15 stylish back-to-school hairstyles for kids

Choosing back-to-school hairstyles is an easy way of getting your child excited for the new school year. With a fresh haircut, your child can get a major confidence boost in time for their first day. They might want to add fringe—an easy way to update a look for a child who doesn’t want an all over change. Or, maybe they’re curious about a pixie cut—something that will make their morning routine much easier and quicker.

Your child might even be starting school for the first time (!!) or going back to some familiar faces—either way, these cute, easy hairstyles are a great place to start planning their back-to-school look.

Related: 22 adorable first day of school signs you’ll want to re-use every year

With back-to-school season in full swing, book those hair appointments soon! From a simple haircut to an intricate hair style, or even hair dye for kids, there are plenty of options to consider before school starts—and we’ve got them all right here for you.

From bobs to braids, here are cute easy hairstyles and haircuts to kick off your school year in style

1. Fringe

An easy way to create a whole new look is to add fringe. Piecey bangs over the forehead can give your child extra confidence as they prepare for the first day of school.

2. Fade

For shorter styles, the fade is a popular haircut for kids these days. Plus, with summer’s high temperatures still in full swing during back-to-school season, easy hairstyles like this one will also keep kids cool.

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3. Bob

Another cool option, the shorter bob style offers a lot of versatility. Go for a short bob with a length that lands around the ears, or keep it long for a “lob” that hits just above the shoulders.

4. Hidden undercut

This hairstyle involves shaving the hair around the bottom half of the back of the head. It usually often includes shaving a pattern. With hair left down, you can’t tell this cool feature is there, but pull hair up into a ponytail or bun, and the pattern is an artistic addition to any hairstyle.

5. Braids

Try out classic braids in natural hair for a protective style that is also long-lasting with easy maintenance. Add beads or bows for a cute addition that will complement any first-day outfits, too.

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6. Mohawk

For a spunky look, shave hair into a mohawk that is longer on top and shorter on the sides. Use gel to style the mohawk, including in the iconic spikes that stand straight up.

7. Faux hawk

If your child isn’t quite committed to shaving the sides of their head, you can also try a temporary faux hawk by pulling hair taut along the sides of the head and pinning it into place with longer pieces on top. This also works great with curly hair.

8. Crop

The crop is a simple, straightforward hairstyle that will look fresh for the first day of school and will also be easy to care for each morning. That’s right—finally, no fights about brushing the hair before the bus comes!

9. Hair dye for kids

If your child is more experimental, you might try temporary hair dye for kids. Let them choose their favorite color, and add a few stripes throughout their hair for a bold but school-appropriate hairstyle.

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10. Quiff

The quiff features a long, side-swept top with shorter, often faded sides. It’s an on-trend look that isn’t overly fussy, although a little gel or pomade in the mornings can help keep the longer hair on top stay in place.

11. Deva cut

You love those perfectly curly ringlets in your child’s hair, so take care of them with the proper haircut! The Deva cut is designed especially for naturally curly hair. It involves the stylist cutting dry hair, so they can better shape hair to the natural curls. The result? Full, bouncy curls that will give your child all the confidence they need for heading back to school.

12. Pixie

A tousled pixie haircut for kids will look stylish and refined with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a shorter style that will keep kids cool as they run around outside for recess.

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13. Asymmetrical

An asymmetrical cut will offer a unique, interesting style that plays well with a variety of different hair textures and thicknesses. Plus, you can easily accessories with various clips or bows on one side.

14. Buns

As far as hairstyles for kids goes, buns can be as easy or complex as you’d like. Pull all the hair back into one chic, effortless messy bun, or add braids and hair accessories for a more formal look.

15. Crew cut

The classic crew cut will offer an adorable and timeless look. It’s an especially great style for kids with thicker hair.

A version of this post was published October 21, 2021. It has been updated.

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