24 Hairstyles for Elementary School That Are Quick

The Morning MVP: Your Quick Hairstyle Toolkit

Before we dive into the styles, let’s talk essentials. Having these items within easy reach will cut your styling time in half. You don’t need a salon’s worth of products—just a few key players.

Must-Haves: A spray bottle with water (for taming flyaways), a wide-tooth comb, a fine-tooth comb or brush, and lots of hair elastics (the no-snag, coated kind are a game-changer). Nice-to-Haves: Some cute clips, bobby pins, a bit of detangling spray or leave-in conditioner, and soft fabric scrunchies. With this simple kit, you’re ready to tackle all 24 of these quick hairstyles.

Super Simple (Under 2 Minutes)

These are your absolute go-to styles for when every second counts. They require minimal skill and are perfect for any hair length that can be gathered up.

1. The Classic Pony: Elevate it by placing it high on the crown for fun, or low at the nape for a sleek look. Pro tip: Spritz the front sections with water and smooth them back with your hands before securing for a cleaner finish.

2. Half-Up, Half-Down: Gather just the top section of hair. This keeps hair out of the face while leaving the rest down. Twist the ponytail once before putting the elastic on for a cute, subtle detail.

3. Quick Pig Tails: Part down the middle or off to the side, gather into two low or high ponytails. Instant cuteness.

4. Top Knot or “Pineapple”: Perfect for curly or wavy hair to prevent tangles. Gather all hair into a very high ponytail on top of the head and secure loosely—it’s playful and practical.

Braids Made Easy (No Advanced Degree Required)

Braids look intricate but many are surprisingly simple once you get the hang of them. They are also champions at keeping hair contained all day long.

5. Basic Three-Strand Braid: The foundation. Practice on a ponytail first for stability. A single braid down the back or two side braids are timeless.

6. Pull-Through Braid (Magic Braid): This looks like a complex fishtail but is much easier. Create a high ponytail. Put a second elastic a few inches down. Split the hair above the elastic and pull the ponytail through. Repeat to the ends.

7. Twist Braids (Rope Braids): Simply divide a section into two parts and twist them around each other. Secure at the end. Perfect for framing the face in a half-up style.

8. Dutch Braid Headband: Start a small three-strand braid at one temple, but add hair only from the top as you braid across the forehead to the other ear. Secure. It acts as a beautiful headband to hold back flyaways.

Fun with Twists & Buns

Twists and buns are versatile and look more elaborate than they are. They’re excellent for medium to long hair.

9. Simple Twist Pony: Take two small sections at the front, twist them individually, then twist them together and join them into a regular ponytail at the back. Instantly elevates the basic pony.

10. Princess Buns (Space Buns): Part hair down the middle. Make two high ponytails. Twist each ponytail around its base and secure with bobby pins and an elastic. Symmetrical and fun.

11. Low Twisted Bun: Make a low ponytail. Twist the length tightly, then wrap it around the base to form a bun. Secure with a second elastic or pins. Elegant for picture day.

12. Four-Part Twist: Part hair into four sections (two in front, two in back). Twist each, then gather all four into one ponytail or two. Looks intricate, takes 3 minutes.

Adorable Accessorized Styles

Sometimes, the quickest way to a polished look is with a clever accessory. These styles lean on tools to do the heavy lifting.

13. Clip-and-Go: Use two or three cute decorative clips to sweep hair to one side or pin back the front sections. Zero effort, maximum style.

14. Scrunchy Power: A bright, fluffy scrunchie makes any basic ponytail or bun look intentional and fashionable.

15. Headband Helper: A fabric or elastic headband instantly manages hair and adds a pop of color. Tuck all hair behind it or leave some out.

16. Braid with a Ribbon: Incorporate a long ribbon into a basic three-strand braid as one of the strands. Tie the ends into a bow. Simple yet stunning.

Short Hair Solutions

Short hair deserves quick, cute styles too! The goal is often just to keep it out of the eyes and add a touch of personality.

17. Side-Swept with a Clip: Use a small clip or bobby pin to sweep longer front sections to one side.

18. Textured Pixie: Rub a tiny drop of styling paste or wax between your palms and scrunch through the hair for piecey, textured definition.

19. Mini Top Pony: If there’s enough length on top, gather it into a tiny, adorable sprout ponytail.

20. Banded Look: Use multiple small elastics to create little “bands” along a side-swept section, from the front to the ear.

For Special Days (Just a Tad Fancier)

When it’s picture day or a school performance, these styles add a little extra flair without taking an hour.

21. Crown Braid (Simplified): Create two Dutch braids (braiding under) starting at each temple, going back to the nape of the neck. Join them and tuck the ends. It looks like a beautiful crown.

22. Heart Braids: Part the hair down the middle. On each side, create a small ponytail high up. Split the ponytail in two and pull apart to create a hole. Flip the tail up and through the hole to form the top of the heart. Secure and repeat on the other side.

23. Bubble Ponytail: Make a high or low ponytail. Place elastics every few inches down the length. Gently puff out the hair between each elastic to create “bubbles.”

24. Twisted Halo: Take two front sections, twist them back, and cross them over the crown, pinning them at the nape. It creates a beautiful, ethereal effect.

Pro Tips for a Fuss-Free Morning

Prep is Key: If possible, brush out tangles before bed to save time in the morning. For curlier hair, a protective style like loose braids overnight can mean a ready-to-go look in the AM.

Let Them Choose: Offer your child 2-3 quick options from this list. Giving them control reduces resistance and speeds up the process.

Practice Makes Quick: Try a new style on a lazy weekend afternoon. When you’re not under time pressure, you’ll master the technique for a weekday speed-run.

Keep it Fun: Play their favorite song during hair time. A positive, calm atmosphere makes everything go smoother.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s a happy child with hair that won’t distract them from learning and playing. With these 24 quick hairstyles for elementary school in your arsenal, you’re more than equipped to win the morning race. Here’s to easier mornings and adorable hair days, every day!