06 Jan 2026 5 min read Beauty

15 Easy Back-to-School Hairstyles You Can Do in 5 Minutes

Busy Mornings, Made Cute

Let’s be honest—when your alarm goes off, the snooze button wins. Every time.
And on most school mornings, spending 30 minutes on your hair just isn’t happening.

But here’s the good news: looking put-together doesn’t require heat tools, complicated braids, or YouTube tutorials you don’t have time for. With a few go-to styles in your rotation, you can be out the door in minutes and still feel cute, confident, and not like you just rolled out of bed.

We’ve rounded up 15 easy back-to-school hairstyles you can do in 5 minutes or less. These looks are low-effort, Pinterest-approved, and perfect for that effortless “clean girl” vibe—even on your most rushed mornings.

1. The Classic High Ponytail

You truly can’t mess this one up. A high ponytail is the ultimate “I’m running late but still have it together” hairstyle.
Pro tip: take a small section of hair and wrap it around the elastic to hide it. That tiny detail instantly upgrades the look from gym-ready to polished.

2. Y2K Mini Front Braids

Face Framing Mini Braids - Teenager looking in mirror with loose waves and two small braids framing the face.

If you want something simple but not boring, this is it.
Grab two small sections at the front of your hairline and braid them down. That’s all. It frames your face, keeps shorter layers out of your eyes, and gives major early-2000s energy without trying too hard.

3. The Effortless Claw Clip Twist

This one is basically a school-morning lifesaver.
Twist your hair up, secure it with a neutral claw clip, and you’re done. It looks chic, feels comfortable, and protects your ends—plus it works with literally any outfit.

4. Cozy Side Braid

Cozy Side Braid Reading - Girl reading a book with a thick, loose side braid and denim overalls.

Perfect for colder mornings or oversized-sweater days.
Pull all your hair to one side and do a simple braid. Don’t stress about perfection—gently tug the braid apart to make it look fuller and softer. The messier it is, the better it looks.

5. The Half-Up Top Knot

Messy Half-Up Top Knot - Side view of a half-up half-down hairstyle with a small messy bun on top

Can’t decide whether to wear your hair up or down? Don’t.
Twist the top section into a small bun and leave the rest loose. It keeps hair off your face while still showing off your length—and it looks way more intentional than it actually is.

6. Sleek Low Pony with a Middle Part

Sleek Low Ponytail - Student with a polished, sleek low ponytail and a middle part, holding a notebook

This is your main-character hairstyle.
Smooth your hair down with a little oil or gel, part it cleanly in the middle, and tie it low at the nape of your neck. Simple, powerful, and perfect for presentation days.

7. The Bubble Ponytail

Trendy Bubble Ponytail - Girl putting a backpack on, wearing a high bubble ponytail with clear elastics.

Looks complicated. Takes five minutes.
Start with a high ponytail, then add elastics every couple of inches down the length. Gently pull each section to create “bubbles.” It’s fun, trendy, and stays put all day.

8. Relaxed Boho Side Braid

Relaxed Side Braid with Coffee - Girl holding a ceramic mug with a loose, textured side braid in soft light.

This is the laid-back cousin of the cozy braid.
Keep it loose, let a few strands fall out, and embrace your natural texture. It’s especially great for second-day hair when you don’t feel like starting fresh.

9. Romantic Half-Up Claw Clip

Half-Up Hair with Claw Clip - Girl placing items in a tote bag, wearing a half-up hairstyle secured with a beige clip.

Soft, simple, and pretty without being overdone.
Clip back the top section of your hair and let the rest flow naturally. It’s the perfect balance between practical and feminine—and works for both school and after-class plans.

10. Low Textured Bun

Textured Low Messy Bun - Close up of the back of a head showing a textured, twisted low bun hairstyle.

This is the cool-girl version of a messy bun.
Twist your hair into a low bun, secure it, and pull out a few wispy pieces. It looks effortless, a little undone, and way more stylish than a rushed top bun.

11. Natural & Brushed Out

Natural Wavy Hair Down - Student standing in a hallway with long, healthy natural wavy hair worn down.

Sometimes the best hairstyle is just… your hair.
Brush it out, smooth flyaways with a little serum, and let your natural texture do its thing. Clean, simple, and always appropriate.

12. Minimalist Low Bun

Minimalist Low Bun - Back view of a neat, twisted low bun on a girl looking out a window.

Minimalist Low Bun - Side view of a neat, twisted low bun on a girl looking out a window.

This one is for serious focus days.
A tight, neat low bun keeps everything in place so you’re not fixing your hair every five minutes. Perfect for exams, long classes, or days when distractions aren’t welcome.

13. Double Side Accent Braids

Double Side Braids Detail - Girl smiling looking down, showing two small accent braids on the side of her head.

Small detail, big impact.
Add two tiny braids on one side of your hair and tuck them behind your ear. It gives just enough texture to elevate your look—without committing to a full braid.

14. Scrunchie Half-Up High Pony

Half-Up High Ponytail with Scrunchie - Girl standing by a desk with a half-up high ponytail secured with a brown scrunchie.

Instant volume, zero effort.
Pull the top half of your hair into a high pony and secure it with a cute scrunchie. It lifts your face, adds bounce, and looks especially good when you’re walking down the hallway.

15. The “I Studied All Night” Top Knot

Casual Top Knot Bun - Girl packing a school bag wearing a high, messy top knot bun with a scrunchie.

We all know this look. And we all love it.
Flip your head over, gather everything into a messy bun on top, and secure it with a scrunchie. Cozy, comfortable, and perfect for long days.