7 Kid-Approved Hairstyles for School Mornings (2025 Edition)

According to a recent parenting survey, over 72% of parents say hairstyling is one of the most stressful parts of the school morning routine. We feel you. That’s why we’ve rounded up seven quick, cute, kid-approved hairstyles that are low on effort and high on charm. Whether you’ve got five minutes or just one, these ideas are perfect for busy parents who want their little ones to head out the door with a smile (and a secure hairstyle).

Let’s dive into these hairstyle hacks that’ll change your school mornings—maybe not overnight, but definitely over time.

Why Simple Hairstyles Matter on School Mornings

The school morning rush isn’t just about logistics—it’s about setting the tone for your child’s entire day. A smooth, low-stress start can build their confidence and keep tantrums (from both kids and parents!) at bay.

Simple, low-maintenance hairstyles not only save precious time but also keep your child feeling comfortable throughout the school day. No more itchy pins or hair falling into eyes during reading time. Plus, when kids feel good about how they look, it can boost their self-esteem—even at a young age.

Also, repeated tugging, tight ponytails, or rushing with a hairbrush can cause breakage or hair thinning. That’s why using detangler sprays, soft hair ties, and quick, protective hairstyles for children can make all the difference. Bonus: When kids like their hairstyles, they’re more likely to cooperate, making mornings feel like less of a battlefield and more like a win.

1. The Classic Ponytail with a Twist

Ponytails are the real MVP of school hairstyles. They’re quick, versatile, and perfect for kids who move a lot throughout the day. But if you’re tired of the basic pony, adding a small twist—literally—can make a world of difference.

For a fun upgrade, take a small section of hair from the ponytail, wrap it around the hair tie, and pin it underneath. Want to go a step further? Try a rope braid ponytail or add a glittery scrunchie. It adds personality while keeping everything tidy.

This style works great for all hair types, and you can adjust the height to suit your child’s preference. High ponytails feel sporty and bold, while low ponytails feel soft and relaxed. For fine hair, add a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray to give volume and grip.

Kids love that they can run, jump, and play without a hair disaster. Parents love that it takes under three minutes. It’s a win-win!

2. The Fast & Cute Braided Crown

There’s something magical about braids—and a braided crown feels like something straight out of a fairytale, yet it’s totally doable on a school morning.

Start by parting the hair down the middle and making two simple braids (classic three-strand or Dutch braids, if you’re fancy). Wrap each braid over the top of the head like a headband and secure with bobby pins. Boom—instant princess vibes, minus the drama.

This style is ideal for medium to long hair and works beautifully on both straight and textured hair. It’s a great choice for slightly damp hair in the morning, too—just braid and go. By the time they get to class, their hair is drying into soft waves, ready for an after-school playdate.

You can keep it playful with bright clips or make it more polished for school picture day. And guess what? This style holds up. No mid-day frizz, no flyaways, and definitely no drama from your mini fashionista.

3. The Bumblebee Bun (Fun & Functional)

If your mornings are more “Where are your socks?!” than “Let’s take our time,” the Bumblebee Bun is your new best friend. It’s high, it’s secure, and it’s full of personality—just like your kiddo.

Start with a ponytail high on the head. Twist the hair into a bun and secure with a hair tie or soft bun maker. Then wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic, and add a cute clip, bow, or scrunchie on the side. That’s it!

This style is amazing for kids with thick or curly hair because it keeps everything in place without needing too much product. Add a bit of curl cream or leave-in conditioner beforehand if you’re working with texture—it helps tame frizz and keeps things looking polished.

And the name? Kids love it. Tell them they look like a “buzzing little superstar” and watch them strut out the door with extra pep in their step.

4. The Double Trouble Pigtails

Don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of pigtails. They’re classic, cute, and full of possibilities. And in 2025, pigtails are cooler than ever—think mini braids, bubble elastics, or even tiny space buns at the base for a modern twist.

Start with a center part and tie each side into a secure low or high pigtail. You can leave them straight, braid them, or twist them depending on time and your child’s hair type.

This style works beautifully for both boys and girls, especially if they have shoulder-length or longer hair. It keeps strands out of their face and makes it easy to throw on a hoodie or backpack without ruining the style.

For mornings when you’ve got five minutes or less, this one’s a total time-saver. Just brush, part, tie, and go. Plus, kids love the symmetry and fun they bring.

5. The Headband Hack

There are mornings—let’s be honest—when even brushing hair feels like an accomplishment. That’s when you pull out the Headband Hack, a lifesaver that transforms bedhead into brilliance.

Start by smoothing out the front of the hairline. Then use a stretchy fabric headband to push hair back, leaving a bit of volume at the crown. Tuck in the sides behind the ears or leave them out for a softer look.

This is the go-to for short hairstyles, or on those days when your kid just doesn’t want their hair touched much. It’s gentle, super fast, and still looks intentional. Keep a stash of fun, school-friendly headbands (think bows, sparkles, or sports themes) and let your child choose their favorite. That way, they feel involved—and maybe even a little excited.

It’s also the best style for when you’re halfway out the door and realize… you forgot to brush their hair. We’ve all been there.

6. The 60-Second Top Knot

Say hello to your new emergency style hero: the 60-Second Top Knot. Perfect for those “we overslept again” days, this hairstyle is equal parts effortless and chic.

Gather all the hair into a high ponytail. Twist it loosely into a bun and secure with a tie. Leave a few face-framing strands for a casual, undone look. Done.

This one is perfect for older kids, especially those starting to care more about their appearance but still need a low-effort style they can manage themselves. You can make it sleek with gel or dry shampoo, or leave it messy for that intentionally cute look.

It’s also one of the best hairstyles for PE days, when your kid needs something that won’t come undone during dodgeball. And let’s be real—it looks stylish enough to rock in your own Zoom meeting too.

7. The Half-Up Flower Twist

If your child likes a little glam but you don’t have salon time, this one’s for you. The Half-Up Flower Twist is a sweet, simple way to elevate any look—and it takes just a couple of minutes.

Part the hair from ear to ear. Take two small sections from each side and twist them back, securing them together in the middle. Then coil the tail of the twist into a small spiral and pin it flat to create a flower-like design. Add a tiny clip or barrette in the center for extra flair.

It’s ideal for medium-length hair and works well on all textures. Plus, it keeps hair out of their face without committing to a full updo. Think school pictures, presentations, or even spirit day at school. It’s just the right balance of fun and functional.

 

Time-Saving Tips for School Hair Routines

Let’s be honest: even with the easiest styles, some mornings just don’t cooperate. Here are a few time-saving hacks to keep your school hair routine as smooth as possible:

• Prep the night before: Lightly braid damp hair before bed to wake up to ready-made waves or curls.
• Organize your tools: Keep a small basket with brushes, detangler spray, elastics, and clips near your kitchen or bathroom.
• Empower older kids: Teach them 2–3 basic styles they can do on their own. Independence = saved minutes.
• Use multitasking products: Leave-in conditioner that also detangles? Yes, please.
• Embrace the “perfectly imperfect”: A little frizz never hurt anyone. Kids care more about comfort than polish—go with it.

With a little planning and the right hairstyle strategy, your mornings can feel a lot less like a marathon and more like a dance party. (Well… maybe.)

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that school mornings can be chaotic, but with these 7 kid-approved hairstyles, you’ll be armed with quick, practical options that are just as fun as they are functional. Whether you’re rocking a top knot, playing with braids, or just reaching for that trusty headband, you’re making magic in minutes.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. With these easy styles and helpful tips, you’ll cut down the stress and maybe even add a few smiles to your morning routine. Because when your kid walks out the door feeling confident and cared for, it’s already a good day.

So go ahead—pick a hairstyle for tomorrow and see how much smoother your morning can be. You’ve got this.