Back to School Hairstyles for Kids

Ponytails

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I’ll be honest, ponytails are my go-to when I’m working with kids who have busy mornings. There’s something about the quick swoop, tie, and done that just makes life easier. I remember one little girl, probably 7, who told me she loved ponytails because it made her feel like she could run faster in the playground. And you know what? She wasn’t wrong—it does look sporty and carefree.

But here’s the thing: I don’t just do plain ponytails. Sometimes I wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic, and suddenly it looks like I put in way more effort than I actually did. Parents always thank me for “teaching” them that trick, like it’s magic. Honestly, it’s just one of those small touches that makes a huge difference. Simple, neat, and it actually stays put through the whole school day.

Braided Pigtails

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Braided pigtails take me back to my own childhood, but now when I style them on kids, I always see the excitement in their eyes. It’s like they know they’re about to get something that feels playful yet kind of fancy. To be fair, braiding can be tricky if the child is wiggly, but I’ve learned to distract them by asking about their favorite cartoons or what they had for breakfast. Works like a charm.

I like doing braids that are just a little bit messy—it keeps them looking natural and cute, not overly perfect. Once, I had a mom tell me her daughter came home with her braids still intact after gym class, and that felt like a victory for both of us. In my opinion, braided pigtails are the sweet spot between practical and adorable. They frame the face beautifully and really show off that back-to-school vibe.

Top Knot Bun

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Now, the top knot bun has this “I woke up like this” energy that I honestly adore. It’s neat enough for school but still has that slightly undone look that makes it feel cool. I once did a top knot on a girl who said it made her feel like a ballerina, and she spent the whole time twirling around my studio mirror. It was adorable, and her mom couldn’t stop smiling.

I usually go for a high placement, right on the crown, because it gives that cute little lift. And if I pull out a few face-framing pieces, suddenly the style looks intentional, not rushed. Parents always ask me how it stays up all day—truth is, it’s all about using the right pins and making sure the bun is wrapped tight but not too tight. In my opinion, it’s the easiest way to look polished without the fuss.

Bubble Ponytail

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The bubble ponytail is one of those styles that always gets a “wow” reaction, even though it’s ridiculously simple. Honestly, I think kids love it because it looks like something out of a cartoon. I remember a girl telling me her ponytail looked like “stacked marshmallows” after I finished, and I couldn’t stop laughing. She wasn’t wrong—it really does have that fun vibe.

All you need are a few elastics down the length of the ponytail, and boom, bubbles. I like tugging gently on each section to make them puff out—it gives it that playful texture. Parents often think it’ll take forever, but it’s faster than braiding. To be fair, it’s also one of those styles that looks good on straight or wavy hair, so it’s super versatile. In my experience, it makes kids feel like they’re wearing a special hairstyle without it being high-maintenance.

Space Buns

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Oh, space buns. These are the ultimate “I want to stand out” hairstyle, and kids adore them. The first time I did space buns on one of my models, she ran straight to her mom saying she looked like a pop star. And honestly, she kind of did. They’re fun, quirky, and perfect for school picture day or just when a kid wants something different.

The trick I’ve found is making the buns even—that’s the hardest part. I’ll be real, sometimes they come out a little lopsided, but kids usually don’t care. In fact, they kind of love it because it feels playful. A few glitter clips or colorful scrunchies, and suddenly the whole style looks intentional. Personally, I think space buns are the hairstyle version of a smile—lighthearted, cheerful, and impossible not to notice.

Half-Up Braids

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Half-up braids are my personal favorite when I want something that looks fancy but still practical. It’s like the best of both worlds—you keep the hair out of the face but still let the rest flow freely. I once did this style on a shy little girl, and when she saw herself in the mirror, she whispered, “I look like a princess.” Honestly, that’s why I love my job.

I usually do two small braids on each side and tie them at the back. Sometimes I twist them instead of braiding for a softer look. Parents always tell me it’s easier to redo at home than it looks, which is kind of the point. In my opinion, half-up braids are one of those styles that never fail to make kids feel special without going over the top.

Side Part

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The side part might sound too simple, but trust me, it can change a whole look. I remember working on one boy whose mom said his hair always just fell flat. We tried a deep side part, smoothed it down a bit, and suddenly he looked like a little gentleman. To be fair, sometimes it’s the small tweaks that make the biggest difference.

For girls, I like pairing the side part with a barrette or clip—it instantly looks styled without much effort. Honestly, it’s one of those “two-second” changes that somehow makes the hairstyle look intentional. And kids love seeing that transformation. In my experience, the side part works especially well for kids with straight or slightly wavy hair, because it holds its shape nicely throughout the day.

Crew Cut

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The crew cut is classic, clean, and, in my opinion, one of the easiest cuts for boys heading back to school. I had one kid tell me he loved it because it made him “faster” on the football field. I laughed, but I knew what he meant—no fuss, no hair in the eyes, just simple and neat.

Parents often appreciate how low-maintenance it is. No need for constant combing or fixing—just wash, towel-dry, and done. To be fair, I think it really brings out a kid’s features too. It’s like the haircut doesn’t compete with their personality; it just lets them shine. Every time I do a crew cut, I feel like I’m giving both the kid and the parent an easier morning routine.

Spiky Style

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Spiky hair always gets mixed reactions, but honestly, I think it’s super fun. I had this one boy who begged me for spikes because he said it made him feel like a superhero. And you know what? When we finished, he stood taller, chest out, like he was ready to save the world. That’s the magic of hair.

I usually recommend a light gel or mousse to keep it in place without turning it into a helmet. To be fair, spikes don’t always last all day if the kid is super active, but that’s kind of the charm—it looks playful even when it flops a little. Personally, I think spiky styles are the ultimate confidence-boosters for kids who like to stand out.

Cornrows

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Cornrows are a style I truly respect because of the skill and patience they require. Whenever I do them, I know I’m creating something that’s not just practical but cultural and meaningful too. I had one little girl sit for cornrows and proudly tell me her grandma wore them the same way when she was young. That moment stuck with me.

What I love most is how long they last—parents always thank me because it means less stress in the mornings. To be fair, they take time to put in, but the payoff is worth it. Cornrows keep the hair neat, out of the way, and honestly, they look stunning. In my opinion, they’re one of the strongest examples of how kids’ hairstyles can be both stylish and full of tradition.