Time-saving hairstyles for busy mornings that still look adorable
Let’s face it – as much as we love scrolling through Instagram’s elaborate hairstyle tutorials, most school mornings are more about getting out the door than creating mini masterpieces. Trust me, my three-year-old and I have been there, done that, and learned that simple can be just as sweet. That’s why I’ve rounded up 5 quick and easy hairstyles for girls that actually stay put during a busy school day.
If you’ve got a little one with curly hair like my daughter, you know the morning rush takes on a whole new meaning. Between spraying down bed head and wrangling those beautiful curls, we need hairstyles that are both doable and adorable. The best part? These styles look even cuter with a bow (which also happens to be the perfect distraction from any not-so-perfect parts).
I’ve found that the key to stress-free morning hair isn’t perfection – it’s having a few reliable styles in your back pocket that you can do with your eyes half-closed and your coffee still brewing. These five hairstyles have become our go-to favorites, not just because they’re easy to create, but because they actually hold up through playground time, nap time, and everything in between.
Before we dive into the styles, just remember: your daughter’s end-of-day hair probably won’t look like her start-of-day hair, and that’s totally okay. These styles are meant to be practical, pretty, and most importantly, doable in those precious morning minutes.
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The Morning Hair Toolkit: What You Actually Need
Before we get into these easy hairstyles for girls, let’s talk about the real MVPs of our morning hair routine. You don’t need a professional styling kit – just a few key items that make all the difference. After trying what feels like a million and five products (my daughter would agree!), here’s what actually works for us.
Hair Ties
First up: hair ties, but not just any hair ties. We keep two types on hand: regular elastics for basic ponytails, and those tiny colorful elastic bands for detail work like bubble braids or securing smaller sections. The mini bands are game-changers for styles that need multiple ties and they’re less likely to slip out during active play.
Taming Flyaways
The absolute superstar in our morning lineup is a good wax stick. If you’ve ever fought with flyaways at 7 AM, you know exactly why this makes the list. I just run it over those stubborn baby hairs and suddenly, we’ve got a smooth style that looks intentional rather than rushed. It’s like magic for those wispy bits around the forehead and neckline.
Simple But Essential
For my curly-haired girl, our trusty spray bottle is essential. We fill it with plain water, and it’s perfect for dampening her hair just enough to work with those morning curls. A light mist helps smooth everything out without soaking her hair – because nobody has time for that on a school morning!
Detangling Brush
Another game-changer in our morning routine is our hairbrush. Knots happen but the bristles on our brush make it a little easier to detangle curls without causing tears. The combination of bristles and combing teeth helps smooth everything out while being gentle on tender heads. It’s especially helpful when we’re working with slightly damp hair – the bristles help distribute the moisture evenly while the comb part tackles any stubborn tangles.
It’s All About the Bow
And let’s talk about bows – the ultimate secret weapon in our hair arsenal. They’re not just accessories; they’re our “make it fancy” hack. A simple ponytail becomes an adorable style with the right bow, and they’re excellent for hiding any slightly uneven parts or not-so-perfect styling attempts. Plus, my daughter feels extra special wearing them, which makes our morning routine that much smoother.
Our favorite colorful, simple bows.
Toddler favorite: Princess Bows.
Our Favorite Hair Tools
Speaking of products we love, let’s talk about a few more essentials that make our morning routine easier. I’m pretty selective about what I use in my daughter’s hair, especially since curls need extra love and care. After lots of trial and error, we’ve fallen in love with Andalou Naturals hairspray – it’s our “special occasions” go-to when we need a style to really stay put. What I love about it is that it’s a cleaner brand, so I feel good about using it on my little one, and it doesn’t leave her hair feeling crunchy or stiff.
Straightening Brush
For those post-bath nights when we want to smooth things out a bit, our straightening brush has been a total game-changer. Mom tip: keep the heat setting low (we’re not going for poker-straight, just manageable!), and always drape a towel over those little shoulders to act as a buffer between warm hair and skin. The smoothing effect usually lasts until our next wash day, which makes our morning styling so much easier.
Section It Out
Here’s a little secret that’s not really necessary but can be super helpful: section clips! On mornings when I’m doing anything more detailed than a simple ponytail, having a few clips to separate her hair makes the process so much smoother. They’re especially handy when we’re attempting those double half-ponies or trying to make sure our pigtails are even.
Leave in Conditioner
And the final item in our hair toolkit: Honest Company leave-in conditioner spray. This stuff is like a little bottle of morning magic. A quick spritz helps smooth out any tangles we encounter and makes brushing so much easier. Plus, it adds a bit of extra moisture for those curls without weighing them down or making her hair feel sticky.
5 Easy Hairstyles That Work for School Mornings
As a fellow girl mom, I know those school mornings can feel like a race against the clock. These five hairstyles have become our tried-and-true favorites – they’re quick enough for busy mornings but cute enough that your little one will feel special.
1. The Elevated Ponytail with Bow
Sometimes the simplest styles are the sweetest, and this elevated ponytail proves it. While a regular ponytail might feel too basic, adding a bow transforms it into an adorable style that’s perfect for school.
Start by smoothing the hair back with your brush, using a little water if needed to tame any flyaways. Gather all the hair where you want your ponytail to sit – we like it somewhere between middle and high for the perfect bounce. Secure it with a regular hair tie that matches your daughter’s hair color or outfit.
Here’s where the magic happens: take your wax stick and lightly run it over any flyaways around the hairline and crown. This little step makes such a difference in the overall look. Then add your bow right above the hair tie. I like to make sure the bow is slightly angled rather than perfectly straight – it looks more playful that way and tends to stay in place better.
Mom tip: If you’re dealing with shorter layers that tend to slip out throughout the day, criss-cross two bobby pins in an X shape underneath the ponytail, right below the hair tie. This helps keep everything secure and adds a bit of extra lift.
2. Fun Bun Pigtails
Looking for a style that’s just as easy as a ponytail but feels a bit more special? Bun pigtails are your answer. My daughter loves these because they feel like a “fancy” style, but they’re actually super quick to create.
Start by parting the hair down the middle – and don’t stress about making it perfect! Sometimes those slightly imperfect parts end up looking the most charming. Section the hair into two even sides. For each side, create a regular pigtail using your small hair ties. Position them wherever your little one likes them best – we usually go just above or below the ears for a playful look.
Here’s the simple trick to creating the buns: take a second hair tie, and when you pull the pigtail through, stop halfway. This creates an instant bun without any tricky twisting or wrapping! Add a bow at the base of each bun – not only do they look adorable, but they also help secure the style and hide the hair ties.
Mom tip: If you notice any pieces slipping out during the day, the bows actually help keep everything in place. It’s like having a cute little anchor for the style!
3. Simple Bubble Braids
Of all our easy hairstyles for girls, bubble braids might take an extra minute or two, but trust me – the “wow” factor is worth it. This style looks like it took way more effort than it actually does, and it’s perfect for those mornings when you want something a little extra special without the extra stress.
Start by dividing the hair into two sections down the middle. If you’re using section clips, this is a great time to clip up the side you’re not working on yet – it keeps things organized and makes the whole process easier.
Here’s the trick to perfect bubble braids: Start right at the top of one section. Gather a small portion of hair and secure it with an elastic. Then, about an inch down, gather that tied hair together with the next section of hair and secure with another elastic. Keep repeating this pattern all the way down – each time, you’re incorporating the tied hair with the next section and securing with a new elastic.
As you go along, gently tug at each “bubble” section between the elastics to create that full, rounded look. Don’t worry about making them perfect – a little variation in size gives the style character and still looks super cute!
Mom tip: Use elastics that match the colors in her outfit for a fun look and finish with bows at the base of each braid because they make everything look more polished!
4. Double Half Ponies with Bows
If you’re looking for a style that keeps hair out of your little one’s face but still lets those pretty curls flow, double half ponies are your answer. Think of it as a sweet twist on the classic half-up style that gives double the cuteness (and double the bow opportunities!).
Start by parting the hair down the middle. Take the front section of hair on one side – about from the top of the ear up – and gather it into a half ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie, positioning it where it feels comfortable for your daughter. Repeat on the other side, trying to match the height of the first pony. Don’t stress too much about making them perfectly even – once you add bows, any slight differences just add to the charm!
Here’s where those flyaways might try to make an appearance, but our trusty wax stick takes care of that. Just run it lightly over any stubborn pieces around the hairline or part. Then add your bows – one on each hair tie. The bows not only dress up the style but also help hide the hair ties, making the whole look more polished.
Mom tip: This is one of my favorite styles for the day after wash day. When we use the straightening brush, the hair is extra smooth and manageable, making these half ponies look especially polished.
5. Simple Braids That Stay Put
Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason, and basic braids are proof of that. When we’re having a morning where simplicity is key (let’s be honest, that’s most mornings!), two simple braids are our go-to style. They keep hair neat, stay put during active play, and still look sweet at pickup time.
Start by parting the hair down the middle and dividing it into two sections. Just like with our other styles, don’t worry if the part isn’t perfectly straight – we’re going for charming, not perfect! Take one side and divide it into three equal sections. Start braiding, keeping the sections snug but not too tight – we want it to be comfortable for playing and learning.
Here’s a little trick: as you braid, hold the sections slightly angled downward rather than straight out. This helps prevent the dreaded braid gaps and keeps everything more secure throughout the day. Once you reach the end, secure it with a small clear elastic. Repeat on the other side, trying to maintain similar tension so both braids have the same look.
And because we love to add that extra touch of sweet, you could always pop a bow at the top of each braid. Not only does it dress up this simple style, but it also helps disguise any slight unevenness in your parts or braid beginnings.
Mom tip: The key to braids that last is finding that sweet spot with tension – you want them secure enough to stay put but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable. After all, comfort is key for a successful school day!
Making Mornings Easier, One Hairstyle at a Time
Here’s the thing about these easy hairstyles for girls – they’re not just about looking cute (though they definitely do!). They’re about making our busy mornings run smoother and starting the day with smiles instead of stress. Whether you’re rocking the elevated ponytail on a Monday or trying out those bubble braids for a special Thursday, remember that simple can be beautiful.
I’ve learned that the perfect hairstyle isn’t the one that looks the most elaborate on Pinterest – it’s the one that works for you and your daughter on a regular school morning. The one that stays put through reading circles and recess, and still looks pretty cute at pickup time (even if it’s not exactly how it started!).
And let’s be real – some mornings, just getting a brush through the hair feels like a win. That’s totally okay too! The most important thing isn’t having the most intricate style; it’s those precious morning moments we share with our girls, even if they’re just a few minutes with a hairbrush and some bows.
If you’re looking for more ways to simplify your morning routine, check out my post about managing morning routines with toddlers. And I’d love to hear from you – what’s your go-to quick hairstyle for school mornings? Drop a comment below and share your favorite easy styles!
Tiny, Colorful Elastics
Colorful Hair Ties
Flyaway Taming
Spray Bottle
Hairbrush
Princess Bows
Colorful, Simple Bows
Andalou Naturals hairspray
Straightening Brush
Section Clips
Honest Company leave-in conditioner spray
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