5 Back-to-School Ready Hair Styles: Elevate Your Look With The Side Part

The middle part had its moment, but 2026 is all about the side part. Subtle yet transformative, it adds instant volume, frames your face beautifully, and elevates every hairstyle from basic to editorial. Whether you’re running between classes, rushing to school photos, or just want to feel polished, a side part is the easiest way to make hair look intentional and stylish. Here’s how to make it the hero of your back-to-school hair routine, with step-by-step guides for five versatile looks.

1. Slick Ponytail

A polished ponytail is timeless, but a deep side part turns it into an editorial-ready look.

How to:

1. Start by creating a deep side part using a fine comb.
   

2. Smooth hair with the Blow Dry Brush for sleek, shiny strands.
   

3. Gather hair to the nape or mid-height on the opposite side of the part.
   

4. Secure with an elastic and smooth any flyaways with a Wax Stick.
   

5. Optional: wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a refined finish.
   

2. Messy Bun

The messy bun is a school-day lifesaver, and a side part makes it look deliberate rather than rushed.

How to:

1. Start with a deep side part.
   

2. Pull hair loosely into a bun either lower or higher on the head, wherever feels right!
   

3. Secure with an elastic and pins, leaving some strands loose for softness. 
   

4. Sleek the front down with a Wax stick and Hair gel wand or go in with the Double waver and wave the face framing pieces and any loose strands.
   

3. Blowout

A voluminous blowout is perfect for polished, full-of-life hair that lasts all day.

How to:

1. Start with clean and dry hair. Create a deep side part.
   

2. Apply a heat protectant and smooth hair with the Thermal Brush adding bounce and flicks.
   

3. Use the brush to lift hair at the roots and curl the ends slightly for natural volume.
   

4. Leave the hair down or go in with the Mermade Clear Claw Clip and create a half up half down look.

4. Beach Waves

Soft, tousled waves are perfect for second-day hair or relaxed school mornings.

How to:

1. Create a deep side part and prep hair with a heat protectant.
   

2. Use the 32mm Pro Waver to create loose, textured waves. Alternate the direction of the waves for natural movement.

3. Run fingers through the waves for a relaxed finish.
   

4. Add a touch of Hair Gel Wand to sleek down the side part 
   

5. Braided Ponytail

For days when you want a more polished and creative look, a sleek updo with a braid adds sophistication and interest.

How to:

1. Begin with a deep side part.
   

2. Smooth hair the Styling brush and brush hair up into a pony tail then secure.
   

3. Braid the ponytail loosely and secure the end.

4. Finish with Wax Stick or Hair Gel Wand for shine and to tame flyaways.

No matter your hair type or morning schedule, mastering the side part is a game-changer for back-to-school hairstyles. From effortless waves to sleek updos and polished ponytails, these looks keep your hair classroom-ready while staying on-trend. With Mermade tools and products, students can create salon-worthy styles at home, saving time while looking stylish every school day.