Let’s be honest—most mornings you don’t have time for anything complicated. You need hairstyles that look good, take five minutes max, and don’t require a ton of skill or products. I’ve rounded up the best everyday hairstyles for teens that actually work for school, hanging out, or literally anything else you’ve got going on.
Why These Hairstyles Work for Teens
The best everyday hairstyles for teens are the ones you can do half-asleep, that stay put all day, and that look intentional even when you didn’t really try that hard. They work with your natural hair texture instead of fighting against it, and they don’t require heat tools every single day because honestly, that’s terrible for your hair.
The Classic Low Ponytail
This sounds boring but hear me out—a sleek low ponytail is actually super versatile and looks way more put-together than a messy bun. Just brush your hair back, secure it at the nape of your neck with a hair tie, and you’re done. If you want to make it look more polished, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to hide it, then secure with a bobby pin.
This works for literally every hair type and takes about two minutes. You can dress it up with a nice scrunchie or keep it simple. It’s one of those everyday hairstyles for teens that never looks out of place.
The Half-Up Half-Down
This is probably my most-used hairstyle because it keeps hair out of your face but still looks like you made an effort. Take the front sections of your hair from about ear-level forward, pull them back, and secure with a hair tie or claw clip. That’s it.
You can make it neater by smoothing down the top section, or keep it more relaxed and textured. It works whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly. If you’ve got shorter layers around your face, this style actually looks even better because those pieces frame your face nicely.
The Messy Bun (But Make It Cute)
The messy bun is one of the ultimate everyday hairstyles for teens, but there’s a difference between “cute messy” and “I literally just woke up.” Here’s how to do it right: flip your head upside down and gather your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around the base, securing with a hair tie. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and gently tug on the bun to make it fuller and more textured.
The key is making it look intentionally messy, not like you gave up halfway through. This style is perfect for second-day hair or when you’re running late but still want to look decent.
Two French Braids
Before you scroll past this thinking it’s too complicated—it’s really not once you get the hang of it. French braids are amazing everyday hairstyles for teens because they keep your hair completely secure all day, they work for sports or activities, and they look really cute.
Start by parting your hair down the middle. On one side, take a section near your forehead and split it into three pieces. Start braiding normally, but each time you cross a section over, add a little bit of loose hair to it. Keep going until you run out of hair to add, then finish with a regular braid and secure with a hair tie. Repeat on the other side.
They take about five minutes once you’ve practiced, and your hair will stay perfect literally all day. Plus, when you take them out, you get these amazing waves.
The Low Bun
This is one of the most elegant everyday hairstyles for teens and it’s surprisingly easy. Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, twist it, and wrap it around the base into a bun. Secure with bobby pins or a hair tie. You can make it neat and sleek or keep it a bit loose and relaxed.
If you’ve got shorter layers that fall out, use a bit of hairspray or some bobby pins to tuck them in. This style looks sophisticated enough for presentations or more formal situations, but it’s still comfortable and easy.
Slicked-Back Ponytail
For when you want to look really polished, the slicked-back ponytail is perfect. Apply a bit of gel or mousse to damp or dry hair, brush it straight back into a high or mid ponytail, and secure tightly. Use a brush or your hands to smooth down any flyaways.
This is one of those everyday hairstyles for teens that looks super clean and put-together. It works especially well if you’ve got thick hair that can handle being pulled back tightly. Just don’t do this every single day because constant tension isn’t great for your hairline.
Simple Side Braid
Part your hair to one side, gather all your hair over one shoulder, and braid it loosely. Secure at the end and gently pull on the braid to make it fuller and more relaxed-looking. This takes literally three minutes and looks effortlessly pretty.
It’s one of the best everyday hairstyles for teens with longer hair because it keeps everything contained without being boring. You can dress it up by starting with a French braid at the top or keep it simple with just a regular braid.
Tips for Better Everyday Hairstyles
Here’s what makes these styles actually work:
Invest in good hair ties. The thick, seamless ones are so much better than those thin elastic ones that break and damage your hair. Scrunchies are having a moment and they’re actually better for your hair too.
Don’t wash your hair every day. Second-day hair holds styles better than freshly washed hair, which can be too slippery and soft.
Keep bobby pins and hair ties everywhere. Your backpack, your locker, your bathroom—you never know when you’ll need to fix something.
Work with your natural texture. If your hair is curly, don’t fight it by trying to do styles that require straight hair. Pick everyday hairstyles for teens that complement what your hair naturally does.
The Bottom Line
The best everyday hairstyles for teens are the ones you can do quickly, that last all day, and that make you feel confident. Master three or four of these and you’ll never have a bad hair day again. Start with whichever one seems easiest, practice it a few times, and then add more styles to your rotation. Your morning routine will thank you.