13 Simple Hairstyles For Kids That Make School Mornings So Much Easier

Simple hairstyles for kids can feel impossible to find when your child is squirming on the bathroom stool and the bus pulls up in twelve minutes. You reach for a brush, your child winces, and the whole morning starts to feel like a negotiation you are losing.

This struggle is incredibly common and it has nothing to do with your skill as a parent. Kids hair moves, tangles, and reacts to sleep, weather, and energy levels in ways no tutorial accounts for. Most parents are doing their best with five minutes and a hairbrush, not a salon chair.

The real problem is usually the source of inspiration. Many parents pull style ideas from looks built for adult hair or photoshoot conditions, then wonder why the same technique falls apart on a wiggly six year old. Kids need styles built around speed, comfort, and grip, not intricate weaving.

Stylists who work in children sections of salons know this well. They keep a short list of go to looks that hold through recess, gym class, and an entire school day without needing a redo. Those are the techniques that actually matter for daily life.

This list pulls together styles that real parents and kid focused stylists rely on again and again. Each one is fast, gentle on the scalp, and forgiving if your child will not sit completely still.

By the end you will have a rotation of simple hairstyles for kids that fit into a real morning, hold up through an active day, and leave your child looking pulled together without a single tear shed over a hairbrush.

The single most important rule for simple hairstyles for kids is choosing techniques that need zero precision, since precision is the first thing that disappears when a child is moving. Right now more parents are shifting away from tight, scalp pulling braids toward looser, comfort first looks, partly because schools are raising awareness around traction alopecia in young kids. Keep every style on this list loose enough to fit two fingers under the first row of hair.

Simple Hairstyles For Kids Ideas

1. Classic Two French Braids

Two French braids might be the most reliable simple hairstyles for kids in any parent’s toolkit, since the braiding itself locks the hair down from root to end. Once both braids are secured, your child can run and swing upside down on the monkey bars and the style barely shifts. This is the look most kid stylists default to when a parent needs something that lasts the whole school day.

Best for: Active kids who hate redoing their hair at recess
Product: Goody Ouchless Elastics hold the ends without snapping
Pro tip: Spray a small amount of Suave Kids Detangler before braiding so the comb glides through without tugging
Face shape: Flatters round and oval faces by adding length along the sides
Stylist language: Say two even French braids, tight at the part, loose toward the ends

2. Half Up Ponytail With A Bow

A half up ponytail takes under two minutes and still looks finished for school photos or a quick errand. Pulling just the top section back keeps hair out of your child’s eyes while leaving the rest down and natural. It forgives an imperfect part, which makes it ideal for mornings when patience is short.

This pairs easily with almost any outfit or activity, since you can dress it up with a bow for pictures or leave it plain for a regular Tuesday.

Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers who will not sit for anything longer
Product: Scunci No Damage Hair Ties grip fine baby hair without slipping
Pro tip: Use a rat tail comb to section a clean triangle from the crown before gathering the ponytail
Face shape: Softens a pointed chin on heart shaped faces
Stylist language: Ask for a soft half up section, gathered high and loose

3. Low Side Braid

A low side braid drapes the hair over one shoulder and stays out of the way during lunch and art class. A trick stylists use is braiding slightly looser near the crown and snugging it tighter toward the end, which keeps the shape from collapsing by the afternoon. It is one of the easiest simple hairstyles for kids to teach a parent in a single try.

Best for: Kids with longer hair who want something other than a ponytail
Product: Conair Kids Detangling Brush makes sectioning fast
Pro tip: Tie off the braid with a clear elastic so it blends and does not compete with an outfit
Face shape: Softens strong jawlines on square faces
Stylist language: Say low loose braid over one shoulder, secured with a small elastic

4. Double Dutch Pigtails

Dutch braids sit on top of the hair instead of underneath, so the braid pattern stays visible even after hours of play. Splitting the hair into two even pigtails before braiding keeps the whole process simple and symmetrical. This style holds through PE class better than almost anything else on this list.

These pigtails look especially clean from the back, which matters for school photos and dance recitals alike, and they tend to stay neat even after a long car ride.

Best for: Kids who play sports or attend after school activities
Product: Cantu Care for Kids Detangler Cream softens hair before sectioning
Pro tip: Braid each pigtail slightly inward toward the face so they frame the cheeks evenly
Face shape: Adds width near the temples on long or oblong faces
Stylist language: Request two Dutch braid pigtails, even part, finished with small ties

5. High Bubble Ponytail

A bubble ponytail uses a series of small elastics down the length of one ponytail to create rounded sections that look bubbly and fun. It takes a single ponytail and turns it into something that feels special without any actual braiding skill required. Kids tend to love this one because it feels like a treat rather than a chore.

Even a beginner parent can manage this technique after one or two tries, since each elastic just needs to land at an even interval down the ponytail.

Best for: Special occasions or picture day when hair needs extra polish
Product: Goody Ouchless Mini Elastics work well for the small spaced sections
Pro tip: Gently pull the edges of each bubble section outward to make them look fuller
Face shape: Elongates round faces by drawing the eye upward
Stylist language: Ask for a bubble ponytail with even spacing, pulled snug but not tight

6. Twisted Headband Style

This style uses two small twists pulled back from the front and pinned to mimic a headband, while the rest of the hair stays down. It keeps bangs and flyaways out of a child’s face without committing to a full updo. It is one of the fastest options when hair is freshly washed and still a little damp.

Removing the pins takes only seconds, so this style switches easily from a tidy school look to fully down hair for an evening activity without starting over.

Best for: Kids growing out bangs or with shorter face framing pieces
Product: Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner adds grip for the twist without stiffness
Pro tip: Twist each section twice before pinning so it lies flatter against the head
Face shape: Keeps the forehead visible on oval faces
Stylist language: Say two front twists pulled back and pinned, rest left down

7. Quick Messy Bun For School

A messy bun is the fastest updo on this list and forgives almost any imperfection in the gathering. Twisting the ponytail before wrapping it around the base gives it texture so it does not look flat or thin. This is the style most parents reach for on mornings when every other option feels like too much.

Second day or even third day hair actually helps a messy bun hold its shape, since a little natural oil and texture give the twist more grip than freshly washed hair.

Best for: Rushed mornings when speed matters more than precision
Product: Tangle Teezer The Original detangles quickly before the bun goes up
Pro tip: Pull a few small pieces loose at the front to soften the overall shape
Face shape: Adds visual width up top on long faces
Stylist language: Say a soft twisted bun, not too tight at the scalp

8. Side Swept Ponytail With A Clip

Gathering all the hair to one side and securing it just above the ear creates a sweet, lopsided look that takes seconds. A decorative clip at the base hides the elastic and adds a finished touch. Stylists who work with preschoolers often recommend this one specifically because it holds up through nap time without flattening on one side the way a centered ponytail does.

Best for: Naptime and daycare drop off days
Product: Claire’s Glitter Snap Clips add a playful finishing touch
Pro tip: Position the gather slightly behind the ear so it stays comfortable lying down
Face shape: Draws focus to one side on heart shaped faces
Stylist language: Ask for a side gathered ponytail just above the ear, secured with a clip

9. Crown Braid For Picture Day

A crown braid wraps a single braid around the head like a halo, creating a polished look without needing a pin for every strand. It works well on hair that is too short for a full braid down the back. This is a favorite for picture day because it photographs well from every angle.

A crown braid also keeps every strand secured against the head, so wind and hats will not undo the look before a photo gets taken.

Best for: School photos, recitals, and other dress up occasions
Product: It’s a 10 Miracle Leave In smooths flyaways before braiding
Pro tip: Pin the end of the braid flat against the head instead of letting it stick out
Face shape: Adds height at the crown on square and round faces
Stylist language: Say a single wraparound crown braid, pinned flat at the finish

10. Space Buns

Space buns split the hair into two sections and twist or braid each one before coiling it into a bun on either side. They give a playful, symmetrical look that kids genuinely enjoy seeing in the mirror. Because the buns sit close to the head, they hold their shape through an entire day of movement.

Space buns add personality to an otherwise plain outfit and work well as a middle ground between a full updo and hair left completely down.

Best for: Playdates and weekend outings where fun matters more than formality
Product: Scunci Effortless Beauty Hair Ties hold the coiled buns securely in place
Pro tip: Wrap each bun in the same direction so they match exactly on both sides
Face shape: Adds width at the sides of the head on oval faces
Stylist language: Ask for two even space buns, wrapped snug and pinned flat

11. Simple Fishtail Pigtails

Fishtail braids look intricate but only require two sections of hair pulled across each other in small pieces. Splitting the style into two pigtails instead of one long braid makes the technique even more forgiving for a beginner. Kids like the textured look this creates compared to a standard braid.

Once a parent gets the rhythm of pulling the small pieces across, this braid actually moves faster than its intricate look suggests.

Best for: Parents ready to try a slightly more advanced braid at home
Product: Johnson’s No More Tangles Spray keeps strands separated and easy to pull
Pro tip: Take smaller pieces near the crown and slightly larger pieces near the ends for a balanced taper
Face shape: Draws the eye downward on round faces
Stylist language: Request two simple fishtail pigtails, medium width sections, finished low

12. Half Up Top Knot

This style gathers the top section into a small bun while leaving the rest of the hair down, giving a playful topknot look without committing to a full updo. It works well on shorter hair that is not quite long enough for a complete ponytail yet. It also grows out gracefully between haircuts, so it stays useful for months.

This style works particularly well right after a trim, when hair feels too short for other updos, and it keeps hair off the neck on warm days.

Best for: Kids with hair in that awkward in between length
Product: SheaMoisture Kids Extra Nourishing Shampoo keeps strands soft enough for a clean bun
Pro tip: Secure the top section with a small elastic first, then wrap a thin strand around the base to hide it
Face shape: Adds width near the crown on long faces
Stylist language: Say a small half up topknot, soft at the base, rest left natural

13. Waterfall Braid Pigtail

A waterfall braid releases small sections of hair as you go, creating a cascading effect while the rest stays gathered in a braid. Doing it on each side as a pigtail keeps the technique short and manageable for little hair. Stylists who teach parent classes often start beginners on this exact braid because the released sections hide small mistakes.

Best for: Parents who want a special occasion look without years of braiding practice
Product: Pattern Beauty Detangling Brush works gently through curlier textures before braiding
Pro tip: Release slightly thicker pieces near the front so the cascade looks fuller near the face
Face shape: Flatters oval and heart shaped faces equally well
Stylist language: Ask for two waterfall braid pigtails, medium release sections, secured low

Quick Comparison Table

Style	Length	Hair Type	Maintenance	Bold Factor
Classic Two French Braids	Medium to long	All types	Low	★★★
Half Up Ponytail With A Bow	Short to long	All types	Very low	★★
Low Side Braid	Medium to long	Straight to wavy	Low	★★
Double Dutch Pigtails	Medium to long	All types	Low	★★★★
High Bubble Ponytail	Medium to long	Straight to wavy	Medium	★★★★
Twisted Headband Style	Short to medium	All types	Very low	★★
Quick Messy Bun For School	Medium to long	All types	Very low	★★
Side Swept Ponytail With A Clip	Short to long	All types	Very low	★★★
Crown Braid For Picture Day	Medium to long	Straight to wavy	Medium	★★★★★
Space Buns	Medium to long	All types	Medium	★★★★
Simple Fishtail Pigtails	Medium to long	Straight to wavy	Medium	★★★★
Half Up Top Knot	Short to medium	All types	Low	★★★
Waterfall Braid Pigtail	Medium to long	Straight to curly	Medium	★★★★★

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the best simple hairstyles for kids that actually last through a full school day?
Styles that lock the hair down at the root, like French braids, Dutch braids, or space buns, hold up best through recess and gym class. Looser styles like a half up ponytail are better saved for shorter days or calmer activities.

Q2: How early should I start practicing braids with my child?
You can start practicing simple two strand twists as early as age three or four, once a child can sit still for a few minutes. Full French or Dutch braids usually become easier to manage closer to age six or seven.

Q3: What is the best detangling product for kids with sensitive scalps?
A leave in spray like Johnson’s No More Tangles or Suave Kids Detangler softens hair so the brush glides through with less pulling. Detangling small sections at a time also reduces tugging on a sensitive scalp.

Q4: How can I make hairstyles less painful for kids who hate getting their hair done?
Keep every braid or ponytail loose enough to fit two fingers underneath at the root, since tight styling is the main cause of pain and tears. Detangling before sectioning also removes most of the discomfort kids associate with hairstyling.

Q5: What hairstyles work best for kids with curly or coily hair?
Twists, Dutch braids, and space buns tend to hold shape especially well on curly and coily textures. A creamy detangler applied before sectioning makes the curls easier to work with and helps the style last longer.

Final Thoughts

Finding simple hairstyles for kids that actually work is less about mastering complicated techniques and more about choosing the right style for your specific child and morning. Some days call for a two minute ponytail, and other days call for braids that will survive a full afternoon outside.

Give yourself permission to repeat the same three or four styles on rotation instead of chasing something new every week. Kids do not care about variety nearly as much as parents assume, they care about comfort and getting out the door on time.

The styles that last are almost always the ones built with looser tension and simple sectioning, not the most elaborate technique you can find online. The best hairstyle for any kid is the one that gets done without tears and holds up to an actual day of being a kid.

Save this pin so you always have a go to list of simple hairstyles for kids ready for busy mornings.