Whether you are using this low half-up back-to-school hairstyle for your kids or yourself doesn't matter. We just know that it is easy to create and beautiful. A version of a low ponytail, but more of a half-up and half-down style, this is one of those styles that pull your hair back out of your face but doesn't take a ton of effort to put together.

three waterfall braid on back of blonde hair

Easy Back-to-School Hairstyle

Sometimes, you need your hair out of your face, but you don't want to go with a full ponytail or updo. If you need simple and functional, then this low ponytail style is perfect for you. A simple way of pulling hair back into a style that takes literally only 2 to 3 minutes to create, is perfect for almost any hair length.

If you like the idea of simplicity, then check out our list of 5-minute hair tutorials too. That list has tons of ideas that are sure to make styling your hair easier on those busy mornings. And, if you need another option, check out our favorite ponytail hairstyles. So many fun ways to add style to your hair without taking a ton of time.

tassel earings and dark red shirt on woman with blonde hair

What Do I Need to Create This Low Ponytail Look?

The best thing about this cute little hairstyle is that you only need your hairbrush or comb, and a few small elastic hair bands. I like using the tiny ones for this since they are super handy and aren't bulky. The model used white, but you can use any colors or just clear so they don't show up as much.

Tools I Use

If you want to have tools on hand for more styles, then make sure you check out my suggested haircare products below. These items find themselves useful in my routine on a regular basis. You can't go wrong with a good detangling brush and dry shampoo, but the other items can prove to be handy too!

Other Items I Love:

lady in dark red shirt with long blonde hair

Half Up Low Ponytail Tutorial

This hairstyle can work for any length of hair. It is best with medium or long hair but can work with some shorter hair lengths as well. Another benefit to using this style is that it doesn't require freshly washed hair. It can be done with both clean and dirty hair with great results.

Before you begin, gather your supplies and make sure your hair has been brushed and detangled. This will make the process much easier to manage and faster for you to create.

Step 1

Section your hair so that a small amount, just above the ears is apart from the rest of your hair. Use a clip to hold the rest of your hair against the back of your head.

Step 2

Now, pull a small portion of the side pieces you held out to the back and over the rest of your hair.

woman holding front sections of hair out

Tie in place with a small hair tie.

Step 3

Using another small section of hair from in front, or just behind your ears, bring the sides back over the hair in the back.

Use a hair band to tie this into place, about 1" below the first hair band.

second waterfall braid being tied in place

Repeat this another 1 or 2 times, adding a bit of hair each time, but leaving the bulk of your hair loose underneath and hanging down your back.

How Can I Make This Low Ponytail Elegant?

While this look is pretty simple, it can also be an elegant look for an event or party. It's super easy to update this and make it work for any situation. I love when a simple look like this comes together easily and can be updated to go from day to night with ease.

Curl the ends of your hair that hang below the bottom tie. Larger waves or curls that have been finger-combed look best with this style.
Use clear hair ties and wrap a bit of your hair around each one to give a seamless look.
Put a small beaded tie around each section instead of the plain hair bands used.
Add a decorative comb to the sides where you pulled the hair back.

three layered low ponytail on blonde woman

More Easy Hairstyles

If you have long hair and are tired of the boring looks you wear each day, then we have some great ideas for you. Below you will find some of my personal favorite styles that are ideal for longer hair. Pick out the ones that you like and bookmark them. You can also print out the tutorial (with pictures), save the video on YouTube, or pin the tutorials to Pinterest so they are handy when you are ready to style your hair.

Yield: 1

Quick Low Half Up Back to School Hairstyle

This back-to-school hairstyle is a great way to pull hair back. A simple half-up low ponytail that is done in under 5 minutes!

Active Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Elastic hair bands

Tools

Instructions

Divide your hair into three sections with the largest portion on top and down the back. Clip this up leaving just the sides hanging down from the front.
Now, unclip the main hair, and pull these two sides back and over the hair hanging down. Secure this over the hair with a hair band.
Repeat this another 2 times with a small section of hair from above and behind the ear. Tie each one about 1" below the one above.