50 Cute Hairstyles for School Teenage Girls Are Wearing This Year

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

While it’s fun to collect your supplies and find new clothes for the new school year, it’s even more exciting to freshen up your look with new teenage hairstyles for school. When you step back on campus this season, make a statement with your hair. If you’re looking for ideas, you’re in the right place!

Rocking your hair doesn’t have to take hours in the morning before heading to your high school or middle school. Choosing one of these easy hairstyles is the key to looking your best when you head back to school this year. You’ll surely have a great year with the right haircut or quick styling! Here are the most popular school hairstyles teenage girls are getting right now!

Photos
Textured Chin-Length Bob with Honey Blonde Pieces

#1: Textured Chin-Length Bob with Honey Blonde Pieces

See how the deep side part does all the heavy lifting here, pushing volume to one side so the hair looks fuller than it is? This is a razor-cut chin-length bob, and it looks like it is on medium density straight to wavy hair with a few hand-painted honey blonde pieces around the face. This length looks great on round and oval faces. If your face is longer or narrower, it won’t help you to lose all that length around the jaw. If you have fine hair, the cut will go flat by second period. Also, if you skip texture spray completely, you’re cut will look so flat.

Layered Medium Cut with Curtain Bangs

#2 Layered Medium Cut with Curtain Bangs

The shortest layers are at the cheekbone and are cut to remove weight without losing density. This creates the medium to thick bouncy hair and the lived-in movement. Fine hair will look flat and stringy. This cut compliments round and oval faces, especially with the bangs and layers taking length off the bottom. The hair has a few low-commitment warm caramel highlights in the dark base. The cut is definitely not for you if you don’t style your hair in the morning, as those ends will not flip without styling.

Messy Double Buns with Loose Face-Framing Pieces

#3 Messy Double Buns with Loose Face-Framing Pieces

The buns are positioned high, but one is slightly more forward than the other, which creates a more lively look rather than a stiff costume look. To create the volume needed to fill out the buns, you need medium to long hair. Fine hair will only create two tiny knots and will not work for this look. The loose wavy hair at the temples and nape is working softening an all around face shape and keeping the look from being too combed. This hairstyle is best on naturally wavy hair. For straight hair it will require a lot of product to create the look. If your hair is freshly washed, skip this look. The actual requirement is second or third day hair.

Feed-In Braids Into a Curly Low Ponytail

#4 Feed-In Braids Into a Curly Low Ponytail

The little curled parts at the hairline really soften the transition between the braid and the skin so it doesn’t pull the face. With the feed-in method, each braid is started and kept thin for a while, then hair is added, which means the front braids don’t get too much tension. It takes a lot of long, thick hair for the ponytail to have that weight and movement, and if yours is fine or shorter than mid-back, it will look different without extensions. The curled hair at the ends of the braids is gives a nice contrast to the rest of the braids, and that plus all the time spent (2 – 3 hours) is so worth it. If your edges are weak, then this is not the style to force. It works best on thick, naturally curly or coily hair and with a good hairline, and honestly the face shape doesn’t matter because the braids are tight enough on the scalp to look good on everyone.

Side Cornrows with Long Wavy Lengths

#5 Side Cornrows with Long Wavy Lengths

The hair has been arranged on the left side, incorporating three cornrows and letting the rest of the hair fall freely, longer than the shoulders, in waves. It is actually a feature that the cornrows stop at the ear so that the remaining hair can move and isn’t all pulled back into one style. For this to work, hair in the range of medium to thick density is necessary. If the hair is thinner than that, the sections between the cornrows will be exposed too much and the style won’t read properly. This is going to look best with hair that is naturally wavy or curly, so that there is no need for artificial ends or additional curls. Straight hair will just hang there like the braids are just on top of an old wig. The cornrow braids should be of uniform size at each section and be close to the scalp in even tension. Sloppy isn’t the look here, and the clean look of the braids is intentional. This style is best for oval and heart shaped faces, since the styling on one side will pull together those cheekbones. Round faces do not suit this style as much. If you have a sensitive scalp, prepare for this to be painful for a couple of days, as there is no way to get around that.

Loose Low Ponytail with Wavy Curtain Layers

#6 Loose Low Ponytail with Wavy Curtain Layers

The volume at the crown does the lifting here, and if you have fine hair, you won’t achieve that without teasing or a texturizing spray. This is a low ponytail on long thick wavy hair, with face-framing pieces cut to the cheekbone and subtle caramel balayage woven through a dark brunette base. You can see how much hair is left out in front. It’s nearly half the front section and that is what makes it look effortless and not like a pulled back for gym class look. You need density for this. For thin hair in a loose pony, it just looks like you gave up. Oval and heart shape faces pull those shorter front pieces off well as they soften the look without any hiding.

High Curly Puff with Warm Brown Highlights

#7 High Curly Puff with Warm Brown Highlights

The edges are purposely styled and look understated, which is honestly more difficult than the entire thing being slicked down. This high puff is placed on thick, natural hair that is coiled tightly, likely 3c to 4a. The hair is a reflective caramel brown which allows the light to dance through the individual coils instead of lying flat. This type of dimension is only achieved by a balayage or hand-painted color technique on natural textured hair. It can not be achieved with a solid color. The height from the puff and the round/oval face combination works well because the height elongates the face. If your hair is fine or has low density, the puff will not have the same volume. It will also look sparse at the crown and there is no way around that.

Tousled Copper Bob with Razored Ends

#8 Tousled Copper Bob with Razored Ends

The crown area has shorter pieces that flip outward while the longer sections at the jawline fall forward. That’s intentional. The ends have been razored for movement that can seem effortless, but fine hair will fall flat by third period. This cut needs medium to thick hair density to hold that volume without the use of product. The color is a warm copper brown that is probably demi-permanent or glossed over a natural brunette base which is a smart choice because the grow-out looks subtle. This looks great on oval and heart-shaped faces, but round faces will lose all definition below the cheekbone at this length. If you dislike styling your hair in the morning, this is a good choice because the texture means some messiness will be fine, but you’ll need to get your hair trimmed every six weeks to maintain the shape because otherwise it will just look like a rectangle.

Flippy Jaw-Length Bob with Soft Blonde Dimension

#9 Flippy Jaw-Length Bob with Soft Blonde Dimension

The ends are designed to flip out on either side, and this effect comes from point cutting into medium density, slightly wavy hair that can hold some movement without product. The pieces at the part are lighter and almost dirty blonde, and the underneath is a warm light brunette. This subtle difference in color from hand painting makes it look less flat under the harsh fluorescent lights in school. For round and oval faces this haircut is great because the flip ends draw the eye horizontally instead of down. If your hair is very fine and straight then it will just hang there. The cut won’t flip or move, and you’ll find yourself recreating the same look over and over in the mornings because the style is too high maintenance for the texture of your hair to support it.

Sleek Waist-Length Brunette with Subtle Warm Ribbons

#10 Sleek Waist-Length Brunette with Subtle Warm Ribbons

This style prevents hair from appearing especially thin because it is blunt cut. Instead of doing layering and texturing to make hair appear thicker, they opted for a clean blunt cut line. There are also a few ribbon caramel highlights that are subtle enough to look like the sun reflected off hair. If your hair does not fall down flat, this cut will require a lot of work to maintain. The length does not help with hair straightening and can cause a lot of damage. This hair cut is best with straight or slightly wavy hair that is also easy to manage. It is recommended for longer and oval face types since a middle part with long hair on the sides gives some width to the face. It is not the best for round face types since it will create a boxy look.

Warm Strawberry Blonde Shag with Feathered Curtain Fringe

#11 Warm Strawberry Blonde Shag with Feathered Curtain Fringe

So what we have in this look is a lot of layers. The shag goes to just past the shoulders with short layers starting right at the cheekbones. This gives the crown that rounded full shape. The pieces that frame the face and blend into the bangs are the shortest. This means there’s no harsh demarcation where the bangs are but rather a seamless integration of layers. That kind of evenness and control requires some exceptionally precise point cutting. The hair color is a warm copper with a natural strawberry blonde mixed in and golds in the front that appear to be a hand-painted balayage. It looks great but to pull it off means having the right hair texture or else it will fall flat. This is true even for the rounder face shapes and all the extra width at the side of the face can add fullness where it might not be ideal. However, if your hair is medium to thick with a natural wave or texture, this is one of the most flattering styles you can have at this medium length.

Shoulder-Length Wavy Lob with Bright Money Pieces

#12 Shoulder-Length Wavy Lob with Bright Money Pieces

Those face-framing pieces are doing all the heavy lifting here, and they’re placed thick enough that they read as intentional rather than grown-out. The base is a natural medium brunette with hand-painted blonde concentrated almost entirely around the front, which keeps upkeep minimal everywhere else. This is a collarbone-length lob with long invisible layers and a center part that splits into soft waves. Works on medium density hair and most face shapes, though round faces will want that part slightly off-center. The texture here looks like a quick pass with a 1.25-inch iron, alternating directions, nothing fussy. If your hair is pin straight and refuses to hold a bend, this will fall flat by third period. Literally flat.

Shoulder-Length Natural Curls with Rounded Shape

#13 Shoulder-Length Natural Curls with Rounded Shape

The shape here is doing all the work. These are tight, well-defined 3C curls cut into a rounded silhouette that sits just past the shoulders when dry, which means the wet cut was probably several inches longer. Notice how the volume is distributed evenly around the head instead of pyramiding out at the bottom. That takes layering with intention, cutting curl by curl in its dry state so nothing gets lost to shrinkage surprises. This is a great wash-and-go shape for anyone with dense, tightly coiled hair who wants fullness without weight pulling everything down. It frames oval and heart faces particularly well. If your curls are looser than this, you will not get this same compact, springy result. And if you skip regular deep conditioning, defined curls like these will frizz into a completely different shape within days.

Long Caramel Balayage Waves with Deep Brunette Root

#14 Long Caramel Balayage Waves with Deep Brunette Root

Notice how the caramel pieces are concentrated almost entirely on the outer layer of the hair, leaving the underneath dark. That’s intentional and it’s what gives this whole look dimension without making it read as “highlighted.” The balayage was hand-painted heavier around the face and through the midshaft, keeping the root area untouched for a good three to four inches. You need thick, medium-to-coarse hair for this to land right. Fine hair won’t hold these loose barrel curls the same way and the color will look sparse instead of rich. Oval and heart face shapes wear this well because the long center-parted layers open up around the cheekbones without adding width. This is not a low-maintenance color. It grows out gracefully for the first couple months, then the caramel starts looking disconnected from the base if you skip your toner refresh.

Long Dark Butterfly Layers with Wispy Curtain Fringe

#15 Long Dark Butterfly Layers with Wispy Curtain Fringe

Notice how the shortest layers kick out right at the cheekbone and the longer ones fall past the collarbone with almost no weight line showing. That’s intentional point cutting through the interior, not just layering around the perimeter. This needs thick or at least medium-density hair to hold that volume at the crown. On fine hair, those face-framing pieces will go flat by second period. Round and oval faces wear this well because the curtain fringe breaks up the forehead without closing the face in. If your hair is straight and won’t hold a bend, skip it.

Mid-Length Brunette Waves with Sun-Kissed Foilyage

#16 Mid-Length Brunette Waves with Sun-Kissed Foilyage

The highlights here are placed almost entirely through the mid-lengths and ends, which is what keeps it from looking stripy at the root. That’s foilyage work, not a traditional foil, and you can tell because the warmth bleeds softly into the base rather than starting in a hard line. This looks best on medium to thick hair with some natural texture, because the wave pattern is doing most of the styling work. If your hair is fine and pin-straight, you will not get this result without a curling iron every single morning. The coloring suits warm and olive skin tones particularly well, and the center part with those longer face-framing pieces works for oval and heart-shaped faces without overwhelming anything. One thing worth noting: there’s no real layering through the interior, so all the movement comes from the wave and the color placement alone.

Straight Dark Chocolate Lengths with Invisible Layering

#17 Straight Dark Chocolate Lengths with Invisible Layering

The ends are doing all the work here. Look closely and you’ll see long internal layers point-cut to remove bulk without creating any visible stepping, which is why the whole thing moves like one piece instead of looking stacked. This needs thick, naturally straight or easily straightened hair to pull off. If your density is medium or less, you will not get this result. The color reads as a single-process dark chocolate brown with a handful of fine caramel pieces woven through the mid-lengths, barely there but enough to stop it from going flat in photos. It’s a gorgeous low-commitment color. The drawback is real though: without regular trims, those precision-cut ends will split and thin out fast, and then the whole shape falls apart. Oval and heart-shaped faces wear this length well because the center part and weight along the collarbone balance a narrower chin.

Easy French Braid Hairstyle
Instagram @lostinbraids

#18: Easy French Braid

Interlocked hair spiced up with brown roots and blonde ends. Be free to rule the school without any holdback. These are the teenage hairstyles girl with thick locks would enjoy wearing.

Cute Bob Haircut with Sweeping Fringe for Girls
Instagram @thebangsbabe

#19: Cute Bob Haircut with Sweeping Fringe

Whether your aim is an edgy French bob or a sleek cute style, I suggest this bob haircut with a sweeping fringe. It’s perfect for anyone keen on trying short hair. Get an experienced stylist to tailor this haircut to fit your jawline or chin. Include a side-swept bang to highlight your eyes. Let it air dry for a natural look or blow out for extra volume and shape.

Braided space buns with soft tendrils, a playful and trendy school hairstyle for medium-length thick hair

#20 Braided Space Buns with Face-Framing Tendrils

Braided space buns with loose face-framing tendrils give this school-ready look a fun, youthful feel. Great for medium-length, thick hair, this style keeps hair up and out of the way while still adding softness around the face. The braiding adds texture and hold, which is perfect for an active day. It’s ideal for oval or heart-shaped faces and works best on hair with medium to high density. The downside? It takes a bit of practice to get the buns even, especially if you’re short on time in the morning. Still, it’s a super cute choice that adds personality to any casual outfit.

Fun Double French Braids for Teenage Girls

#21 Fun Double French Braids

Keep it real while being fancy with braids! Such tween hairstyles help retain moisture in your locks, especially when exposed to outside heat and drying.

The Cutest Long Curly Hairstyle for Teens at School
Instagram @kellyhaircare

#22: The Cutest Long Curly Hairstyle

If you are a teenage girl looking to have the cutest long curly hairstyle, look no further! Embrace your natural curls by doing these three simple steps. Step one, wash your hair with shampoo that contains glycerin. This binds your hair with moisture, lacking in curly hair clients and conditions. Step two: Consider a long, loose, razor/scissor hybrid haircut that frames your face. Step three, twist your curls to create definition and diffuse them with a hairdryer. Always ask for layering if you want added volume and dimension.

#23: Dramatic A-Line Bob

Sassy hair with a dramatic A-line cut? Oh, yes! I love the A-line look because it can suit almost anyone of any age and be stunningly adorable. I recommend creating a beach wave with whatever iron works best for you. Best to use a straightener because the curls and waves last much longer. When the curls cool, I run my fingers through them and add some pomade and hairspray for the finished look. These hair cuts for teen girls and kids create a cute and sassy look without taking forever to achieve. It’s also a mature and sophisticated look for women of an older age.

#24: Quick Top Knot

A quick top not can be worn elegantly and fun and carefree. A top knot is a statement piece that gives you confidence when you wear your hair styled this way. Pulling your hair back and away from your face makes you look younger. This style is perfect for returning to school, prom, weddings, and any special occasion. It also looks great whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly.

#25: Simple Dutch Braid

Take your braiding game to the next level with this super easy style! Loose waves at the ends flavor the side braid patterns, creating striking girl hairstyles for school.

Simple Low Ponytail
Instagram @phoebe.hair

#26: Simple Low Ponytail

Uncomplicated but with a hint of deluxe! Tying your hair low seems exciting, thanks to a wrapped pony leading to wavy ends. A low ponytail is very easy to copy for a teen going back to school.

Effortless Shag for Teens
Instagram @messijr.br

#27: Effortless Shag

The effortless shag is a popular new style that will inspire your friends. Start with face-framing layers, about nose length, that flow away from your face. Next, your stylist will want to add medium-length layers throughout your long hair. These will add texture and volume. I suggest a light smoothing serum and a large round brush for the blowout. Or use an air wrap dryer, moving backward as you go. You should touch up stubborn ends with a curling iron. You’ll receive tons of compliments on your new cut.

Tousled and touchable hair for teen girls
Instagram @nunzio_nyc1

#28: Tousled & Touchable

This tousled, touchable hair is perfect and won’t take long to style. This beachy, summery, effervescent look you won’t have to spend hours on. Voluminous waves are a chic addition to finishing off this hairstyle for girls!

Blunt bob for teens
Instagram @nunzio_nyc1

#29: Blunt Bob

Check out this blunt bob! Depending on your face shape, you can opt for layers no shorter than nose length. It will add length and height to a round face or a simple, blunt bob to soften a longer face.

#30: Iconic Shag

Here’s an iconic shag haircut. Shags have been around since the 70s, and they aren’t going away. They are super cute on little girls who want texture and movement with little style work. Shags work great with all hair textures. They remove weight from thick hair or add petals of movement to finer hair. The focus of a shag is crown layers with feathered ends.

Feminine Collarbone Cut for Teen Girls
Instagram @hirohair

#31: Feminine Collarbone Cut

Are you someone who has a ton of hair and a hard time styling your hair? A slightly disconnected undercut may be the way to go for you. Keep the bottom section shorter (or even shaved). It allows the remaining density of the hair to lay nicely on top. And it gives you much more controlled styling.

Textured Beach Wave for Teenage Girls
Instagram @hirohair

#32: Textured Beach Wave

Have you ever wondered how your stylist gives the perfect textured beach wave? This example of wavy hair is great for a night out and can be done on yourself by adding curls throughout your hair. Use a one-1/4-inch iron and brush them out with a paddle brush. Finish with a texture powder or spray for extra fun and hold.

Textured Lob for Girls in their Teens
Instagram @hirohair

#33: Textured Lob

Wondering if you can wear a long bob or a textured lob cut? This is a great example of how this haircut can work on everyone. Because all bodies are proportioned a little differently, consult with your stylist. Find a custom length that will look best on you!

Dimensional Balayage for Teen Girls
Instagram @colorbymarina

#34: Dimensional Balayage

This dimensional balayage is a great way to add pops to your medium-brown hair. I suggest making a mood board of all your favorite photos of highlights. Bring them with you to your next hair appointment. This way, you can discuss a few options with your stylist that would work best for you!

#35: Ombre Waves

Ombre waves are low-maintenance. They are a great option for teens looking to play with color for the first time. Preferred maintenance on this style only involves a 10-12 week tone and trim. But make sure you are using a Wet Brush at home for tangle maintenance and care.

#36: Sun-kissed Waves

The best part about these trendy, sun-kissed waves is that they are always in style. Plus, they only require as much maintenance as your traditional highlight. I recommend this to anyone looking to try a lightening service for the first time.

#37: Balayage Babe

If you want a balayage, then this look is for you! Medium-length hair, shorter hair, fine hair, and any teenage girl haircuts would benefit from the balayage color. It gives you dimension and will look fuller—style with waves for an even more dimensional look.

Natural Dimension for Teens
Instagram @erinrayhair

#38: Natural Dimension

A subtle balayage in the front of your hair is the perfect way to show off some natural dimension, all without feeling too light and bright. Ensure you pre-book a toner appointment 10-12 weeks from your initial appointment. It will keep your color feeling soft and effortless.

#39: Warm Balayage

Are you browsing some back-to-school hairstyles for teens? A warm balayage shown on this pretty head of hair is a great place to start when you are new to highlights as a teen. Make sure to brush your hair from roots to ends with a leave-in conditioner daily. It helps to preserve your long, healthy hair.

Texturized Layers for Teenage Girls
Instagram @yukistylist

#40: Texturized Layers

Texturized layers are a simple way to add dimension to straight hair. These teen girl hairstyles require point-cutting your locks and adding texture with dry cutting at your service’s end. This will prevent your hair from appearing too blunt and give it a more natural feel.

Waterfall Curls for Teen Girls
Instagram @missysueblog

#41: Waterfall Curls

Are you a teenager with waterfall curls working on weighing them down? Then I’ve got some simple, helpful tips for you! I have a natural texture and curly hair. Creating a cute hairstyle all starts with the products you are using. Invest in some Bumble and Bumble curl anti-humidity gel oil. Rub a quarter amount into your locks and gather your hair into a ponytail—release and separate into smaller twists. Diffuse the curls between hot/cold air. And there you have it, one step closer to creating cute hairstyles for curly hair.

#42: Blunt Precision Bob

Get ready for lots of compliments in a blunt precision bob. School girls, consider cutting your long hair, and you’ll be ready with a shorter cut in two minutes. A precision bob works well on fine or thick hair textures and is easy to style with a quick blowout. If you’re the type that has to have bangs, they would be an awesome addition to such teen girl haircuts.

#43: Mermaid Shag

A mermaid shag is perfect for the teen girl who wants to take some weight out of her thick hair for a more edgy, beachy feel. Hairstyles for teenage girls like this will allow you to keep a medium to long length. Add shorter layers for shape and dimension.

Classic Graduated Bob for Teen Girls
Instagram @betta_koral

#44: Classic Graduated Bob

Dare to rock a classic graduated bob. Consider a blunt bang on a sleek teen girl who is down for something out of the bob if you are ordinary. Such haircuts for teen girls have strong lines to make your features pop, and other girls will be envious. The graduation in the nape with a touch of layers throughout will give your hair cool lines. You’ll want to blowout with a large round brush to achieve an edgy shape.

#45: Ear-Length Bob with a Soft Fringe

If you are looking for a cute bob, consider an ear-length bob with a soft fringe. Short haircuts are all the rage right now as they can be adorable and bold at the same time. A haircut above the chin can elongate the face so make sure to ask your hairstylist if it will suit your face shape. It can be hard to tell on your own so an extra set of professional eyes can help.

#46: Natural Red Hair with a Sleek Bobbed Style

Blunt bobs are the best styles of short haircuts for girls who want to look sharper. Having your ends and undercut razored is best for thicker hair. Add a brown color to warm up any skin tone.

#47: Adorable Neck-Length with Curtain Bangs

If you’re searching for a soft classic style, try a neck-length cut with bangs. This shape is great if you would like to appear more professional and stylish. The curtain bang is a great choice for round face shapes and will balance out facial features. For best results, blow-dry the length under with a medium round brush, and try drying the bangs off to each side with a middle part. These techniques will give you a pretty and soft finish.

Audrey Hepburn Inspired Pixie Cut
Instagram @shorthairlife

#48: Audrey Hepburn-Inspired Pixie Cut

Consider an Audrey Hepburn-inspired pixie cut if long hair isn’t giving you that timeless feel you may be looking for. A classy pixie cut, amazing enough for Audrey herself, can be worn by any age, any profession, and most hair textures. A quick blow dry using a round brush in the front and crown area gives the perfect lift and texture for a smooth style.

Perfectly Layered Bob for Short Straight Hair
Instagram @olgakursitis

#49: Perfect Layered Bob for Short Straight Hair

This layered lob is short, sweet, youthful, and refreshed! The best thing about this short layered haircut is that it accentuates the face shape and is low-maintenance for younger girls and women alike. Every girl with short hair should keep in mind their hair density and hair type. For example, if you have very thick hair, adding the long layers will help balance the weight throughout, rather than having it really heavy at the length. Also, considering hair type can affect the outcome of the hair. Just keep in mind, that this kind of straight bob may not look the same for every little girl.

#50: Edgy Undercut on Short Hair for Young Girls

Try an edgy undercut on short hair to make a flattering statement. This style is a very cool option for younger girls. Leave long strands above the hairline for the choice of having a side fringe.