7 Kid-Approved Hairstyles to Save Time

Introduction

Let’s be real—mornings with kids are like mini marathons. Between forgotten lunchboxes and mismatched socks, getting everyone out the door can feel like a victory in itself. But one thing that often slows us down? Hair. Whether it’s a tangled mess or a style meltdown, doing your child’s hair can quickly become the most stressful part of your routine.

In fact, a survey from Parents Magazine found that over 70% of moms say hair styling is the most time-consuming part of school mornings. That’s why we’ve rounded up 7 time-saving, kid-approved hairstyles that are perfect for every texture, length, and personality. They’re not only quick and easy but also adorable and practical. No tears. No tangles. Just fast, functional, and fun styles that your little one (and you!) will actually love.

Let’s dive in and get you some precious minutes back every morning!

1. The Classic Ponytail with a Twist

The humble ponytail is a timeless go-to, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. With just a few tweaks, you can transform this everyday look into something playful and put-together without spending more than five minutes.

Start by brushing through your child’s hair to get rid of knots—using a detangling spray can help speed things up, especially for curly or fine hair. Once smooth, gather the hair into a high or low ponytail depending on preference. To add that “twist,” consider wrapping a small braid around the base of the ponytail or hiding the elastic with a strand of hair for a more polished finish. Add a pop of color with a scrunchie or ribbon that matches their outfit or school colors.

The best part? This style keeps hair secure during busy school days, dance class, or even gym time. It’s perfect for girls who like to move, but still want to look cute and tidy. Whether you’re working with straight hair or trying to tame wild waves, the ponytail-with-a-twist is versatile, reliable, and ridiculously easy.

And if you’re in a serious time crunch, just brush, tie, and go—this look doesn’t judge. It’s a solid choice in any mom’s styling toolkit.

2. Double Buns (Space Buns)

Ready to level up the cute factor? Enter the double bun—also known as “space buns.” This playful hairstyle is not only Instagram-worthy, but also impressively practical. It’s especially loved by kids because it feels fun and different, like something out of their favorite cartoon.

To get the look, part the hair down the middle and create two high ponytails on either side. Then, twist each section around into a bun and secure with hair ties or pins. For extra flair, you can use glitter clips, mini bows, or even colorful elastics to decorate each bun. If your child has thinner hair, a light teasing or volume powder can give the buns a fuller appearance.

Space buns are ideal for preschoolers and young kids who are active but want a hairstyle that’s secure and stylish. It’s a great protective style that holds up during recess or after-school activities, and because the hair is tightly tucked away, it reduces tangles and breakage.

This style is great for weekend outings too—think birthday parties, trips to the zoo, or family picnics. It checks all the boxes: fun, fast, fuss-free.

3. Side Braid with Ribbon

Nothing beats a classic braid when it comes to simplicity, but adding a ribbon? Instant charm. The side braid with ribbon is a charming hairstyle that looks like you spent way more time than you did. It’s ideal for school picture day or when your little one just wants to feel extra special.

Start by brushing the hair to one side. Secure the ribbon near the root with a bobby pin, then include it in one of the braid strands as you weave. Finish with a tie and a small bow at the bottom, or let the ribbon hang loose for a whimsical touch. Not only does this keep hair neatly in place, but it also gives your child a unique style moment.

This hairstyle works especially well for kids with longer hair, and it’s adaptable to different textures—from pin-straight to thick curls. It’s also great for layering accessories: barrettes, flower clips, or even themed items for holidays or school spirit days.

Parents love it because it’s fast, fuss-free, and doesn’t require heat or complex tools. Plus, it teaches your child a fun way to express themselves through style. Braiding while watching a cartoon or during breakfast? Totally doable.

4. Top Knot with a Scrunchie

We all have those days where everything feels like it’s moving in double-time. That’s where the top knot swoops in to save the day. This no-nonsense style is perfect for early mornings, rainy days, or just when you need to get out the door now.

Gather your child’s hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure with a soft scrunchie. The scrunchie not only holds it in place but also adds a pop of color or texture without any extra effort. For a neater look, smooth the hair before styling. For something more relaxed, let a few strands fall around the face.

This style is a lifesaver for thick, hard-to-manage hair and works beautifully with curls, too. It keeps everything tucked away and out of the eyes, making it ideal for reading, writing, or running around the playground.

Budget tip? Grab a pack of scrunchies in different colors and rotate them each week. It’s a simple way to keep things feeling fresh without spending extra time—or money.

5. Braided Pigtails

Braided pigtails are the perfect combo of cute and practical. They’re secure, balanced, and—bonus—keep hair from tangling throughout the day. Great for kids with medium to long hair, this hairstyle brings a nostalgic charm that never gets old.

Start by parting the hair down the middle and creating two sections. Braid each side tightly or loosely depending on your child’s preference. Finish with elastics or small bows. If your child has flyaways or baby hairs, a little leave-in conditioner or styling gel can help keep everything in place.

What makes braided pigtails a mom favorite? They’re incredibly durable. Once braided, the hair is unlikely to unravel or become a frizzball halfway through the day. They’re also perfect for school photos, themed events, or even weekend playdates.

For kids with textured or curly hair, consider using a wide-tooth comb and detangling spray first. You can even sleep in them for gorgeous, heat-free waves the next morning. Two birds, one braid!

6. Headband Tuck

Have a kid who hates tight hairstyles or brushing? The headband tuck might just become your new favorite hack. It’s gentle, takes under two minutes, and still manages to look stylish and intentional.

All you need is a soft elastic headband—fabric ones work best for comfort. Place the band around your child’s head, then gently roll sections of hair into the band from both sides, tucking until all hair is secured. It’s great for shoulder-length or short hair, and works on dry or slightly damp hair for a more secure hold.

The headband tuck is also a wonderful style for more sensory-sensitive kids who can’t stand clips or tight styles. There’s no tugging, no tangling, and absolutely no stress involved.

Want to jazz it up? Choose patterned headbands or ones with cute embellishments. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and requires almost zero effort.

7. Half-Up Mini Buns

Half-up mini buns are the cool girl cousin of the classic ponytail. This style is spunky, fun, and perfect for kids who want to stand out a bit more. It also works great for keeping hair out of their face while still showing off length and volume.

Start by sectioning off the top half of the hair and splitting it into two parts. Twist each into a small bun and secure with elastics or pins. You can leave the rest of the hair down or curl it slightly for special occasions. It’s a surprisingly polished look that takes less than five minutes to pull off.

This style is especially popular among tweens and older kids who want something a little more fashionable but still mom-approved. It’s perfect for school spirit days, birthday parties, or just a regular day they want to feel cool.

For busy mornings, this can easily be done the night before on damp hair—just secure with silk scrunchies and let them sleep in it for a wake-up-and-go morning. Less work, more wow.

Conclusion

When time is short and the schedule is packed, having go-to hairstyles that are easy, cute, and kid-approved can change the game. These 7 time-saving styles don’t just help you beat the morning rush—they empower your kids to feel confident and stylish without stress.