Okay, so finding hairstyles that don’t feel too young or too grown-up? Honestly, it’s harder than it sounds.
I’ve spent way too many mornings staring at my reflection, trying to figure out what actually works for school.
These 20 teen hairstyles for girls are the ones I keep coming back to — they’re cute, easy, and actually doable.
Trust me, I’ve tried them all. Some worked better than I expected, and a few surprised me completely.
The Hairstyles
1. Half-Up Space Buns
These are so fun and playful. You take the top half of your hair and twist it into two small buns.
Perfect for round or oval faces, and honestly? They make any outfit look more put-together without trying too hard.
I wore these to a friend’s birthday party last month, and everyone kept asking how I did them.
Spoiler: It took like five minutes. Use a texturizing spray if your hair’s too slippery — learned that the hard way.
2. High Ponytail with Scrunchie
This one’s a classic for a reason. You gather all your hair up high and secure it with a scrunchie.
It’s great for workouts, school days, or literally anything. I love how it keeps hair completely off your face.
My go-to scrunchie is always velvet — it holds better and doesn’t leave those annoying creases in your hair.
Total game-changer when you’re running late. Which, let’s be real, is most mornings for me.
3. Messy Bun
The messy bun is perfect when you want to look effortlessly cool. Twist your hair into a loose bun.
Let a few pieces fall out around your face. It works for everyone, but especially if you have thick hair.
I literally do this when I haven’t washed my hair in two days and need to look decent anyway.
Pull it a little looser for more volume. Honestly, the messier it looks, the better it turns out.
4. Side Braid
A side braid is super simple and looks way more polished than it actually is. Sweep everything to one side.
Then braid it down. I love this for casual Fridays or hanging out with friends after school.
It keeps your hair out of the way but still looks soft and pretty. Works great on wavy or straight hair.
Add a small ribbon at the end if you’re feeling fancy. I did that once for a family dinner.
5. Dutch Braids
Dutch braids look so cool and athletic. They’re like French braids but flipped — the braid sits on top.
I wear these to the gym or on beach days because they stay put no matter what you’re doing.
They take a little practice, not gonna lie. I messed up the first few times and had to start over.
But once you get it? So worth it. Perfect for active days or when you want something secure.
6. Low Ponytail with Ribbon
This style feels elegant but still really easy. Tie your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Then wrap a ribbon around the base or tie it into a bow. I wore this to a school event.
People thought I spent forever on my hair. Nope, like three minutes tops. It’s cute and works for any occasion.
Choose a ribbon color that matches your outfit for a more coordinated look. Honestly, such a simple trick.
7. Half-Up Half-Down with Curls
This one’s romantic and soft. Curl your hair with a curling wand, then pull the top half back.
Secure it with a clip or elastic. Perfect for dates, school dances, or honestly just feeling pretty.
I use my old curling wand for this, and it works perfectly. The curls don’t have to be perfect either.
Actually, looser curls look more natural. I tried super tight curls once and it felt too formal for me.
8. French Braid
A classic French braid never goes out of style. Start at your crown and braid all the way down.
It’s polished and works for literally any face shape or hair type. I do this for school on rushed mornings.
It keeps everything neat all day long. No flyaways, no mess. Just clean and simple.
If your hair’s layered, use a bit of hairspray to keep shorter pieces in place. Trust me on that.
9. Claw Clip Updo
Claw clips are back and I’m obsessed. Twist your hair up loosely and clip it with a big claw clip.
It’s messy, it’s chic, and it takes seconds. I wear this when I’m studying or doing homework.
Works best with medium to thick hair. If your hair’s fine, tease it a bit first for more grip.
The best part? You can find cute claw clips everywhere now. I have like ten in different colors.
10. Bubble Ponytail
Bubble ponytails look so fun and unique. Start with a high ponytail, then add elastics down the length.
Gently pull each section to create bubbles. It’s playful and eye-catching. Perfect for spirit week or themed events.
I did this for crazy hair day at school and got so many compliments. It’s easier than it looks.
Use clear elastics so they blend in better. And don’t pull the bubbles too hard or they’ll deflate weirdly.
11. Top Knot
The top knot is sleek and modern. Pull your hair into a high bun right on top of your head.
It’s great for showing off earrings or a bold lip. I love this style for casual hangouts or coffee runs.
Works best when your hair’s a little dirty, actually. Clean hair can be too slippery to hold the bun.
Twist it tight for a ballet-inspired look, or leave it loose for something more relaxed. Both work really well.
12. Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids look intricate but they’re actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Split hair into two.
Then take small pieces from each side and cross them over. It’s bohemian and really pretty for summer.
I wore this to a music festival last year and it held up all day in the heat.
Pull the braid apart a little at the end for a fuller, more relaxed vibe. Makes it look even better.
13. Braided Headband
This style is so cute and unique. Braid a small section from one side of your head to the other.
Pin it like a headband across your forehead or along your hairline. It’s perfect for keeping hair off your face.
I do this when I want something different but not too complicated. Works great for long or medium-length hair.
Add some bobby pins underneath to secure it if your hair’s fine or slippery. Learned that trick from YouTube.
14. Low Bun
A low bun is elegant and timeless. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist into a bun.
Secure with pins or an elastic. Perfect for formal events, family dinners, or even job interviews.
I wore this to my cousin’s wedding last summer and felt so sophisticated. It’s simple but really polished.
Use a hair donut if you want extra volume. Makes the bun look fuller and more put-together instantly.
15. Wavy Hair with Middle Part
Sometimes simple is best. Part your hair down the middle and add loose waves with a curling iron.
It’s effortless and works for literally any occasion. I do this when I want to look nice but natural.
Use a heat protectant spray first — seriously, don’t skip that step. My hair used to get so fried.
Finish with a light texturizing spray for movement. Honestly, this style makes me feel the most like myself.
16. Double Ponytails
Double ponytails are playful and nostalgic in the best way. Part your hair down the middle and create two ponytails.
They’re cute for casual days or when you want to feel a little more fun. I wear these to amusement parks.
They keep your hair secure on rides and look adorable in photos. Works best with medium to thick hair.
Add scrunchies or ribbons for extra personality. My favorites are always bright colors or fun patterns.
17. Twist Back Half-Up
This style is romantic and easy. Take two sections from the front and twist them back toward the crown.
Secure with pins or a small elastic. It’s soft and feminine, perfect for date nights or special dinners.
I love how it keeps hair off your face without being too structured. Works beautifully on wavy or curly hair.
Add a small flower clip at the back for a boho touch. I did that once and felt like a Pinterest dream.
18. Curly Ponytail
A curly ponytail is bouncy and full of life. Curl your hair first, then pull it into a high ponytail.
Let the curls cascade down for volume and movement. It’s fun, flirty, and works great for parties or events.
I wore this to homecoming and got so many compliments. The curls make the ponytail look way more special.
Use a strong-hold elastic to keep it secure. Curly hair is heavier, so you need something that won’t slip.
19. Sleek Straight Hair with Clips
Straighten your hair completely, then add decorative clips on one or both sides. It’s sleek, modern, and trendy.
I love this style for feeling polished without putting in much effort. Works best on medium to long hair.
Use a flat iron on low heat and always apply heat protectant first. I burned my hair once — never again.
Choose fun clips with pearls, stars, or colors that match your outfit. Such an easy way to elevate the look.
20. Scarf Wrapped Ponytail
This style is so chic and adds instant personality. Pull your hair into a ponytail, then wrap a scarf around it.
Let the ends of the scarf hang down or tie them into a bow. I love this for summer or festival vibes.
It’s colorful, fun, and makes any basic ponytail look way more interesting. Works with any hair texture or length.
Choose a silk or satin scarf for a smoother wrap. Cotton scarves can snag on your hair sometimes.
Final Thoughts
So those are my 20 favorite teen hairstyles for girls that actually work in real life. Not just on Pinterest.
I’ve tried all of these at different points, and they’ve saved me on rushed mornings, special events, and lazy weekends.
Which one are you thinking of trying first? I’d genuinely love to hear what you pick.
Hairstyles should make you feel good, not stressed. So pick what feels right for you and just have fun with it.
