Cute Middle School Hairstyles: Step-by-Step Guide for Effortless Style
Navigating middle school is a whirlwind of new experiences, friendships, and a growing sense of self. One way to express yourself and boost your confidence is through your hairstyle! Forget about complicated salon looks; middle school hair is all about being fun, easy, and age-appropriate. This guide will walk you through several adorable and achievable hairstyles, with detailed steps to help you conquer your morning routine.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Before diving into specific styles, it’s crucial to understand your hair type. Is it straight, wavy, curly, or coily? Is it fine, medium, or thick? Knowing your hair’s texture and density will help you choose hairstyles that work best and require minimal effort. For example, fine hair might benefit from styles that add volume, while thick hair might need styles that control frizz and bulk. Pay attention to how your hair behaves naturally and what products work best for you. Experimentation is key!
Essential Hair Tools and Products
Having the right tools and products makes styling so much easier. Here’s a list of basics you’ll need:
* **Comb and Brush:** A wide-tooth comb is great for detangling, especially after washing. A paddle brush is ideal for smoothing and styling. Consider a round brush if you enjoy blow-drying for added volume.
* **Hair Ties:** Have a variety of hair ties, from simple elastics to fabric scrunchies, for different styles.
* **Bobby Pins and Hair Clips:** These are essential for securing stray hairs, creating updos, and sectioning hair while styling.
* **Hair Spray (Optional):** A light-hold hair spray can help keep your style in place, especially for special occasions. Use it sparingly to avoid a stiff or crunchy look.
* **Dry Shampoo (Optional):** Great for extending the time between washes, especially for oily hair. It also adds volume and texture.
* **Leave-In Conditioner (Optional):** Especially beneficial for curly or dry hair, it provides hydration and makes detangling easier.
* **Heat Protectant Spray (Optional):** If you use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
* **Texturizing Spray (Optional):** Adds grip and volume, especially useful for braids and updos.
Easy & Cute Hairstyles for Middle School
Here are some fun and practical hairstyles that are perfect for middle school, along with step-by-step instructions:
1. The Classic High Ponytail
The high ponytail is a timeless style that is both sporty and chic. It keeps hair off your face and is ideal for school activities.
**Steps:**
1. **Prep:** Brush your hair to remove any tangles. If you have some texture, add a tiny drop of a smoothing serum to control frizz.
2. **Gather:** Tilt your head back and gather all of your hair towards the top of your head, roughly at the crown. Ensure the hair is smooth around the hairline.
3. **Secure:** Use a hair tie to secure your ponytail tightly. Make sure it’s not too tight to be uncomfortable.
4. **Refine:** If any stray strands are sticking out, use some bobby pins to tuck them away. You can take a small strand from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie. Then, secure it with a bobby pin.
5. **Finishing:** Use a comb to smooth down any flyaways and your high ponytail is ready.
**Tips:**
* For added volume, try teasing the roots before putting your hair up. Alternatively, you can create the ponytail, then gently pull out small segments of hair to add more volume.
* Add a cute ribbon or scrunchie around the base of your ponytail for extra style.
* A slightly textured ponytail will give a more effortless look.
2. The Low Ponytail with a Twist
A simple low ponytail can be instantly elevated with a few twists. It’s elegant and easy to achieve.
**Steps:**
1. **Prep:** Start with brushed-out, tangle-free hair. Apply a small amount of smoothing cream if needed to control frizz.
2. **Gather:** Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, making sure it’s smooth around your ears.
3. **Secure:** Secure the low ponytail with a hair tie.
4. **Twist:** Now, take a small strand of hair from either side of your head, above your ear. Twist these strands towards the back of your head, incorporating some more hair as you twist.
5. **Join:** Join the twists together at the back of your head and secure them with another small hair tie or a bobby pin just above the ponytail.
6. **Finishing:** You can gently tug at the twists for added volume. The low ponytail can be left as is or teased out for a more relaxed look.
**Tips:**
* Experiment with different types of twists – rope twists or flat twists – to change the look.
* Decorate the twists with small hair clips or pins for an extra touch of sparkle.
* This look works great with both straight and wavy hair.
3. Braids: The Side Braid
Braids are versatile and stylish. A simple side braid is perfect for a casual yet put-together look.
**Steps:**
1. **Prep:** Brush your hair to remove tangles. If you have very smooth or fine hair you might add a texturizing spray.
2. **Part:** Create a deep side part on your preferred side.
3. **Section:** Take a section of hair from your hairline (the side with the deeper part) and divide it into three equal strands.
4. **Braid:** Begin braiding your hair into a standard three-strand braid. As you go down, braid at an angle, bringing the braid down around to the opposite side of your head.
5. **Secure:** When you reach the end of your hair, secure the braid with a clear hair tie.
6. **Loosen:** Gently tug at each section of the braid to create a softer, more relaxed look. This will add volume to your braid.
**Tips:**
* Try a Dutch braid (where you braid under instead of over) for a different look that stands out more.
* Add small clips or ribbon to the end of the braid for extra flair.
* For a boho style, allow a few strands to fall out of the braid.
4. Braids: Double Braids
Double braids are adorable and keep your hair out of your face. They work great for all hair types and are perfect for active days.
**Steps:**
1. **Prep:** Brush your hair thoroughly and make sure it is free of any tangles.
2. **Part:** Create a clean center part down the middle of your head.
3. **Section:** Divide your hair into two equal sections, one on each side of your part.
4. **Braid:** Begin braiding on one side using a standard three-strand braid. Start at your hairline and continue down, securing the braid with a clear hair tie at the end. Repeat the same on the other side.
5. **Finishing:** You can leave the braids as they are, or gently pull out strands from each side of each braid for a relaxed look. If you want, you can braid all the way down or leave a small section at the bottom loose and make space buns.
**Tips:**
* Try French or Dutch braids instead of standard braids for a different look.
* You can also combine double braids with other styles, such as adding a ponytail or bun at the back.
* Experiment with different lengths for the braids – some might look great with them braided down the length of the head while others may prefer a shorter style.
5. Half-Up Half-Down Top Knot
The half-up half-down top knot is effortlessly cool and super easy to create. It’s a great way to keep hair out of your face while still showing off your length.
**Steps:**
1. **Prep:** Start with brushed and detangled hair. You can apply a texturizing spray if desired for added grip.
2. **Section:** Use your fingers or a comb to section off the top half of your hair, starting from your temples. Make sure that it’s neat and even. If you want to add extra volume, you can try teasing the roots before pulling the hair back.
3. **Gather:** Pull the top section into a ponytail at the crown of your head.
4. **Twist:** Twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun or a knot.
5. **Secure:** Use a hair tie or bobby pins to secure the bun in place. Make sure it’s firmly secured so it does not come undone during the day.
6. **Finishing:** Gently tug at the bun to loosen it and create a more relaxed look. You can also pull out a few strands of hair around the face for a softer style.
**Tips:**
* Try a messy bun for a more casual vibe.
* Use a cute scrunchie to add some personality.
* The lower you position the top knot, the more relaxed it will look.
6. The Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a fun and playful twist on the classic ponytail. It’s perfect for adding some excitement to your everyday look.
**Steps:**
1. **Prep:** Brush your hair to remove tangles. A smoothing serum may help with frizz and flyaways.
2. **Gather:** Gather all your hair into a high or low ponytail. It will depend on your preference and how you like it to look.
3. **First Tie:** Secure the ponytail with a hair tie.
4. **Sections:** Take another hair tie and place it a few inches down from the first hair tie on the ponytail. The distance can vary depending on how long your hair is and the look you are going for.
5. **Bubble:** Gently pull out the hair between the two ties, creating a ‘bubble’. Do this by slightly pulling out each section of the hair along the ponytail, starting closest to your head.
6. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you reach the end of your ponytail. You can create as many bubbles as you like!
7. **Finishing:** Ensure that each bubble is equal and balanced. You may need to adjust them to make the ponytail look more cohesive.
**Tips:**
* Use colorful hair ties for a pop of fun.
* For a more polished look, make sure each bubble is the same size.
* You can also add a braid to the ponytail before creating the bubbles for an extra layer of texture.
7. Messy Bun
The messy bun is the ultimate go-to style for those days when you just want your hair out of your face without too much effort. It is also a super cute look for almost any occasion.
**Steps:**
1. **Prep:** You don’t need perfectly brushed hair, in fact, slightly textured hair is best for a messy bun. You may add some texturizing spray if you have fine or very smooth hair.
2. **Gather:** Gather your hair as if you are making a ponytail, either at the top of your head or at the nape of your neck, depending on your preferred style. The key for a messy bun is not to be perfect. Don’t worry about making it too smooth or sleek.
3. **Twist:** Twist your hair into a rope-like shape. Don’t make it too tight.
4. **Bun:** Start wrapping the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail, forming a bun. If your hair is long, you might need to wrap several times.
5. **Secure:** Use a hair tie or bobby pins to secure the bun in place. Do not worry about all strands tucked in, that’s part of the messy look.
6. **Finishing:** Gently pull out a few strands of hair around the bun to make it look more voluminous and relaxed. You can also pull out some strands near your face for a more casual look. The key is to ensure it looks effortless.
**Tips:**
* Don’t overthink it! The messier the better.
* Use a scrunchie for an extra pop of style.
* Experiment with different heights and positions for your messy bun.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair
Regardless of the hairstyle you choose, it’s important to take care of your hair to keep it healthy and strong:
* **Wash Regularly:** Shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week, or as needed. Using too much shampoo can lead to dry hair and scalp. Use gentle and age-appropriate shampoos and conditioners.
* **Condition:** Use conditioner every time you wash your hair to keep it hydrated and smooth. Focus on the ends of your hair, where it tends to be the driest.
* **Detangle Gently:** Always detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working your way up. Do this when your hair is wet and you have conditioner in it to minimize breakage.
* **Limit Heat Styling:** Try to air dry your hair whenever possible and limit the use of heat tools, such as hair dryers and straighteners. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray.
* **Eat Healthy:** A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can contribute to stronger and healthier hair. Try including foods rich in vitamins like A, B, C and D, as well as foods rich in iron, zinc, and omega-3.
* **Stay Hydrated:** Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
* **Trim Regularly:** Get regular trims to prevent split ends and keep your hair looking its best.
* **Protect from Sun:** Wear a hat or use a hair product with SPF to protect your hair from sun damage.
* **Gentle Products:** Use shampoos and conditioners designed for your hair type, making sure they’re gentle and free from harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Having fun with hairstyles is a fantastic way to express your personality and boost your self-esteem. These easy-to-achieve styles will help you get ready for school quickly while looking your best. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks and find what works best for you. Remember, hair is an accessory, have fun with it and express yourself!
