The fastest way to turn chaos into order in the morning is with a good kids’ hairstyle. Parents don’t just want cute – we want something that keeps hair neat, doesn’t take forever, and survives recess. This guide gives you 25 simple styles for girls and boys, organized by everyday looks, protective options, special occasion favorites, trendy tween choices, and classic cuts.
Each style comes with step-by-step instructions, plus quick notes on the right tools, products, and hair types. Whether your child has straight, curly, or wavy hair, there’s a style here that works. You don’t need a salon background – just a brush, a few elastics, and a few minutes of patience. Choose the style type you’re looking for most:
- Quick and Easy
- Protective and Long-Lasting
- Special Occasion and Party
- Trendy and Fun
- Classic Boy Styles
- Trendy Boy Styles
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Quick & Easy Everyday Hairstyles for Girls
French-Braided Pigtails
Start with French braids when you want hair to stay neat all day. Part the hair down the middle with a comb, then French braid each side from the crown down to the nape and finish with standard braiding. Secure with elastics and cute bows. A spritz of detangling spray before you begin makes braiding easier.
Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is trendy but simple. Brush the hair into a mid-to-high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Add more elastics every few inches down the ponytail, then tug each section gently to create “bubbles.” This works especially well for kids with thick or wavy hair.
Messy Half-Up Bun
The messy half-up bun is fast and forgiving. Take the top half of the hair, twist it into a bun, and secure with a clip or elastic. Leave the rest of the hair down. It looks intentional, even if you did it in under two minutes.
Side Ponytail with Ribbon
A side ponytail is easy, cheerful, and works on all hair types. Sweep the hair to one side and secure it with an elastic. Finish with a ribbon or bow to make it look planned, not rushed.
Three Side Knots
Three side knots are fun and practical for kids with shorter hair. Part the hair to one side, divide it into three small sections just below the part, and tie each into a knot. Secure with elastics. It keeps hair out of the face while looking playful. This look is easy to customize, too! You can do more (or less) than three knots, and even do them on both sides of the part.
Twisted Ponytail
The twisted ponytail is an upgrade on a regular ponytail. Gather the hair into a mid-to-low ponytail and secure with an elastic. Split the section above the elastic, twist them around each other to the ends, and secure with another elastic. Done in less time than it takes to locate missing shoes.
Protective & Long-Lasting Styles
Double Dutch Braids with Ribbons
Double Dutch braids are durable and playful. Part the hair down the center, then Dutch braid each side by crossing strands under instead of over. Weave in colorful ribbons for extra charm. This is a great choice for sports days.
Inverted Braided Headband
The inverted braided headband keeps hair out of the eyes. Start a braid behind one ear, braid across the top of the head like a headband, and secure behind the other ear. A few bobby pins will hold it in place. You can French braid it into the hair for added security, too.
Side Braids into Bun
Side braids into a bun make hair look polished without fuss. French or Dutch braid each side of the head, then twist both into a low bun at the nape. Secure with pins. It lasts all day, even through playground time.
Criss-Cross Elastic Style
The criss-cross elastic style looks intricate but is simple. Section off small pieces at the crown, secure with elastics, and cross them over in a pattern before tying the rest back into a ponytail (or letting them fall in twin ponytails). It works well for everything from straight to curly textures because it keeps everything in place.
Cross-Braided Pigtails
This style looks fancy but is easy to master. Divide the hair into four sections and make two simple braids starting from the top two. Angle them back so they meet at the nape on the opposite sides. Tie them into low ponytails and finish with bows.
Special Occasion & Party Hairstyles
Low Braided Crown
The low braided crown is elegant enough for weddings and picture day. Make two low braids and wrap them over the head like a crown. Secure with pins. You could a flower clip for an extra touch.
Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is graceful and works best on straight or wavy hair. Start at the temple, braid while dropping one strand each time, and continue around the head. Pin at the end. This creates a flowing “waterfall” effect.
Twisted Princess Half-Up
The twisted princess half-up is a storybook look. Take chunky front sections, twist them, and pin them together at the back. Leave the rest of the hair flowing. A bow or clip makes it extra sweet.
Loose Curls with Flower Clip
Loose curls are party-ready and easy with a curling wand or heatless rollers. Brush them out for soft waves and clip in a flower or glittery barrette. This is ideal for birthdays or family photos.
Blowout Waves
Blowout waves look polished without being fussy. Use a blow dryer with a round brush and you can achieve this look at home! A light spray will hold the look for hours. This is perfect for picture day or concerts.
Trendy & Fun Tween Hairstyles
High Bun with Curled Loose Wisps
The high bun with loose wisps is stylish but simple. Brush hair into a high ponytail, twist into a bun, and pin. Pull a few face-framing strands free and curl for softness. This works well for tweens who want something more “grown-up.”
Space Buns
Space buns are playful and always on trend. Part the hair down the middle, make two high ponytails, and twist each into a bun. Secure with elastics. Add glitter clips for special occasions.
Fishtail Pony
The fishtail ponytail is a stylish twist on a regular pony. Gather hair into a low ponytail, split into two sections, and keep crossing small strands over to the opposite side. Secure with an elastic. It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple.
Wavy Hair and Small Braids
Wavy hair with tiny braids is the ultimate boho look. Create soft waves with a blow dryer and round brush (or leave natural waves to air-dry), then add a small braid on each side. You can add tiny braids throughout the hair for added effect. This style works beautifully on all lengths of hair.
Classic Boy Haircuts
Classic Crew Cut
The crew cut is low-maintenance and timeless. Use clippers with a #2 or #3 guard on the sides and back, leaving the top slightly longer. Blend with scissors. This style is easy for all school-age boys.
Curtain Cut
The curtain cut is a retro style making a comeback. Part the hair down the middle, keep the top long, and trim the sides shorter. The front fringe frames the face. It works best with curly or wavy textures.
Trendy Boy Styles
Modern Shag
The modern shag is relaxed and stylish. Ask for layers throughout, then tousle with fingers and a light mousse. Let it air-dry for natural texture. This is another good option for boys with wavy or curly hair.
Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is edgy but school-appropriate. Keep the sides short, leave a strip longer down the middle, and spike it up with a dab of gel. Parents love it because it’s fun without being too wild.
Undercut with Bun
The undercut with bun is ideal for boys with longer hair. Keep the sides and back short while leaving the top long enough for a bun. Gather the top into a small bun at the crown. It’s cool, modern, and keeps hair out of the way.
Before You Go
Experiment with these 25 ideas based on your child’s age, hair type, and activity. Keep a simple toolkit of detangler, elastics, clips, and bobby pins on hand. With a little practice, you’ll be able to finish a hairstyle in less time than it takes to pour a second cup of coffee.
If you’ve also got a toddler in your household, check out the hairstyles I specifically recommend for toddler girls!
