16 Back to School Natural Hairstyles

New school year, new energy, new looks! Wearing your natural hair to school not only boosts confidence and allows for self-expression, but it allows for low-maintenance routines during a busy school schedule. In 2025, parents are often looking for convenience and protective styles.

Who Should Try These Natural Hairstyles?

These styles are perfect for girl who wants to protect their hair, express their personal style, and feel confident while rocking their natural hair. Specifically, curly, thick, and coarse hair will be able to safely sustain these styles.

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How to Best Prep Natural Hair for Hairstyles

See below for a simple guide on how to prepare your girl’s natural hair for these back to school hairstyles:

• Option but sometimes necessary, pre shampooing the hair (especially with oils or conditioners) helps to lock in moisture before shampooing, which can otherwise strip natural oils.

• Then use a clarifying shampoo to thoroughly clean the hair removing it of any product buildup allowing the natural hair to then later absorb the products afterwards.

• After shampooing, apply a deep conditioner to the natural hair. This step is beneficial in adding moisture into the hair specifically hair that is type 3 and type 4.

• From there, it’s super important to detangle the hair. Some like to detangle while the deep conditioner is still in, others prefer after rinsing it out. Be sure to always detangle with a detangler brush and work from the ends to the roots.

• Prior to styling, apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to the hair.

• If your style requires stretched hair, you can gently blow-dry it on a cool setting.

16 Back to School Natural Hairstyles

Classic Protective Styles

These go-to protective natural hairstyles styles are loved for a reason—they're reliable, protective, and help promote healthy hair growth for type 3 and type 4 natural hair.

1. Knotless Braids

2. Lemonade Braids

3. Two Strand Twists

4. Flat Twists

5. Stitch Braids

Easy Everyday Styles

These are perfect for taking out in the early mornings and still keep you looking cute all week with the right maintenance.

6. Blown Out Twist Out

7. Twist Out

8. Space Buns

9. High Puff

10. Pineapple Updo

Trendy & Creative Hairstyles

11. Half Braids Half Curls

12. Braided Buns

13. Juicy Twist

14. Curly Hairstyle

15. Boho Knotless Braids

16. Afro Puff With Twist