Let me paint you a picture: It’s 7:43 AM on a Tuesday morning. The bus comes at 8:15. My daughter is sitting on the bathroom floor, tears streaming down her face because I accidentally pulled her hair while trying to create what I thought would be a simple ponytail. My son is yelling from his bedroom that he can’t find his other shoe. The dog is barking. And I’m standing there with a hairbrush in one hand and my cold coffee in the other, wondering how other parents make this look so effortless.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar morning chaos, you’re not alone. After years of trial, error, and more than a few meltdowns (both mine and theirs), I’ve finally cracked the code on easy kid hairstyles that actually work for busy mornings. And today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned with you.
Why Kid Hairstyles Don’t Have to Be Complicated
Here’s the truth that took me way too long to accept: your child’s hairstyle doesn’t need to look Instagram-perfect to be adorable. Those elaborate braids and intricate updos you see online? They’re beautiful, sure. But they’re not realistic for most of us rushing through breakfast and hunting down missing homework.
What your kids really need are hairstyles that are quick, comfortable, and stay put throughout their active day. Whether they’re climbing monkey bars, doing cartwheels at recess, or participating in gym class, their hair should be the last thing on anyone’s mind.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s peace. Peace in your morning routine, peace for your child who doesn’t want to sit still, and peace of mind knowing their hair will look neat for school photos or birthday parties.
Essential Tools Every Parent Needs
Before we dive into specific hairstyles, let’s talk about having the right tools. Trust me, having these basics on hand will transform your hair-doing experience from frustrating to manageable.
Your Hair Styling Toolkit
A good quality hairbrush: I learned this the hard way after using a cheap brush that snagged constantly. Invest in a detangling brush or a wet brush—your child’s tender scalp (and your relationship) will thank you.
Hair elastics: Stock up on both thick and thin ones. I keep a basket of colorful elastics in the bathroom and another stash in my purse for emergencies. Pro tip: avoid the ones with metal clasps that can snag and pull.
Bobby pins and hair clips: These are lifesavers for keeping flyaways in check and adding cute accents. Choose ones with rubber tips to prevent slipping.
A spray bottle with water: Sometimes slightly damp hair is easier to work with than completely dry hair, especially for kids with curly or textured hair.
Leave-in conditioner or detangling spray: This is non-negotiable in our house. It makes brushing so much easier and less painful.
Hair accessories: Headbands, bows, scrunchies, and ribbons can elevate even the simplest hairstyle and make your child feel special.
Quick Hairstyles for Girls: Five Minutes or Less
The Classic High Ponytail
Let’s start with the basics. The high ponytail is my go-to for busy mornings because it literally takes two minutes, tops.
Here’s how to make it look polished:
- Brush all the hair back toward the crown of the head
- Gather it into a ponytail, tilting your child’s head back slightly (this prevents those annoying bumps)
- Secure with a hair elastic
- Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to hide it, securing with a bobby pin underneath
- Smooth any flyaways with a bit of water or styling gel
Want to make it special? Add a colorful scrunchie or wrap a ribbon around the base. My daughter calls these her “fancy ponytails,” and they make her feel dressed up even though they take minimal effort.
The Double Low Pigtails
This one is perfect for younger kids or those who don’t like their hair pulled tight. It’s playful, cute, and keeps hair completely off their face and neck.
Part the hair down the middle (don’t stress about making it perfectly straight—messy works too), then gather each side into a low ponytail behind the ears. That’s it. You can position them low for a relaxed look or slightly higher for a more classic style.
The beauty of pigtails is how versatile they are. Leave them straight for school, or do them before bed so your child wakes up with beautiful waves the next morning.
The Simple Side Braid
I’ll be honest—I’m not a braiding expert. Those complicated fishtails and Dutch braids? They’re beyond my skill level, especially when I’m working with a squirmy seven-year-old. But a simple three-strand side braid? That I can do.
Brush all the hair over one shoulder, divide it into three equal sections, and braid normally. Secure the end with an elastic. The side braid looks sweet and keeps long hair tangle-free during active play. Plus, it looks intentional even when it’s a little messy, which is perfect for those of us who aren’t professional hairstylists.
The Half-Up Style
This one is genius for kids who want their hair down but need it out of their face for school. It’s also great for picture day because it shows off their length while keeping things neat.
Simply take a section of hair from each side of the head (about ear-level), pull them back, and secure them together at the back of the head with an elastic or clip. You can twist the sections before securing them for a slightly fancier look, or just pull them straight back for maximum speed.
I love this style because it works on almost any hair length and texture. It also gives you the perfect opportunity to use those adorable hair clips and bows your child insists on buying.
The Messy Bun
When we’re really running late (which happens more often than I’d like to admit), the messy bun is my salvation. It sounds fancy, but it’s actually just a high ponytail that you don’t pull all the way through on the last loop.
Here’s the process: make a high ponytail, but on the final wrap of the elastic, don’t pull the hair all the way through—leave it in a loop. Then take the remaining ends and wrap them around the base, securing with bobby pins or another elastic. Gently pull and loosen the bun to make it look fuller and more relaxed.
The messy bun works beautifully for dance class, sports, or any activity where hair really needs to stay completely secure. And despite the name, it actually looks quite put-together.
Quick Hairstyles for Boys: Simple and Stylish
Boys’ hair might seem easier to manage, but trust me, it comes with its own challenges. My son went through a phase where he refused to let me touch his hair at all, so I learned to work with what he’d tolerate.
The Classic Side Part
For boys with short to medium length hair, a clean side part looks sharp and takes seconds. While the hair is still slightly damp from the shower, use a comb to create a part on one side, then brush or comb the hair in the direction you want it to lay. A tiny bit of styling gel or pomade can help it stay in place throughout the day.
The Textured Crop
If your son has shorter hair, sometimes all you need is a bit of texture. Rub a small amount of styling product (like a light pomade or texture paste) between your hands, then run your fingers through his hair in an upward and forward motion. This creates a natural, slightly messy look that works for school or play.
The Slicked Back Look
For special occasions or when your son wants to look extra neat, the slicked-back style is surprisingly easy. Apply a bit of gel or pomade to damp hair, then use a comb to brush everything back away from the face. This works best on hair that’s at least 2-3 inches long.
The Long Hair Half-Up
More and more boys are rocking longer hair these days, and I love it! If your son has shoulder-length or longer hair, the half-up style works just as well for him as it does for girls. Pull the top section back and secure it with a small elastic. It keeps hair out of his face while still showing off the length he’s been growing.
Hairstyles for Different Hair Types
Our E-book
One of the biggest lessons I learned on this parenting journey is that not all hair is the same, and what works for one child might not work for another. Learning to work with your child’s natural texture and pattern is so much easier than fighting against it.
For Curly and Coily Hair
If your child has curly, coily, or textured hair, moisture is your best friend. I’ve learned that for these beautiful curl patterns, you want to work with wet or damp hair, not dry hair.
Protective styles like braids, twists, and buns are perfect because they protect the hair from damage and last multiple days, reducing daily manipulation. Two-strand twists are relatively easy to learn and look gorgeous. Plus, when you take them out after a few days, your child has a whole new hairstyle—the twist-out gives beautiful, defined waves.
Puff ponytails are another wonderful option. Use a silk or satin scrunchie (never those tight elastics that can cause breakage) to gather the hair into a high puff. Let those curls shine! You can position the puff high for a playful look or lower for something more relaxed.
Always use products designed for curly hair—leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and oils that provide the moisture these hair types need. And please, never try to brush curly hair when it’s dry. Always detangle when wet with plenty of conditioner, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
For Fine or Thin Hair
Fine hair can be tricky because tight ponytails tend to slip, and there’s not always a lot of volume to work with. I’ve found that smaller, multiple ponytails often work better than one large one for fine hair.
Try double side ponytails or even four small ponytails (two on each side) for a cute, secure style. Adding texture spray or a bit of mousse before styling can help give fine hair more grip and volume.
Braids are also your friend here because they create the illusion of thicker hair and hold better throughout the day than loose styles.
For Thick Hair
If your child has thick, dense hair, you know the struggle of getting it all contained in one ponytail. Your arms get tired, the elastic breaks, and somehow there are still pieces falling out.
For thick hair, sectioning is key. Divide the hair into two or three sections before gathering into a ponytail. Secure the first section with an elastic, then add the other sections and secure again with a second elastic over the first. This distributes the weight better and keeps everything secure.
Braids and buns work beautifully on thick hair because there’s so much to work with. Even if your braid skills are basic, the sheer volume of hair makes it look impressive.
Making Hair Time Less Stressful: Real Talk from One Parent to Another
Let’s address the elephant in the room: sometimes kids just don’t want to sit still for hair time. And honestly? I get it. When I imagine how it must feel to have someone pulling and tugging at my head first thing in the morning, I understand the resistance.
Here are the strategies that have worked in our house:
Create a routine: Kids thrive on predictability. We do hair at the same time every morning, right after breakfast. Now it’s just part of the routine, not a surprise battle.
Let them have some control: I give my daughter two or three style options each morning and let her choose. This small bit of control makes a huge difference in her cooperation.
Make it special: We put on music, or sometimes I let them watch a short video on my phone while I work. Yes, screen time during hair time. Judge me if you must, but it keeps everyone happy.
Practice on weekends: When we’re not rushed, we try new styles. This way, both of us get comfortable with different techniques before attempting them on a hectic school morning.
Nighttime prep: Sometimes we do hair before bed. Braids, in particular, can last overnight and look great the next day. Bonus: you wake up with waves when you take them out.
Invest in professional cuts: A good haircut makes everything easier. Find a children’s stylist who understands kid hair and can suggest low-maintenance cuts that work with your child’s hair type.
Hair Care Basics: Beyond the Styling
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that healthy hair is easier to style. I’m not talking about an elaborate 10-step routine—just some basics that make everything smoother.
Wash appropriately: Not every hair type needs daily washing. Curly and textured hair often does better with less frequent washing, while fine hair might need it more often. Figure out what works for your child.
Condition properly: Don’t skip the conditioner. It makes detangling so much easier and keeps hair healthier overall.
Detangle gently: Always start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Never start brushing at the scalp and pull through tangles—that’s a recipe for tears and broken hair.
Protect at night: Consider silk or satin pillowcases, especially for kids with curly or textured hair. These fabrics cause less friction and help maintain styles overnight.
Regular trims: Get rid of split ends before they travel up the hair shaft. A trim every 8-12 weeks keeps hair looking healthy and makes styling easier.
Stay hydrated and eat well: Healthy hair comes from the inside out. Make sure your kids are drinking enough water and getting proper nutrition.
When to Keep It Even Simpler
There are seasons of life when even “easy” hairstyles feel like too much. Maybe you have a newborn. Maybe you’re going through a challenging time. Maybe your child is going through a particularly resistant phase. Whatever the reason, it’s completely okay to keep things super simple.
Short haircuts are underrated. There’s no shame in a cute pixie cut or a simple bob that requires nothing more than a brush in the morning. Sometimes the easiest hairstyle is one that doesn’t need any styling at all.
And you know what? Hair grows back. Hairstyles are temporary. Your relationship with your child and the peace in your home are what matter most.
Making Memories, Not Just Hairstyles
Here’s what I’ve come to realize after years of morning hair battles and experimenting with different styles: the hairstyle itself isn’t what’s important. What matters is those moments of connection, however brief, when you’re standing behind your child, working on their hair, maybe chatting about the day ahead or singing along to a song together.
My daughter is getting older now, and I know that soon she won’t want me doing her hair anymore. She’ll want to handle it herself, establish her own style, her own morning routine. And while I look forward to those lazy mornings where I can drink my coffee while it’s still hot, I know I’ll miss this—miss being needed in this small, daily way.
So if the braid is a little crooked or the ponytail isn’t perfectly centered, it’s okay. You’re doing great. Your child looks adorable. And more importantly, they’re loved, cared for, and ready to take on their day.
You’ve Got This
The truth about easy kid hairstyles is that they’re only as complicated as you make them. Start with the basics—ponytails, braids, simple clips—and build from there as you get more comfortable and as your child’s patience allows.
Remember, the goal isn’t to create hairstyles worthy of Pinterest. The goal is to get your child ready for their day in a way that’s manageable for you and comfortable for them. Everything else is just bonus.
Keep your toolkit stocked, find a few reliable go-to styles, and don’t be afraid to adjust based on what works for your unique family situation. Some mornings will go smoothly. Others will be chaotic. Both are completely normal.
And on those particularly rough mornings when nothing is going right? There’s absolutely no shame in a baseball cap, headband, or just leaving the hair down. Tomorrow is a new day, and you’ll try again.
Because at the end of the day, your kids don’t need perfect hair. They need a parent who shows up, who tries, who loves them through the tangles and the tears and the rushed mornings. And you’re already doing that beautifully.
“In the eyes of a child, you are already perfect. The messy bun, the crooked braid, the ponytail that’s slightly off-center—none of it matters. What matters is that you were there, with gentle hands and a loving heart, helping them start their day.”
Now go forth and conquer those morning hair routines! You’ve got this, mama. And when in doubt, remember: love covers all—even imperfect ponytails.
