School mornings have a way of becoming busy before you even realize it.
There are lunches to pack, shoes to find, backpacks to check and, of course, hair to deal with. When everyone is running late, nobody wants a complicated hairstyle that takes 20 minutes to finish.
That’s why simple school hairstyles are so useful.
A good back-to-school hairstyle should be cute, comfortable, quick to create and secure enough to last through a normal school day.
In this guide, you’ll find 35 hairstyle ideas for kids, along with visual step-by-step instructions so you can actually see how each style comes together. There are options for short hair, long hair, curly hair, braids, ponytails and those mornings when you have only a few minutes.
1. High Ponytail With a Bow
A high ponytail is one of the easiest hairstyles for a school morning. It keeps hair away from the face and takes only a couple of minutes.
Adding a bow around the elastic makes the hairstyle look much more finished without adding much extra work.
Time: 2–3 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair
Difficulty: Easy
How to do it:
- Brush the hair upward toward the crown.
- Secure it with a comfortable elastic.
- Smooth the sides with a brush.
- Add a medium-sized bow around the elastic.
2. Low Ponytail With a Ribbon
A low ponytail is perfect when you want something simple and comfortable.
It works particularly well for children who don’t like having their hair pulled high.
Time: 2 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair
Difficulty: Very easy
Brush the hair back, secure it low at the nape and finish with a soft ribbon.
3. Half-Up Ponytail
The half-up ponytail gives you the best of both worlds: the hair stays partly loose while the front remains neat.
Gather the top section, secure it at the back and gently brush the remaining hair.
Time: 2–3 minutes
Best for: Medium and long hair
4. Bubble Ponytail
Bubble ponytails look fancy but are surprisingly easy.
Start with a normal ponytail, then add small elastics down the length. Gently pull each section outward to create the rounded bubbles.
Time: 4–5 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair
5. Double Ponytails
Double ponytails are especially cute for younger children.
Part the hair down the middle and secure each side with matching elastics or bows.
Time: 2–3 minutes
Best for: Short to long hair
6. Side Ponytail
A side ponytail is an easy variation when your child wants something different.
Gather the hair over one shoulder and secure it loosely.
Time: 2 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair
7. Simple Ponytail With a Scrunchie
Sometimes the simplest hairstyle is the best choice.
A basic ponytail can look completely different with a colorful fabric scrunchie.
Time: 1–2 minutes
Best for: Almost any medium or long hair
Easy Braided Hairstyles for Kids
Braids are especially useful for school because they can keep hair organized for hours.
8. Classic Three-Strand Braid
The classic braid is one of the first hairstyles worth learning.
Divide the hair into three equal sections and repeatedly cross the outer sections over the middle.
Time: 3–5 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair
9. Double Braids
Two braids are perfect for active school days because they keep the hair secure and away from the face.
Part the hair evenly and create one braid on each side.
Time: 5 minutes
10. French Braid
A French braid looks polished and stays secure.
Start at the crown and gradually add small sections as you braid downward.
Time: 5–10 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair
11. Dutch Braids
Dutch braids have a raised appearance and are great for active days.
They are created similarly to French braids, except the sections are crossed underneath.
Time: 5–10 minutes
12. Side Braid
A side braid is simple and slightly more relaxed than a traditional back braid.
Bring the hair over one shoulder and braid it loosely.
Time: 3–5 minutes
13. Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail combines two easy hairstyles.
First create a ponytail, then braid the length.
Time: 3–5 minutes
14. Simple Crown Braid
A crown braid looks special enough for picture day but can still be created with simple braids.
Create two side braids and carefully pin them around the top of the head.
Cute Hairstyles for Short Hair
Short hair can actually make school mornings easier because there is less hair to manage.
15. Mini Half-Up Style
Gather the front section and secure it at the back.
Time: 1–2 minutes
16. Side Clips
Two cute clips can be enough to create a finished school hairstyle.
Place matching clips near the temples to hold the front sections back.
17. Tiny Pigtails
Tiny pigtails work beautifully on short and medium hair.
Part the hair down the middle and secure two small sections.
18. Bob With a Headband
A comfortable headband can instantly make short hair look school-ready.
19. Mini Bubble Ponytails
Small bubble ponytails can work even when the hair isn’t very long.
Use mini elastics and keep the sections loose enough to stay comfortable.
Easy Hairstyles for Long Hair
Long hair gives you plenty of possibilities, but the goal for school is to keep things manageable.
20. Long High Ponytail
Brush the hair upward, secure it and smooth the top.
Time: 2–3 minutes
How to Do a Hairstyle in 5 Minutes?
The trick isn’t trying to learn a complicated hairstyle in five minutes. It’s choosing a style you already know and adding one small detail.
For example, start with a ponytail and add a bow. Start with two pigtails and add colorful elastics. Or make a simple braid and finish it with a ribbon.
A simple five-minute routine can look like this:
- Quickly detangle the hair.
- Choose one familiar hairstyle.
- Secure the main sections.
- Check the front and sides.
- Add one comfortable accessory.
Keeping hair accessories organized can save even more time.
How to Style Hair in 2 Minutes?
When you have only two minutes, forget complicated braids.
Choose a ponytail, pigtails, headband or half-up style.
For long hair, a low ponytail is one of the fastest options. For short hair, a headband or two clips may be enough. For curly hair, a puff or half-up style can work beautifully without needing to completely restyle the curls.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is a hairstyle that looks neat, feels comfortable and gets your child out the door on time.
What Is a Very Simple Hairstyle for Kids?
If you’re looking for the easiest hairstyle possible, start with a basic ponytail.
It doesn’t require advanced skills and can be finished quickly.
For short hair, try a headband or decorative clips. For longer hair, try a ponytail, simple braid or pigtails.
For curly and textured hair, a puff or half-up style can be both quick and beautiful.
The best simple hairstyle is the one that matches your child’s hair type and doesn’t require constant fixing during the school day.
How to Style Hair in School?
If you’re styling your child’s hair for school, think about three things: comfort, security and simplicity.
Active children may prefer braids or ponytails because they stay in place during recess and sports.
Children who like wearing their hair down may prefer a half-up hairstyle.
For curly or textured hair, styles that preserve the natural texture can be more comfortable than repeatedly brushing or pulling the curls into a tight style.
Always avoid hairstyles that cause pain or excessive tension, and check whether your child’s school has any rules about accessories.
How to Choose the Right Hairstyle for Your Child
The best hairstyle depends on more than how cute it looks.
Consider the child’s hair length first.
Short hair works well with clips, headbands and mini ponytails. Medium hair gives you options such as half-up styles, pigtails and braids. Long hair works beautifully with braids, ponytails and buns.
Hair texture matters too.
Straight hair can hold sleek ponytails and braids easily, while wavy hair can look beautiful in loose half-up styles. Curly and textured hair can be styled into puffs, buns, ponytails and protective braided styles while preserving its natural texture.
Think about the child’s daily activities as well.
If they spend lots of time outside or participate in sports, choose something secure. If it’s picture day, you can spend a little more time on a bow, crown braid or polished half-up hairstyle.
Most importantly, let your child have some input.
A hairstyle that your child feels confident and comfortable wearing will always be more successful than one that simply looks good in a picture.
Best Hair Products and Accessories for Kids’ Hairstyles
You don’t need a huge collection of products to recreate these hairstyles at home. A few practical tools can make school mornings much easier.
1. Gentle Detangling Brush (check price on amazon)
A good detangling brush can make the first step of almost every hairstyle faster.
Look for a brush designed to minimize pulling, particularly if your child has long, curly or easily tangled hair.
2. No-Snag Hair Elastics (check price on amazon)
These are useful for ponytails, braids and pigtails.
Choose soft elastics that hold the hair securely without catching or pulling when removed.
3. Fabric Scrunchies and Hair Bows (check price on amazon)
A basic ponytail instantly becomes more fun with a colorful scrunchie or bow.
Having several colors available also makes it easy to coordinate hairstyles with school outfits.
4. Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner (check price on amazon)
For children whose hair needs extra moisture or easier detangling, a lightweight leave-in conditioner can be useful before styling.
Choose a product appropriate for your child’s hair type and follow its label directions.
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Tips to Make School Hairstyles Last Longer
A hairstyle doesn’t have to be pulled extremely tight to stay in place.
Start with clean, properly detangled hair and choose an elastic that provides enough hold without creating unnecessary tension.
For braids, secure the ends carefully. For ponytails, check that the elastic isn’t too loose or too tight.
If you’re using clips or bows, make sure they’re comfortable enough to wear for several hours.
It’s also helpful to prepare the night before.
Put the brushes, elastics and favorite accessories in one place. If your child has particularly long hair, gently detangle it before bedtime so the morning routine starts with a clean slate.
And remember that school hair doesn’t need to look perfect.
A little natural texture, a few flyaways and a slightly relaxed braid can make a hairstyle look sweet and effortless.
Final Thoughts
Getting ready for school doesn’t have to mean spending half an hour on hair every morning.
With the right hairstyles, you can create something cute and practical in just a few minutes.
These easy back-to-school hairstyles for kids give you plenty of options, from simple ponytails and bows to French braids, Dutch braids, short-hair styles, long-hair looks and natural curly hairstyles.
Save a few favorites for busy mornings and keep a couple of more special styles for picture days or the first week of school.
The most important thing is that the hairstyle feels comfortable and makes your child feel good.
Sometimes the simplest ponytail with a favorite bow is all it takes to make a school morning feel a little more special.