Ready to head back to school with a fresh new look? We asked top hairstylists to share their expert tips for the best back-to-school hairstyles.
Whether your preference is easy and edgy, sleek and clean, classic with a twist, natural highlight, or healthy layers, these hairstyles will give you that extra confidence to start the school year right. Here are some must-try looks that are easy to achieve and play around with, as recommended by these hair experts.
Easy edgy
Lourd Ramos, Creations Salon creative director
“It’s all about wearability,” shares Lourd, especially when it comes to living in a tropical country like the Philippines. For women, the blunt bob is a classic but edgy look to pull off. With hair cut straight across at the ends for a sharp look, this sleek style is perfect for those who are chic, polished, and like to take risks.
Another bob to consider is the angular bob, which Lourd recommends, “ Best for the younger generation with colored hair signature style of Vogue editor Anna Wintour.” Usually shorter at the back and gradually longer toward the face, this short hairstyle is given an updated look with lighter hair colors, or even bleached.
If long hair is your preference, then try the foxy haircut. “It has tons of layers and texture to play up the facial shape. Curls could also frame the face,” shares Lourd. If you are one who loves to have fun, be creative, and isn’t afraid to stand out, then this hairstyle should fit your charismatic energy.
“For men, the 2fade block has clean sides but longer layers on top for movement and texture,” explains Lourd. This look has two different hair levels, one shorter and one longer, sectioned by two blocks of hair. The longer section, as Lourd mentioned, will give more movement to the wearer who is expressive and creative—letting him style his hair, depending on his mood for the day.
Lourd ends by sharing styling tips, as it is a must for him. “Men can do spikes, creating a bad boy look. They can also try semi-fade perm bangs, which is referred to the S style, that fit all ages—inspired by K-drama,” he continues. “For women, big waves can be achieved using big barrel curlers, but hair must be cut with full textured layers.”
As for hair color, “So famous now as they style natural curls with hair color in lavender, and purple and ash tones. In fashion are afro frizz curls using blue black as color base notes.”
Sleek and clean
Suyen Salazar, hairstylist
“Sleek clean hair will be the trend since it’s a simple look to achieve, it’s stylish and versatile,” starts Suyen, who continues by suggesting different looks one can create from this simple hairstyle.
“You can do a sleek clean look with different partings. You can play with it and create a clean beautiful bun or a high sleek pony. Clean styles can also be worn down, like a brushed back look or, for shorter hair girls, a clean flipped out style.”
Classics with a twist
Jim Ryan Ros, Culture Salon Manila founder and creative director
“Gen Z individuals are known for their daring nature, especially when it comes to their hairstyles,” Jim explains. When one looks back at the recent hairstyles popping up on social media, they are actually looks sported by the older generation—but given a twist and a new name.
“They’ve reimagined the 80’s shag, adding more texture and depth, now dubbing it as the ‘broccoli cut’ or ‘wolf cut.’ Similarly, they’ve given a contemporary twist to the mullet, making it more stylish and attractive. Their preference leans towards hairstyles that emphasize texture and fluidity.”
But one doesn’t just jump on these hair trends without understanding face shapes, especially for men. Jim shares that the mullet haircut that’s a hit with men needs a modern approach—”by pairing it with a fade that best suits your face shape.”
“For round face shape, taper fades will keep the sides neat without emphasizing roundness. For square face, drop fade is ideal to balance the strong jaw and bone structure. Oval shape face is very versatile. Skin fade for a clean and modern look while Medium fade for a more relax feel Diamond face shape is best to have High fades to draw attention upwards balancing the narrow forehead and chin.”
Natural highlights
Renz Pangilinan, celebrity hairstylist
Hairstylist to the stars such as Liza Soberano, Kyline Alcantara, Kylie Verzosa, and many more, Renz believes that it’s “all about showing your own style but still keeping it cool and chic.”
“For hair, it’s all about loving your natural waves, color, and texture, and really embracing who you are,” he shares this reminder. This means that it’s all about working with what you have, loving everything about your hair and highlighting what is unique about your locks.
Healthy layers
Alex Kee, Lifestyle Salon artistic stylist
Being a young hairstylist, Alex understands what works with students. “There are many restrictions for some schools and college/university courses,” he quips. “For women, I suggest hair keratin treatments to give sleek, smooth, frizz-free, and shiny hair. They can also try moisturizing hair treatments to nurture strands caused by stress.”
As for haircuts, “short to long bob with curtain bangs” for women are Alex’s best bet. “For men, any variations on faded haircuts, from mid-high with textured or permed top.”
He also recommends scalp and exfoliation treatments for those who are part of the school’s sports programs.
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