Now that school has been back in session for a few weeks, the hustle of busy mornings is real—especially with winter’s chilly temps and everyone rushing to get out the door. Between packing lunches, finishing homework, and finding matching socks, hair can easily become an afterthought. But braids are here to save the day!
Braids are not only cute and practical, but they’re also quick to do, and with the right techniques, they’ll last all day. Here are five easy braids that’ll make school mornings a little smoother.
1. Side Braid
A side braid is one of the best options for busy mornings. It’s perfect for girls who want to keep their hair off their face but want something a little different from a standard braid. This style also works well if you’re in a rush because it combines the elegance of a braid with the practicality of a simple ponytail.
How to do it:
- Brush the hair to one side and gather it into a side ponytail (high, mid, or low depending on preference).
- Braid the ponytail just like you would a regular three-strand braid.
- Secure it with a hair tie and finish with a bit of hairspray or hair gel to keep any flyaways in place.
2. Dutch Braid
For a slightly more intricate look that still won’t eat up all your time, the Dutch braid is a great option. This “inside-out” version of the French braid adds some extra volume and texture, making it perfect for girls who love the braided look but need something quick. Plus, it keeps hair nice and neat, even through gym class or outdoor playtime!
How to do it:
- Start by sectioning the hair into three parts at the crown of the head.
- Instead of crossing the strands over each other like a regular braid, cross them under the middle strand.
- Continue braiding down the hair, keeping the braid close to the scalp, then secure with an elastic.
Pro Tip: For an even quicker option, you can make two smaller Dutch braids on each side of the head. This gives a cute, symmetrical look without extra fuss!
3. Half-Up Braids
Some days, you just don’t have time to do an all-over braid, but you want a little something special. The half-up braided style is the answer. It’s a quick and easy way to keep your child’s hair out of their face while still giving it some flair. It’s also great for taming those messy bedhead strands!
How to do it:
- Start by taking a small section of hair from each side of the head, just above the ears.
- Braid each section into a small three-strand braid.
- Pull both braids back and secure them at the back of the head with a cute clip or elastic.
- Let the rest of the hair flow freely or style it into loose curls for a fun, relaxed look.
4. Braided Bun
For days when time is even more limited, a braided bun is the ultimate go-to style. This is one of those “don’t care if it’s perfect” looks that still manages to be chic and put together. The messy style works great for little ones who want to look cute but don’t want to sit still for long.
How to do it:
- Braid the hair as you normally would, but don’t worry about making it neat or perfect.
- Once the braid is complete, twist it into a loose bun at the back of the head and secure with bobby pins.
- Let any stray strands fall naturally to create that carefree, “just rolled out of bed” vibe.
Pro Tip: Add a sparkly hair tie or ribbon to make the style a little more festive and fun!
5. Classic Three-Strand Braid
Let’s end with the basics. The classic three-strand braid is the easiest and fastest option, and it’s perfect for beginners. Whether you’re braiding from the top of the head or gathering hair into a simple low ponytail, this braid is quick to do and holds up well throughout the day. It’s also a great way to keep hair out of the face while still looking put together.
How to do it:
- Divide the hair into three even sections.
- Cross the right section over the middle, then the left section over the new middle strand.
- Continue alternating the sides until you reach the end of the hair, then secure it with an elastic.
Pro Tip: Add a fun pop of color with a cute hair tie to make the style stand out!
Make Mornings Easier with Braids
Back-to-school mornings can be a bit chaotic, but with these simple braided hairstyles, your child’s hair can look great without taking up too much time. Whether you’re racing out the door or just looking for an easy style that stays put all day, these braids are perfect for busy winter mornings.
At Pigtails & Crewcuts Buckhead, we’re always here to help you find the best styles for your kids. Need some help with a braid? Stop by and we’ll get you ready for the day ahead!
