The 13 Most Popular Preppy Hairstyles of the Season

According to Harper’s Bazaar, prep fashion is back. We guess it's time to explore hairstyles that will fit into your preppy look.

Someone's turned up the volume of prep fashion and everyone seems to love the American Old Money style. Maybe it's the rebirth of the brand J.Crew or the glorious feel of Ralph Lauren, but something’s happened.

The word “preppy” first signified the look of students who attended preparatory schools to get ready for college in the U.S. Later on the term describes the manners, hairstyles, dress code, etiquette, etc of those students, since in most cases, the school has a majority of wealthy people, and are associated with Ivy League institutes.

This representation has now influenced fashion and hairstyles, resulting in different sophisticated and polished looks while referencing the rich’s activities, such as sailing and tennis, and incorporating them into what preppy style stands for.

With its popularity in pop culture and runways presently, the preppy style has evolved from its Ivy League origins to become a symbol of sophisticated, old-money, clean-cut fashion.

What Are Preppy Hairstyles?

Preppy hairstyles are one aspect of the preppy aesthetic. They are usually sophisticated and classy, typically well-groomed, polished, and elegant.

Inspired by the Classic American style and Ivy League fashion, the hairstyles range from clean cuts to sleek styles and subtle waves. Think of hairstyles similar to Blair Waldorf’s- that should ring a bell.

Also, you'll see that using elegant accessories is a big part of preppy hairstyles. Hair bands, embellished hair clips, hair bows, and so much more are essential elements of the culture.

Check out 13 preppy hairstyles you can slay this season below.

13 Preppy Hairstyles You Must Try

1. Preppy Curls

Preppy curls embody the sophisticated vibe of preppy fashion. They are smooth and always polished, which gives them an air of grace and a refined appearance.

Achieve your preppy curls using a curling wand and iron.

• Start by wrapping your hair around the barrel then keep it for about five to 10 seconds.
• Repeat this same step for all your hair before teasing your hair at the root.
• Brush through afterward to loosen the curls a little.

2. Fancy Hair Pins

Hair clips do the magic for a preppy style. So, select from a range of gorgeous, elegant clips and add them to your hair.

You can choose a simple, romantic one or use an extravagant, dazzling hairpin. Just be sure it stands out and looks classy—not too loud or flashy.

We recommend going for pearl ones. They add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming your look.

3. Bouncy Ponytail

Go so preppy with the bouncy ponytail style. It is a whole new level of gorgeousness, and it's easy to achieve. That's great!

The style allows you to put your hair into a high ponytail with some waves or curls at the ends.

• To begin styling, create your curls for that beautiful bounce using your curling iron.
• Pull up your hair into a high ponytail after curling, then brush the front of your hair for a smooth appearance.
• Next, tie your hair in place, and viola! You've styled the bouncy ponytail.

4. Hair Bow

This has got to be our favorite so far! We love every detail of the bow and the elegance it brings to the look.

Hair bows are one of the accessories for a preppy style. They add a nice finish to your hairstyle and make it appear more fancy and sophisticated. Who doesn't love a fancy look? We all do! So, opt for a hair bow and slay hard with your simple yet classy style.

5. Messy Low Ponytail

The messy low ponytail is an easy way to achieve a preppy hairstyle in no time. It's a clever choice to keep you comfortable without missing out on the preppy style or damaging your tresses.

Gather your tools, and let's style this ponytail.

• Start with the ponytail by pulling your hair low and securing it with a hair elastic.
• Curl the ends of the ponytail and leave some tendrils around your face.
• Go ahead and curl your face-framing pieces tol, then add a scrunchie to your ponytail to finish the look. This is perfect!

6. Soft Bangs

We've got to admit bangs are the best, and what better way can you slay a preppy style than to add soft bangs to your hair?

Soft bangs are super edgy, the perfect thing to compliment a fit. Since they don't have to stay in place, integrating them into slightly wavy hair is pure perfection. So, get your soft bangs and create an outstanding preppy look.

7. Curled Out Lob

Nothing screams more old money than the curled-out lob. It's retro, it's chic and it's preppy.

• If you want to achieve it, start by blow-drying your hair. You want to make sure you've added heat protectant to your hair before using the tool.
• Next, flip the ends with your tool by allowing them to sit a bit far from your face. Remember you're doing this outward.
• Add a serum for shine and that's all you need to do.

8. Delicate Beach Waves

Preppy school hair can be all about the waves. Why not? Go for a wavy style and look awesome. The chances of meeting people that will complement your hair are very high. Plus, you'll probably feel more proud of your appearance than anything else.

To style the delicate beach waves is simple. Using a curling iron or whatever tool you want, achieve the beach waves effect in your hair, then separate the curls gently. Go in with a hairspray finally to hold your style for the rest of the day.

9. Headband

Who would have thought headbands would have a solid footing in the preppy style? But they do! These bands give something gorgeous and can be very functional.

Whether it's silk ones, rhinestones, or velvet, you can count on them. They go well with curls and wavy or ponytail hairstyles and will give the preppy vibe instantly.

When wearing it, be careful not to touch your hair, as bands can mess up your hair easily. So, watch out. After you've put it on, adjust it properly, smoothen out your hair, and use hairspray.

10. Beret

You've got to be kidding me— berets are so lovely! Just look at the image above; it’s clear why we’re amazed. Is it the way the beret ticks the preppy vibe or matches the fit?

We aren’t so sure, but we know one thing: it’s stunning. And yes, "stunning" is the word. Consider this our way of encouraging you to wear a beret. Trust us, you’ll be left as astonished as we are. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and give it a try.

11. The Flared Ponytail

Are you even trying the preppy look if you don't wear a ponytail once? Of course not! The flared ponytail is a preppy hairstyle that gives you a 60s flair with an elegant touch. It's outstanding and a look you'll remember for a long time.

Here's how you can style yours;

• Divide your hair into three parts: the front, the crown, and the back of your head.
• Curl the ends of each section to form loose curls or waves.
• Now, pull your hair to the crown of your head and let it fall around. Backcomb yours first if your hair needs more volume for the lift.
• Hold your ponytail with a hair elastic and use a ribbon to form a bow.
• Flip the ends of the ponytail to give it a unique style.

12. Wrap-Around Braid

Is your outfit preppy? Complement it with a braid style. From relaxed French braids to a fishtail braid, there are quite several braid preppy hairstyles to choose from. But the wrap-around braid has to be one of our top choices.

It can stand in for your regular braids, especially if you're sick of them, and give you something new and different.

• Start by braiding from the back of one of your ears.
• Keep braiding till you reach the same ear in the opposite direction.
• Tuck the rest of your hair inwards, then sleek your edges.

13. Half-Up Style

Do you know a preppy hairstyle that's a must-try? It's the half-up, half-down. This style looks put together and well thought out, making it appear elegant and classy.

You can style this by adding curls to your hair or choose waves to go for a loose wave style. Anyhow, you'll love it. Many women also choose to adore their half-up or half-down with pins, clips, or ribbons. That's because the accessories make it more fancy and add sophistication to the style, which is an important thing to preppy hairstyles.

Conclusion

If achieving Blair Waldorf’s vibe in Gossip Girl has been a long dream of yours, we've listed 13 preppy hairstyles that'll give you what you're looking for.

So, check our list, pick a few, and look preppy.

We do hope to hear back from you on how you slayed some of these looks.