How to Have a Simple Hairstyle for School (Long Hair)

Co-authored by Danielle Chiz

Last Updated: September 23, 2024 Fact Checked

When you're getting ready for school in the morning, you want a hairstyle that's simple enough to do quickly but still cool enough to help you stand out from the crowd. These styles go with any outfit and are great for all types of hair. Just take a few minutes to fix your hair before dashing out the door for your school day.

Method 1

Method 1 of 15:

Making a Side Braid

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Either side works just as well.
Keep it loose or tight, either way is great.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Danielle Chiz
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}

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You can also try hair spraying the bobby pin(s) if any hairs are still out of place or won't stay pinned, they tend to grip better. This will help ensure your braid won't fall out over the course of the day.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 15:

Using a Crossover Clip

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Choose strands from around your face for a pretty look.
Pin them back with a crossover clip. Position the clip horizontally to clip back the strands of hair.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Danielle Chiz
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}
You can curl it, straighten it or just let it stay natural. If you decide to curl or straighten you hair, make sure you use products for heat protection so you won't damage your hair.

Method 3

Method 3 of 15:

Fashioning a Fishtail Braid

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Comb them out so that they're tangle-free.
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Cross a strand from the right section to the left. Take a strand from the outside edge of the right section and cross it over. For a more intricate fishtail braid, use a very small strand of hair.
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Cross a strand from the left section to the right. Take a strand from the outside edge of the left section and cross it over, making sure it crosses over the strand from the other side.
As you move down the length of your hair, you'll see the fishtail pattern emerging.^{[4]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 15:

Creating Sock Bun Curls

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A a long, thin sock will work best. Roll it down so that it resembles a donut shape. You can also find premade hair donuts at a lot of stores.
This step will help your hair curl up while it dries in the sock bun.
Pull your ponytail through the rolled sock.
Start at the tip of your ponytail, and tuck the ends underneath as you go. Repeat this step as you slowly roll your hair over the sock.
You can use another hair elastic or bobby pins to secure.
You can sleep with it or wear it out in public.^{[5]
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When you take it out of the sock, your hair will be slightly curly. Spray with hairspray to hold the curls.

Method 5

Method 5 of 15:

Tying-Up a Classic Ponytail

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If you desire a neat and sleek ponytail, brush your hair and consider straightening it before proceeding. If you want a messy ponytail, which is just as cute, leave your hair in its natural state.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Danielle Chiz
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}
Choose either a low, medium, or high height.
You can use a comb or simply run your fingers through your hair while you're gathering it into a ponytail. If you prefer to have a messy ponytail, you don't need to check for any lumps.
Make sure the elastic is tightly wound so your ponytail doesn't fall out. Either keep it simple or add cute hair clips. Adding headband can also enhance the look.
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Try a cool twist. Take a thin strand of your hair from your ponytail. Wrap it around the hair tie and secure with bobby pins. This will cover up the hair tie for an elegant look.
- Bobby pins that match your hair color are recommended so that they are less noticeable.
- To spice up your ponytail, you can use a ribbon or bow instead of a proper hair tie. Another option is to cover your elastic with the ribbon.^{[7]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 15:

Forming a Basic Bun

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Secure your hair in a neat ponytail. Twist the actual hair around the base, where the hair tie is. Secure with another elastic and pull random pieces out.^{[8]
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Pull your hair up like you are making a ponytail. However, when you put the elastic in, only wrap it fully twice. The third time, only pull the pony halfway through. Pull out random pieces, if needed.
Take a small bit of hair at the top of your head. Do a bun as described in the second method. Split the rest of your hair in half. Take the right half and wrap it around your head, including the beginning bun. Do the same with the left. To make it look cuter, add flowers, bows, etc.

Method 7

Method 7 of 15:

Creating a Half Ponytail

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There should be a top layer and a bottom layer.
Pull the top layer back and away from your face as if you were making a ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie.
You can curl or straighten the rest of your hair, or just let it stay in its natural state.

Method 8

Method 8 of 15:

Braiding Your Hair

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Do with either a center part or a side part (for an older look). Brush your hair so it's tangle-free.
Tie one section off for later using a clip or a ponytail holder.
Braid the first section and secure with an elastic. Do the same to the section tied off earlier.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Danielle Chiz
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}

Method 9

Method 9 of 15:

Doing a Twirled Half Ponytail

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There should be a top layer and a bottom layer.
Pull the top layer back and away from your face as if you were making a ponytail, but leave out a strand on either side. Secure it with a hair tie.
Twist them tightly so they stay twirled, then secure them to the top of your hair tie with hair pins.

Method 10

Method 10 of 15:

Making a Sock Bun

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A a long, thin sock will work best. Roll it down so that it resembles a donut shape.^{[10]
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Pull your ponytail through the rolled sock.
Start at the tip of your ponytail, and tuck the ends underneath as you go. Repeat this step as you slowly roll your hair over the sock.
You can use another hair elastic or bobby pins.

Method 11

Method 11 of 15:

Combing a Side Ponytail

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For a neat one, you might want to take time to straighten your hair first. For a messy one, which is just as cute, just let your hair keep its natural texture.
It doesn't matter if your side ponytail is located on the left or the right.
The end of the ponytail should drape over your shoulder.

Method 12

Method 12 of 15:

Fashioning a Basic Quiff

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You can keep it in a ponytail or twist it into a bun, as both styles work well in a quiff.
If you don't have bangs, pull up a bit of the hair near your forehead, taking it out of the ponytail.
Hold hair up straight and comb from the ends down to the roots. This adds the volume you need to do a quiff.
Keep it twisted so it has volume. Apply either hairspray or a bit of water.
It should look like a stylish bump on the top of your head. Be careful not to overdo it. A quiff should not be too thick or too thin, so ensure it is back combed properly.

Method 13

Method 13 of 15:

Forming an Elvis Presley Quiff

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Make sure it's tangle-free and easy to handle.^{[11]
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Leave some hair out at the top of your head, and divide the hair below into three even ponytails. Secure each one with a ponytail holder. Make sure they're stacked one on top of the other going down the head, not across.
Hold it out straight and run a comb from the tips back to the roots. This will create volume and texture. Keep backcombing until it stands up.
Use some hairspray to help it retain its volume and stay in place.
Smooth it over the backcombed section very lightly with a comb. You want it to cover the backcombed section so that it has a smooth appearance.

Method 14

Method 14 of 15:

Creating a Layered Ponytail

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They should be stacked on top of one another in a line stretching from the top of your head to the nape of your neck.
This is a pretty layered look that's more interesting than a regular ponytail.

Method 15

Method 15 of 15:

Forming Quiff Ultraflex

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Make sure it's tangle-free and easy to handle.
Leave some hair out at the top of your head, and divide the hair below into three even ponytails. Secure each one with a ponytail holder. Make sure they're stacked one on top of the other going down the head, not across.
Hold it out straight and run a comb from the tips back to the roots. This will create volume and texture. Keep backcombing until it stands up.
This will help it retain its volume and stay in place.
Smooth it over the backcombed section very lightly with a comb. You want it to cover the backcombed section so that it has a smooth appearance.
You can gather it into a ponytail or a bun. Secure it in place with a ponytail, and you're good to go.

Community Q&A

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Question

Do I have to use a sock for the bun?

Community Answer

No! You can buy bun ties online that look like doughnuts.

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What is a good hairstyle for someone with very thin hair?

Community Answer

Braids are always nice, and the half-pony is a classic. Try something simple but stylish; most of these would work.

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Question

How do I brush my hair when having a simple hairstyle?

Community Answer

Start at the bottom (ends) of your hair and work your way up.

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Tips

A fast and easy way to get wavy hair, is to just curl it tightly with your fingers, blow dry it for a second (it should be dry the whole time) and then use some hairspray.^{[12]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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If you don't like frizzy hair, don't brush it after a plait - this will make it frizzy.

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Try to avoid sleeping on a silky pillowcase - it'll make it friction, possibly break it.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Don't keep curling or waving it or it will feel dry and brittle. To curl it use the headband method and take it out the morning before school. Brush your fingers through your hair to get nice beach waves, but only do this once in a while.
If you want to make your hairstyle look like you haven't used any bands, try using elastics that match the same colour as your hair. If you don't have any, spray a normal band with spray paint. (Remember to let it dry!)
If you want to make your hair wavy by plaiting it, wet your hair right before braiding. Sleep with the plait in and take it out in the morning.
Rinse your hair in cold water after you shower and let the water drip out of your hair for 10-30 seconds to make it shiny.
Do a basic fishtail braid until it’s off of your scalp, then tie the rest up to make a half braid half ponytail.

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