Back to School Hairstyles For Black Girls

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As summer officially comes to an end, the back to school season is just around the corner. While you might be feeling a bit disappointed, don’t worry; we’re here to help you transition in style! Whether you’re getting ready for a new school year, heading off to university or simply looking for a fresh hairstyle for September, a new look can be the perfect way to start the season.
From cute natural hairstyles to braids you can style in different ways, there are plenty of options to suit your hair, routine and personal style. And if you’re heading to freshers week, a versatile hairstyle means you can switch up your look for lectures, nights out and everything in between.
We’ve put together a collection of back to school hairstyles for Black hair that will help you look cute and stylish, giving you the confidence to rock your hair every day. Whether you’re flaunting your natural curls or showing off gorgeous braids, we’ve got you covered. After all, starting the day with great hair can set a positive tone for everything else!
Before we get into it, If you want to find a professional to get your hair done, browse Afro hairdressers in London to explore a range of services from braids, twists, locs and wigs.
Back to School Hairstyles For Natural Hair
Half Up Half Down Bun

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A half up half down bun is a cute way to keep some of your hair out of your face while still showing off your natural curls. It’s a great everyday style for school, uni, or a casual freshers week look.
How To Achieve It:
- Start with moisturised, detangled hair.
- Separate the top half of your hair from the bottom.
- Gather the top section into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
- Wrap the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins or another hair tie.
- Leave the bottom section loose and fluff your curls to your liking.
Low Puff with Twisted Front

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A low puff with a twisted front adds a little detail to a simple style. It’s a lovely option when you want your hair to look put together without spending too long getting ready.
How To Achieve It:
- Detangle and moisturise your hair.
- Create a parting at the front of your hair.
- Take a small section at the top and twist it down towards the back, adding in bits of hair as you go.
- Gather the rest of your hair into a low puff and secure it.
Low Bun with Braided Front

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A low bun with a braided front is a simple way to add a little extra detail to your hairstyle.
How To Achieve It:
- Detangle and moisturise your hair.
- Create a parting at the front of your hair.
- Take a small section at the top and braid it down towards the back, adding in bits of hair as you go.
- Gather the rest of your hair into a low ponytail.
- Wrap the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins.
Sleek Bun

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The sleek bun is a timeless, classy look that works for any occasion. It’s a great option for busy mornings when you want something neat and easy to maintain.
How To Achieve It:
- Detangle your hair and apply a little styling gel or edge control.
- Smooth your hair down.
- Brush your hair back into a low ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins.
- Optional: style your edges
High Puff with Braids
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A high puff with braids gives a simple puff a little more personality. It’s a cute style for school days, uni and those moments when you want to switch things up.
How To Achieve It:
- Detangle your hair and separate a small section of hair at the top front of your head.
- Braid the front section into two small braids.
- Gather the remaining hair into a high puff.
Half Up Half Down Claw Clip

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If you’re looking for a quick hairstyle, a claw clip can be a great option. This half up half down look is cute, simple and easy to switch up throughout the day.
How To Achieve It:
- Detangle and define your curls.
- Separate the top half of your hair and gather it in a ponytail.
- Twist it upwards and secure it with a claw clip.
Low Puff with Bow

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A low puff with a bow is a cute and youthful way to add a little something extra to a simple hairstyle.
How To Achieve It:
- Detangle your hair and gather it into a low puff.
- Secure the puff with a hair tie.
- Fluff your hair to create your preferred shape.
- Add a bow or ribbon around the base of the puff.
Slick Back Pigtails

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Slick back pigtails are a playful style that still looks neat and polished. They’re a great option for a school day, a casual uni look or a cute freshers week outfit.
How To Achieve It:
- Detangle your hair and apply a little styling gel or edge control.
- Take a middle part and smooth your hair down.
- Brush your hair back into a low ponytail on both sides.
- Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins.
- Optional: style your edges
Back to School Hairstyles For Braids
Half Up Half Down Low Bun

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A half up half down low bun is a chic way to style your braids while keeping some of the length loose. It’s a great everyday look that can easily be dressed up.
How To Achieve It:
- Leave a few braids at the front of your face.
- Gather the top half of your braids into a ponytail.
- Wrap the ponytail into a low bun.
- Secure the bun with pins or another hair tie.
- Leave the remaining braids loose.
High Bun

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A high bun is a quick and effortless way to style your braids. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want your hair out of the way.
How To Achieve It:
- Gather all your braids into a high ponytail.
- Secure the ponytail with a hair tie.
- Wrap the braids around the base to create a bun.
- Secure the bun with pins or another hair tie.
- Pull a few braids out at the front of your face to frame your face.
Bob Braids

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If you’re looking for something fresh, low-maintenance and trendy, bob braids are a great option. Their shorter length makes them easy to style, and they’re perfect for a new school year.
High Ponytail

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A high ponytail with braids is a classic look that works for school, uni and nights out. It’s a simple and chic way to style up your braids.
How To Achieve It:
- Gather all your braids into a high ponytail.
- Secure them with a strong hair tie.
- Wrap a few braids around the base to cover the hair tie.
Claw Clip Bun

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A claw clip bun is a trendy, effortless way to style your braids. It’s especially useful when you want to switch up your look quickly between lectures or errands.
How To Achieve It:
- Gather your braids into a low ponytail.
- Fold the ponytail in half and hold it up.
- Hold it in place with a large claw clip.
- Tuck in any loose ends.
Half Up Half Down

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A half up half down style allows you to show off the length of your braids while keeping some of your hair away from your face. It’s a simple look that works for almost any occasion.
How To Achieve It:
- Separate the top half of your braids.
- Gather it in a high ponytail.
- Secure it with a hair tie.
- Leave the remaining braids loose.
- Optional: leave a couple of braids out at the front to frame your face
Braids Down with Headband

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If you’re looking to accessorise your braids, a headband is a perfect choice. It adds a pop of colour or pattern to your look and can be paired with braids of any length.
How To Achieve It:
- Wear your braids loose.
- Choose a headband or headscarf that matches your outfit or personal style.
- Place the headband around your head/ Tie the headscarf around your head.
- Pull out a few braids at the front to frame your face.
For more Black hairstyle inspiration and how to’s on Afro hair care, explore our Afro hair tutorials.
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