Stylish new hairstyles for school (alongside books, pens and a packed lunch) are amongst one of the most important things you can never forget on the first day of school.
So whether you’re preparing your kid’s hair for school (or you are going back to school yourself), we wanted to inspire you with some incredibly trendy, back-to-school hairstyles for natural hair, and some practical hair tips.
These hairstyles are all heatless, low maintenance and great for promoting the health of your hair — enjoy scrolling and don’t forget to save your fav
Space Bun Bows
Image credit: @bow_queenofcurls
Space buns make for a cute back-to-school hairstyle for natural hair. But we’re just in love with this adorable update, which creates a bow shape with the puffs.
Bubble Hawk
Image credit: @_angel.agbo
Love the idea of a ‘frohawk but also want to protect your little one’s natural hair? Then look no further. This hairstyle draws inspiration from the mohawk/’frohawk and makes it a protective style by creating a beautiful bubble ponytail.
Half Cornrows
Image credit: @daniellawalters_
Like the idea of small cornrows but also want to show off the texture of your child’s hair? Then this half braided hairstyle is the answer.
Halo Buns
Image credit: @paz_neigh
This hairstyle draws from lots of different hairstyles such as the halo braid, Bantu knots and puff hairstyles.
But the best part is that it’s super easy to do, just grab your comb and hair bands and you’re good to go!
Product recommendation: Our new Biodegradable detangling comb and Essential accessories set are must-haves for your hair kit.
Half-up Half-down Bun (AKA The Hun)
Image credit: @curlylifeofmya
Not sure if you want your hair up or down? Live in the in between with this hun AKA the half-up half-down bun. It’s cute whether you have shorter curls or have medium to long hair.
Chunky Ombre Twists
Image credit: @mayitetr
Not everyone has the time to do small box braids, but we love this protective twists hairstyle because it’s chunky. And that means it’s quicker to get one. Win-win!
Big Braids And Puffs
Image credit: @nydafairy
Again, if you’re short on time this chunky braided hairstyle is great. Also, we love the contrast between the sleek braids and pretty, puffy ends!
Box Braids
Image credit: @joyjah
Box braids are a great protective hairstyle for back to school. Just remember not to neglect your hair and scalp.
You can learn how to wash your child’s box braids with our video tutorial.
Bubble Braids
Image credit: @ponpon_sisters
Braiding not your strongest skill? Don’t worry, just put bubble braids into your little one’s hair!
Editor’s Tip: Our Afrocenchix Essential Accessories Pack) has everything you need to make sure you don’t snag their hair.
Plaits With Beads
Image credit: @gurlstylz_2
Want to upgrade your child’s back-to-school hairstyle? Then why not add beautiful beads? They are fun way to jazz up hairstyle.
Parted Ponytail With Twists
Image credit: @koily_kali
As we mention above, beads are a fun and easy way to elevate any back-to-school hairstyle and here is another simple way to make your child’s updo look even cuter!
Afro Puffs
Image credit: @kelsgorgeous
As one of the easiest and most practical back-to-school hairstyles for kids, afro puffs are a tried-and-tested back-to-school hairstyle favourite.
Create a middle parting, two puffs and secure with your seamless hairbands (you can these in our Afrocenchix Essential Accessories Pack). Easy peasy!
Braids & Twists
Image credit: @baybie_kayyy
Braids are another back-to-school favourite because of their versatility and ability to protect natural hair while still looking great.
But what’s important to remember is that preparation is key. With braids, it’s likely that the hair will be tucked away for a few of weeks, so ensuring it’s in its best condition beforehand is crucial.
High/Low Bun
Image credit: @iambriakay_
Looking for a back-to-school hairstyle that's easy to do when you're running late? This high bun is super simple and a perfect, low-manipulation back-to-school hairstyle. You can even change it up by rocking a low bun every now and again.
Wash & Go
Image credit: @naturally_rinnie
There are plenty of back-to-school hairstyles to choose from, but if you want something stylish that requires little to no effort, keep reading!
Wash & Go is arguably the simplest of all afro hairstyles. You’ll want to start out with clean hair (so make sure to use Swish and Swirl). Then use a microfibre towel to dry yours or your child's hair and grab your Moisture Surge Set. Finally, lock in moisture by following the LOC/LCO method.
Cornrows
Image credit: @Africansbraid
Looking for a protective hairstyle that’ll look and feel great? Cornrows are the answer!
One of the major benefits of cute cornrows is that once done, they reduce daily hairstyling and maintenance time.
Frohawk
Image source: @Dfinneyphoto @nylah_k
The frohawk hairstyle is not only extremely popular amongst women with natural hair, but it’s also cool and trendy. They look great with any hair length and because of how versatile the look is and there are plenty of different variations you can experiment with.
Twist Out
Image credit: @kayla_ayanna
Functional, versatile and suitable for any occasion, twist outs make the last of our seven back-to-school hairstyles.
Considered “timeless”, the twist out look is one that will never go out of style. We love the idea of wearing the twists for 4-5 days then rocking a twist-out to celebrate the end of the week!
4 Simple Back-to-school Hair Care Tips
Not sure where to begin when it comes to your child’s natural hair care? Here are some tips to help you with creating a routine and hairstyles.
1. Create a Simple Afro Hair Care Routine For Your Child
When in doubt, keep things simple and the same goes for your child’s hair routine. The approach that Afrocenchix recommends is: cleanse, moisturise, style, repeat (more on that below).
2. Cleanse Regularly
When it comes to cleansing, we suggest washing your child’s hair every 7-10 days with a sulphate-free shampoo like Swish. Gently massage their scalp as you wash their hair to help remove any residue from their scalp.
Once you have finished washing follow up with a rinse out silicone-free conditioner like Swirl. It’s important to have a conditioner with lots of slip so you can use it to help finger detangle your child’s hair.
Once you’ve washed out the conditioner, squeeze any excess water out of their hair and wrap it with a microfibre towel. This will help dry their hair quickly without the need for heat. Avoid blow drying as it can lead to heat damage.
3. LOC Moisture In
Curly and coily hair is prone to dryness, which can lead to breakage. To keep dryness and breakage at bay, we suggest using the LOC/LCO method to moisture your hair. Both are acronyms where: L = liquid O = oil and C = cream. You learn how to master the LOC/LCO method with our video tutorial and also, our Moisture Surge Set contains products for all three steps — Sheen, our natural moisturising spray, Seal, our hair oil and Smooth, our moisturising cream.
4. Make Protective Styles Your Friend
Protective styles are any hairstyles that keep the ends of your hair tucked away. Great examples would be braids or twists or cornrows, which can also be easily carried for a few days or even a few weeks (as long your child’s hair moisturised and their scalp clean).
Another really good option is a low manipulation hairstyle like a bun or puff. Head to our style page for inspiration and don’t forget to check out our Braid Care Set contains everything you need to keep your child’s hair in top condition while in protective styles.
More Articles:
Ultimate Guide to Afro Hair Care for Children
How to help your child embrace their afro hair
How to care for your child's afro hair to prevent nits and head lice