Oh, the buzz of back to school is almost here! I just love this time of year. It’s all about fresh starts, new notebooks, and getting back into a routine. And for me, part of that fresh start is finding just the right look to feel confident walking through those school doors.
Feeling good about your hair can make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself. It’s like a little boost before the first bell rings. That’s where the magic of accessories comes in! Simple things like bows, clips, and colorful bands can totally transform a basic hairstyle into something super cute and personal.
Growing up in my mom’s salon, I saw firsthand how a little bit of effort could make someone feel amazing. My mom, the inspiration behind Glam Hair Nails, always said that beauty was about expressing yourself. Now, with my own years of playing with hair and helping others find their style, I’m excited to share some easy ways to Accessorize for Success: 10+ Cute Back to School Hairstyles with Bows, Clips & Bands.
Let’s get ready to make those school mornings a little more fun and a lot more stylish!
10+ Cute Back to School Hairstyles with Bows, Clips & Bands
Now for the fun part! Let’s dive into some adorable and easy hairstyles perfect for heading back to school. These looks use simple accessories to add a touch of personality. We’ll count down to one of my personal favorites!
10. Simple Band Ponytail
This is a classic for a reason. A basic ponytail is fast and gets the job done, especially on busy school mornings. Just gather all your hair at the back of your head, high or low, it’s up to you! Then secure it with an elastic band. You can use a plain black one, or make it pop with a bright color or fun pattern.
I always keep a stash of different bands handy. Sometimes a glittery one is just what you need to feel ready for the day. If you have little flyaways around your face, a tiny bit of styling cream or hairspray smoothed over with your hand works wonders.
9. Half-Up Half-Down with Clips
This style is great because it keeps hair out of your eyes while letting some hang down. Just take the top section of your hair, from your temples back, and pull it together at the back of your head. Secure it with a cute clip! There are so many options here.
You could use simple snap clips, sparkly barrettes, or even a small claw clip. This look feels a bit more put-together than a full ponytail without much extra effort. Sometimes I add a little wave to the bottom section for extra style.
8. Side Braid with a Bow
A side braid is sweet and easy. Just bring all your hair over to one side and do a simple three-strand braid. Once you get to the end, tie it off with a pretty ribbon or a hair elastic that has a bow attached. This adds a really charming touch.
You can pick a bow to match your outfit or choose a contrasting color for a pop. To make the braid look a little thicker, gently pull on the edges of each section after you tie it off. This gives it a softer, fuller look.
7. Pigtails with Matching Bows
Pigtails are just fun, right? They have a playful feel that’s perfect for school. Part your hair down the middle and make two ponytails, one on each side. Secure each one with a hair elastic.
Then, add matching bows right at the base of each pigtail. You can use ribbon bows, or ones made of satin or grosgrain fabric. Getting the part straight can be tricky, but using the end of a comb helps a lot!
6. Twisted Half-Up with a Clip
This style looks a bit fancy but is super simple. Take a small section of hair from near your face on one side and twist it towards the back. Do the same on the other side. Bring the two twisted sections together at the back of your head.
Secure where they meet with a pretty clip. This adds a touch of elegance without needing to do a full updo. I love using clips with a little sparkle or a nice design for this. You can add a little volume at the crown before twisting for extra height.
5. Bubble Ponytail with Bands
This is a trendy twist on a regular ponytail. Start with a basic ponytail. Then, put another elastic band a few inches down from the first one. Gently pull the section between the two bands to create a “bubble.” Keep adding bands down the length of the ponytail, creating bubbles as you go.
You can use clear elastic bands for a seamless look or colorful ones for extra fun. The key is to gently tug on the hair between the bands to get that nice rounded bubble shape.
4. Space Buns with Mini Bows
Space buns are so cute and playful! Part your hair down the middle and make two high ponytails on top of your head. Twist each ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a bun. Secure the buns with bobby pins.
Then, add a mini bow to the front or side of each bun. These small bows are just the right size to add a sweet touch without being overwhelming. Making the buns neat can take practice, but twisting tightly helps.
3. Braided Headband with Clips
This style is great for keeping hair off your face. Take a small section of hair from one side of your head, near your temple. Start braiding it along your hairline, like you’re making a headband. Braid it all the way to the other side, following the curve of your head.
Once you reach the other side, secure the end of the braid behind your ear with a few small clips. You can use clips that blend in with your hair color or decorative ones. Using a smaller section of hair makes the braid easier to manage.
2. Low Bun with a Large Bow
For a look that’s both sophisticated and sweet, try a low bun with a large bow. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a bun. Secure it with bobby pins or a hair elastic.
Then, clip or tie a large bow just above the bun. This adds a dramatic and beautiful touch. You can choose a satin bow for a smooth look or one with texture. To get a really smooth bun, brush your hair thoroughly before gathering it.
1. High Ponytail with a Scrunchie Bow
This is easily one of my go-to styles, especially for a busy day! A high ponytail is energetic and keeps your hair totally out of the way. Gather your hair high on your head, like you’re aiming for the crown. Secure it tightly with a hair elastic.
Then, slide a scrunchie with a bow attached over the elastic. Scrunchie bows come in so many fabrics and patterns, from velvet to floral prints. I remember finding the perfect sparkly scrunchie bow for my first day of high school – it made me feel ready for anything! A little spritz of hairspray around the base can help keep that high ponytail from drooping.
FAQ
Got questions about these back to school hairstyles and how to make them work for you? I get asked a lot about how to handle different hair types and make styles last. Here are some common questions and my best tips!
What are the best accessories for fine hair?
For fine hair, you want things that won’t slide out or weigh your hair down. Look for lightweight clips with good grip. Smaller elastic bands are also great. Avoid really heavy or bulky accessories, as they can pull fine hair down and make the style look flat quickly.
How can I make these styles last all day?
A little bit of product goes a long way! Use a light hold hairspray before and after styling. Make sure your hair is totally dry before you start. Using bobby pins that match your hair color can help secure braids and buns discreetly. Choose accessories that feel sturdy and won’t slip easily.
Are these styles suitable for all hair lengths?
Many of these styles can be adapted! Ponytails and low buns work well for medium to long hair. Half-up styles and braided headbands can work on shorter lengths too. Space buns might be tricky on very short hair, but you can always try mini versions. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Conclusion
There you have it! Over ten fun and easy ways to Accessorize for Success: 10+ Cute Back to School Hairstyles with Bows, Clips & Bands. Don’t be afraid to play around and find what works best for you. These styles are meant to be easy and add a little sparkle to your day.
Remember, how you style your hair is a great way to show off your personality. Have fun picking out your accessories and creating looks that make you feel confident and ready to tackle anything this school year throws at you!
