8 Cute and Practical Kids’ Hairstyle Ideas for Boys and Girls

It's 6:15 a.m., and you still need to get your child ready for school. You need a look that's quick, neat, and will last through a full day of classes and playtime. Here are eight cute and practical kids' hairstyle ideas to help you save time and make busy mornings much easier.

1. Pigtails

This style involves parting the hair and gathering it into two symmetrical ponytails (or braids). Pigtails keep your child's medium to long hair neat and out of their face. Style them high for playful energy or low for a softer look.

How to style it

1. Start by brushing your child's hair thoroughly to remove any tangles.
2. Create a neat center or side part from the front hairline to the nape of the neck.
3. Gather the hair on one side and secure it with a hair tie.
4. Repeat on the other side, making sure the pigtails are at the same height for a balanced look.

2. The Textured Crop

This short haircut features closely clipped sides with a longer, layered top. A textured crop will suit your child if they have wavy or curly hair. This cut is more about the right trim than daily styling.

How to style it

1. After your child’s bath, apply a pea-sized amount of light-hold gel or styling cream on their damp hair, rubbing it between your palms.
2. Rake your fingers through the top of their hair in different directions to create a messy, textured look.

3. French Braid

The French braid keeps hair neat and tangle-free, making it an excellent choice for active school days. 

The French braid weaves three sections of hair together from the crown downwards, adding more hair with each plait. This style is perfect for keeping your preschooler’s long hair secure and tangle-free. It’s an elegant look that can last all day, making it ideal for a long day at school or just a busy day of play.

How to style it

1. Take a small section of hair at the top of the head and divide it into three equal strands.
2. Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle.
3. Before you cross a side strand over again, add a small section of loose hair from that side to the strand.
4. Continue this process, adding hair each time you cross a section over.
5. Once you’ve gathered all the hair, continue with a regular three-strand braid to the end and secure it with a hair tie.

4. The Buzz Cut

For the ultimate low-maintenance style, try the buzz cut. This ultra-short style involves clipping all the hair to a uniform length close to the scalp. This cut helps keep your toddler cool in warm weather and is a time-saver for busy mornings, especially during back-to-school season.

How to style it

Trim every three to four weeks to keep it sharp. You can even learn to maintain it at home with a good set of clippers.

Since the scalp is more exposed, ensure you apply sunscreen to the head and neck when your child is outdoors. They can also wear a hat to protect the face, ears, and neck, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

5. The Pixie Cut

The pixie cut is typically short on the back and sides with some long, wispy strands on the top and front. It’s perfect for framing your child’s face to highlight their features. It’s stylish, lightweight, and quick to fix in the morning.

How to style it

Maintain the shape with a cut every four to six weeks. You can style it with a bit of pomade for texture or brush it into place.

6. The Classic Short Cut

One practical kids’ hairstyle is the classic short cut, tapered on the sides and back, and left a little long on top.

The classic short cut is neat, tidy, and always in style. It’s typically tapered on the sides and back and left a little longer on top for easy combing. It’s a timeless, fuss-free look for boys, but can also be a fantastic gender-neutral option.

How to style it

Schedule a visit to your barber or hairstylist every month or so to keep this cut looking fresh. A simple comb-through in the morning is all you need for daily styling.

7. The Top Knot or Bun

This style involves gathering all the hair to the top of the head and securing it in a twisted knot, making it ideal for medium to long hair. It’s a lifesaver when your child is between hair washes or on days you’re in a rush.

How to style it

1. Gather all the hair into a high ponytail.
2. Twist the ponytail from the base to the ends.
3. Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail.
4. Secure it with another hair tie or bobby pins.

8. The Baby Fringe

A baby fringe, or micro bangs, is a short fringe that sits higher up on the forehead. This cut keeps bangs short and away from your child's eyes while adding a trendy touch to any haircut, from a bob to longer styles.

How to style it

Snip every two to three weeks to keep it short and neat. Daily styling is minimal; just a quick comb is all you need.

Quick Styling Tips for Busy Mornings

• Use snag-free elastics to prevent breakage.
• Keep a detangling spray and wide-tooth comb handy.  
• Apply a leave-in conditioner for smoother braiding or ponytails.
• Stock up on bobby pins and small clips—they’re lifesavers for flyaway.  
• Prep hair the night before (for braids or twists) to save time in the morning.

Choosing Your Kids’ Hairstyles

Picking the right kid's hairstyle can help make hectic mornings less stressful. You can also let your child choose, showing them that their opinion has value and helping to build their confidence, according to research in Child & Youth Services. By making the choice together, you're not just styling their hair—you're empowering them for the day ahead.

Got more kids‘ hairstyle ideas? Join the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share your favorites with other parents.