braid styles that not only protect your hair but also add to your overall look.
Box Braids
Box braids are a popular choice for their versatility and durability. They can be styled in various ways, from simple to complex designs, and last for several weeks with proper care. This style is ideal for students who want a long-lasting hairstyle that requires minimal daily maintenance.
Cornrows
Cornrows are another protective style that is both stylish and practical. They can be worn in simple straight-back designs or more intricate patterns, making them suitable for various personal styles. Cornrows are known for their ability to promote hair growth by reducing manipulation and protecting the hair.
Straight Backs
Straight backs can be worn with your natural hair or with braiding hair added in, known as ‘feed-in braids.’ These braids can be styled into a high or low bun or a ponytail. You can get creative with these braids by having small braids in between the larger braids, patterned parts, or curly ends. Straight backs are my go-to recommendation for a clean, polished look that requires minimal styling throughout the school week.
Stylish Bun Variations
Elevate your back-to-school hairstyle with stylish bun variations that are easy to achieve. Bun styles are perfect for keeping your hair neat and stylish throughout the school day.
Space Bun Bows
Add a playful touch to your look with space bun bows. This style involves creating two buns on either side of your head, which can be adorned with bows or other accessories for a cute finish.
Halo Buns
A halo bun is a chic and elegant style where the hair is wrapped around the crown of the head, forming a halo-like effect. It’s ideal for more formal school events.
High/Low Bun
The high/low bun is a versatile style that can be worn either at the crown of your head for a statement look or at the nape of your neck for a more subtle appearance. To achieve this look, gather your hair into a high bun or a low bun, and secure it with bobby pins or a hair tie.
| Bun Style | Description | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Space Bun Bows | Two buns on either side of the head with bows | Casual school days |
| Halo Buns | Hair wrapped around the crown | Formal school events |
| High/Low Bun | Versatile bun style at the crown or nape of the neck | Both casual and formal events |
Half-Up Half-Down Natural Hairstyles
If you’re looking for a hairstyle that combines the best of both worlds, half-up half-down natural hairstyles are an excellent choice. This style allows you to showcase your child’s beautiful natural texture while adding a touch of elegance.
The Hun (Half-up Half-down Bun)
The Hun is a creative twist on the classic bun, perfect for school days. It involves braiding or twisting the top half of the hair into a bun, leaving the lower half free. This versatile look can be customized with various braiding patterns or accessories.
Half Cornrows
Half cornrows are ideal for those who want to balance braided style with natural texture. By cornrowing just the top or front section of the hair, you create a striking contrast between the sleek braids and the free-flowing natural hair. This style is not only visually appealing but also practical, lasting up to two weeks with proper care.
| Style | Duration | Customization |
|---|---|---|
| The Hun | Up to 1 week | Braiding patterns, accessories |
| Half Cornrows | 1-2 weeks | Braiding designs, beads, cuffs |
Fun Twist and Knot Styles
As we dive into the new school year, let’s explore some fun and stylish twist and knot hairstyles that are perfect for natural hair. Twist and knot styles are not only fashionable but also serve as protective styles that can help maintain the health of your hair.
Chunky Ombre Twists
Chunky ombre twists are a trendy and eye-catching style that can add a pop of color to your look. This style involves twisting larger sections of hair and incorporating ombre-colored extensions for a bold effect.
Twist Out
A twist out is a versatile style that can be achieved by twisting your hair and then taking out the twists to reveal a beautifully textured hairstyle. This style is great for adding volume and definition to your natural hair.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a culturally rich and stylish protective hairstyle that involves twisting and knotting your hair. To create Bantu knots, section your hair, apply a moisturizing product, twist each section, and then wrap it around itself to form a knot, securing with bobby pins. You can customize this style by varying the size of the sections and adding hair jewelry for extra flair.
| Style | Time to Complete | Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Chunky Ombre Twists | 1-2 hours | 2-4 weeks |
| Twist Out | 1 hour | 1-2 weeks |
| Bantu Knots | 1 hour | 1-2 weeks + 1 week after take-down |
Edgy School Hairstyles for Natural Hair
Get ready to make a statement this school year with these edgy hairstyles that are both stylish and protective for natural hair. Edgy styles can add a unique touch to your look while keeping your hair secure and stylish throughout the school day.
Faux Hawk
A faux hawk is a great alternative to a traditional mohawk, offering an edgy style without the commitment. It’s a versatile school hairstyle that can be customized to suit your taste.
Bubble Hawk
The bubble hawk is an innovative, eye-catching style that combines the edgy aesthetic of a mohawk with the fun, playful element of bubble ponytails. To create this style, section your hair down the middle, create a row of small ponytails, and then place small elastic bands at intervals to create the “bubbles.” This style is not only stylish but also protective, making it perfect for the school year. Some key benefits include:
- A unique look that showcases your personality
- Customization options with different sized bubbles and colorful elastic bands
- A protective style that lasts 3-5 days with proper nighttime care
Puff and Ponytail Variations
For a sleek and polished appearance, explore the world of puff and ponytail hairstyles this school season. Puff and ponytail variations offer a range of stylish options that are perfect for school days.
Double Bubble Puffs
Double bubble puffs are a fun twist on the classic puff style. This look is achieved by creating two puffs, one on top of the other, adding a playful touch to your back to school hairstyle.
Big Braids and Puffs
Combining big braids with puffs creates a stunning look that’s both protective and stylish. This versatile style can be customized with different braid patterns and puff sizes to suit your preference.
Stretched High Ponytail
The stretched high ponytail is a sleek and sophisticated option. To achieve this look, gather your hair into a high ponytail and use heatless stretching techniques like braiding or banding to elongate your curls. As I always say, “A good hairstyle can make a big difference in your overall look
- The stretched high ponytail creates a sleek, elongated look.
- This style showcases your length while keeping hair neatly secured.
- To enhance this style, consider adding decorative accessories like cuffs or ribbons.
Statement Styles with Braiding Hair
Braiding hair offers a world of possibilities for creating statement styles that turn heads. With the right braiding hair, you can elevate your hairstyle and achieve a look that’s both stylish and long-lasting.
Fulani Braids
Fulani braids are a popular choice for those looking to add some flair to their hairstyle. This style involves braiding the hair with a mix of thin and thick braids, creating a unique and eye-catching look. To achieve this style, you’ll need to spend some time braiding and styling your hair.
Faux Locs
Faux locs are a great alternative to traditional locs, offering a natural-looking style without the long-term commitment. With faux locs, you can achieve a beautiful, loc’d look in approximately 4 hours, and they can last for 1.5-3 months with proper care.
| Style | Time to Complete | Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Faux Locs | 4 hours | 1.5-3 months |
| Fulani Braids | Variable | Several weeks |
To maintain your faux locs, keep your scalp clean, moisturize regularly, and wrap with a satin scarf at night to prevent frizz, thus saving you time in the long run when it comes to managing your hair.
4 Essential Hair Care Tips for School Season
Maintaining gorgeous, healthy hair during the school season requires some planning. As we navigate through the busy school year, it’s easy to overlook our hair care routine. However, with a few simple tips, you can keep your hair looking its best.
Creating a Simple Hair Care Routine
Establishing a consistent hair care routine is vital. This involves setting aside time to cleanse, condition, and moisturize your hair regularly.
Regular Cleansing Practices
Cleansing your hair regularly is crucial to remove dirt and product buildup. Use a gentle shampoo suitable for your hair type.
Moisture Maintenance with LOC Method
The LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method is an effective way to lock in moisture. This technique involves applying a liquid, followed by oil, and finishing with a cream to keep your hair hydrated.
Protective Styling Benefits
Protective styles are hairstyles that keep the ends of your hair tucked away, shielding them from damage. Examples include braids, twists, and cornrows. “Protective styling is one of the most effective strategies for maintaining healthy natural hair,” as it minimizes daily styling time and reduces environmental damage.
By following these essential hair care tips, you can keep your hair healthy and looking great throughout the school season. Remember, healthy hair is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about maintaining the integrity of your hair, especially theends, which are the oldest and most fragile part. By keeping your hair moisturized and protected, you’ll be able tokeep lookingyour best.
Must-Have Hair Products for Back to School
Back to school season is the perfect time to refresh your hair care kit with products that promote healthy, stylish hair. Having the right products can make all the difference between stressful morning struggles and smooth, efficient styling routines.
I’ve carefully selected these must-have products based on their effectiveness for natural hair and their ability to simplify your school morning routine. A good detangling comb is essential for preventing breakage when styling natural curls, and I recommend looking for one with wide, smooth teeth.
Other essentials include microfiber towels for drying hair quickly without causing frizz, leave-in conditioners for moisture, and edge control or styling gel for neat, polished style. For protecting your hairstyles overnight, satin or silk bonnets and scarves are non-negotiable.
Investing in these key products now will save you time and frustration throughout the back to school year. By choosing the right tools and products, you can achieve various hairstyles while maintaining healthy hair.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Natural Beauty This School Year
As you head back to school, remember your natural hair is a unique expression of yourself. Experiment with different hairstyles and style your hair with confidence. Keep looking great and embracing your natural beauty throughout the year.
