Kids’ hair should look cute, stay put, and survive recess. These styles do all three without eating your morning. You’ll get options for every texture, length, and attention span. Ready to tame the bedhead and bring the “aww” factor?
1. The Speedy Topknot With a Bow
This is your emergency button for hectic mornings. It looks polished in under two minutes and works on straight, wavy, or curly hair. Add a bow or scrunchie and suddenly it looks intentional—like you planned it, not like you barely found the brush.
How-To Fast Track
- Brush hair upward to the crown and gather into a high ponytail.
- Twist the pony and wrap it around the base to form a bun.
- Secure with an elastic and two bobby pins. Finish with a bow or scrunchie.
Tip: Use a dab of lightweight gel or detangling spray to smooth flyaways. Perfect for dance class, playdates, and days you’re already late.
2. Mini Space Buns For Maximum Cute
Two buns, double the fun. Kids love this playful look because it feels like a costume they can wear to school. It stays put and keeps hair out of their face during art time and snack attacks.
Key Points
- Part down the middle to create two high ponytails.
- Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure with elastics.
- Pull out tiny face-framing pieces if you want softness.
Jazz it up with glitter clips or mini barrettes. Great for weekends, birthday parties, and any time your kid wants to feel like a pop star.
3. The Classic Braided Pigtails
These are the lunchbox heroes of kid hairstyles—timeless, tidy, and built for cartwheels. Braided pigtails reduce tangling and keep hair manageable all day. Plus, they photograph beautifully for memory books.
Tips
- Start with a center part and secure two low ponytails.
- Braid each side and tie off with soft elastics.
- Rub a little leave-in conditioner through the ends for shine.
Bonus: Add ribbon to the ends for picture day. Ideal for straight-to-wavy hair and easy mornings when you want a guaranteed win.
4. The Half-Up Heart Braid (Adorable, Not Hard)
Want a style that looks fancy but doesn’t bite into your time? The heart braid delivers maximum “aww” with minimal effort. It works best on medium to long hair and shines for special events.
How To
- Take two small sections from the front and tie them together in a half-up mini ponytail.
- Split that mini pony in half, twist each section outward to create the top curves of the heart, and pin in place.
- Bring the ends together and secure with a tiny elastic to complete the heart shape.
Finish with a spritz of light hairspray. Perfect for holidays, class parties, and days you want compliments—because you will get them, FYI.
5. Curly Crown Puff For Coils And Curls
Celebrate texture and keep everything comfy with a high puff that frames the face. It’s quick, protective, and beyond cute. The puff keeps curls safe from friction while letting them shine.
Materials
- Wide, snag-free elastic or satin scrunchie
- Moisturizing cream or leave-in conditioner
- Soft bristle brush or edge brush
Brush hair upward with a bit of moisturizer, secure at the crown, and fluff the puff. Edge styling is optional but fun. Great for school days and low-maintenance weekends, especially during sports.
6. The Zigzag Part Ponytail
Same ponytail, fresh twist. A zigzag part turns a basic style into something playful without extra work. Kids love the pattern, and you’ll love how fast it comes together.
Quick Steps
- Use the end of a rat-tail comb to create a zigzag part from front to crown.
- Gather hair into a low or mid ponytail.
- Finish with a colorful elastic and maybe a ribbon.
Pro Move: Add a tiny braid wrapped around the ponytail base to hide the elastic. Perfect for spirit days or when your kid wants “something different” in 90 seconds.
7. Boxer Braids (Double Dutch Braids)
These stay put through PE, playground sprints, and scooter rides. Dutch braids sit on top of the hair, which gives great definition and keeps things neat. They also preserve curl patterns and reduce knots—especially helpful on busy weeks.
How To
- Part hair down the middle. Clip one side out of the way.
- On the active side, add small sections under the braid (not over) as you go to create the Dutch effect.
- Repeat on the other side and secure both ends with elastics.
Sleep on a satin pillowcase to make this style last two or three days. Ideal for camps, sports, and early mornings when you need a no-fuss plan.
8. The Clip Parade Bob (Short Hair, Big Personality)
Short hair doesn’t mean fewer options. A simple bob or crop gets instant personality with a “parade” of colorful clips or snap barrettes. It’s artsy, quick, and lets kids pick their own look.
Ideas
- Stack 3–5 mini clips along one side for an asymmetrical vibe.
- Mix patterns: glitter, solid, and metallic for contrast.
- Use a dab of light pomade to keep flyaways down.
This is great for picture day or anytime your kid wants to match clips to their outfit. IMO, it’s the easiest style for short cuts and restless mornings.
9. Bubble Braids (Zero Skill, All Wow)
No braiding skills? Bubble braids have your back. They look intricate but only require elastics, making them perfect for beginners and squirmy kiddos.
Steps
- Gather hair into one high pony or two low pigtails.
- Place small elastics every 2–3 inches down the length.
- Gently tug each section to “puff” it into bubbles.
Style Note: Use clear elastics for a sleek look or rainbow colors for fun. Great for field trips, festivals, and days when you want style without sweat, seriously.
10. Protective Twists With Beads
Protective twists keep natural hair hydrated and tangle-free while looking adorable. Add beads for a little music-with-every-step energy. This style can last over a week with proper care.
What You’ll Need
- Leave-in conditioner and lightweight oil
- Rat-tail comb for clean parts
- Small elastics, bead tool, and assorted beads
Part hair into sections, moisturize, and twist two strands from root to ends. Secure with an elastic and slide on beads, closing with a tiny rubber stopper. Perfect for busy schedules, vacations, and any time you want low-maintenance cuteness that protects hair health.
There you go—ten kid-approved hairstyles that won’t eat your morning or your patience. Pick one, grab a brush, and have fun playing stylist. Your school drop-off glow-up starts now, and your future photos will thank you.