15 Cute Open Kids Hairstyles In 5 Minutes

Does your child squirm the moment a hairbrush comes out? Mornings already move fast, and a full updo eats up time nobody has before school. Open hairstyles fix that. Hair stays down or mostly loose, so you skip the tight pulling that starts most meltdowns in the first place.

This guide covers 15 cute open kids’ hairstyles that take five minutes or less to build, plus notes on which ones fit your child’s hair type. Every look here keeps hair moving and comfortable instead of pinned tight against the scalp, so getting ready doesn’t turn into a fight.

Most hairstyle roundups push buns, braided crowns, and other pull-back styles. Those look neat, but they take longer to build and put more strain on a small scalp. This list skips that. Each idea below leaves most of the hair down, so your child gets a finished look without twenty minutes of pinning and braiding.

What Makes A Hairstyle “Open” And Why It Works For Kids

What Counts As An Open Hairstyle

An open hairstyle keeps most of the hair down instead of gathering it into a bun or full braid crown. Think loose waves, a light headband, or a small twist that frames the face while the rest of the hair falls free. Parents like these looks. They need fewer hair ties and cause less pulling on a child’s scalp.

Why These Styles Work Well For Kids

Kids benefit too. Loose hair moves naturally. It feels less restrictive during recess or on the car ride to school. Lighter, open styles work best for children with sensitive scalps or thinner hair, since tight, pulled-back hairstyles worn repeatedly can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. A loose twist or a simple wave set puts far less strain on the scalp than a tight, pulled-back style. This matters most for hair that’s still growing in, or recovering from a recent cut.

Getting Hair Ready Before You Start

Before trying any style below, brush out tangles gently. Keep a detangling spray nearby. Soft bristle brushes protect a child’s scalp better than stiff plastic combs. Start at the ends and work upward in small sections. This one habit prevents the tugging that makes kids dread hairstyling time in the first place, and it lines up with the healthy hair-care habits dermatologists recommend teaching kids, like loosening pulled-back styles and going easy near the hairline. It also sets up every style on this list for a smoother finish.

15 Cute Open Kids Hairstyles For Every Morning

Each of these styles keeps hair down or mostly loose. Most take under five minutes once you’re familiar with them, though a couple of the special-occasion looks run longer. They work for toddlers, school-age kids, and tweens, and most of these open hairstyles for girls adapt just as easily to boys with longer hair. A quick time, hair-type, and face-shape note sits at the top of each one, so you can scan for what fits before reading the full instructions.

Quick list: Loose Beachy Waves, Half-Up Twist, Face-Framing Side Twists, Headband Waves, Peekaboo Braid, Crimped Curls, Center-Part Waterfall Twist, Loose Fishtail Strand, Natural Curl Definition, Butterfly Clips Scatter, Side-Swept Bangs with Loose Length, Double Peekaboo Twists, Wet-Look Wave, Ribbon-Wrapped Strand, Simple Blowout with Round Brush.

1. Loose Beachy Waves

Time: About 5 minutes plus drying · Best for: Straight or wavy hair past the shoulders; flatters round and oval faces

Start with slightly damp hair. Spray on a texturizing spray and work it through with your fingers. Twist small sections, about an inch wide, then let them air dry or blow dry on low heat. Once dry, gently pull each twist apart with your fingers instead of a brush. Brushing flattens the wave pattern, so fingers do a better job here. You end up with soft, tousled waves and no clips or ties in sight. The shape holds for hours, even through an active afternoon at the park. Straight hair works fine too, since twisting builds texture that wouldn’t show up on its own. Kids tend to like this one because nothing feels tight or pinned. If you want the same relaxed wave technique styled for yourself, our Coastal Cowgirl Wave Hairstyles guide covers 15 adult versions.

2. Half-Up Twist

Time: Under 1 minute · Best for: Nearly any hair type; works on all face shapes

Take two small sections near the temples. Twist each one back toward the crown, then cross them over each other before securing with a tiny clear elastic. The rest of the hair stays completely open and free. Because the twist sits close to the head, it won’t budge much even during an active recess. If it loosens, redoing it takes seconds since there’s only one elastic involved. Fine, straight, thick, or curly, this one adapts to most textures, though thicker hair holds the shape a little longer without slipping loose by afternoon.

3. Face-Framing Side Twists

Time: Under 2 minutes · Best for: Kids who dislike anything tight on the scalp; softens round and square faces

Part the hair down the middle first. Take a thin strand near each temple and twist it back toward the ear. Pin each twist loosely, just behind the ear, and leave everything else down. Hair stays out of a child’s eyes during playtime without touching the back of the head at all. Only two small sections get pinned, so the style stays soft and comfortable. There’s no pulling near the crown, which makes it an easy sell for kids who hate anything tight. It also moves fast for fidgety kids, since each twist takes just a few seconds to shape and pin.

4. Headband Waves

Time: Under 2 minutes · Best for: Busy mornings, any hair type; flatters square and oval faces

Brush hair thoroughly first so there are no snags to fight with. Slide a soft fabric headband over the head, positioning it slightly back from the hairline. Tuck a few strands underneath along the sides for extra texture and a lived-in look. Few open hairstyles beat this one for speed on a rushed school morning. Choose a wider headband for thicker hair so it grips without slipping down throughout the day. Thin, slippery hair sometimes needs a headband with a bit of grip lining inside, since smooth fabric alone can slide right off during an active school day.

5. Peekaboo Braid

Time: About 2 minutes · Best for: Chin-length hair and longer; suits oval and heart faces

Pick a thin strand near the front, on either side of the part. Divide it into three small pieces and braid down about two or three inches. Secure the end with a small clear elastic, then let the braid blend right into the rest of the loose hair. It adds a playful detail without any extra bulk. Hair as short as chin length works fine, as long as there’s enough to weave three small strands together (thinking of a shorter cut for your own hair? our Chin Length Hair Style guide has 20 ideas). Kids who want something a little different, but don’t want their whole head touched, tend to ask for this one. A tiny bead or charm on the braid’s end adds extra personality.

6. Crimped Curls

Time: About 5 to 7 minutes · Best for: Fine, straight hair that needs lift; adds balance for long faces

A crimping iron on small, cool sections builds volume and texture fast. Clamp each section for just a few seconds before moving to the next. Fine, straight hair benefits most here, especially near the roots where it tends to fall flat. Keep the iron on the lowest safe heat setting for a child’s hair, since young strands are thinner and more sensitive than adult hair. Test on a small, hidden section first to check heat tolerance before touching the rest. A heat protectant spray beforehand guards against dryness. The texture holds up surprisingly well through a full day, better than a straight blowout that flattens by afternoon.

7. Center-Part Waterfall Twist

Time: About 5 minutes, plus a little practice · Best for: Special occasions; keeps proportions balanced on oval faces

Part the hair down the center first. Starting at one temple, twist a small section back and drop a piece of hair as you continue across the head, similar to a waterfall braid but looser and quicker to build. Keep twisting and dropping strands until you reach the other side, then pin the end just above the ear. Everything else stays down and loose. Save this one for birthday parties, family photos, or a holiday gathering, since it reads as more dressed-up than an everyday look. It takes a bit more practice than a basic twist, but the payoff is a style that looks far more elaborate than the five minutes it actually takes.

8. Loose Fishtail Strand

Time: About 2 to 3 minutes · Best for: Hair with at least some length; suits heart and oval faces

Skip the full fishtail braid across the whole head. Instead, section off just one thin strand near the front. Split that strand into two, then take small pieces from the outer edge of each half and cross them to the opposite side, repeating down the length. Secure the end with a tiny elastic and let it blend into the rest of the open hair. It’s a subtle upgrade for photo day, adding detail without changing the overall relaxed look. Once you get the crossing pattern down, it takes roughly the same time as a simple twist. A little length helps, since a full fishtail pattern needs room to show its shape.

9. Natural Curl Definition

Time: About 5 minutes plus air-dry time · Best for: Curly or coily hair; works with any face shape

No heat, no tools, just the hair’s own pattern. Right after a wash, blot hair gently with a microfiber towel instead of a regular one, since rough terry cloth causes more frizz. Apply a light curl cream to damp strands, working it through in sections with fingers rather than a brush. Scrunch gently upward to help curls clump together instead of separating into a frizzy halo. Let curls air dry completely before touching them again. It takes less daily effort than styles that fight the hair’s natural pattern, and it puts the curls front and center instead of smoothing them away. Plenty of kids with curly hair feel more confident when it’s styled this way.

10. Butterfly Clips Scatter

Time: Under 2 minutes · Best for: Kids who want to help style their own hair; works with any face shape

Brush hair out completely, then clip several small butterfly or flower clips through loose sections at random. There’s no pattern to follow, which is exactly what makes it easy. Grab small pieces near the crown, the sides, or close to the ends, and snap a clip onto each one. It photographs well and finishes fast once the hair is brushed out. Most kids love picking their own clip colors, so hand a few over and let them place two or three themselves. That small handoff turns hairstyling into something done together instead of something done to them, and it matters more than it might seem on a rushed morning.

11. Side-Swept Bangs With Loose Length

Time: Under 1 minute · Best for: Kids with bangs, round or square face shapes

If your child has bangs, this one barely counts as styling. Brush the bangs to one side, away from the face, and secure them with a tiny clip near the temple. Leave the rest of the hair completely open and untouched. Round and square face shapes suit it especially well, since sweeping the bangs softens strong angles around the forehead and cheeks. Kids growing out their bangs often find this the easiest way to keep them out of the eyes without cutting anything. A light mist of hairspray on the clipped section keeps it in place through a full school day, even on finer hair that tends to slip.

12. Double Peekaboo Twists

Time: About 2 minutes · Best for: Active school days, gym class; softens round and square faces

Think of this as the face-framing twist, doubled for more structure. Take a thin section near each temple and twist both back toward the crown. Pin them close together, or cross them over each other, then secure with one small elastic or pin. The rest of the hair flows freely below. Pinning both sides symmetrically frames the face evenly instead of pulling attention to just one side. It also holds up better than a single twist during rougher outdoor play, since the two twists balance each other and resist slipping loose. Kids who need a style that survives gym class and still looks put together at pickup do well with this one.

13. Wet-Look Wave

Time: About 3 minutes · Best for: Wavy or curly hair with natural definition; flatters round and long faces

Start with clean, damp hair, not soaking wet. Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or light gel, rubbing it between your palms first so it spreads evenly. Comb the hair straight back from the forehead using a fine-tooth comb for a sleek, wave-defined look. Skip the part entirely for the most polished version. The product locks the wave pattern in place as it dries, so it holds through a full school day. Wavy or curly textures that already have some definition show this off best, though straight hair can pull off a similar sleek effect with a bit more product. Go easy on the gel. Too much leaves hair looking stiff instead of smooth. Love this sleek finish for yourself too? Our Wet Look Beach Glam Hairstyles guide has 15 grown-up takes on it.

14. Ribbon-Wrapped Strand

Time: About 2 minutes · Best for: Holidays, recitals, dress-up days; suits heart and oval faces

Take a small section near the front of the head and twist it gently, just like the face-framing twist. Instead of pinning it, wrap a thin ribbon around the twisted section from top to bottom, tying off the end in a small bow or knot. Let the wrapped strand fall right into the rest of the open hair. Kids who love a bit of sparkle tend to ask for this one again and again, especially when they get to pick the ribbon color. It costs almost nothing to try, since one ribbon spool lasts for dozens of styles. Pair it with a coordinating outfit for holidays, recitals, or any day that calls for something extra. Planning your own holiday hair too? Our Flowy Butterfly Layer Holiday Hairstyles guide has 12 more ideas, and our Boho Braids With Accessories guide covers more braid-and-ribbon pairings like this one.

15. Simple Blowout With Round Brush

Time: About 7 to 8 minutes · Best for: Special occasions, any hair type; flatters most face shapes

This one leans on direct heat more than any other style on the list, so start with towel-dried hair and a heat protectant spray. Section the hair into two or three parts to keep the process manageable. Blow dry each section with a round brush, rolling it under at the ends for gentle volume and a smooth finish. Reach for this look when you want something polished without any braiding or pinning at all. Finish with a light mist of hairspray near the roots to hold the volume without making the hair feel stiff. It takes longer than a quick twist or clip, but it still moves fast for a blowout, and it looks more finished for events like recitals or holiday photos.

Common Mistakes To Avoid With Open Hairstyles

A few habits quietly undo even the prettiest open hairstyle. None of these take much extra effort to fix, but they’re easy to overlook on a rushed morning.

Skipping The Detangling Step

This is the most common mistake by far. Hidden knots under loose hair pull loose throughout the day and leave a style looking frizzy by afternoon. A quick brush through before styling saves the whole look.

Using Too Much Heat

Crimping irons and blow dryers get used often on this list, and it’s tempting to crank up the heat for faster results. Don’t. Young hair is thinner and more prone to damage than adult hair, and dermatologists recommend sticking to low or medium heat settings and limiting how often hot tools get used at all.

Overloading Fine Hair With Product

Too much gel or mousse weighs fine strands down fast. What looks voluminous at 8 a.m. often falls flat within an hour. A little product goes further than most parents expect.

Choosing Elastics That Are Too Tight

Even styles marketed as gentle can cause breakage right at the hairline if the elastic is too tight. Test any new product or elastic on a small section first, and watch for irritation before using it across the whole head.

How To Choose The Right Open Hairstyle For Your Child’s Hair Type

Hair type changes which open styles hold best, since not every one of these loose hairstyles for kids works the same way on every texture. Here’s a quick breakdown by texture, plus a note on face shape.

Straight Hair

Straight hair takes crimping and blowouts well but loses waves faster than other textures. A light hairspray applied near the roots helps a style last through the afternoon instead of falling flat by lunch.

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair naturally suits beachy waves and the wet-look style. It often needs only a texturizing product to enhance the wave pattern that’s already there, without much extra work.

Curly And Coily Hair

Curly and coily hair looks best with styles that respect the natural curl pattern, like natural curl definition or loose twists that don’t fight the texture. Forcing curly hair into sleek, straight-down styles can cause frizz and add unnecessary stress on the strands, and it works against dermatologist-recommended curly hair care, which favors gentle detangling and moisture over daily brushing.

Fine And Thick Hair

Fine hair benefits from crimping or a round brush blowout, both of which add volume where fine strands tend to fall flat. Thick hair usually holds twists and waves longer without needing extra product to keep its shape.

Matching Styles To Face Shape

Face shape matters too. Side-swept bangs and face-framing twists suit round or square faces well, since they soften stronger angles. Center-part styles work best for most oval face shapes, since they keep facial proportions balanced.

Tips To Keep Open Hairstyles Neat All Day

A few small habits stop open hairstyles from turning messy by lunchtime.

Start With Fully Detangled Hair

This one matters more than any product you use. Knots hidden under loose strands come loose faster and create frizz as the day goes on. A thorough brush-out before styling makes everything that follows easier.

Use A Light Hold Product

Reach for a light hold spray rather than a heavy gel. Open styles need to move naturally, so a lighter product keeps hair looking soft instead of stiff.

Add A Few Bobby Pins For Active Kids

Even in a fully open style, one or two bobby pins near the crown keep hair away from the eyes during sports or rough play. It’s a small addition that doesn’t change the overall look.

Switch To Silk Or Satin Scrunchies

Skip harsh elastics directly against the scalp when you can. Silk or satin scrunchies reduce breakage compared to standard rubber bands, especially for the small sections used in twists and peekaboo braids.

FAQ

What Counts As An “Open” Hairstyle For Kids?

An open hairstyle keeps most or all of a child’s hair down and loose, using small twists, clips, or waves instead of a full bun or braid updo.

Are Open Hairstyles Good For Active Kids?

Yes, when paired with a light hold product or a few bobby pins near the crown. This keeps hair out of the eyes during play while staying mostly loose.

Which Open Hairstyle Lasts Longest At School?

Wet-look waves and crimped curls tend to hold shape longest, since they rely on texture rather than loose strands that can fall out of place.

Can Open Hairstyles Work For Curly Hair?

Absolutely. Natural curl definition and loose twists let curly and coily hair keep its pattern without forcing it into styles built for straight hair.

How Often Should Open Hairstyles Be Redone?

Most parents refresh an open style once in the morning and touch up loose clips or twists after nap time or recess, since these styles rarely need a full redo.

Conclusion

These easy down hairstyles for children prove that kids do not need an elaborate updo to look adorable every morning. They save time, protect delicate hair, and still photograph beautifully for school pictures or weekend outings. A loose twist takes under a minute. Even the full blowout, the slowest style on this list, wraps up in under ten. Both beat sitting through a tight braid crown before breakfast. Start with the style that matches your child’s hair type, whether that’s beachy waves for straight hair or natural curl definition for coily textures. Save the one that fits best so it’s easy to find tomorrow morning, then try it once this week. Keep a detangling spray and a few clips within reach, and you’ll have a new five-minute morning routine before the week is out.

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