Wow, can you believe it? Back to school is just around the corner! I always get this little surge of excitement mixed with that familiar rush to get everything ready. One thing that always feels like a morning hurdle is finding quick, cute, and easy hairstyles for the kids. We all want them to look and feel great heading back, but who has endless time before the bus comes?
Finding fresh ideas that are also manageable can be tricky. That’s why I put together this list of 22 adorable and simple options. Think of me, Ella Kohn, your beauty editor and fellow parent, sharing my favorite finds with you. My passion is helping you feel confident and stylish, and that includes making those busy mornings a little smoother.
I’ve scoured Pinterest and tested these out to bring you the best of the best. From twists and braids to fun buns, these pinterest perfect back to school hairstyle ideas kids will love are designed to be easy for you and loved by them. Let’s dive in and find some new favorites!
Back to School Hairstyle Ideas Kids Will Love
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are 22 fantastic hair ideas that are perfect for those busy school mornings. I’ve picked styles that are mostly simple but still super cute. The first one on the list is a total classic for a reason!
22. Simple Ponytail with Ribbon Accent
You can’t go wrong with a basic ponytail. It’s the ultimate quick style! Just gather the hair, secure it, and add a pop of color with a ribbon. Tie it around the elastic or weave it into the base. This is especially sweet for younger kids. Matching the ribbon to their outfit is a fun touch. It’s easy and always looks neat.
21. Half-Up Half-Down with a Twist
This one is a favorite for good reason. Take two small sections of hair from the front, twist them back, and secure them at the back of the head. It works on almost any hair length. You can use a small elastic or a cute clip. It keeps hair out of their eyes but still lets them wear it down.
20. Easy Braided Headband
This style looks more complicated than it is. Just make two small braids, one on each side near the temples. Then, bring them back across the top of the head like a headband. Pin them in place with bobby pins. It’s a great way to keep stray hairs off the face all day.
19. Bubble Braids
Bubble braids are super trendy right now! Pull the hair into a ponytail. Then, place elastics down the length of the ponytail a few inches apart. Gently pull each section to create a “bubble.” Use colorful elastics for extra fun. It’s a unique look that’s surprisingly simple.
18. Two French Braids
Classic and secure, two French braids are perfect for active days. Part the hair down the middle. Start braiding from the top, adding small sections as you go. This style keeps hair completely contained. A tip: if you start the braid a little loosely at the top, it’s more comfortable.
17. Side Braid
For a quick and stylish option, try a simple braid to one side. Just sweep all the hair over one shoulder and braid it normally. Secure the end with an elastic. You can dress it up by adding a cute flower clip near the base of the braid. It takes minutes to do.
16. Top Knot Bun
When you need hair totally off the neck, a top knot is the answer. Gather hair into a high ponytail. Twist it around the base and secure with another elastic or pins. It’s practical and looks sporty. A little hairspray can help keep flyaways smooth.
15. Low Messy Bun
A low messy bun is relaxed and chic. Gather the hair loosely at the nape of the neck. Twist and wrap it into a bun, letting some pieces fall naturally. Secure with an elastic or pins. Pull out a few small pieces around the face for a softer look.
14. High Ponytail with a Scrunchie
Bring back the scrunchie! A high ponytail is easy, and adding a scrunchie makes it instantly more fun. It adds texture and personality to a simple style. Let your child pick a scrunchie that matches their outfit or mood. They come in so many colors and fabrics.
13. Braided Pigtails
Pigtails are cute, and braided pigtails are even cuter and more secure. Part the hair down the middle and make two ponytails. Then, braid each ponytail down to the end. Secure the ends well with small elastics. This style stays put all day, even during playtime.
12. Twisted Pigtails
If braiding is tricky, try twisted pigtails. Part the hair and make two ponytails. Instead of braiding, twist the hair down the length of each ponytail. Secure the ends. It’s faster than braiding and gives a different look. Add bows at the base for extra charm.
11. Crown Braid
A crown braid is so elegant and beautiful. Start a braid near one ear and wrap it around the head, adding hair as you go, like a French braid. Pin it securely as you work your way around. It takes a little practice, but the result is stunning and keeps hair back.
10. Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids look intricate but are actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Separate hair into two sections. Take a thin strand from the outside of one section and cross it over to the inside of the other. Repeat on the other side. Keep sections thin for that detailed look.
9. Space Buns
Space buns are playful and fun. Part the hair down the middle and create two high ponytails. Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure. Put them right on top of the head for that classic look. A little glitter hairspray on the buns makes it extra special.
8. Pull-Through Braid
This technique uses elastics to create a braid-like effect with lots of volume. Make several small ponytails down the back of the head, overlapping them. Pull the hair from the top ponytail through the one below it. It creates a beautiful, full “braid”. Using small, clear elastics works best.
7. Accessorized Pixie Cut
Even short hair can be styled! A pixie cut looks adorable with cute clips or a fun headband. Add a sparkly clip to one side or a colorful headband to keep wisps out of the face. It’s the easiest way to add personality to short styles.
6. Headband Tuck
This is a super fast updo. Put a stretchy headband over the hair. Then, take sections of hair and tuck them up and over the headband, all the way around. It creates a soft, tucked-under bun effect. Make sure the headband is comfortable and stays put.
5. Simple Waves with a Clip
For slightly longer hair, soft waves with a decorative clip are effortless and pretty. You can create waves with a braid left in overnight or a quick curling iron pass. Then, just pull a section back from the front and secure it with a clip. Pearl or sparkle clips add a touch of glam.
4. Braided Bangs
If your child has bangs, braiding them to the side is a great way to keep them out of their eyes while they learn. Take a small section of bangs and do a tiny braid along the hairline. Secure it with a tiny elastic or a bobby pin hidden in the rest of the hair.
3. Multiple Mini Braids
Adding several small braids throughout the hair creates texture and visual interest. Braid a few random sections, or line them up symmetrically. You can vary the thickness of the braids. It’s a simple way to add detail to hair that’s worn down.
2. Half-Up Buns
This is a playful twist on the half-up half-down style. Take the top section of hair and divide it into two. Create two small buns on top of the head, leaving the rest of the hair down. It’s fun and youthful. Add a little glitter spray around the buns for sparkle.
1. The Twisted Crown
This is my top pick for ease and elegance! It looks like a crown braid but is just twists. Part the hair down the middle. Take a section from the front on one side and twist it back, adding hair as you go, like a French twist. Bring it around the head and secure with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side. It’s beautiful, secure, and easier than braiding!
Frequently Asked Questions
I know you might have some questions about trying out these back to school hairstyle ideas. Here are answers to a few common ones I hear. My goal is to make this as easy as possible for you!
How can I make these hairstyles last all day?
To help styles stay put, especially for active kids, consider using a light hairspray or a dab of styling gel. Make sure you secure any ponytails or braids firmly with good quality elastics. Bobby pins can also help hold twists or buns in place. Practice makes perfect here!
Are these styles suitable for all hair types?
Most of these styles work on many hair types, but some might need tweaks. Braids can be trickier on very fine or super curly hair, but twists often work well. For fine hair, using texturizing spray can add grip. For curly hair, moisturizing products help keep it smooth before styling. Experiment to see what works best!
What are the quickest back to school hairstyles?
If you’re truly short on time, the simple ponytail with a ribbon, half-up half-down with a twist, easy braided headband, top knot bun, or a high ponytail with a scrunchie are your best bets. They take just a few minutes. The accessorized pixie cut is also super fast since it just involves adding a clip or band.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Over 20 pinterest perfect back to school hairstyle ideas kids will love. I hope this list gives you lots of inspiration for those busy mornings. Don’t feel like you have to master them all at once! Pick a few you like and give them a try.
The most important thing is helping your child feel good about themselves as they head back to school. A cute hairstyle can be a little confidence booster. Have fun experimenting and finding the styles that work best for your family!
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