When mastering the preppy aesthetic, hairstyles can make or break your look. For instance, you could wear the perfect outfit, but if your hair is messy, greasy, or unkempt, it will ruin the whole vibe of your look. Suitable preppy hairstyles can take your outfit to the next level, enhancing your style and helping you achieve that coveted polished appearance. In this article, we'll cover a variety of preppy hairstyles you can choose from to elevate your personal style. 

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Table of Contents

• What Is Preppy Girl Hair?

• 6 Best Hair Accessories for Preppy Looks

• 6 Best Preppy Hairstyles for Men

• How To Get Preppy Hairstyles for Women

• 25 Best Preppy Hairstyles for Women

• Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

What Is Preppy Girl Hair?

Preppy hair is:

• Polished

• Classic

• Neat

  
  

Say goodbye to messy beach waves and boho bedheads; preppy girl hair is all about looking perfectly put together. This means:

• No flyaways

• No frizz

• Absolutely no grease
  
  

Sleek Styles

Picture glossy, shiny hair styled into neat, structured hairstyles or cascading elegantly down the back. Think about how Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl would style her hair; there’s nothing messy or chaotic about it. Instead, she’d sport a perfect ponytail or a tidy bun adorned with a hair bow or a chic headband.  

Of course, preppy hair can also be left down, but even then, it would look ultra-polished and refined.

What Are the Best Preppy Hairstyles?

There’s an array of hairstyles to choose from that fall under the category of preppy hair. Some of our top picks include:

• Ponytails

• Buns

• Braids

• Half-up styles

• Hair down with clips or barrettes
  
  

Do Preppy Hairstyles Include Hair Accessories?

Absolutely! Hair accessories are a significant part of the preppy hair aesthetic. Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl practically made a career out of her hair accessory collection, and for good reason. These pieces add an extra element of sophistication to any hairstyle, especially the polished looks favored in the preppy aesthetic. 

Whether you opt for a sleek bun adorned with a ribbon or a classic ponytail with a chic hair clip, you can’t go wrong with incorporating accessories into your preppy hairstyle.

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6 Best Hair Accessories for Preppy Looks

1. Headbands

Headbands rank among the most classic accessories for preppy hairstyles. Silk or embellished headbands add elegance to any look. Plus, they come in various colors and patterns, making finding the right one for your style effortless. They suit various preppy hairstyles, from sleek and straight to curly and voluminous.

2. Hair Bows

Hair bows are quintessential to the preppy aesthetic. Incorporating a hair bow, especially in a half-up, half-down style gives a sophisticated yet playful finish. You can't go wrong with a velvet or patterned bow for that classic preppy look.

3. Fancy Hair Pins

Fancy hair pins maintain a classy vibe while allowing you to showcase your style. Opt for minimalistic or pearl-encrusted hair pins to secure sections of hair or add flair to updos. 

These accessories are perfect for any preppy occasion, from a day at the country club to a family holiday gathering.

4. Claw Clips

Claw clips, especially pearl-encrusted or straightforward styles, are practical and stylish for everyday wear. Use them for quick updos or to hold back hair while maintaining a polished look. They can even work for formal occasions to create a stunning updo.

5. Berets

A beret complements preppy hairstyles while adding a chic touch. Wear one with curls or a sleek ponytail for an ultra-polished look. You can even find preppy patterns, like argyle or houndstooth, to enhance your aesthetic.

6. Scrunchies

Scrunchies can be a more casual yet stylish option for preppy ponytails. In softer fabrics or pastel colors, they maintain comfort while still looking put-together.

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6 Best Preppy Hairstyles for Men

1. Ivy League Preppy Haircut

The Ivy League preppy haircut is perfect for guys who embrace a particularly clean-cut look. This low-maintenance hairstyle offers the ideal balance between a classic and a modern look. It features:

• Short

• Faded

• Tapered sides

• Slightly longer hair on top
  
  

The hair on top can be styled in various ways, but the most common is combing it to the side for a classy and sophisticated appearance. The Ivy League haircut is a versatile preppy hairstyle worn anywhere, from school to formal events.

2. Side Part Preppy Hairstyle for Men

The side part of the preppy hairstyle for men is a classic, incredibly versatile look. This hairstyle involves parted hair on one side and styled back on the opposite side. The side part can be taken either on the left or right, and the other side has less hair than the opposite side. 

This type of side-part hairstyle for guys is the most typical hairdo among schoolboys and university-attending guys.

3. Fringe Hairstyle for Men

Fringe hairstyles for men have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young teenage guys. Many film and rock stars sport this haircut, which has helped popularize the look. 

This haircut is parted in the middle, giving the preppy boy hairstyle with spikes. The two sides look alike, curtains falling on the sides.

4. Curled Preppy Hairstyle

Curled hairstyles for men can look great on almost all types of hair textures, but only for partially curly hair. This preppy hairstyle also has a side partition, and the side part of the hair curls with undercuts, giving it a curly look.

5. Spike Preppy Hairstyle

Spikes are the next popular haircut among school-going boys till middle-aged men. This style of haircut is simple to create by oneself. The spike haircut suits short hair with less height. Hair gel is applied, and hair is combed upwards to achieve spikes.

6. Preppy Summer Short Haircut

A short haircut suits all men well; taking this as an advantage, using short hair as a summer haircut is the best decision. 

The front part of the hairstyle is curvy, and the back part is trimmed well, reducing the length of the hair.

How To Get Preppy Hairstyles for Women

Channel Your Inner Blair Waldorf With Soft Bangs

Soft, choppy bangs set the perfect tone for preppy hairstyles. They add a sophisticated flair to slightly tousled, gently waved hair. For added edge, incorporate a few random waves. You’ll achieve an effortless, artsy vibe that takes preppy to the next level.

Get That From-My-Beach-House Look With Delicate Beach Waves

If you attend a preppy school, your family likely owns a seaside villa. You might not be lucky, but you can still rock the look. With clip-in hair extensions and a waver, achieving soft beach waves is easy. You’ll look like you just returned from an extravagant vacation.

Add Some Flair With Fancy Hairpins

Preppy hairstyles love hair accessories, and hair pins rank among the best. For a minimalistic approach, go for a romantic, heart-shaped hairpin. If you feel bold, explore maximalist styles like pearl-encrusted, dazzling claw clips. 

As long as your pick remains classy and sophisticated, many hair accessories can give your half-up, half-down look a preppy twist.

Frame Your Face With Full Bangs

Blunt, full bangs rank among the trendiest preppy hairstyles. They offer a youthful, sophisticated look while elegantly framing your gaze. For a genuinely mysterious appearance, let your hair down. You will ooze princess vibes. 

Still trying to decide whether to commit to a new haircut? Clip-in bangs let you experiment with the look and switch styles whenever you want.

Nail the Messy Low Ponytail Look

The messy low ponytail looks classy and trendy while channeling the energy of "I just came back from a tennis match". 

Gather your hair low at the nape of your neck to achieve the preppy hairstyle. Leave out a few face-framing tendrils and curl them for a sophisticated finish. Get your wrap-around ponytail hair extensions and start styling for outstanding results!

Get Long and Curly for Preppy

The middle part has a vertiginous length and is glossy, even with waves in your hair. I think I’ve said enough! This look is the ultimate classy option for those who like to wear their hair down, and if you’re into extra long manes, look no further than tape-in hair extensions to achieve this look. You may not be a trust-fund kid, but with this hairstyle, you will feel like one!

Achieve the Preppy Look With a Fancy Headband

Headbands go strong in the preppy community, and I’m not sure why – but I have to say they look gorgeous and functional, too! Now, there are many options, and you can play around with:

• Velvet headbands

• Silk headbands

• Rhinestone ones
  
  

Whatever floats your boat! If you put it on top of a classic blowout and add volume and thickness with human hair extensions, you’ll have a complete hair look that will make you stand out from the crowd in a classy, sophisticated way.

Nail the Tight Bun Look

The tight bun is the ultimate elegant hairstyle, keeping hair away from your face in a practical yet glamorous way. It’s a person's hairstyle that doesn’t have time to waste, which makes sense for an aesthetic inspired by those juggling from one prestigious school to another. 

You can spice it up by turning it into a trendy spiky bun or leave out a couple of sleek face-framing tendrils, too. Don’t forget to wear the jumbo sunglasses, though.

Preppy Ponytail

A curly ponytail is a clever way to quickly achieve a preppy hairstyle while remaining comfortable and protecting your hair. 

If your hair isn’t long enough or thick enough to achieve a killer pony like the one in the picture, look no further than clip-in ponytail hair extensions. Grab your curling wand, and voila – you’ve got yourself the most popular preppy updo ever.

25 Best Preppy Hairstyles for Women

Effortlessly classy, preppy hairstyles for women blend sophistication and style. Discover timeless looks that exude charm and refined elegance.

1. Play with Bows

Retro hair accessories have been making quite a comeback, and bows are one of the simplest ways to play with the trend. Add a headband with a big, patterned bow over the side to give your hair a sophisticated and feminine look. 

The side placement will prevent the look from appearing too juvenile. For a softer, more classic preppy ensemble, keep your hair down or put your locks up to let the bow do all the talking.

2. Tucked Braids

A tucked braid can also look super preppy. Try playing with braids for a cute twist on the classic preppy headband look that works beautifully with short hair. A half-braided crown style will create more intrigue than simply sticking a headband on your hair when it's down because it creates shape and volume. 

To try it yourself, form a small French braid at the front of your hair and tuck its tail end above your ear under a thick, lacy headband. Let the rest of your hair fall naturally for a classic, polished style that looks practically debutante-ball-ready without much effort.

3. Natural Curls

Natural curls can look gorgeous with a headband addition. A headband can be a great way to style natural curls and nail prep styles without much extra effort. Place a colorful headband on top of your hair and push the front part of your locks back, letting your natural texture show from the back. 

Choosing a glitzy headband with a bunch of gems can be an easy way to jazz up the look and make it look extra fancy, which is excellent if you're going for a slightly more glam, pretty style.

4. Pearls for Preppy

Pearls are a timeless accessory, and wearing them on a headband is a great way to add a touch of playfulness to an otherwise vintage style. 

Take a delicate, thin headband adorned with pearls and wear it with a structured middle part. Keeping your hair down in soft waves under the headband will only add to that clean elegance.

5. Curtain Bangs

Or, let your curtain bangs down for a frame-framing style. Curtain bangs are a great hairstyle because they allow you to pull a bit of hair from your headband to frame your face. 

They are also classically Gossip Girl, with their wispy sides perfectly swooshing at the cheekbone. Wear yours with a simple cloth headband to let the face-framing layers do their thing while channeling the ultimate prep girl look.

6. Slicked Back Hair with a Polka Dot Headband

A polka dot hairband with slicked-back hair is so preppy and chic. Another way to get chic with your preppy hairband is to push the front part of your hair back with it to make a statement. 

A black-and-white polka-dot headband paired with a look over poker straight, combed hair is a great way to pay homage to the classic prep style of the 1960s. The playful pattern and simple, understated colors give the style a modern and sleek edge.

7. Braid your Headband

You could also add a braid to your headband hairstyle. Just because you're using the headband to create a style, you don't have to leave your hair as is. 

An easy braid along one side of the head is a great way to vary up a preppy look without trying super hard. Tuck yours behind the ear to show off hoops or a perfectly curated ear stack.

8. Upgrade a Ponytail

Headbands can update a long ponytail. You don't have to wear all of your hair down for a chic headband look, though. And this look proves that. Give your preppy hair an edgy and modern twist by adding lines of braids at the crown where your usually slicked-back part would be. 

Let the rest of your hair fall naturally, or blow it out for a wavy look that's as good with a plain tee shirt as a blazer and blouse.

9. Sporty Preppy with an Elastic Headband

Or go for peppy with a sporty edge via an elastic headband. Not all headbands have to be super structured to complete your preppy look. Combine preppy and sporty by using an elastic hairband to keep your hair out of your face and give a traditionally feminine aesthetic some active energy. 

Place it toward the top of your forehead and let your hair fall down the sides for the ultimate cool-girl look. Match the headband with your outfit for a monochrome look like this is chic.

10. Oversized Headband with a Bob

While an oversized headband with a bob can be very effective, no one says you need to go small regarding headbands. 

An oversized version of the accessory can bring your outfit together, and it looks fantastic with a sleek bob hairstyle. It's especially effective when positioned to let just a little hair fall beside the face for a more natural effect.

11. Silk Headbands

A silk headband can add an extra dose of class to your preppy look. Silk is perfect for a preppy vibe as it has that air of elegance and money — but it's also practical as it will help you take care of your hair simultaneously. 

That's because silk headbands can prevent hair snagging, which plastic headbands can't. Silk looks great with any style—be it longer, curled hair or pulled up into a ponytail.

12. Sparkly Headbands

Or add sparkle to bring some glam to your preppy style. An embellished headband can be particularly stunning when paired with natural curls. On top of a head of spirals, the super sparkly accessory almost looks like a crown or tiara, allowing each curl to stick out without appearing too frizzy. 

This look could easily be paired with a super preppy beige sweater and neutral flannel skirt for total Gossip Girl vibes.

13. Classic Turns and a Chunky Headband

And turned in ends, and a chunky headband screams preppy. Though it's been popular for a while now to curl the hair away from the face, curling the ends of your locks inwards is so in for an extra preppy look. The look works best with hair around check length, but anyone with braids long enough to curl under can recreate this style at home. 

Use a plush headband to keep every layer falling in the right places, with the front pieces tucked behind for a simple vibe that screams Gilmore Girls.

14. Slicked Back Hair

Slicked-back hair will let your headband have its moment. A bold headband deserves its moment sometimes. So, if you're ready to put the hair accessory firmly in the spotlight, the best way to do that may be to slick your hair back so your headband becomes the focal point. 

A pearl-adorned, almost hat-like headband is a great way to serve elegant, vintage vibes while staying true to prep style. Pair with a super-slicked back bun to not overwhelm the top half of your look. 

15. A Twisted Low Pony

But a twist on a low pony can elevate your preppy headband style. There are many ways to do a low pony, but this one is great for those looking to get preppy. 

We love this twist on a simple hairstyle and how the headband has been incorporated into the hair twists to make the band part of the look.

16. Short Hair and Cute Headbands

Preppy headbands aren't just for long hair, though! Although headbands have long been known for helping long-haired folks keep their strands out of their face, they can also look amazing on short hair. A thicker headband on a pixie can add texture and dimension, especially if you have micro bangs.

17. Pigtails with a Headband

Pigtails with a headband scream preppy. The preppy style is all about that mix of sophistication and youthfulness, and pigtail braids are a great mix of the two. 

This style could be finished with a soft, cloth headband or chunky material headpiece to draw the eyes upward. Equally, curling the ends of your locks will add yet another unique twist.

18. A Low Side Ponytail

A low-side ponytail also screams preppy. Preppy hair is usually a little more undone and understated, so letting your locks fall over your shoulder in a low pony with a headband pushing it away from the face is a great way to channel the aesthetic. 

It's a casual look you can wear to the tennis club or drinks with friends while still looking more put-together than a basic ponytail.

19. Match Your Headband to Your Hair

You could even match your headband to your hair. If you want to avoid your hair detracting from your sophisticated and chic outfit, sporting the '90s cloth headband trend is the way to go. If your hair is naturally dark, choosing a black or dark brown headband will grant you all the style benefits of a headband, such as taming flyaways, while letting your hair appear relatively effortless. This look can also be great if you want something more sporty.

20. Large Statement Headbands

A larger band with embellishments makes a statement. As headbands can be so critical to the preppy look, there's nothing wrong with using them to make a profound statement. 

A thicker black headband adorned with accessories like pearls or spikes can work with a preppy outfit. Keeping your hair softer and with loose waves will keep things casual.

21. Buns and Headbands

A bun can add some volume to a headband look. Most people likely think of buns as a staple style of ballet core, but if you want to give yours a preppy flourish, then a headband is just right. 

A colorful headband in a blue shade can also be a great way to give a slicked-back look some playfulness—perfect for those who may not be fans of styles that appear too scraped back without much texture. 

22. Braid Your Headband

You could even combine your headband and your braid for a twist on the classic. To put a twist on the classic preppy headband, play around with working the accessory into your hair — literally. 

Weave braided strands of hair with the accessory using a headband with extra ribbon. Stick with a print like blue polka dots for a pop of color and excitement.

23. Let Some Hair Fall

But not all your hair has to be in the same place. You don't have to have all your hair in front of or behind your headband. If you like the idea of your hair framing your face, pull a few strands down through the headband so it falls closer to your face. 

A stretchy pink gingham headband with a knot in the center is perfect for nailing a traditionally feminine, preppy aesthetic.

24. A Top Knot with a Headband

Or even a topknot can work with a softer headband. Another unique look that ditches the plastic headband involves adding a topknot to the back of your head only, with the headband placed further forward on the head. 

It keeps everything together while allowing the rest of the hair to fall naturally. To stick with classic prep, use gingham or tartan, or modernize it with leopard or paisley.

25. Double Up on Headbands

But why wear one headband when you can wear two? Why not step out of the box and place two headbands on your head? If you've got a pixie cut, double bands in contrasting colors can be a great way to draw attention upward toward your beautiful, edgy hair. 

No matter the color, keep your headbands on the thinner side if you're trying this idea, as two may be overwhelming and challenging to wear.

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The colors associated with the Ivy League schools and their elite students heavily influence the preppy aesthetic. So, think of bright and pastel shades of:

• Green

• Yellow

• Pink, blue

• Orange

• Muted counterparts
  
  

A preppy outfit might include pastel yellow shorts, a light blue polo, and a mint green sweater tied around the shoulders. The WhatColors app can help you find the best colors for your skin tone and shades for the preppy aesthetic.