What do you do with your hair

How to Do Your Hair for School

This article was co-authored by Shun Pittman and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L’Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington’s Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t. )».

There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 382,671 times.

No outfit is school-ready without a great hairstyle…but with all the different options out there, how are you supposed to decide on the perfect look? There’s no need to worry—whether your hair is short, long, natural, straight, or textured, we’ve got you covered with plenty of easy and cute looks that you can do in a cinch. In a matter of minutes, you’ll be ready to take on the school day with plenty of style!

How to Style Your Hair for School

This article was co-authored by Danielle Chiz. Danielle Chiz is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of bubu nyc Hair Artist Studio based in New York, New York. She specializes in hair coloring and styling as well as crafting a personalized hair experience. Danielle holds a BA in Biology from the University of Rochester.

There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 556,631 times.

The first day of school is right around the corner, and you want to look your best. You’ve already got the perfect outfit picked out, and you’ve been practicing your smile in the mirror. But what should you do with your hair? Doing your hair can be a frustrating task because of how temperamental it can be to properly tame and style it, but the good news is you have a variety of different styles to choose from, many of which can be done quickly and easily to put the finishing touches on your look.

Simply straighten your hair in small sections from root to tip, seal the deal with a little hairspray and go confidently forth. [2] X Research source If you have a lot of thick, curly hair, straightening will take longer and may be more difficult. [3] X Research source

Straightening can make an excellent fallback plan on unsalvageable bad hair days. If all else fails, just straighten it out.

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Interview. 16 June 2021. Curling your hair can be time consuming, so make sure you get started early enough to allow plenty of time.

One good thing about curling is that you can get as tight or as loose a spiral as you want, allowing for a more customized look. Curled hair also has the appearance of being thick, full and voluminous. [5] X Research source

You can decide how you want your curls to look by changing your curling technique. For tight curls, use a higher heat and leave the hair wrapped around the curler longer. For more relaxed curls or waves, use a low heat and only curl the middle portion of the hair briefly. [6] X Research source

Go with a simple braid. If you want to look a little more put together than a basic ponytail or braid but don’t want to spend hours styling, arrange your hair neatly into a braid. An ordinary plait or rope braid, or more sophisticated French, Dutch or fishtail style, will be all you need on low-maintenance mornings.

You’ll look classy and put-together, and, best of all, once it’s braided it will hold tight, meaning you won’t have to worry about messing it up throughout the course of your day. [10] X Research source

Braiding is quick, and can be done as soon as you get out of the shower. If you don’t know how to braid your own hair, have a friend do it for you when you get to school.

Show off your personality with a short hairstyle. Girls with short hair have lots of options for when they want to look good for school. After washing and conditioning your hair, sweep it to one side in a neat, sleek part, or work in a little styling product and comb it up to achieve some spiky height with a modern flourish.

A traditional pixie-style cut will give you a mature look without a lot of work. Undercuts, bobs and wavy curls are also popular choices for ladies with short to mid-length hair. [11] X Research source Find a style that works for your specific hair length, texture and face shape.

Short hairstyles can save you a lot of time showering and getting ready in the morning. [12] X Research source

Rock a head of natural hair. Take advantage of the natural body of extremely curly or afro-textured hair. Natural hair lends itself to many different fun styles. Longer hair can be plaited, moisturized and ironed for gorgeous ringlets or simply shaken free for maximum volume.

If you have shorter hair, you might choose to twist it into sections or wear it like a close-cropped perm. The number of styles you have to choose from is nearly limitless. [13] X Research source

Afro hair tends to dry out quickly, and can get kinky when it loses moisture. Use a deep conditioner when you wash your hair or treat it with moisturizing oils to keep it looking healthy and full. [14] X Research source

Because of it’s texture and shape, natural hair is one of the most versatile of all hair types.

Just make sure to choose a pairing that works well together, like a headband with light, wavy curls or a flower poised alongside a messy bun. [16] X Research source Cute, versatile accessories may be just what’s missing from your daily wardrobe choices.

So, You Want to Change Your Hair

@harryjoshhair / Design by Zackary Angeline

Regardless of whether you’ve had the same look for years or only for a few weeks, you may be feeling like it’s time to make a change. When is a good time to switch up your hairstyle, you ask? Whenever you want. But, if you don’t particularly like styling your hair, pull it back every day, or feel like your look is «dull,» it’s a safe bet that a change may be good for you.

When switching up your hairstyle, it’s important to pick a hairstylist that you can trust. If your stylist cuts your current hair well but you don’t trust them to transform your look, it’s time to go shopping for a new one. Getting a new look requires that you put your trust in the hands of another person, and you want to find a stylist who aligns with your vision for yourself. Ask friends, co-workers, or family members with great hair for recommendations, scroll through local stylists’ Instagrams, or use a site like Yelp for guidance.

When you go into the salon, as with anything, it’s important to know what you want and where your limits are. Look through photos of hairstyles, save them on your phone or print them out, and take them with you to your appointment. A picture provides a much better explanation than words ever could. It’s also really important to listen to your hairstylist and give them a little freedom to make suggestions—they’re there to work with your unique features and guide you to a new style that you’ll love.

Keep scrolling to check out some simple ways to take your hairstyle to the next level.

Meet the Expert

Go Out With Some Bangs

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Have you experimented with bangs yet? Some try out a fringe for just a little while, while others (like Zooey Deschanel) wear bangs as part of their signature style. «Bangs can add a youthful, fun, and edgy look to almost all haircuts,» says Cleveland. Changing your fringe may be just the ticket to a great hairstyle change.

Bangs, when done right, are stylish—however, they’re also a lot of work to take care of. «Since bangs typically lose their style and shape around four weeks post-haircut, they can be a bit high maintenance for some. Additionally, if you decide you aren’t feeling the look and you want to grow them out, they can become quite frustrating,» she adds.

Layer It Up

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People make big mistakes by telling their stylists not to cut in layers. «Layers provide movement and texture to an otherwise flat look; however, you have to be careful that your hair texture is right for layers. For example, cutting naturally curly hair with layers can create a very round shape so if that is not your desired look, you may be left with a mess,» explains Cleveland.

Additionally, layers can frame the face in a way that’s complementary and will create depth, enhance body, and define a desirable shape in your hair. When layers are properly cut, they can also make thick hair easier to manage and give thin hair a fuller appearance.

Get Some Passion Twists

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Enhance the look of your natural locks with some passion twists. These can either be worn up or down. «I love the versatility [of this look] and how it gives off a curly look at the same time. Passion twists are a curlier way to wear a two-strand twist for a more bohemian look,» explains Bergamy. «This method is usually done using curly crochet hair or loose natural non-synthetic water wave braiding hair,» she adds.

Change Your Bangs

Got fringe? Switch it up with a new cut. But Ceka advises treading lightly with the scissors if you decide to cut it on your own. «Cut them dry and with no tension. Always remember, less is more! You can’t glue the hair back, but you can cut more off if you desire,» she says.

Go Bold With a Bob

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The bob haircut isn’t going anywhere, and it can be styled to be as edgy or as elegant as your personal style. «Bob haircuts can be very flattering if cut to accent your face shape. For example, if you have a prominent jawline, you may want to avoid having the weight line of a bob haircut fall just above that area as it will draw attention to it,» notes Cleveland. It’s also a great style to consider when you want to try something shorter, but don’t want to commit to «too short.»

Rock Some Coily/Afro French Rolls

Calling all air drying hair fans: Try styling your hair with some coily Afro French rolls. «This can be done with little to no heat (no blow drying) if you are a person who loves to air dry. the versatility is endless,» Bergamy says.

When creating this look, she says a well-moisturized mane and paying close attention to the braiding technique are important. «Make sure the hair is well moisturized. To do this, I use Contents Skin & Scalp Conditioning Cream so the hair is moisturized from roots to ends. [Then,] pin one side toward the middle of the head, and [create] a twist [to] meet with the other side.»

Spice Up Your ‘Do With a Scrunchie

Instead of opting for a ponytail, why not mix it up with a beloved hair accessory from the ’90s: the scrunchie. The number of looks that you can create with this hair tie is endless. When getting acquainted with a scrunchie, Ceka says messy buns, top knots, and side ponytails are some great starting points.

Keep It Short and Sweet

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Short hair can be sexy, edgy, romantic, and beautiful. When you’re ready for something easy to style with a lot of personality, a short haircut is often a great answer. If your hair has always been long, short hair can be a truly refreshing new start. There are also tons of different ways to cut your hair short. Make sure you discuss your ideas with your stylist. Ask them to help you decide what type of short haircut will best complement your face shape, hair type, and individual style.

Create a Two-Strand Bun

Bergamy recommends amping up your bun game with a two-strand bun. Ahead, she explains the process behind this look:

She also notes that this is a great updo for parties and weddings.

Make Some Loose Waves

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To add some texture and volume to your ‘do, add some loose waves. «For those with naturally wavy, textured hair, it’s super easy to create loose waves using a curling iron or a flat iron. With a curling wand, wrap the middle of the hair twice around the barrel, hold for a few seconds, and pull quickly through the ends,» explains Ceka. However, don’t be discouraged from creating this look if you don’t have wavy hair—loose waves can add some definition to thin and straight hair, too.

Pull Your Hair Back With a Messy Bun

Give your bun an upgrade with a messy bun. In four easy steps, you’ll take your bun to a whole new level. Below, Ceka walks us through the process:

Regardless of your hair type, Ceka says anyone can create a messy bun.

Enhance Your Look With Crochet Braids

Change things up with some crochet braids. Not only do they add some volume to your hair, but Bergamy says they «give the hair a rest while protecting the ends [from] any breakage.» If you’re not sure which crochet braids to go for, Bergamy recommends opting for crochet twists or butterfly locs.

To prevent hair breakage and pulling, Bergamy advises keeping these looks intact for no longer than four weeks.

Swap Your Natural Color With a New Color

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Nothing can change your looks like a fresh new color, face brightening highlights, or a lowlight to add depth. «Even, subtle chocolate tones can be added to basic brown hair to enrich the tone and make it pop. Warm tones reflect more light and enhance the pop factor. You can also opt for something more dramatic and add some bold, high-fashion colors,» Ceka explains.

Make it clear to your stylist what tones and colors you love, and which ones you don’t. Do you like red? How red? Does the thought of blonde hair make your stomach turn? Define dark. Make sure that you and your stylist are speaking the same language when choosing your color. Their definition of copper and yours could be very different.

Try a Fishtail Braid

Trade a ponytail for a fishtail braid to create a pony with a little more flair. Here, Ceka explains how to make this braid:

For a more dramatic fishtail, Ceka recommends slicking the front hairs back with some gel.

Stay Fresh

Maintaining your new look could mean the difference between getting something you love and something you hate. Talk to your stylist about regular cut and color maintenance to keep your look fresh. Is this new look budget-friendly? Do you have the products and tools necessary to style your new look?

When you completely change your look, it can take some getting used to—particularly if you’ve had the same hairstyle for a long time (or since the beginning of time). Work with and adjust to your new style, and try not to go back to the same habits that pushed you to a makeover to begin with. Take note of the things you like about your new style, if there are things that aren’t working for you, and keep communicating with your hairstylist. It could easily take a few appointments to get every detail right, but it’s better than staying bored. Above all, enjoy your new, fresh look. Show it off, have fun, and let your new hairstyle inspire you. Experiment with new makeup colors, maybe different outfits. You’ll find that a new hairstyle can just be the beginning of a brand new you.

How to Train Your Hair

This article was co-authored by Ashley Adams. Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 184,743 times.

Styling your hair can be tough sometimes, especially if you have oily, frizzy, or otherwise unmanageable hair. But by training your hair, you can cut back your time spent brushing and staring in the mirror. Working with your hair a little bit each day can teach your hair to do what you want it to do in the long term. Within a few weeks, your hair will be much healthier and easier to style!

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Use a shampoo only once every 3-4 days to prevent it from stripping your hair of natural oils, which can make your hair overcompensate and produce too much oil.

How to Wear a Middle Part

This article was co-authored by Brianna Bowling. Brianna Bowling is a Hair Stylist and the Co-Owner of The CRAFT Salon in Glendora, California. With more than 11 years of experience, she specializes in balayage, blonding, and vivid colors. Brianna has received years of in-depth training on advanced color techniques.

There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 11,704 times.

Parting your hair down the center is an easy, classic styling choice. What you do with your hair after parting it can take your look from casual to dressy or somewhere between. Middle parts are versatile in the sense that you can style your hair relaxed and wavy or sleek and straight. If you prefer to wear your hair relaxed or wavy, focus on playing with the volume and texture of your hair to create alluring looks. Straight hair can be styled in a variety of ways to suit the occasion and emphasize your best features.

\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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