How to Make Cute Hairstyles for High School

Co-authored by Danielle Chiz

Last Updated: December 11, 2022 References

If you’re looking for cute hairstyles for school days, try out new hairstyles to change up your look and compliment your outfit. Go with ponytails, buns, or braids for cute up-dos, or straighten your hair with a straightening iron. You can curl your hair either with the scrunch method or with a curling iron. Add accessories like headbands, clips, and bows to nearly any hairstyle for a little extra style!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Styling Up-Dos

1
Tie up your hair to make a classic ponytail. With both hands, pull your hair together at the back of your head. Grasp your hair with 1 hand, and stretch a hair tie over your hair with the other hand. Pull your hair through the tie, insert 3-5 fingers inside the tie’s loop, and twist the tie. Then, pull your hair through the hair tie. Repeat your tie another 1-2 times based on the stretchiness of your hair tie.^{[1]
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- Try a sleek ponytail by straightening your hair first and tying it up at the top of your head (high pony). Using a bit of gel or serum can tame flyaways near your hairline.^{[2]
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- You can also take a small section of hair (about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) thick) and wrap it around the base of your ponytail for a finished look.
- For a tousled ponytail, tie your hair at the top of your head, spray a little hairspray on your tied up hair, and tease the hair on top.^{[3]
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2
Twist your ponytail and tie it to make a bun. After you make a high ponytail on your head, hold the ends of your hair and twist it into a rope. Then, wrap your twisted hair around your hair tie until you reach the end. Secure your hair around your ponytail using another hair tie.^{[4]
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- You can also support your bun, especially if you have layered hair, by placing a few bobby pins to the front, back, and sides of your bun. Spray with a little hairspray to finish!
- To make a messy bun, shake your head and pull out a few pieces of hair from your bun. This creates an effortless look.^{[5]
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- You can situate your bun on the top of your head, base of your neck, or anywhere in between. A bun-former or sock can add volume to your bun if your hair is thin.
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3
Braid your ponytail for a finished up-do. Separate your hair into 3 sections. Hold the left side with your left hand and the side on the right with your right hand. Cross the left section over the middle section, then cross the right section over the middle section to make your braid. Then, take the middle section and cross it over the left side. Repeat this until you each the end of your hair, then secure your braid with another hair tie.^{[6]
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- After you master the basic braiding technique, you can also try making the fishtail and French braid styles.
- Braids work best for medium to long hair.
4
Section your hair into top and bottom parts for half-up half-down styles. Grasp the top ⅓ or ½ of your hair, and separate it from the lower layers. Stretch a hair tie over the hair you are holding, and put 3-5 fingers inside the hair tie. Twist the tie, and wrap it around your hair 1-3 times depending your hair tie’s stretchiness.^{[7]
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- This style is cute for hair of all lengths!
- You can style the bottom half of your hair straight or curly, and spray hairspray over the top of your hair to control any frizz.
- Try tying your top hair into a bun to make a top knot style.
5
Create pigtails by tying up your hair in 2 smaller ponytails. Part your hair in the middle of your head, and divide your hair so it is split in 2 halves, left and right. Grasp the left side with both hands, and pull your hair tie around your hair. Twist the hair tie, and pull your hair through it again. Repeat this until your hair is securely tied, around 1-3 more times. Then, do this same method for the right side of your hair.^{[8]
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- Pigtails are super cute for short hair! They look adorable for medium and long hair as well.
- Finish your hair by spraying a light even coat of hairspray. This will smooth over any frizz.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Wearing Your Hair Down

1
Spray heat-protectant products on your hair if using a styling tool. If you use tools like curling irons or straightening irons regularly, the heat will damage your hair over time. Before you use these styling tools, spray a light, even layer of heat-shielding spray over all of your hair. Don't forget the inner layers!
- You can purchase these products at most drug stores, beauty stores, or online.
- These products will protect your hair against breakage, frizz, and over-drying.
2
Create curls with a curling iron if you have straight or wavy hair. Divide your hair into small sections 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) wide, and wrap your hair around the barrel, either from the root or ends of your hair. Start at the roots if you are using a curling wand, or start at the end of your hair if using an iron with a clamp. Hold the hair around the barrel for about 5-10 seconds (until hot), and release your index finger to open the barrel and loosen the curl.^{[9]
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- Curling irons are best used on medium and long hair, as it can be difficult to wrap short hair around the barrel.
- Continue making small sections of curls until all of your hair is curly.
- For best results, make sure your hair is totally dry.
- Alternatively, try using curling rods to let curls form overnight. Check that your hair is completely dry before removing them.
3
Get voluminous curls by using hair rollers on straight or wavy hair. Section off your hair into parts about 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide, starting at the crown of your head (mohawk area). Place the roller at the root of your hair, and wrap your hair around it until you reach the end. Repeat this until all your hair is rolled. You can use rollers for short or long hair.^{[10]
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- If using hot rollers, you first will heat up the rollers and then take out the rollers when they are totally cooled down.
- For Velcro rollers, first run some styling mousse through your hair and let your hair dry. Use a blowdryer after you roll all your hair to set the curl, then let your hair cool for about 15 minutes before you unroll your hair.
- If using wet sets, apply the rollers when your hair is wet, and take out the rollers when your hair is thoroughly dry.
4
Scrunch your hair with a curling product to define your natural curls. Apply a gel, cream, or mousse to all of your hair. Then grab the bottom of your hair with 1 hand and cup your fingers around the ends. Slowly move your hand towards your roots, constricting your fingers around your hair to "scrunch" it. Repeat this for all of your hair.^{[11]
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- Scrunching your hair helps define your natural curls because you are following the curl’s natural shape. Using a blow dryer with a gentle diffuser attachment can also help define your curls.
- You can do this if you have a light wave or if you have very tight curls.
5
Straighten your hair using a flat iron to get rid of curls or waves. Apply a coin-sized amount of heat-protectant product and then separate your hair into small sections about 0.5–2 inches (1.3–5.1 cm) wide. Clamp the straightener around your hair at the roots. Slowly move the iron down your hair, smoothing away any waves or curls with the heat. Run the iron back over your hair until it is completely straight. Then, repeat this motion for all sections of your hair.
- You can use some shining serum or hairspray to finish your hair.
- Avoid straightening your hair on rainy or humid days, as your hair will not stay straight if exposed to moisture.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding Accessories

1
Put on a headband to add some glam to any hairstyle. Select a headband, like an athletic hold band, cloth band, or thin and decorative band. Place the headband onto your head, and push it back about 0.25–0.5 inches (0.64–1.27 cm) past your hairline.^{[12]
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- Headbands come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and patterns, and you can style them with nearly any hairstyle.
- For elastic headbands, pull the band over your head, and then pull it back over top of your hair.
- For plastic or metal headbands, slide the band directly on top of your hair. You can adjust the placement of the band so it either sits on top of your hair or pushes your hair back.
2
Use clips to add security and a finishing touch to your style. To clip your hair, squeeze the prongs open, and place the clip over a small section of hair. The amount of hair will depend on the size of your clip. Once your clip is positioned, release the clasps to clip it in place.
- Place the clips anywhere you may need a little extra hold. You can clip back your bangs, clip your hair into a half-up half-down look, or use a clip to make your ponytail instead of a hair tie.
- You can go with colorful and decorative clips or neutral clips that match your hair color.
- You can add a clip to nearly any hairstyle or hair length.
3
Clip on a bow to add a girly touch to your hairstyle. Press the hinges to undo the clasp, and put the clasp underneath a small section of hair. Press down on the bow to snap the clasp in place and secure it to your hair. Bows add a touch of femininity to hair of all lengths!^{[13]
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- Place a bow directly on top of the hair tie securing your ponytail, or clip a bow 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) from your hairline on the side of your ponytail or bun.
- Try using oversized bows for a funky, playful look.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are some other ideas for hairstyles I can try?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

A few more hairstyle options to try are a halo or crown braid, two French braids, or even a fishtail braid.
Question

I always tie my long thick hair in a ponytail, and I need more ideas for school. I have it in a headband some times, but it's hard to keep neat for PE. Any suggestions?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Consider wearing your hair in two French braids. You could have a center part or a middle part to add visual interest.
Question

How can you get people to admire your hairstyles?

Karley Snyder

Community Answer

Have confidence! Cute hairstyles look the best when you carry yourself confidently and know you look great. Try switching up different styles and putting your own unique touch on your styles. For example, maybe you rock bandannas as headbands or braid your hair in the front and then tie it all into a ponytail.