40 Cute and Cool Hairstyles for Teenage Girls

Being a teenager it’s hard to look improper. Whether you opt to rock a half-shaved punk style, a razor haircut or an Emo look, that’s all fine, as long as you are a teenager. 12-18 y.o is the best period for experiments, changes of styles and trying on new extraordinary looks. Most people don’t ever feel again as much freedom in self-expression as they did when they were teenagers. We’ll give you a few bright ideas on simple hairstyles for short, medium and long hair you can wear to school or in your free time.

Cute and Easy Hairstyles for Teens Trendy in 2021

A hairstyle for a busy teen should be cute and stylish yet easy to do. The following hairstyles from teenage blend style, creativity and glamour. Below you will see a gallery of easy hairstyles for school for teenage girls – some vivid and low-maintenance solutions you can embrace or draw inspiration from to create your own fun and eye-catching looks. No matter what type or length of hair you have, you’ll get a couple of cool ideas here!

1. Side Dutch Braid for Girls

Youth is the best time to embrace super long, carefree hair before jobs, kids and term papers get in the way. On days when you are in between washes or just want to pull your hair back in a stylish way, a side Dutch braid is simple and easy.

2. Teenage Triple-Braid Hairdo

Instead of a chunky braid, which has a more bohemian vibe, small cornrows provide edge to a basic loose look. Worn by ‘it girls’ like Kylie Jenner and Rita Ora, cornrows are definitely one of the most popular cool hairstyles for girls this year.

3. Cute Floral Crown

If you need a flirty style for long hair for your next school dance or special occasion, this is a worthy option. A regal flower crown can seem a bit overdone for semi-formal events, so add few small buds for a whimsical touch.

4. Cool Knotted Braid

A French braid style is so versatile – it can be easy to wear over and over again. But, if you are starting to grow tired of the same old look, just try another braiding technique. A French four-strand braid with a ribbon (or without) adds texture by creating more bulk with its raised appearance and tiny knotted details.

5. Hippie Hairstyle for Girls

Everything old is new again, for example the hippie hairstyle of the mid-sixties is now embraced as a common music festival look. While flowing waves and flower crowns are sweet and retro, you can upgrade your cute hairstyles with a modern messy braid.

6. Braided Ponytail for Teens

Ponytails are great for school on days when you have overslept or just don’t feel like putting in too much effort. You can elevate the basic look with a fun braid. The best part is this can be done the night before for mornings when you just want to get up and go.

7. Classy Chignon for Teenage Girls

Sometimes you have to pull it together for events where many adults will be present: grandparents’ birthday parties, weddings, etc. For moments like this, it’s best to stick to the classic hairdos that aren’t too overdone. A braided bun will add subtle texture to the simple updo style.

8. Crown Hairdo for Girls

If you have waist length straight hair, achieving an updo can be burdensome—buns are massive and ponytails are insanely long and heavy. Crown braids are one of the best cute hairstyles for girls with long hair because they allow you to pull your hair up without it looking bulky.

9. Side Braid for Teens

A messy French braid is cute and easy, but still looks pulled together. It’s great for long hair that needs a little more body and texture. This style works on many different hair textures and face shapes. Take it a step further by using a waterfall technique into a French braid as shown here.

Instagram/ @yiyayellow

10. Cute Double Braid

Those with thin medium to long hair can use many different tricks to make their strands look fuller. Braids around the face add texture while keeping your hair from sticking to your head in an unflattering way. If you find that your bun is not as thick as you would like, try adding a sock inside to give it the perfect donut shape.

11. Braided Bun for Teens

One of the most classic girl hairstyles is a low bun with a side part because it’s easy and looks good on everyone. It may seem too boring for some tween girls, so add a chunky braid and wispy layers to elevate it and make it more casual.

12. Teenage Triple Threat

Consider this the middle ground between basic hair and a Mohawk for a teenage girl who craves a bit of edge. Braids are good because they can easily be undone when you want to change it up. Balance your hairdo with a minimalistic outfit.

13. Cute Twisted Braid

One of the best ways to show off beautiful highlights is with a twist or braids—but in this case, why not go for both? Although this sleek style looks simple, it is actually quite intricate, so it’s best to visit a stylist who specializes in braiding.

Instagram/ @hairbymatilda

14. Cool Double Braid Ponytail

Ponytails are definitely great teen hairstyles, but boxer braids (two French braids) are quickly gaining popularity to compete (or complete) ponytails. Fuse the two styles into the ultimate trendy look. This will work best for medium to long hair.

15. Double Crown Braid for Teens

Instead of dated headbands, pull your hair back with a creative crown braid. As with many teens, go big or go home so instead of wearing just one braid go for the double trouble look.

16. Cool Messy Bun

This Dutch fishtail into messy bun is the perfect casual look for a weekend movie date or hanging out at the mall with friends. The fishtail method involves weaving together 4 sections of hair instead of 3. Once you get the braiding pattern down, this will be an easy go-to for a quick style.

17. Lovely Lace Braid for Girls

A lace braid is somewhat similar to a French braid except that you only add new pieces of hair on one side while you are braiding. The floating braid is perfect for teenage hairstyles because it’s easy to learn and looks cool. This style is best for young ladies with long hair.

18. Cool and Crazy Braid

The hardest part about finding a style for teens is that you don’t want them to look too grown and you also don’t want them to feel like a little girl. By using two lace Dutch braids interwoven into a five-strand Dutch braid, you create interesting color and texture patterns—not to mention it working as a conversation starter in the hallways. The sparkly bow keeps it age appropriate.

19. Cute Curly Ponytail

The best way to elevate a basic ponytail is by adding texture. Bouncy curls provide body and the thin braid wrapped around the ponytail holder is a delicate detail. Take it a step further with a small bud—don’t pick a too large one, with thin hair this can become overwhelming.

20. Cute Triangle Braid Crown

Festival fashion is very popular among young ladies, and here’s one of the best festival hairstyles for teenage girls. With a colorful flower crown and triangle braid detail, this will make her feel like she is at Coachella even if she is too young to go.

21. Style with Accessories

Sometimes the best hairstyles are the simple ones – like those using a cute accessory to hold hair in place. This long style is pulled together with a pretty bow. Whether you use braids or a ponytail, bows and other embellishments alleviate the hair styling stress on school days.

22. Top Knot Trend

One of today’s cool hairstyles for girls is found among top knots. Simple to pull together and incredibly youthful, it’s deservedly remains top ranked among tween hairstyles.

23. Braided Bun

Perfect both for school and a fancy occasion, this style is a combination of a four-strand braid and a low bun. Cool hairstyles for girls don’t necessarily need to be complicated – sometimes a traditional hairdo works best. This updo is especially convenient because when it gets messier, it looks even more charming.

24. Fashionable Fishtail

Fishtail braids look awesome on long hair. You might need a few practice sessions before you master this hairstyle, but once you do, you’ll feel proud of yourself and ready to conquer the day.

25. Bun with a Twist

Cute and sophisticated, this is an example of a lovely teen hairstyle for any occasion. It will work best on medium to thick hair with highlights. The longer your hair is, the thicker the bun will be. Secure this style with plenty of hair pins and setting spray.

26. Intricate Braids

If you’re tired of traditional braids, this is a really cool alternative. It takes a lot of time and effort, but if done correctly, it can last all day – perhaps even into the next. This hairstyle doesn’t just look pretty, it will serve well to keep hair out of your face, as you are going through your busy schedule.

27. Mohawk-Inspired Braid

Part Queen Elsa, part punk rebel, this intricate Mohawk-inspired hairdo is super cool – it laughs in the face of any mundane ponytail. Pair it with today’s trendy gray hair color for a truly unique look that won’t be duplicated.

28. Tween Fishtail

There are many cute hairstyles for girls that are inspired by big girl looks. The fishtail braid is one that’s very popular. It leaves plenty of hair hanging loose at the bottom, creating a coifed yet youthful look.

29. Braided Crown

Every teenage girl dreams of her Prince Charming, and this hairstyle is the perfect inspiration for a Princess look. If you don’t have natural curls, you can easily get some with a large barreled curling iron or using your flat iron as a curler.

30. Waterfall Braid for Teens

Hairstyles for teens don’t have to be difficult – although sometimes they can look beautifully complicated. A waterfall braid takes a few practice sessions, but in general it’s quite easy to complete. It’s a popular hairstyle right now, especially with high school and college students.

31. Fauxhawk Braid for Medium Hair

Enjoy wearing your locks free-flowing? Braid the section above your forehead to keep those locks from falling into your face. Stop on the crown and finish the braid with a careless knot. This works well even on shorter locks and thin hair, which means it’s one of the rare styles that are truly available to every girl. Plus, it looks really cool as a bonus.

32. Basket Weave Braid

This is another type of braid that looks much more elaborate than it actually is. Plenty of online tutorials are available to help you master a basket weave – a hairstyle that’s perfect for spring time.

33. Descending Braid

This hairstyle is similar to a traditional French braid, only it descends diagonally down across the head. Add in a flower clip or ribbon for extra pizzazz. If you have longer hair, this will work best. Shorter hair will likely give you too many flyaways.

34. Flower Crown

This fishtail headband is amazing! Adding small blossoms or leaves to your hair (faux or straight from the garden) will give your style a sweet, romantic touch you’ll love.

35. Braided Headband for Creamy Blonde Locks

If you do not have bangs with longer hair, you need to tuck your front locks behind your ears constantly. To fix this problem in a fancier way, braid a headband. You may do it only on one side and fix the end of the braid invisibly to your freely hanging locks.

36. Side Fishtail

A braid flatters any teen girl, especially those with long hair. Long locks are meant to be braided. French braids, inverted braids and fishtails are among the top picks these days. Mackenzie Foy shows off a cute side fishtail with a centre part and a lovely balancing tendril on the other side.

Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

37. Dimensional Waves with a Deep Side Part

Dimensional waves like Amanda Steele’s look cool on shoulder length locks with delicate highlights 1-2 tones lighter than the base color. Style a deep side part and shape random loose waves with a large-barrel curling iron.

Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

38. Easy Side-Swept Boho Style

Healthy long hair is breathtakingly beautiful. With a simple boho hairstyle like this you’ll also keep it from falling on your face and attract everyone’s attention. Braid a few thin braids next to your cheek on one side, sweep all the locks to the same side and secure your gorgeous mane with a few bobby pins.

39. Side Downdo with Long Wispy Curls

The majority of side messy hairstyles for teens are always “wow”, trendy and really cool when you pair them with asymmetrically cut dresses, tanks or blouses. These gorgeous curls are scrunched, nonchalantly swept to one side and secured with a thin braided headband.

40. Polka Dots and Curls

Use sweet bright girly accessories like popular polka dot hair scarves or fun bows to move you casual hairstyles to the next level. If you have beautiful curly hair, a fun hairpiece like this is going to make your look even more attention-grabbing.

In our opinion, good taste and style are beyond age. Your hairstyle should reflect your good taste and knowledge of the current hair tendencies. On the other hand, we wouldn’t overlook those deliberately girly styles and accessories that you won’t be able to wear after 30.