School mornings are busy, so the best kid hairstyles are quick, comfortable and stay neat until home time. A few elastics, clips and ribbons are all you need.
These 25 cute kid hairstyles include ponytails, braids, buns and fun styles with bows and colourful bands. Each one comes with a quick how-to, and most take under ten minutes.
1. Classic High Ponytail
A high ponytail is the go-to school style. It keeps hair out of the face during play and sports.
SaveHow to do it: Brush the hair up, secure with a soft elastic and add a bow or scrunchie.
2. Waterfall Braid with Curly Hair
A waterfall braid lets curls fall through the braid for a pretty, special-occasion look.
SaveHow to do it: Braid across the head, dropping the top strand and picking up new hair each time.
3. Cute Space Buns
Two high buns are playful and keep hair tidy.
SaveHow to do it: Part the hair down the middle and twist each side into a bun.
4. Side Braid
A simple braid over one shoulder is quick and neat.
SaveHow to do it: Gather the hair to one side and braid loosely.
5. Beach Waves with a Braid
A small braid at the front with loose waves looks pretty for parties.
SaveHow to do it: Braid one front section and pin it behind the ear.
6. Messy Curly Bob
A short curly bob needs almost no styling.
SaveHow to do it: Spritz with water and a little leave-in conditioner in the morning.
7. Braided Crown with a Bun
A braided crown wrapped around a bun is perfect for weddings and events.
SaveHow to do it: Braid two side sections and wrap them around a low bun.
8. Split Ponytail
A split ponytail divides one ponytail into two sections for a fun twist.
SaveHow to do it: Make a high ponytail, then wrap two strands around the middle.
9. Bubble Ponytails
Bubble ponytails use small elastics to create puffy sections.
SaveHow to do it: Add an elastic every few centimetres and puff out each bubble.
10. Braid with Ribbon
Weaving a ribbon into a braid adds colour and charm.
SaveHow to do it: Tie the ribbon at the start and braid it in as one of the strands.
11. Ladder Braid with a Ponytail
A ladder braid at the front leads into a ponytail.
SaveHow to do it: Braid along the hairline, then gather everything into a ponytail.
12. Fishtail Braid with Ribbons
A fishtail with ribbons looks intricate but is easy to do.
SaveHow to do it: Add ribbons to the elastic at the end of the braid.
13. Colourful Rubber Band Style
Small colourful bands create a grid or pattern on the head.
SaveHow to do it: Section the hair and tie each section with a different colour band.
14. Criss-Cross Braided Pigtails
Criss-cross sections lead into two pigtails.
SaveHow to do it: Make small ponytails at the front and split them into the pigtails.
15. Classic Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid is neat and lasts all day.
SaveHow to do it: Take small strands from each side and cross them over.
16. Dutch Braided Buns
Two Dutch braids ending in buns are sporty and secure.
SaveHow to do it: Braid each side, then twist the ends into buns.
17. Double Fishtails with Bows
Two fishtails finished with bows are sweet and tidy.
SaveHow to do it: Tie the bows at the end of each braid.
18. Braided Half-Up with a Bow
A small braided half-up style with a bow is perfect for picture day.
SaveHow to do it: Braid two front sections and tie them at the back with a bow.
19. Cute Headband Style
A headband keeps hair off the face in seconds.
SaveHow to do it: Choose a soft, padded headband for comfort.
20. V-Wrapped Ponytail
Two front sections wrapped into a V make a ponytail look special.
SaveHow to do it: Twist the sections back and secure them at the ponytail.
21. Flower Crown Hairstyle
A flower crown is perfect for parties and spring events.
SaveHow to do it: Pin the crown over loose waves or a braid.
22. Twisted Ponytail
A twisted ponytail looks neat and lasts all day.
SaveHow to do it: Split the ponytail in two, twist each part and wrap them together.
23. Twisted Heart Hairstyle
A heart shape made from twisted hair is fun for Valentine’s Day.
SaveHow to do it: Twist two sections into curves and pin them together at the bottom.
24. Double Buns with Criss-Cross
Criss-cross sections leading into two buns are playful and secure.
SaveHow to do it: Use small elastics to create the criss-cross pattern first.
25. Half Cornrows
Cornrows at the front with loose hair at the back are neat and protective.
SaveHow to do it: Keep the cornrows gentle, not tight, on young scalps.
Tips for Easy Kid Hairstyles
Detangle first
Use a detangling spray and a wide-tooth comb before styling.
Use soft elastics
Snag-free elastics are gentler on young hair.
Avoid tight styles
Tight braids and ponytails can pull on the hairline, so keep styles comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quickest hairstyle for school?
A high ponytail, a simple braid or a headband takes less than five minutes.
Which kid hairstyles last all day?
Braids, fishtails and bubble ponytails stay neat for longer than loose styles.
How do I stop my child’s hair from tangling?
Brush gently, use a leave-in conditioner and braid the hair loosely before bed.
Final Thoughts
Cute kid hairstyles do not have to take long. Try a bubble ponytail or space buns on busy mornings and save braided crowns for special days.
For more ideas, see our Christmas hairstyles for kids, Easter hairstyles for little girls and junior bridesmaid hairstyles.
