Quick and Easy Kids Hairstyles for Long Hair: A Complete Style Guide for Busy Mornings & Special Moments

Long hair on kids is like a blank canvas—full of beauty, movement, and endless possibilities. But when mornings are rushed, school drop-offs loom, or there’s a birthday party on the calendar, styling that gorgeous length can feel like a daily challenge.

This comprehensive guide brings together quick, easy, and adorable hairstyles for kids with long hair, perfect for every occasion—whether you’re heading out the door or prepping for a special event. With playful braids, charming updos, and whimsical ponytails, these ideas are as effortless as they are stylish.

Let’s dive into a world of fun, fuss-free hairstyles that celebrate your child’s individuality—while keeping things practical for parents too.

Why Long Hair Deserves Thoughtful Styling

Kids with long hair often face more tangles, frizz, or flyaways, but with the right hairstyles, that long length becomes a blessing, not a burden. Here’s what makes long hair so rewarding to style:

• Versatility: From braids to buns to half-up styles, the options are endless.
• Ease of Customization: Add bows, clips, or ribbons for instant upgrades.
• Hair Health: Tied styles prevent breakage and tangles, keeping strands stronger.

The best part? With a few key techniques and the right accessories, even the busiest parents can create Instagram-worthy styles in under 10 minutes.

Quick Styling Tips Before You Begin

Before diving into our hairstyle list, here are a few essentials that can streamline your routine:

• Detangling is Key: Always brush or comb the hair gently to prevent tears or tugging.
• Use Kid-Friendly Products: Lightweight detanglers, leave-in conditioners, and gentle styling creams work wonders.
• Have Essentials Ready: Keep small hair ties, bobby pins, a soft brush, and a spray bottle nearby.

With your mini hair kit ready, let’s explore the most loved and parent-approved long hair styles for kids.

1. Simple Braided Ponytail: Classic Meets Cute

A timeless favorite, the braided ponytail offers both elegance and practicality. It keeps hair off the face while looking neat all day.

How to Create It:

1. Brush the hair thoroughly.
2. Tie it into a mid or high ponytail using a soft elastic.
3. Divide the ponytail into three sections.
4. Braid down to the ends and secure with another elastic.

Pro Tips:

• Add a bow at the base of the ponytail.
• For a fun twist, try a fishtail braid instead.
• Keep it secure with a light spritz of water or holding spray.

Ideal for: School days, playdates, dance class.

2. Twisted Crown Updo: Princess Vibes in Minutes

Elegant and dreamy, the twisted crown updo transforms your child’s hair into a fairytale look that’s still low-effort.

How to Create It:

1. Divide the hair into two equal sections from front to back.
2. Twist each section away from the face.
3. Cross both twists over the crown, securing with pins underneath.
4. Tuck the ends into the twists or a low bun.

Styling Add-ons:

• Flower pins or ribbon woven into the twists.
• Loose strands around the face for a softer look.

Ideal for: Weddings, recitals, holiday photos.

3. Quick Morning Pigtails: The Reliable Go-To

There’s a reason pigtails have stood the test of time—they’re fast, cute, and super manageable.

How to Create It:

1. Part hair down the middle.
2. Tie two low pigtails with elastic bands.

Ways to Style It:

• Add colorful hair ties, butterfly clips, or ribbons.
• Curl the ends for a soft bounce.

Ideal for: Busy mornings, PE days, summer camp.

4. Long Hair Looped Pony: Adorable and Creative

If your child finds standard ponytails boring, the looped pony will be their new favorite.

How to Create It:

1. Brush hair into a ponytail.
2. On the final wrap of the hair tie, only pull the hair halfway through to create a loop.
3. Fan out the loop and secure it with clips or a bow.

Style Variations:

• Double loops side by side for a heart shape.
• Add a braid before looping for texture.

Ideal for: Birthdays, park trips, everyday wear.

5. Boho Chic Braid Look: Free-Spirited Fun

Channel laid-back charm with whimsical boho-inspired styles featuring loose braids and natural accessories.

Boho Styling Elements:

• Loose braids with softened edges.
• Feather clips, faux flower headbands, or twisted rope ties.
• Textured hair using sea salt spray for a tousled finish.

Try This Look:

1. Create a loose side braid.
2. Tug on the braid edges to loosen it.
3. Add decorative clips or ribbons throughout.

Ideal for: Festivals, nature walks, garden parties.

6. Low Twisted Messy Bun: Effortlessly Beautiful

This bun combines functionality with flair, ideal for warm weather or semi-formal events.

How to Create It:

1. Gather hair at the nape of the neck.
2. Twist and coil the hair into a loose bun.
3. Secure with bobby pins and leave some strands loose.

Finishing Touches:

• Add a silk scarf or floral pin.
• Use a texturizing spray for volume.

Ideal for: Class photos, school assemblies, or church.

7. Cute Ballerina Bun: Graceful and Practical

If your child dances or just loves the ballerina aesthetic, this classic bun is a must-know.

How to Do It:

1. Pull hair into a high ponytail.
2. Twist it around the base and secure with pins.
3. Add a donut bun sponge for extra volume if desired.

Add-ons:

• Sparkly bun nets or velvet scrunchies.
• Hair gel to smooth edges and flyaways.

Ideal for: Ballet practice, formal events, school plays.

8. Fresh Flower Hairband: Whimsical Delight

Nature meets style in this sweet look that’s quick and photogenic.

DIY Method:

1. Place a stretchy headband around the crown.
2. Tuck hair around the band section by section.
3. Slide in fresh (or faux) flowers into the tucked sections.

Pro Tip: Use floral tape for real blooms to prevent slipping.

Ideal for: Spring festivals, garden parties, tea-time events.

9. Brushed Back Low Pony: Sleek Simplicity

For kids who prefer no fuss, this polished look is sleek and elegant.

Steps:

1. Brush hair straight back using a detangling spray.
2. Tie it low at the nape.
3. Wrap a small section around the elastic to hide it.

Optional: Add a statement clip or bow underneath.

Ideal for: School portraits, family events, museum days.

10. School Day Styles: Quick Yet Chic

Here are some combo ideas that take 3–5 minutes each:

• Mini Dutch braids into a ponytail
• Half-up bun with butterfly clips
• Side braid with a twisted back crown

Switch it up based on mood, outfit, or schedule.

11. The Adventures Half-Up Look: Playful & Practical

Half-up styles balance cute with carefree. They also stay in place longer for active kids.

How to Style:

1. Separate the top half of hair and secure it with a cute clip or mini scrunchie.
2. Curl the loose bottom section (optional).
3. Add a pop of color with a rainbow bow or glitter tie.

Perfect for: Theme parks, playdates, or school outings.

12. Cheeky Hair Slide Style: Personality-Packed

Let your child’s personality shine with funky hair slides and color chalks.

How to Style:

1. Part hair as desired (center or side).
2. Add small braids or twists.
3. Slide in cute barrettes, emoji clips, or custom initials.

Ideal for: Everyday glam, themed school days, or just because.

Bonus: Seasonal & Themed Hair Ideas

Make each season sparkle with these quick ideas:

• 🎄 Holiday: Add snowflake clips, red ribbons, or mini bells.
• 🐣 Spring: Use pastel flower bands or daisy chains.
• 🌞 Summer: Neon scrunchies, braided mohawks, or fishtail pigtails.
• 🎃 Autumn: Leaf clips, pumpkin barrettes, or cinnamon-tone bows.

Essential Tools for Long Hair Success

To keep up with these styles, have these essentials on hand:

Hair Care Tips for Kids with Long Hair

• Wash no more than 2–3 times a week to avoid dryness.
• Use kid-friendly, sulfate-free shampoos.
• Detangle with a leave-in conditioner and soft brush.
• Always dry the scalp thoroughly to prevent irritation.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate Long Hair, the Easy Way

Kids’ hair should be fun, expressive, and never stressful. Whether you’re styling in a rush before school or creating a photo-ready masterpiece for an event, the right hairstyles can make long hair a joy to work with.

With this guide in hand, you’ll always have a new, parent-friendly, and kid-approved style ready to go.

So next time the clock is ticking, just pick one of these quick and easy looks, grab a cute clip, and let that long hair shine—without the stress.