Uncategorized

Back to school just make you want to go back to bed? We get that. After a whole summer of sleeping in and barely changing out of your sweats, it can be a real buzzkill. Then again, there is something to be said for the newness of it all. New clothes, new schedule, new classmates, and new school hair. 

What if we told you that you could rock a new hairstyle for school without having to start your day any earlier? Sleep in and show up with a fresh hairdo—sign us up! 

Here’s what to do with your hair for school, even if you don’t like getting up early. 

Princess Leia Buns

You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to appreciate the sleek, effortless appeal of the double side bun. Commonly referred to as “Princess Leia” buns, these cuties are intentionally wrapped low around the ears for a distinctive look that’s quick to execute. 

Simply part your hair down the middle, secure each side with a ponytail holder, then wrap the length of your hair around itself to create these signature strands. 

Loose French Braid

This elegant look is perfect for the first day of school or even your first day of practice! It’s lovely enough to complement your new school clothes, and practical enough to keep you cool when you head into athletics. 

If you don’t know how to French braid, start by watching this French Braid tutorial. Then, all you have to do is pick the direction of your side part and give it a whirl! 

Headband Twist Up 

Dirty hair day? No problem. This clever half-up hairdo features a semi-hidden headband that adds a layer of interest while concealing the unclean. 

Pull out a few strands of hair from the front or side of your head. Use a silk scarf, headwrap, or bandana to tie underneath, taking care not to secure it too tightly. From there, you can carefully twist the freed pieces around the headband for an easy back to school hairstyle any day of the week. 

Casual Braided Ponytail 

Remember that French Braid tutorial you just watched? Keep it handy. This casual back to school hairdo is perfect whether you have a case of the Mondays or want to celebrate the end of the week in style. 

French Braid the top half of your hair down part-way down the back. Secure the remaining strands with a ponytail holder. Ideal for shorter haircuts with lots of layers, which can otherwise be challenging to wear up. 

Double Ponytail Braid

Few styles are prettier than a laid-back low pony. It can take you from day to night in no time, making it look like you spent hours on your hair. In reality, you only need a few simple tools and a couple of minutes in front of the mirror.  

Part your hair down the middle. Use a ponytail holder to secure your hair at the base of your neck. Then, twist two separate sections around one another or do a short braid, and add a second ponytail holder underneath. Let some strands stay loose to add dimension. Curl or straighten for added emphasis. 

Space Buns 

When it comes to cute back to school hairstyles, this one’s out of this world. Use Space Buns to show off your alternative side or simply try something new. 

Create two triangle sections of hair on either side. Twist hair into a bun. Use a thin elastic band or two intersecting bobby pins to secure. 

Hippie Half Up 

Half-up-half-down hair looks fancy, but that doesn’t mean you have to set your alarm clock back to do it. 

Braid or twist thin side strands and secure them around the back. You can clip them, use an elastic hair tie, or even style the remaining hair into a bun! 

Adorned Top Bun 

We all have topknot days—and that’s a-ok. 

If you want to give yours a little flare, you can secure it with a scrunchie or adorn with fresh (or fake!) flowers as a conversation starter. 

Back to school hairstyle FAQ 

Not sure how to style your hair specifically? The hair professionals at Gina’s Platform can help you find a few fabulous options to get you through the school year. 

You can also review these questions they’re used to hearing inside the salon: 

Remember that this year, some schools may be requiring masks. As you’re selecting your back to school style, make sure and choose one that won’t interfere. 

Connect with the best hair stylists in your area any time to start the new school year off with a gold star! 

The only thing worse than a sunburn on your skin? Sunburnt hair.

By now, most of us have heard enough horror stories to know that repeated applications of sunscreen are a must, especially as temps rise. But not everyone thinks about protecting hair from the sun the same way they do their skin—and that’s a big mistake.

Skin damaging UVA and UVB rays can also sizzle your strands, leaving them thin, frizzy, and unable to hold a curl. Couple that with fun summer pastimes like swimming, and it could be hard for hair to make a full recovery.

Regardless of color or texture, all hair types are vulnerable to sun damage. Knowing how to protect hair from the sun is the best way to keep your strands silky and healthy, but first, a bit about what you’re protecting against.

1. Dry, brittle locks. Fail to protect hair from UV rays and you’re at minimum going to be dealing with dry, unmanageable hair. It’ll feel as crispy as it looks too, especially if you expose it to pool chlorine or salty beach waves.
2. Discoloration. If you’ve ever colored your hair, it’s automatically more prone to sun damage. That’s because treatments can disrupt the hair’s cuticle protein known as keratin, making it more susceptible. Be prepared for that artificial color to fade or even change shades entirely, too. Sporting your natural color? Sun can easily damage its natural melanin, permanently discoloring your strands. For lighter, thinner strands, the impact is particularly disruptive.
3. Thinning hair. Hair naturally thins as we age, but there’s no reason to speed that process prematurely. Expose your hair to sun and heat and strands can become so damaged they begin to thin.
4. Untamable frizz. No amount of flat ironing or blow outs can save you if hair gets too sun damaged. The only solution? Sun hair care. (More on this in a bit.)
5. Split ends. Sun damaged hair inevitably results in split ends and breakage as its keratin proteins disintegrate. That means hair won’t grow as long and always looks a little ratty, no matter how much styling you try to do.

How to prevent sun damaged hair

If you’re noticing your hair color shift or find that your strands are more unmanageable after exposure to heat and sun, don’t worry. Your hair care professional can help you get back to a good baseline. These hair repair tips can help, too.

However, the best way to prevent the sun from damaging your hair is to protect it. While you may not be able to avoid the sun altogether (unless you have a real bummer summer), incorporating these preventative practices can save your strands.

• Cover up with a hat, scarf, or parasol. Shielding your strands from the sun is the #1 way to keep them protected. Avoiding peak sun hours and seeking shade when possible can help, too.
• Minimize chlorine exposure. Pool chemicals, heat, and sun are a lethal combo. If you’re going to swim in a chlorinated pool, try to either dilute or shield your strands. You can wet your hair before you get in the water, lessening the amount your hair absorbs. Make sure you rinse or wash your hair as soon as you get out of the pool, too. Wearing a swim cap or putting your hair up so that it doesn’t get saturated is also a strategic move that could spare your strands.
• Use a beach hair protector. Certain hair care products have SPF built in and offer good sun protection. You can also incorporate more nourishing products into your summer hair care routine, including masks, oils, and leave-in conditioners.

Summer hair FAQ

Same as your skin, very little sun (if any) is really “good” for your hair. Minimizing exposure is highly recommended.