Best Hairstyles for Long Hair Teens: Trendy Braids & Curls

Editor: Kirandeep Kaur on Dec 10,2025

Finding the best hairstyles for teens with long hair can be rather overwhelming since the options are literally endless. From sleek braids to soft curls, creative updos, trendy protective styles, and fun hair accessories, today's teens have more style freedom than ever. In these first 100 words alone, you will see how hairstyles, such as braids, curls, and updos, for long-haired teens can transform any teen's daily look, keeping hair healthy and expressive.

This ultimate guide breaks down the most stylish ideas, why they work, how to maintain long hair, and how teens can pick the perfect style for school, events, sports, and everything in between.

What Makes Hairstyles for Long Hair Teens So Trendy Today?

Long hair provides teens with the opportunity to experiment with braids, curls, up-dos, protective styles, and endless combinations with hair accessories. But what exactly makes these hairstyles for long-haired teens stand out in 2025?

Teens today want styles that are:

  • Easy to maintain
  • Stylish for both school and weekends
  • Healthy for hair
  • Accessory-compatible
  • Expressive and creative
  • Long hair has all of that — and more.

Let's dive into some of the most popular and practical options.

Which Braids Are Best for Teens with Long Hair?

Long-haired teens have ways galore when it comes to braids. Braids are the favorite of teens because they have a blend of beauty and convenience: keeping hair secure while allowing personal twists. Braids also double as protective styles, keeping hair safe from breakage and damage.

1. Classic French Braids

These are timeless, neat, and perfect for school days or sports practice. French braids give structure and keep hair in place all day.

2. Dutch Braids

A more striking Dutch braid is the opposite of a French braid: rather than crossing strands under each other, this style crosses them over. Because Dutch braids sit on top of the hair, the pattern created is much more striking than some other braids. Teens absolutely love them for pictures and events.

3. Fishtail Braids

Fishtails are an elegant and stylish means of adding texture and intricacy without being too complicated.

4. Box Braids (Protective Style)

Among the best protective styles for teens desiring durability are box braids. They reduce daily styling and promote growth, while giving your hair an amazing look with hair accessories.

5. Rope Twists

These soft, pretty twists look good both for casual and dressy days. They can also be finished with beads, ribbons, or small clips.

Why Are Curls a Top Trend for Long-Haired Teens?

curl and straight hairs of teen girls

Curls are having a major moment. Curls offer a fun aesthetic to long-haired teens while providing volume and movement. There are many different methods of creating curls, including heatless methods, as well as curling products that can provide definition to your curls.

1. Natural Curls with Definition

Curl-defining products enable teens with curly hair to enhance the texture of their natural curls by using these products both during the drying process and after styling.

2. Heatless Overnight Curls

Heatless Overnight Curls (for example) allow girls to curl their hair without causing heat damage to their hair. Teens use satin rollers, curl rods, or braids to make soft, bouncy curls by morning.

3. Beach Waves

Beachy waves are effortless and work well for casual day looks or even for school. They can easily be achieved with a wave spray or a simple braiding method.

4. Large Barrel Curls

Popular for school dances, birthday parties, and events, they provide a glamorous, polished finish.

Curls also look fabulous with hair accessories like headbands, clips, and pearl pins.

Which Updos Are Perfect for Long-Haired Teens?

Updos are very sought-after, easy ways among teens to manage those pesky long strands of hair. They are rather popular with sports, school, and events.

1. Messy Bun

Timeless, this look remains a popular favorite. It's so simple, chic, and works well with scrunchies and small accessories.

2. High Ponytail Updo

A raised ponytail is always stylish and keeps the face fresh. Teens can add curls or braid a small portion to give it flair.

3. Half-Up Bun

Trendy, perfect to show length and to keep some hair off the face.

4. Braided Updo

Mixing braids with an updo gives structure and grace. This is great for events like formal occasions or photo days at school.

5. Accessorized Top Knot

Teens absolutely love adding ribbons, scrunchies, and decorative pins for that playful twist.

Why Should Teens Use Protective Styles for Long Hair?

Protective styles are very important in maintaining long hair on teens by keeping it healthy, manageable, and preventing it from breaking. They reduce heat styling, tangles, and hair from environmental damage.

Protective Styles Your Teen Will Love

  • Box braids
  • Twists
  • Halo braid
  • Crown braid
  • Low manipulation updos
  • Bubble braids

They last longer and also go well with accessories like beads, clips, and metallic strings.

How Can Teens use Hair Accessories To Upgrade Long Hairstyles?

Accessories for hair can give long-haired teens an instant makeover, allowing them to be stylish and expressive.

Accessories Include:

  • Butterfly Clips
  • Scrunchies
  • Tails with Ribbon
  • Pin with Glitter
  • Decorator Combs
  • Elastic bands
  • Clip with a Hair Barrette
  • Headbands
  • Clip with Pearl

Teenagers can create a unique style by adding personality to their Braids, Curls, Updos, and protective styles using hair accessories. They also allow teens the ability to coordinate their hairstyles with their outfits and moods.

How Can Teenagers Choose an Appropriate Hairstyle for School or Events?

Choosing the best hairstyles for long-haired teens depends on the nature of the event, hair type, and comfort level. Here's a helpful breakdown:

 For School

  • A low ponytail with an accent of tiny braided strands
  • Half-up hairstyles
  • Simple Updo
  • Wearing a Curl Naturally

Wearing Loose Braids(Sport)

  • Creating a High Ponytail with an Updo
  • Creating Boxer Braids
  • Recreating a Tight Bun for the Gym

Hairstyles for Parties & Photos

  • Tapered Curls
  • Braiding into Updo
  • Fishtail Braiding
  • ½ Curling
  • Stratifield Waves

How To Maintain/Protect Long Hair As A Teenager?

Maintaining long hair is crucial for keeping braids, updos, curls, and protective styles looking fresh.

Maintenance Tips

  • Deep condition weekly
  • Trim ends every 6–8 weeks
  • Sleep with a satin scarf or pillowcase
  • Avoid excessive heat styling
  • Smooth your ends with serums.
  • Protective styles can keep the scalp clean.

Trendy Hairstyle Ideas That Teens Love Right Now

Following are a few of the most viral long hairstyles for teens that are trending on social media platforms:

1. Soft Mermaid Waves

Great for weekend outings or selfies.

2. Braided Crown Updo

The braids combined with an updo create a very romantic look, perfect for Pinterest.

3. Ponytail with Wrap-Around Hair

Sleek, polished, and great for school events.

4. Waterfall Braid and Curls

This blends braids, curls, and accessories just perfectly.

5. Satin Ribbon Braid

Young, attractive, and very popular with long-haired teenagers.

Why Hairstyles Matter for Confidence among Teens

For teens, looks matter, not out of vanity, but self-expression. Hairstyles are one way teens explore identity, creativity, and confidence while paying attention to the healthy development of hair. From braids to curls, from updos to protective styles, and even hair accessories, teens have options to combine their look into a personalized fashion statement.

Final Thoughts

Teen girls with long hair can explore all kinds of creative hairstyles. Teens can create all types of hairstyles (braided, curled, swept up, and/or worn under protective ornaments), applying proper care and fun accessories to help display their personality through their long hair while preserving it in a healthy state and looking great for every event.

FAQs 

What are some of the easiest hairstyles for long-haired teens to do daily?

The easiest hairstyles for long-haired teens seeking speedy, stylish everyday looks are simple braids, messy buns, half-up styles, natural curls, and ponytail updos. 

Which braids work for teens with long and thick hair? 

Dutch braids, fishtail braids, and box braids are good for thick, long hair. These braids stay secure, reduce tangles, and offer both protective benefits and stylish appeal for teens. 

Are there advantages to using protective hairstyles for long-haired teenagers? 

The answer is yes! Protective hairstyles help to protect the hair from breaking, minimize the use of heat during hair styling, they help with reducing the time spent styling the hair, and promote healthy hair growth. If you are a long-haired teenager looking to create a styled look, you can consider wearing box braids, twist braids, or halo braid hairstyles.

How do teenagers style curls without heat damage? 

Teens can create curls sans heat using overnight rollers, braids, satin rods, or twist sets. These methods are protective to the hair and also give soft, bouncy curls for a long period of time.

What hair accessories are in style for long-haired teenagers? 

Trending hair accessories include butterfly clips, pearl pins, ribbons, scrunchies, metallic strings, and decorative barrettes. These accessories make braids, curls, updos, and protective styles cool in an instant.


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