Back to school means fresh beginnings, and what better way to express individuality than through stylish hairstyles? This guide showcases 20 vibrant and trendy hairstyles perfect for Black teens.
From stunning box braids to chic tapered cuts, there’s a look for every personality and occasion.
Get ready to turn heads this school year!
Box Braids
Box braids offer a versatile and stylish option for back-to-school hairstyles. These protective styles can be tailored in various sizes, allowing for personal expression and creativity.
They not only help minimize hair breakage but also reduce daily styling time.
Box braids can be worn elegantly up or down and are perfect for showcasing beautiful jewelry or accessories. Plus, with proper care, they can last for weeks, making them a practical choice for busy school days.
Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists provide a stylish and protective hairstyle, perfect for back-to-school. These twists are created using two strands of hair, giving a sleek and polished look that can last for weeks.
They can be customized in various sizes and lengths, catering to different preferences and hair types.
Additionally, Senegalese twists require minimal daily maintenance, making them ideal for busy school days. Accessorizing with beads or colorful strands can add a personal touch and flair to this chic style.
Fulani Braids
Fulani Braids are a stylish and versatile option that perfectly blend tradition with modern flair. Characterized by their unique patterns and often adorned with beads or cowrie shells, these braids can last for weeks, making them ideal for busy school days.
They not only protect natural hair but also allow for creativity, as you can customize the braid size and design to fit personal style.
Whether worn long or short, Fulani Braids are sure to stand out in any school setting.
Cornrow Updo
Cornrow updos offer a stylish and practical choice for back-to-school hairstyles. This versatile style involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in intricate patterns, which can be gathered into an elegant updo.
Not only does this keep hair neat and manageable during busy school days, but it also showcases creativity.
Whether you opt for classic straight braids or incorporate colorful beads and accessories, a cornrow updo can easily match any outfit or personal style.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a stylish and versatile hairstyle that showcases the beauty of natural hair.
They are formed by sectioning the hair into small portions, twisting each section, and then wrapping it into a tight knot.
This style is not only protective but also creates beautiful curls once unraveled.
Bantu knots can be worn alone or combined with other styles for a unique look, making them a perfect choice for back to school.
They embrace cultural heritage and provide a fun way for teens to express their individuality while keeping their hair healthy.
Afro Puff
The Afro Puff is a beautiful and versatile hairstyle that showcases natural curls and provides a playful look perfect for school. Creating this style involves gathering your hair at the crown of your head and securing it with a hair tie, which can be adjusted to your desired height.
This hairstyle not only celebrates natural texture but also keeps hair manageable throughout the school day.
Pair it with cute accessories or colorful scrunchies to elevate the look!
Half-Up Half-Down Curls
Half-Up Half-Down Curls create a stylish and playful look, perfect for expressing personality while keeping hair manageable.
This versatile hairstyle features curls that cascade down the back, with the top section pulled back, adding an elegant touch.
To achieve this look, start by curling your hair with a curling iron or wand, focusing on the lengths for bouncy curls.
Gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a hair tie or decorative clip.
It’s easy to adjust this style with accessories like colorful hairbands or clips to match school outfits.
Plus, it works well with different hair textures, making it a go-to choice for any day at school.
Natural Hair Twist-Out
A Natural Hair Twist-Out is a popular and stylish option that enhances your curls while keeping them healthy.
It involves twisting damp hair into sections and allowing it to dry, resulting in defined, bouncy curls once the twists are unraveled.
This technique not only adds volume and texture but also works well with various hair lengths.
For a school look, pair the twist-out with a headband or hair clips for a trendy and polished finish.
Plus, it’s a great way to showcase natural beauty!
Faux Locs
Faux locs are a stylish and protective hair option for back-to-school. These lightweight and versatile extensions can mimic the look of real dreadlocks without the long-term commitment.
They offer the freedom to experiment with various lengths and colors while protecting natural hair from damage.
Faux locs can be styled in many ways, whether you prefer them worn down, pulled back, or in a ponytail. This trend is popular for its ease and ability to express personal style, making it a great choice for the school year.
Jumbo Braids
Jumbo braids are a stylish and low-maintenance choice for back-to-school hairstyles.
These bold and thick braids not only make a statement but also offer longevity, allowing you to enjoy your look for several weeks.
They can be easily customized with extensions in various colors to match personal style.
Plus, jumbo braids provide a protective style that helps keep natural hair healthy and free from daily manipulation, making them a practical option for busy school days.
Creative Pin-Up Styles
Creative Pin-Up Styles can add flair and personality to any back-to-school look.
Think vibrant headscarves, playful victory rolls, and sleek side-swept curls that nod to vintage aesthetics.
Incorporating bright hair accessories and bold lipstick can also elevate these styles, making them not just hairstyles, but expressions of individuality.
These looks are versatile, working perfectly for both casual days and special events, allowing teens to showcase their creativity and confidence.
Braided Ponytail
The braided ponytail is a stylish and practical option for back-to-school looks. This versatile hairstyle combines elegance and ease, making it perfect for daily wear.
Start by parting the hair into sections, then braid each section for a chic twist.
Gather the braids into a high or low ponytail, depending on your preference. You can add hair accessories or colorful ties to personalize the look, bringing a fun flair to your routine while keeping hair neatly secured.
Side Swept Curls
Side swept curls offer a chic and stylish option for back-to-school hair. This look combines soft, voluminous curls with a playful twist, drawing attention to your features while keeping things fun and fresh.
To achieve this style, start by curling your hair with a quality curling iron or wand, allowing the curls to cool.
Once set, gently sweep them to one side and secure with an elegant hairpin or clip. This versatile hairstyle perfectly balances sophistication with a casual vibe, making it ideal for any school day.
Pair it with your favorite accessories to add a personal touch!
Mohawk Braids
Mohawk Braids offer a bold and trendy hairstyle perfect for back to school.
This style combines the edginess of a traditional mohawk with the elegance of braids, creating a unique look that stands out.
To achieve Mohawk Braids, the sides of the head are usually shaved or closely cropped, while the top features a series of braids that can be styled in various ways.
Whether tight or loose, these braids allow for versatility in daily styling and provide an eye-catching option that celebrates individual creativity while maintaining ease of upkeep.
Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are a versatile and stylish option for back-to-school hairstyles.
They involve using a crochet hook to install braiding hair onto natural hair that’s been pre-braided or cornrowed.
This method allows for a protective style, reducing damage to natural hair while offering endless styling possibilities.
Whether opting for long, flowing curls or a chic bob, crochet braids can be customized to fit personal style and maintain a polished look throughout the school year.
Goddess Locs
Goddess locs are a stunning choice for back-to-school hairstyles, offering a beautiful blend of style and practicality.
These locs are achieved by wrapping synthetic or natural hair around individual strands, giving them a soft, bohemian look.
The style is versatile, allowing for various lengths and colors, and it can be worn up or down.
With goddess locs, teens can express their individuality while enjoying low-maintenance wear, making them perfect for busy school days.
Loose Waves with Accessory
Loose waves paired with an accessory offer a stylish yet effortless look perfect for back to school.
Achieving this hairstyle involves using a curling iron or waver to create soft, flowing waves that add texture and volume.
To elevate the style, incorporate accessories like colorful headbands, hair clips, or scrunchies that resonate with your personal vibe.
These accents not only enhance your look but also make a playful statement, allowing for easy transitions from school days to after-school events.
Tapered Cut with Design
A tapered cut with design adds a stylish twist to a classic look.
This haircut features shorter sides and back, gradually blending into longer hair on the top, allowing for easy styling.
Adding unique designs, like geometric patterns or swirls, creates a personalized touch that stands out.
Perfect for back-to-school vibes, this versatile style can be dressed up or down, making it a favorite choice for self-expression and creativity.
Protective Style with Headwrap
A protective style with a headwrap is a fantastic way to blend fashion and functionality.
It effectively shields the hair from environmental damage while also allowing for personal expression.
Headwraps come in a multitude of colors and prints, enabling you to match them with any outfit.
They work great for all hair types, helping to keep moisture in and reduce breakage.
Plus, headwraps can be styled in various ways, making them versatile for daily wear or special occasions.
Mixed Texture Styles
Mixed texture styles blend different hair types and textures, creating a unique and vibrant look.
For Black teens, this could mean incorporating curls, waves, and straight sections.
This versatile approach allows you to celebrate natural hair while experimenting with various styles.
Using braids to transition between textures or adding faux locs along with your natural curls can bring an artistic flair.
The beauty of mixed texture styles is their ability to express individuality while remaining chic and trendy for school days.
