Zero Tears, All Cheers: Cute Back to School Hairstyles for Kids

School mornings = pure madness. Alarms snoozed 10 times, socks that vanish in thin air, lunch boxes that refuse to pack themselves… and then the final boss: your kid’s hair. One side sticking up, tangles that could trap a comb forever, frizz exploding like it’s on a mission. Sound familiar? Of course it does. We’ve all been there.

Here’s the good news: back to school hairstyles for kids don’t have to be complicated. We’ve rounded up fun, practical, and parent-approved styles that work on every hair type: straight, wavy, curly, or coily. And to make them last? We’ll also share the best products for each hairstyle, so mornings stay stress-free and kids head to school looking their very best.

1. The Sleek Ponytail (aka the “I’ve Got 2 Minutes” Style)

When mornings move at lightning speed, the sleek ponytail saves the day. Neat, polished, and school-photo ready, even if your child rolled out of bed ten minutes ago.

Styling routine:

1. Melt away tangles in seconds with Cantu Kids Care Detangler.
2. Smooth down flyaways with ORS Girls Olive Oil Fly-Away Taming Gel.
3. Add a bright scrunchie or bow for instant cuteness.

2. The Classic Puff (aka the “Crown of Curls”)

The puff is more than a hairstyle, it’s a crown. Quick, fabulous, and perfect for showing off curls while keeping it classroom-friendly.

Styling routine:

1. Refresh curls with Mielle Organics Kids Sacha Inchi Curl Enhancing Cream.
2. Sleek the edges with Cantu Kids Styling Gel.
3. Add a fun headband or clips for playground royalty vibes.

3. Braided Pigtails (aka the “Playground-Proof Cuties”)

Cute enough for picture day, strong enough to survive recess. Braided pigtails = every parent’s go-to for back to school mornings.

Styling routine:

1. Prep with Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Curling Cream for grip and shine.
2. Braid neatly and secure with elastics.
3. Seal with Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Styling Jelly so braids last all day.

4. The Half-Up Bun (aka the “Too Cool for Full Pony” Look)

Trendy, practical, and classroom-approved. Perfect for kids who want to show off length while staying focused on their lessons.

Styling routine:

1. Prep strands quickly with ORS Girls Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioning Detangler.
2. Define and add hold to curls with Curly Kids Custard.
3. Keep the bun neat and edges sleek with African Pride Dream Kids Smooth Edges.

5. Double Buns (aka “Mini Mouse Vibes, Maximum Cuteness”)

Double buns = instant fun. They work on every texture, make mornings playful, and guarantee compliments from teachers and classmates.

Styling routine:

1. Add Cantu Kids Curling Cream for bounce.
2. Secure buns with elastics.
3. Finish with Cantu Kids Styling Gel to keep them perky all day.

Last but not least: Protective Braids and Twists (aka “The Morning Time Saver”)

Parents call it efficient, kids call it cool. Protective braids and twists = stress-free back to school mornings and styles that last for days.

Styling routine:

1. Keep braids soft and nourished with African Pride Dream Kids Olive Miracle Leave-In.
2. Smooth edges with African Pride Dream Kids Smooth Edges.
3. Refresh daily with African Pride Dream Kids Olive Braid Spray.

Back to School Haircare Must-Haves

To make sure these hairstyles last all day (and sometimes all week), every parent needs a few essentials:

• Leave-in sprays: for quick detangling and hydration
• Styling creams: for smoothness, shine, and hold
• Lightweight gels: for sleek edges and frizz control
• Fun accessories: scrunchies, headbands, colorful clips

Final Bell

Back to school mornings don’t have to mean tears and tangles. With these easy kids’ hairstyles and the right styling helpers, parents can turn chaos into confidence and send their little ones to class looking amazing.