18 Easy Kids Hairstyles Your Child Can Actually Do

Busy mornings do not have to mean messy hair or tears. With a little prep, the right tools, and simple techniques, you can create cute, secure hairstyles in minutes.

This guide walks you through 15 easy and quick kids hairstyles that work for school, sports, playdates, and picture days.

Each style includes timing, tools, steps, and pro tips so you can move fast without sacrificing comfort or hair health.

How to set up a fast morning hair routine

A smooth routine starts before the morning rush. Keep these steps in mind:

• Detangle the night before and put hair in a loose braid or satin bonnet to reduce knots.
• Create a small hair station with detangling spray, leave in conditioner, a soft boar bristle brush, a wide tooth comb, snag free elastics, and a few clips.
• Keep a spritz bottle with water and a drop of conditioner to quickly rehydrate curls.
• Practice each style on a calm day so your hands remember the moves.

Tools and products to keep on hand

• Wide tooth comb and detangling brush
• Soft boar bristle brush for smoothing
• Snag free elastics and small clear bands
• Satin scrunchies for less tension
• Bobby pins and sectioning clips
• Light hold styling gel or creme
• Edge brush or a clean soft toothbrush for flyaways
• Heatless accessories like satin ribbons and snap clips

1. The Smooth Low Pony

Time: 2 to 3 minutes
Best for: Straight, wavy, or curly hair of any density

Steps

1. Mist hair with water or detangler and brush through.
2. Part down the middle or slightly off center.
3. Gather hair at the nape and secure with a snag free elastic.
4. Smooth flyaways with a tiny amount of gel on your palms.
5. Add a ribbon or scrunchie for a polished finish.

Pro tip
Wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic and pin the tail under the pony for a neat look.

2. Bubble Ponytail

Time: 3 to 4 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair

Steps

1. Make a mid or high ponytail and secure firmly.
2. Place additional elastics every 2 to 3 inches down the pony.
3. Gently tug each bubble outward to round it.
4. Lightly mist to tame fluff.

Pro tip
Use contrasting mini bands for a playful color pop that matches outfits or house colors.

3. Topsy Tail Flip

Time: 3 minutes
Best for: Shoulder length or longer hair

Steps

1. Create a low ponytail.
2. Loosen the hair just above the elastic to form a small gap.
3. Flip the ponytail up and through the gap.
4. Tighten and smooth.
5. Optionally add a second elastic a few inches below and repeat for a cascading effect.

Pro tip
This style looks fancy but takes seconds and works as a base for ribbons and clips.

4. Half Up Bow

Time: 4 to 5 minutes
Best for: Medium to long straight or wavy hair

Steps

1. Take the top section from temple to temple and secure in a half pony.
2. On the last loop of the elastic, do not pull hair all the way through. Leave a loop with tails.
3. Split the loop into two bow halves.
4. Wrap one tail between the halves to form the knot and pin underneath.

Pro tip
Mist fingers with a touch of gel before shaping to reduce frizz.

5. Dutch Headband Braid

Time: 6 to 7 minutes with practice
Best for: Medium to long hair that holds braids well

Steps

1. Part from ear to ear across the top. Clip the back hair out of the way.
2. Starting near one ear, create a small Dutch braid along the hairline toward the other ear, picking up small sections as you go.
3. Secure behind the far ear with a small clear elastic and hide the tail under the loose back hair.
4. Release the back hair and brush through.

Pro tip
Work with damp hair or apply a pea sized amount of creme to prevent flyaways.

6. Rope Braid Ponytail

Time: 3 to 4 minutes
Best for: Long hair, any texture

Steps

1. Gather a high or mid ponytail.
2. Split the pony into two equal sections.
3. Twist both sections in the same direction, then cross them in the opposite direction down the length.
4. Secure the end with an elastic.

Pro tip
A rope braid is quick, secure, and resists unraveling during sports.

7. Space Buns

Time: 4 to 5 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair

Steps

1. Part hair down the center.
2. Make two high pigtails.
3. Twist each pigtail into a coil and wrap into a bun.
4. Secure with elastics and a couple of pins.

Pro tip
Leave tiny face framing pieces or curl them with water for extra cuteness without heat.

8. Sleek Low Bun

Time: 3 to 4 minutes
Best for: Any hair type, ideal for dance or uniform days

Steps

1. Brush hair smooth and gather into a low ponytail.
2. Twist the ponytail and coil it into a bun.
3. Secure with an elastic and a few pins.
4. Smooth edges with a soft brush and a dab of gel.

Pro tip
Wrap a satin scrunchie around the bun for comfort during long school days.

9. Pull Through Braid

Time: 5 to 6 minutes
Best for: Long hair with moderate to thick density

Steps

1. Make a ponytail at the crown.
2. Create a second ponytail right below the first.
3. Split the top ponytail in half and pull the lower ponytail through the split. Clip the lower ponytail out of the way.
4. Combine the split halves under the lower ponytail and secure with a new elastic.
5. Repeat down the length.
6. Gently pancake each section for volume.

Pro tip
Gives a braid look without braiding and is great for small hands learning coordination.

10. Curly Pineapple

Time: 2 minutes
Best for: Naturally curly or coily hair

Steps

1. Flip head forward and gather hair at the very top near the forehead.
2. Secure loosely with a satin scrunchie to avoid dents.
3. Fluff curls forward and around for a soft halo.

Pro tip
At bedtime, keep the pineapple to protect curls. In the morning, refresh with a water and leave in mix.

11. Double Dutch Pigtails

Time: 6 to 7 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair

Steps

1. Part hair straight down the middle from forehead to nape. Clip one side.
2. On the free side, start a small Dutch braid at the hairline and add hair as you move toward the nape.
3. Secure with an elastic and repeat on the other side.
4. Leave tails loose or braid them to the ends.

Pro tip
For tender scalps, use a wide tooth comb first and add a tiny bit of leave in creme for slip.

12. Tied Ribbon Half Up

Time: 2 to 3 minutes
Best for: Fine to medium hair

Steps

1. Take a small section from above each ear and tie them together at the back with a satin ribbon.
2. Double knot gently to secure.
3. Smooth the crown with a brush.

Pro tip
Choose soft satin or grosgrain ribbons that do not snag. This style is gentle and festive.

13. Top Knot with Hidden Tail

Time: 3 minutes
Best for: Medium to long hair, straight or wavy

Steps

1. Create a high ponytail.
2. On the last pass of the elastic, do not pull the hair all the way through, leaving a loop on top and a tail underneath.
3. Wrap the tail around the base and pin under the loop.

Pro tip
Stays put during playground time and looks neat in photos.

14. Headband and Twist

Time: 2 to 3 minutes
Best for: Short to medium hair and growing out bangs

Steps

1. Place a soft fabric headband behind the hairline.
2. Take small front sections on each side, twist back, and slide them under the headband to anchor.
3. Smooth the crown and tuck any flyaways.

Pro tip
Choose a wide, soft band that does not pinch. Avoid plastic teeth on sensitive scalps.

15. Mini Clip Garden

Time: 2 minutes
Best for: Short, curly, or coily hair that resists ponytails

Steps

1. Spritz hair to refresh curls or coils.
2. Pin small sections back with colorful snap clips or tiny claw clips along the hairline.
3. Stagger the clips for a playful garden effect.

Pro tip
Pick clips that open wide and close gently. This low tension option is perfect for very young kids.

Time saving tips for zero tears mornings

• Prep on Sundays. Wash, condition, detangle, and put hair in protective braids or a silk bonnet.
• Keep a small caddy near the door with elastics, clips, and a spray bottle.
• Choose a style the night before and set out matching accessories.
• Use satin pillowcases to reduce tangles and breakage.
• Rotate 3 to 4 signature styles so your child knows what to expect.

Gentle care for healthy kids hair

• Detangle from ends to roots while hair is damp with slip from conditioner.
• Avoid tight elastics and heavy tension that can stress the hairline.
• Replace thin rubber bands with snag free elastics or soft scrunchies.
• Keep heat to a minimum. Air drying and no heat curls are kinder and faster.
• Trim regularly to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.

Accessory ideas that speed up styling

• Satin scrunchies for secure hold with less pulling
• Patterned headbands to tame flyaways and add style
• Mini claw clips for quick half up looks on thick hair
• Color coded mini elastics for bubble or pull through braids
• Ribbons and bows for instant polish with zero skill required

Troubleshooting common issues

My child hates brushing
Detangle in the bath with conditioner and a wide tooth comb. Use a short song as a timer so they know when it will end.

Styles fall out by noon
Start with slightly damp hair or use a pea of gel. Secure elastics tighter at the base, then gently loosen the shape for volume without losing hold.

Flyaways everywhere
Rub a bit of leave in creme between your palms and lightly smooth over the surface. An edge brush can detail the hairline without heaviness.

Tender scalp
Avoid tight parts, switch part locations daily, choose soft accessories, and loosen styles the moment they complain.

Quick visual guide for choosing a style

• Running late: Smooth Low Pony, Tied Ribbon Half Up, Curly Pineapple
• Sports day: Rope Braid Ponytail, Pull Through Braid, Sleek Low Bun
• Picture day: Half Up Bow, Dutch Headband Braid, Space Buns
• Very short or growing out: Headband and Twist, Mini Clip Garden
• Long recess or hot weather: Space Buns, Sleek Low Bun, Double Dutch Pigtails

Simple step plans for beginners

If you are new to styling, start with this three day rotation to build confidence.

Day 1. Smooth Low Pony
Focus on detangling and tension at the base only. Add a ribbon.

Day 2. Bubble Ponytail
Master even spacing of elastics. Practice gentle pancaking for round bubbles.

Day 3. Rope Braid Ponytail
Learn the twist in one direction and cross in the other pattern. It becomes muscle memory quickly.

Repeat the cycle and add Space Buns once you feel comfortable.

Safety and comfort checklist

• Ask your child to shake their head. If anything tugs or pinches, adjust immediately.
• Keep elastics off the very edge of the hairline to protect new growth.
• Use soft ends on bobby pins and hide pin tips inside the bun or braid.
• Remove styles gently at night. Snip stuck elastics rather than yanking.

Frequently asked questions

How often should kids wash their hair
Most kids do well with two to three wash days per week. Curly and coily hair often prefers fewer wash days with midweek refreshing.

What is a simple detangler for mornings
Try a DIY mix with water, a teaspoon of leave in conditioner, and a drop of lightweight oil in a spray bottle. Shake before each use.

How can I protect braids overnight
Use a satin bonnet or pillowcase to reduce friction. For long braids, loosely band the ends and tuck them into the bonnet.

What should I do about baby hairs at the hairline
Do not force them into tight styles. Smooth with a tiny amount of creme and a soft brush, or let them be for comfort and hair health.

A sample 5 minute routine

1. Spritz hair lightly and finger detangle.
2. Brush from ends to roots once or twice for smoothness.
3. Choose a style from this guide such as pony, bubble, or rope.
4. Secure with snag free elastics.
5. Add one accessory that matches the outfit.
6. Smile and take a quick photo.

Final thoughts

Quick hairstyles are not about perfection. They are about comfort, confidence, and getting out the door on time. With a small set of tools and a handful of go to styles, you can create looks that hold through class, recess, and after school activities. Start with one or two styles from this list, practice on a weekend, and build your routine from there. Your mornings can be calmer, your child can feel great, and you will both have more time for the fun part of the day. Use these 15 easy and quick kids hairstyles as your personal menu. Mix and match based on the weather, the schedule, and your child’s mood. Before long, you will be styling like a pro in five minutes or less.