Back to school braids are saving countless morning routines for parents everywhere! If you’re like me, you know those hectic school mornings when every minute counts. I’ve discovered that having go-to hairstyles ready makes all the difference.
Kids naturally love hairstyles that grab attention from their classmates. As a mom who’s been through countless school mornings, I’ve learned that kids back to school hairstyles need to be both cute and practical. Braids for back to school are particularly perfect because they’re trending this season while being low-maintenance for active kids. What I especially love about back to school braids for kids is the versatility – you can add beads and accessories in their favorite colors, creating a style they’ll actually be excited to wear. From bubble braids that require no actual braiding skills to quick styles that don’t take much time, we’ve got options that work whether school is in-person or distanced.
In this guide, I’ll share 15 braid styles that will not only survive the school day but will have your kids feeling confident and looking adorable. These are styles I’ve personally tested and perfected through years of school-day rushes!
Bubble Braids
Bubble braids have become my go-to hairstyle for school mornings! Unlike traditional braids that require intricate weaving techniques, these adorable puffs offer a modern twist on standard ponytails that both parents and kids adore.
What makes the Bubble Braids special
Bubble braids stand out from other styles thanks to their playful and bouncy appearance. These eye-catching braids (which aren’t technically braids at all!) create a series of puffed sections that resemble bubbles or balloons along the hair shaft. Furthermore, they work beautifully for almost all hair types and textures.
I love that bubble braids are incredibly versatile – you can style them as pigtails positioned at the sides or back of the head, or create a single statement braid. My daughter’s favorite part? We can add colorful accessories like beads, hair cuffs, or ribbons that perfectly match her back-to-school outfits.
Another fantastic benefit I’ve discovered is that bubble braids can create gorgeous heatless curls after removal. Simply leave them in for a few hours and enjoy beautiful waves without any heat damage!
How to style the Bubble Braids
Creating bubble braids is surprisingly simple. Here’s my foolproof method:
- Prep the hair with styling cream for a smooth, frizz-free foundation
- Create a ponytail at your desired height
- Secure additional hair ties a few inches apart down the ponytail
- Gently tug at each section between elastics to create the “bubble” effect
- Finish with lightweight hairspray to tame flyaways
For younger children, I’ve found that clear elastics work wonderfully, though those with darker hair might prefer brown or black elastics to blend in better.
Best age group for the Bubble Braids
In my experience, bubble braids are perfect for school-aged children who need their hair kept neat and out of their faces during active school days. They’re suitable for toddlers through teens, as the style can be adjusted to be more playful or sophisticated depending on age.
Bubble Braids maintenance tips
To keep bubble braids looking fresh throughout the school day, I recommend:
Starting with slightly dampened hair and applying a leave-in conditioner before styling to minimize frizz. Since elastics can cause tension on the hair, this protective step helps prevent breakage.
For longer-lasting bubbles, I’ve learned to secure each section firmly without pulling too tight. Too much tension causes discomfort, yet too loose and the style falls flat before lunchtime.
Consider using silk scrunchies instead of regular elastics to minimize damage, plus they add a trendy touch to this already adorable back to school hairstyle.
Classic French Braid
The timeless French braid remains a staple in my back-to-school hairstyle collection. I’ve found that among all braiding techniques, this classic style offers both visual appeal and practical benefits that make school mornings run smoothly.
What makes the Classic French Braid special
French braids stand out primarily because they distribute tension and weight evenly across the head, making them extremely comfortable for children to wear throughout the school day. Moreover, they excel at securing even short strands and baby hairs around the face—a common challenge for young children with growing hair.
I appreciate how versatile this style can be. You can create a single braid down the center, twin braids, or even combine it with other styles like a waterfall braid for a unique look. Additionally, French braids work wonderfully as a nighttime style—we often braid damp hair before bedtime, which results in gorgeous natural waves by morning.
How to style the Classic French Braid
After years of practice, I’ve perfected my French braiding technique:
- Begin by thoroughly brushing out any tangles
- Create a triangle section at the crown of the head
- Divide this section into three equal strands
- Start with a standard three-strand crossover pattern
- As you continue braiding, gradually add small sections of hair from each side
- For a smoother finish, cross the hair first, then use a comb to section new hair to add in
For little ones with baby hairs or short layers that won’t stay put, I’ve discovered a helpful trick: create small ponytails at the front before beginning the French braid, then incorporate these into your braid as you work backward.
Best age group for the Classic French Braid
Although French braids can be worn by children of any age, learning to create them typically follows a progression. Children generally master basic three-strand braids around age 5-7, whereas French braiding skills often develop around age 10-12. Nevertheless, as parents, we can style French braids on children as young as toddlers.
Classic French Braid maintenance tips
To keep French braids looking neat throughout the school day:
Dampen hair slightly before styling—I find this provides better control and smoother results. Consider braiding at night with damp hair for both convenience and overnight waves. For flyaways, use a light spritz of hairspray and secure loose strands with bobby pins.
Remember that practice truly does make perfect! Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t picture-perfect.
Dutch Braid Crown
For a truly regal look that elevates ordinary back to school braids, I’ve fallen in love with the Dutch Braid Crown. This stunning style has quickly become our favorite for special school events or when my daughter wants to feel like royalty on her first day back.
What makes the Dutch Braid Crown special
The Dutch Braid Crown creates a beautiful 3D effect that literally pops off the head, thanks to its unique under-braiding technique. Unlike French braids where strands cross over, Dutch braids cross underneath, creating more texture and dimension.
This style traces back to Medieval times when noblewomen wore crown braids to avoid being labeled witches for leaving hair loose. Yet today, this regal style works beautifully for children with straight or curly hair, providing both elegance and practicality.
I appreciate how this heatless hairstyle keeps my daughter’s hair secure throughout busy school days while still looking polished. It’s perfect for summer activities like beach days, camping, or boating when staying cool matters.
How to style the Dutch Braid Crown
My simplified approach for busy mornings:
- Create a deep side part and brush through hair
- Begin with a small section on the heavier side
- Divide into three strands and cross right strand under middle strand
- Continue Dutch braiding by crossing strands under (not over)
- Add hair from both sides as you braid around the head
- When you reach the starting point, finish with a regular braid
- Pin the braid around your head like a crown
- Gently pull on braid edges to create fullness
Best age group for the Dutch Braid Crown
Through trial and error, I’ve found this style works best for elementary-aged children through teens. It’s ideal for special occasions like school parties, picture days, or performances where your child wants to make a statement.
Dutch Braid Crown maintenance tips
To help this sophisticated back to school hairstyle last all day:
Freshly washed hair can be slippery, consequently I recommend styling second-day hair for better grip. For long-lasting results, keep hands close to the scalp while braiding to create tension. Finally, secure with bobby pins and a medium-hold hairspray for all-day wear.
Fishtail Side Braid
The intricate Fishtail Side Braid has quickly earned a spot in my rotation of go-to styles for busy school mornings. With its delicate, woven appearance yet surprising simplicity, this braid offers both sophistication and practicality for kids heading back to class.
What makes the Fishtail Side Braid special
Fishtail braids create an ornate, detailed look that appears much more complex than they actually are. Unlike traditional three-strand braids, fishtails use only two sections of hair, creating a distinctive herringbone pattern that resembles a fish skeleton. Positioning it to the side adds an elegant touch perfect for school picture days or special presentations.
I’ve found that fishtail braids work beautifully for both medium and long hair. Initially, I was intimidated by their intricate appearance, yet discovered they’re surprisingly manageable once you master the basic technique. My daughter loves how this style stands out among her classmates while staying secure throughout her active school day.
How to style the Fishtail Side Braid
Creating this back to school braid is simpler than it looks:
- Brush hair thoroughly and position it to one side
- Divide hair into two equal sections
- Take a small piece (about pencil-width) from the outer edge of one section
- Cross this piece over to join the opposite section
- Repeat the same process from the other side
- Continue alternating sides until you reach the ends
- Secure with a clear elastic
- Gently pull edges of braid apart for fullness
Best age group for the Fishtail Side Braid
Typically, fishtail side braids work best for elementary through high school students. This kids back to school hairstyle requires slightly longer hair to execute properly, making it ideal for children who’ve grown beyond the toddler stage.
Fishtail Side Braid maintenance tips
To keep this braids for back to school looking fresh throughout the day:
Start with dry, clean hair—fishtails actually grip better on hair that isn’t freshly washed. For added security, apply a light styling cream before braiding. Once completed, a gentle mist of hairspray helps tame flyaways without creating stiffness.
Regarding daily wear, I recommend loosening the braid slightly by pulling gently on its edges—this prevents tension headaches while creating a fuller, more textured look that my daughter absolutely adores for her school days.
Braided Space Buns
Among all the back-to-school braids I’ve tried, braided space buns consistently earn the most compliments. This classic ’90s hairstyle has made a spectacular comeback, providing both style and function for active school days.
What makes the Braided Space Buns special
Braided space buns combine the playful vibe of traditional space buns with the security of braids. I love how they keep hair completely secured during gym class or recess, unlike regular buns that tend to loosen throughout the day. Plus, these buns create a comfortable style that distributes weight evenly across the head, preventing the headaches sometimes caused by single buns.
What truly sets this style apart is its versatility—it works beautifully for medium to long hair and can be customized with colorful clips, beads, or ribbons to match school uniforms or favorite outfits.
How to style the Braided Space Buns
Creating this eye-catching style requires some practice:
- Start by parting hair down the middle and creating two pigtails
- Dutch braid each pigtail (crossing strands under rather than over)
- Begin at the nape of the neck, braiding upward toward the crown
- Once braided, secure each with clear elastics
- Gently tug on braid edges for fullness
- Twist each braid into a bun shape
- Secure with bobby pins and a light mist of hairspray
For younger children or those new to this style, I recommend having a helper—braiding upside down can make you dizzy!
Best age group for the Braided Space Buns
Through experience, I’ve found that elementary through high school students adore this style. My teenage daughter considers it perfect for both regular school days and special events like field trips.
Braided Space Buns maintenance tips
To keep this style looking fresh:
- Use texturizing spray before styling for better grip
- Secure buns with multiple bobby pins around the edges
- For thinner hair, lightly backcomb the ponytails before creating buns for extra volume
- Try braiding damp hair the night before—morning styling becomes much faster
Likewise, these braided buns often look even better on second-day hair, making them ideal for busy school weeks.
Waterfall Braid
The enchanting Waterfall Braid has earned its place in my kids’ back-to-school hairstyle collection thanks to its magical cascading effect. This eye-catching style creates the illusion of hair literally flowing like a waterfall down your child’s head.
What makes the Waterfall Braid special
Waterfall braids get their ornate appearance by releasing sections of hair while picking up new ones along its path. This unique technique creates a beautiful cascading effect that works wonderfully for both special occasions and regular school days.
I’ve found that waterfall braids work equally well on short or long hair, making them versatile for children at different growth stages. The style can also be combined with French braids or twists for even more versatility, allowing us to create unique variations based on my daughter’s preferences.
How to style the Waterfall Braid
Creating this flowing style is surprisingly manageable once you know the technique:
- Start with a small section at the front of the head, divided into three equal strands
- Begin with a standard three-strand braid for two cycles
- For the third cycle, add hair from the hairline to the back strand and cross over middle
- Drop the front strand completely (this creates the “waterfall” effect)
- Pick up a new strand of equal size to replace the dropped piece
- Continue this pattern around the head until reaching about three-quarters way down
- Finish with a regular three-strand braid and secure with an elastic
Best age group for the Waterfall Braid
In my experience, waterfall braids look adorable on kids with either thick or thin hair. This style works beautifully for elementary-aged children through teens, as it can appear playful or sophisticated depending on how it’s styled.
Waterfall Braid maintenance tips
To keep this style looking fresh throughout the school day, I recommend starting with day-old hair rather than freshly washed, as it provides better grip. For added staying power, use bobby pins to secure any loose sections and finish with a light mist of strong-hold hairspray.
Naturally, practice makes perfect with this technique. Don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t flawless—each time you create this back-to-school braid, you’ll improve your skills and speed!
Half-Up Braided Bun
Looking for that perfect middle ground in back to school hairstyles? The Half-Up Braided Bun has become my secret weapon for those mornings when my daughter insists on wearing her hair down yet needs it out of her face for school.
What makes the Half-Up Braided Bun special
The beauty of this style lies in its versatility – it works wonderfully with straight, wavy, or curly hair. Indeed, this half-up half-down approach offers the best of both worlds: keeping hair securely away from the face while still allowing the length to flow freely.
First thing to remember, this style works perfectly for children who resist full updos yet need a practical solution for school days. As well as being functional, the braided element adds visual interest that elevates a simple half-up style into something special that earns compliments in the classroom.
How to style the Half-Up Braided Bun
Creating this adorable back to school hairstyle takes just 5-10 minutes with practice:
- Brush hair thoroughly and lightly dampen if needed
- Section off the crown area (create a small gap for the bun placement)
- Divide this section into three strands for braiding
- Create a braid from the front hairline to where you want the bun positioned
- Secure the braid with a small elastic
- Twist the braided section into a small bun
- Secure with bobby pins, sliding them toward the center of the bun
- Finish with a cute bow or hair accessory
For added dimension, try incorporating a lace braid technique where you only add hair from one side instead of both.
Best age group for the Half-Up Braided Bun
Undoubtedly, this style shines as an excellent choice for “girls of all ages”. I’ve found it works beautifully on elementary-aged children through teens. Primarily, it’s perfect for active kids who need their hair controlled during school activities yet still want to showcase their length.
Half-Up Braided Bun maintenance tips
To keep this kids hairstyle for school looking fresh all day:
- Apply a small amount of spray gel to control flyaways, especially helpful for toddler hair or very fine hair
- Keep hair slightly damp while styling to help it conform better
- Use criss-crossed bobby pins for extra security
- Consider spray hairspray on clips before placing them for better grip
For mornings when we’re running late, I sometimes create this style the night before on slightly damp hair – by morning, it looks even better with a bit of natural texture!
Accent Braids with Beads
Adding beads to accent braids has completely transformed our back-to-school hair routine! These small decorative elements effortlessly elevate natural styles, bringing personality and flair to even the simplest braided looks.
What makes the Accent Braids with Beads special
Accent braids with beads stand out primarily because they allow for personalized expression while maintaining practicality. Notably, these decorative elements can transform braids from simple to eye-catching, adding personality, texture, and color to any hairstyle.
In my experience, accent braids offer tremendous versatility. Rather than styling the entire head, we place just a few strategic braids with beads that complement other hairstyles. My daughter loves how beads add weight to her braids, creating a subtle yet captivating swing as she moves.
The beauty of accent braids is that beads don’t need to look completely uniform—an array of shapes and colors looks effortlessly cool and adds visual interest. This customization lets kids express their unique style while keeping hair neatly secured throughout busy school days.
How to style the Accent Braids with Beads
Creating this eye-catching look is surprisingly straightforward:
- Select a small section of hair (typically near the face for maximum impact)
- Divide into three strands and create a basic braid
- For adding beads, use a beader tool that came with your beads
- Thread desired beads onto the beader
- Place hair through the beader’s loop
- Slide beads down onto the braid
- Secure with a small elastic at the bottom
For my daughter’s school styles, I often pull down just the bottom bead to the desired length, then wrap the remaining hair around it—this helps prevent unraveling while creating a clean finish.
Best age group for the Accent Braids with Beads
This style works beautifully for school-aged children through teens. The beaded accents provide that perfect touch of personalization that kids increasingly value as they develop their identities.
Accent Braids with Beads maintenance tips
To keep accent braids with beads looking fresh:
Start with properly moisturized hair to prevent breakage where beads sit. Consider weight distribution—too many heavy beads can cause tension and discomfort. For school durability, secure beads properly and check them regularly for loosening.
Remind children to be gentle with beaded sections when sleeping or playing. Despite the extra care, the joy on my daughter’s face when she sees her beaded accent braids makes the effort worthwhile!
Braided Ponytail with Scrunchie
My absolute favorite time-saving style in our morning routine has to be the Braided Ponytail with Scrunchie. This versatile combination brings together the security of a braid with the practicality of a ponytail, plus the added flair of a trendy scrunchie.
What makes the Braided Ponytail with Scrunchie special
The magic of this style lies in its perfect balance between function and fashion. By securing hair in a ponytail first, afterward braiding it, you create a style that’s both secure and sophisticated. Adding a scrunchie not only provides extra hair protection but simultaneously serves as a cute accessory that can match school outfits.
I’ve discovered that braided ponytails are incredibly versatile—suitable for gym class, presentations, or regular school days. Perhaps most importantly, this style keeps hair off your child’s neck and face while they focus on learning. For those with longer hair, the style provides excellent heat management, as the braid allows air circulation.
How to style the Braided Ponytail with Scrunchie
Creating this practical yet stylish look is straightforward:
- Brush hair thoroughly and gather into a high ponytail
- Secure with two hair ties for extra stability
- Take a small piece of hair to wrap around the base (this hides the elastic)
- Divide the ponytail into three equal sections
- Create a traditional braid, working downward
- Secure the end with another elastic
- Add your scrunchie at the base of the ponytail
- Gently tug on braid edges for fullness
For thicker hair, consider using pre-stretched braiding hair to create a jumbo effect that makes a statement.
Best age group for the Braided Ponytail with Scrunchie
From experience, this style works wonderfully for school-aged children through teens. The combination is ideal for active kids participating in sports or dance who need hair securely fastened yet stylish. Toddlers can wear simpler versions with colorful scrunchies that make hair management fun.
Braided Ponytail with Scrunchie maintenance tips
To keep this style looking fresh throughout the school day:
Start with slightly textured hair rather than freshly washed for better grip. Consider using silk or satin scrunchies which minimize damage while adding a trendy touch. For longer wear, ensure you’re not pulling too tight at the scalp—comfort ensures the style stays intact longer.
This quick yet effective style has saved our mornings countless times, creating a polished look that lasts from first bell to after-school activities.
Halo Braid
The regal halo braid has transformed my daughter’s back-to-school style arsenal, creating an angelic crown effect that turns heads in the hallway. This beautiful, tightly secured braid creates a halo design that’s both practical and stunning.
What makes the Halo Braid special
Halo braids stand out with their elegant, crown-like appearance that wraps completely around the head. This timeless choice offers impressive versatility for parents seeking stylish yet manageable styles for their child’s natural hair. I’m fascinated by how this look can be adapted for various occasions—perfect for ordinary school days yet elegant enough for special events.
One major advantage I’ve noticed is how effectively this style keeps all hair secured away from the face, allowing kids to focus on learning without distractions. Furthermore, the halo braid can be customized with variations such as integrating a ponytail or a chic bun.
How to style the Halo Braid
Creating this angelic style requires some practice:
- Begin by parting hair down the middle from forehead to nape
- Take a section from one side, about an inch wide
- Start Dutch braiding (crossing under rather than over)
- Continue braiding around the head, gradually adding hair
- When you reach the starting point, finish with a regular braid
- Wrap the end around, tucking it underneath
- Secure with bobby pins and hairspray for all-day hold
Best age group for the Halo Braid
Based on my experience, halo braids work beautifully for elementary through high school students. For a clean halo braid, mid-length to long hair is typically preferable, therefore making it more suitable for older children with sufficient hair length.
Halo Braid maintenance tips
To keep this style looking pristine:
For longevity, I recommend starting with slightly textured hair rather than freshly washed for better grip. Gently pull on sections of the braid to create fullness. Subsequently, set the style with light hairspray to tame flyaways. This beautiful arrangement typically lasts about a week with proper care.
Side-Swept French Braid
The elegant side-swept French braid offers a chic alternative to traditional braiding styles. This fashionable variation has become an essential addition to our back-to-school hairstyle collection, primarily due to its ability to keep hair beautifully styled yet functionally secure.
What makes the Side-Swept French Braid special
Side-swept French braids create an instantly sophisticated look while serving a practical purpose. According to hair professionals, this style effectively keeps fringe (bangs) and face-framing layers neatly swept away from the face. Accordingly, it’s perfect for active school days when hair needs to stay in place.
This versatile style works beautifully in straight, wavy, and curly hair textures, making it suitable for virtually any child. Further, many consider the side-swept look something of a cross between waterfall braids from fantasy shows and the classic French braid – combining elegance with practicality.
How to style the Side-Swept French Braid
Creating this eye-catching back-to-school braid involves these simple steps:
- Begin with a deep side part, separating a 1-2 inch section along the hairline
- Start near your part with a small section divided into three strands
- Begin French braiding following your hairline, crossing strands over the middle
- Add hair from both sides as you continue braiding toward the ear
- Once reaching the ear, finish with a regular braid and secure with a clear elastic
- Gently pull on the edges of the braid to create fullness and width
Best age group for the Side-Swept French Braid
This elegant style works wonderfully for elementary through high school students. In fact, it’s particularly helpful for growing out bangs or managing those awkward in-between hair growth stages that many school-aged children experience.
Side-Swept French Braid maintenance tips
To keep this kids hairstyle for school looking fresh throughout the day:
For better grip, spray a small amount of dry shampoo on freshly washed hair that might slip out of braids easily. Overall, braids typically hold better in hair with some texture, so second-day hair often works best. Consider using clear elastics or ones that match your child’s hair color for a polished finish.
This timeless yet trendy back to school hairstyle creates a romantic, slightly bohemian look that children love while maintaining the practicality parents need for busy school days.
Braided Headband
Braided headbands have quickly become the secret superhero of our school morning hair routine! These versatile styles create a beautiful framing effect while efficiently keeping hair out of the face all day long.
What makes the Braided Headband special
The braided headband stands out primarily because it serves a dual purpose – it’s both a beautiful style element and a practical solution for keeping wispy strands at bay. For parents like me, this means my daughter can enjoy having her hair down yet still keep it completely out of her face during classes and activities.
Plus, braided headbands offer incredible versatility. They can be created with your child’s own hair woven into an elegant pattern, yet they also work as beautiful stand-alone purchased accessories. The store-bought versions are typically soft, stretchy, and designed specifically for growing girls with thicker, longer hair.
What I find most appealing is how this style allows for creative expression. You can weave small flowers, diamonds, or other decorative elements into the braid for special occasions, making each look unique to your child’s personality.
How to style the Braided Headband
Creating this practical back-to-school style takes just minutes:
- Start by sectioning a thin strand of hair near one ear
- Create a regular three-strand braid (or any braid type you prefer)
- Continue braiding around the head, following the hairline
- For a lace braid variation, only add hair from one side as you braid
- Pin the finished braid behind the ear using bobby pins
For children with shorter hair or beginners, certainly try making two simple braids and tying them at the back instead.
Best age group for the Braided Headband
From my experience, braided headbands work beautifully for school-aged children of all ages. Purchased braided headbands are designed specifically for toddlers with thicker, longer hair. Yet DIY braided headbands can be adapted for practically any age with sufficient hair length.
Braided Headband maintenance tips
To keep this kids back to school hairstyle looking fresh throughout the day:
Apply a small amount of spray gel to the roots for better hold. Afterwards, secure with sufficient bobby pins at anchor points to prevent slipping. For added security, hairspray on clips before placing them helps them grip better.
To minimize damage when using rubber bands, soak them in oil (like Jamaican castor oil) beforehand. This simple step prevents the painful pulling that can make children reluctant to try braided styles again.
Mini Braids with Colorful Clips
Miniature braids adorned with colorful clips create the perfect blend of playful pattern and practical style for busy school days. These tiny treasures have become a favorite in our home for expressing personality while keeping hair neatly secured.
What makes the Mini Braids with Colorful Clips special
Mini braids stand out primarily as tiny braids created using only natural hair. These can be box braided or freeform with random parts, ranging from pencil-width to as fine as thick sewing thread. What makes them truly special is their versatility—they work beautifully with colorful accessories that transform basic styles into eye-catching statements.
I’ve noticed these braids allow for incredible personalization. My daughter loves choosing different colored clips that match her school outfits, turning an ordinary hairstyle into something that boosts her confidence. Additionally, these braids distribute tension evenly, preventing the headaches sometimes associated with tighter styles.
How to style the Mini Braids with Colorful Clips
Creating this adorable look requires patience but yields wonderful results:
- Start by spraying a little clay spray or water for grip
- Take a small section of hair and divide into three strands
- Create a standard braid or try a Dutch-style braid (crossing under)
- Secure each braid with a small elastic
- Add colorful clips strategically throughout the braids
- For extra flair, position clips so they frame the face
For younger children, I recommend leaving some hair unbraided around the face to create a softer look.
Best age group for the Mini Braids with Colorful Clips
This style works wonderfully for elementary through middle school students. The colorful element particularly appeals to younger children who love expressing themselves through bright accessories. Yet, the style remains appropriate and practical enough for older students too.
Mini Braids with Colorful Clips maintenance tips
To keep this style looking fresh throughout the school week:
Retighten interior braids with significant new growth before washing. True mini braids can last for months with proper care, yet require commitment to prevent damage or breakage. Regular moisturizing is essential—I apply leave-in conditioner to damp hair after washing.
For sleeping, a satin scarf or pillowcase is absolutely essential—this helps maintain smoothness along the hair shaft while preventing frizz.
Pull-Through Braid
I’ve discovered that pull-through braids are secretly not braids at all! This illusion hairstyle has rescued many of our rushed school mornings with its impressive yet simple design.
What makes the Pull-Through Braid special
Pull-through braids create a unique look resembling little inverted hearts sitting atop each other. Unlike traditional braiding, this technique uses ponytails pulled through each other, creating beautiful dimension without complex weaving skills.
What truly distinguishes this style is its ability to create fullness. Hence, even children with fine or thin hair can achieve a dramatic, voluminous look that lasts all day. Plus, I’ve noticed these braids hold extraordinarily well, making them perfect for transitioning from school to after-school activities.
How to style the Pull-Through Braid
Creating this eye-catching look takes just 5-10 minutes:
- Start with a high ponytail secured with a hair band
- Separate the ponytail into two sections (top and bottom)
- About two inches down the top section, add another elastic
- Make a hole in the middle of that segment
- Pull the bottom section through this hole
- Continue this pattern until you run out of hair
- Gently tug the edges to create fullness—this “pancaking” step makes the braid appear fuller
Naturally, you can customize with colorful elastics or add accent twists at the top for extra flair.
Best age group for the Pull-Through Braid
This versatile style works beautifully for toddlers through teens. For younger children, I recommend adding colorful accessories that match their school outfits. Older students appreciate how this style keeps all layers secured, regardless of length.
Pull-Through Braid maintenance tips
To keep this look fresh throughout school hours:
Primarily, I recommend using clear elastics or colorful ones that complement their outfit. For better grip and volume, applying a small amount of CurlyKids® Curly Gel Moisturizer helps smooth out roots while preventing product buildup.
At day’s end, never pull elastics out directly—this causes painful damage! Instead, use scissors or a seam ripper to safely remove them. This simple step ensures your child will happily wear this stunning back to school braid again.
Twist Braids with Ribbons
Twist braids intertwined with colorful ribbons have become the highlight of our school morning routine! This delightful combination brings playfulness to an otherwise simple hairstyle while keeping hair securely in place throughout busy school days.
What makes the Twist Braids with Ribbons special
Twist braids with ribbons elevate basic hairstyles by adding vibrant color and texture. Primarily, they create an adorable visual effect as the ribbon weaves through the twist, making even the simplest style look intricate. I’ve found that ribbons add just enough weight to the braids, creating a subtle yet captivating movement as my daughter runs around the playground.
One significant advantage of this style is its versatility – you can create a single accent twist with ribbon or multiple twists throughout the hair. The ribbon length can be adjusted to create different effects, including cute bows at the ends for extra flair.
How to style the Twist Braids with Ribbons
Creating this charming back to school braid is simpler than it appears:
- Prep by tying a ribbon onto an elastic of the same color
- Place the elastic around a small section of hair
- Divide the section and ribbon into two equal parts
- Twist the sections around each other, incorporating the ribbon
- Secure with another elastic at the bottom
- Gently pull on the twist to add fullness
For multiple twists, position ribbons strategically around the head or create matching twists on both sides.
Best age group for the Twist Braids with Ribbons
This adorable style works wonderfully for children aged 10 and up who appreciate customized hair accessories. Younger children can certainly wear simpler versions with parental assistance.
Twist Braids with Ribbons maintenance tips
To maintain these beautiful twists:
Cover the head with a satin headscarf at night to protect edges and prevent frizz. Spritz roots occasionally with water – our hair needs moisture just like any living thing. Avoid constant updos that could strain the hairline. Henceforth, limit this style to 3-4 weeks maximum, as protective styling should be temporary.
Conclusion
Now you have a complete arsenal of back-to-school braids ready for 2025! After years of school-morning rushes, I’ve found these 15 styles truly deliver both practicality and style when time matters most. Each option keeps hair secure throughout active school days while allowing your child’s personality to shine through.
Parents struggling with morning routines will undoubtedly appreciate how these braids eliminate daily styling battles. My daughter actually looks forward to her braided styles, especially when we incorporate colorful accessories that match her outfits!
Remember that practice makes perfect with these techniques. Your first attempts might not look Instagram-worthy, but you’ll quickly improve with each try. Above all, these styles create special bonding moments with your children before they head off to learn.
Regardless of your braiding skill level, certainly start with simpler styles like bubble braids or half-up braided buns before tackling more advanced techniques. Afterwards, you can gradually work toward stunning creations like fishtail braids or halo crowns.
School mornings deserve hairstyles that last all day while boosting your child’s confidence. Therefore, bookmark this guide and experiment with different variations during weekend practice sessions. Soon enough, you’ll develop your own signature braiding techniques that your kids will request again and again!
Most importantly, have fun with these styles! Nothing beats the smile on your child’s face when they catch their reflection with a beautiful braid that makes them feel special on their school day.