Whether you can’t wait to hit the classroom or wish summer would last forever, back-to-school season is an important time for every student.

Are you the type of student who feels more productive when you’re put together from head to toe? If good hair days are essential for your success, your back-to-school checklist wouldn’t be complete without a few hair-related tasks.

To help our Neuma students start the school year strong, enjoy 25% OFF sitewide for Labor Day, now through September 2nd!

Keep reading for our complete back-to-school hair care prep list to lay the foundation for a picture-perfect semester.

Back-to-School Hair Care: How to Prep Your Hair for a New School Year

Target a Hair Goal

Know something’s a little off about your hair, but can’t figure out the exact problem? Many factors determine your hair’s ultimate appearance. Choosing one or two goals to focus on throughout the school year can speed up your results and make you feel more in control!

Damaged hair can trigger signs like:

  • Split ends
  • Breakage, especially during brushing and combing
  • Rough or coarse texture to the touch
  • Dullness and lack of shine
  • Excessive tangles and knots

If that sounds like your locks, the Neu Repair Bundle will set you on the right track. Between the strengthening Neu Repair Shampoo, moisturizing Neu Repair Conditioner, and revitalizing Neu Repair Leave-In Treatment, you can breathe life back into your hair in no time!

Hair suffering from dryness can cause:

  • Brittle, straw-like textures
  • Frizz
  • Scalp flaking
  • Static and flyaways
  • Lack of luster and sheen

Feel familiar? The Neu Moisture Bundle will reclaim the hydration you’ve been missing. The Neu Moisture Shampoo, Neu Moisture Conditioner, and Neu Moisture Masque all work together to restore shine, boost softness, and transform overall hair health.

Flat hair in need of extra volume might feel:

  • Greasy at the scalp
  • Impossible to heat-style
  • Limp or heavy
  • Thin

Luckily, our Volume Bundle is all about fixing flatness. On top of enhancing fullness and strengthening body, the Neu Volume Shampoo, Neu Volume Conditioner, and Neu Volume Styling Spray collectively minimize breakage and tame static.

Plan a (Realistic) Hair Care Schedule

Once the school year ramps up, you don’t want your hair goals to fall by the wayside. By establishing a plan now – and ensuring it’s realistic enough to follow – you can fall back on that routine when things get busy.

The main things to consider are timing and regularity. For example, do you prefer showering in the morning or at night? What time do you need to be in the shower? How long will you need to work in your hair products? Will you have time to blow dry, or would you rather air dry? What day in your schedule can squeeze in a full hair mask session?

Whatever routine you envision, be sure to include shampooing 1-2 times per week, conditioning at least two times per week, and indulging in a weekly hair mask.

If needed, write this schedule by hand and tape it in your bathroom as a reminder!

Set Up a Mini Salon

Another way to prioritize hair care throughout the ups and downs of the school year is to dedicate space to your hair products. If you don’t already, consider using small organizer bins or mounted shelves to organize your formulas!

Clean Your Heat Tools

Did you know that heat tools are supposed to be cleaned monthly? Every time they come in contact with your hair, your products can transfer over, leaving behind more and more buildup.

So, give your tools a fresh start with a quick before-school wipe-down! Just use a bit of rubbing alcohol and a damp cloth to gently scrub away the residue.

Also, if you use heat tools in your routine, remember to apply a heat protectant before every styling session. Our Neu Moisture Instant Fix, Neu Volume Styling Spray, and Neu Repair Leave-In Treatment shield against heat for lasting hair health.

See Your Hairdresser!

A fresh cut is always an instant confidence boost, making it a must for every back-to-school checklist.

Do you color your hair? If so, use our Re Neu Clarifying Shampoo during the shower or two right before your appointment. This best-seller purifies the scalp and cleanses build-up at the roots, turning your hair into a blank canvas for a stunning new color!

Book Trims Ahead of Time

While you’re at it, consider booking all the trims you’ll need throughout the semester. When your schedule inevitably gets chaotic, a pre-planned trim will help you prioritize your hair without adding another task to your to-do list.

For most hair types, a trim every six to eight weeks can do wonders for growth, health, and overall appearance.

Set Aside Time For Styling Practice

Determined to make a splash with your hair this school year? Set aside a few hours to explore potential styling options before the school year begins. If you can master a few looks now, you won’t be forced to toss your hair in a pony or messy bun when pinched for time!

Don’t forget about accessories; your future self will thank you for having bows, clips, and headbands on hand for every outfit.

For Little Ones: Invest in Detanglers, Use Peppermint Aromas

If you’re prepping back-to-school hair for a little one, we recommend planning ahead for two possibilities.

First, unruly tangles. Everyone with kids knows that, somehow, their hair is always knotted and twisted. To make mornings easier, look for products that help with detangling, like our Neu Moisture Instant Fix Spray and Neu Moisture Conditioner.

Second, exposure to lice. Gross, we know! While you can’t predict if and when lice will spread around an elementary school, you can plan for the worst by using products with peppermint aromas.

Although the scent doesn’t prevent lice 100% of the time, it is known for deterring the bug overall! Luckily, our Re Neu Conditioner and Re Neu Clarifying Shampoo feature peppermint aromas.


Happy start to school, everyone! We wish you and yours an exceptional school year filled with learning, fun, and healthy hair.

As always, we love hearing about your Neuma journeys, so share your latest updates on Instagram (@neumabeauty) and TikTok (@neumabeauty).

See you there and remember to take advantage of 25% OFF sitewide through September 2nd!