Conquer the Morning Chaos: Quick & Cute School Rush Hairstyles for Girls
The morning school rush can be a whirlwind! Between finding matching socks, packing lunches, and ensuring homework is in the backpack, styling your daughter’s hair often gets relegated to a last-minute, hurried affair. But what if you could have a repertoire of quick, easy, and adorable hairstyles that take just minutes to create? This article is your guide to conquering the morning hair battles and sending your little girl off to school looking and feeling fantastic. We’ll cover a range of styles suitable for different hair lengths and textures, with detailed step-by-step instructions to help you master each one.
Essential Tools for Speedy Styling
Before we dive into the hairstyles, let’s gather the essential tools that will make your morning routine smoother and more efficient:
- Hairbrushes: A good quality hairbrush is crucial. Have a few options on hand: a paddle brush for detangling, a round brush for adding volume (if needed), and a fine-tooth comb for creating parts and sleek styles.
- Hair Ties: Stock up on a variety of hair ties, including small elastics for ponytails and braids, and thicker elastics for buns and larger ponytails. Opt for colors that match your daughter’s hair for a seamless look, or fun, bright colors for a playful vibe.
- Hair Clips: Alligator clips, sectioning clips, and bobby pins are indispensable for holding hair out of the way while styling. Bobby pins are also great for securing stray strands.
- Spray Bottle: A spray bottle filled with water is your best friend for taming flyaways and refreshing second-day hair. You can also use a light detangling spray.
- Hair Products: Keep a few basic hair products on hand: light-hold hairspray for keeping styles in place, a small amount of gel or pomade for sleek styles, and dry shampoo to extend the time between washes. Use them sparingly to avoid weighing down the hair.
- Optional: Hair ribbons, headbands, and fun barrettes can add a touch of personality to any hairstyle.
Quick & Easy School Hairstyles for Girls
Now, let’s explore some hairstyles that are perfect for the morning rush, categorized by complexity and length.
Simple Styles for All Hair Lengths
These styles are great for when you’re really short on time or for girls who prefer a fuss-free look.
1. The Classic High Ponytail
The high ponytail is a timeless choice that’s incredibly easy to achieve. It’s perfect for keeping hair out of the face during school activities.
Instructions:
- Brush the hair: Use a paddle brush to remove any tangles and smooth the hair.
- Gather the hair: Pull all of your daughter’s hair up towards the crown of her head. Ensure it’s positioned high enough that the ponytail won’t fall flat.
- Secure with a hair tie: Firmly secure the hair with a hair tie. Make sure it’s tight enough to hold the ponytail in place but not too tight to cause discomfort.
- Adjust as needed: If you like, gently pull a few strands loose around the face to soften the look, or use a small amount of hairspray to tame flyaways.
Pro Tip: For a more polished look, wrap a thin strand of hair around the hair tie and secure it with a bobby pin.
2. The Low Ponytail
A low ponytail is a relaxed, versatile style that can be worn in various ways. It’s ideal for keeping hair neatly contained without being too restrictive.
Instructions:
- Brush and gather: Brush through the hair to remove any knots. Gather the hair at the nape of the neck.
- Secure with a hair tie: Use a hair tie to secure the ponytail. You can use a thicker hair tie for more hold or a decorative one for a bit of flair.
- Style Variations: You can leave the low ponytail as is, or try adding a small braid to one side before securing the hair into the low ponytail for a more intricate look.
3. Simple Half-Up Half-Down
This is a great option for girls who like to wear their hair down but want to keep it out of their face. It works well with all hair lengths.
Instructions:
- Part the hair: Create a center or side part.
- Gather the top section: Gather the hair from the temples to the crown, as if you are about to make a small ponytail.
- Secure with a hair tie: Secure the gathered hair with a small elastic, or clip it back using a stylish barrette.
- Adjust: Gently loosen the hair around the crown for more volume or leave it sleek for a more polished feel.
4. The Quick Messy Bun
This effortlessly chic style is perfect for those mornings when you barely have time to think about hair. The best part? It looks great even when slightly imperfect.
Instructions:
- Gather the hair: Gather all of your daughter’s hair as if you were making a high ponytail.
- Twist the hair: Twist the ponytail until it starts to coil into a bun.
- Secure the bun: Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. Use a hair tie or two to secure the bun. Don’t worry about it being perfectly neat – the messier, the better!
- Adjust as needed: Pull out a few loose strands around the face for a softer look, and use bobby pins to secure any stray pieces.
5. The Twisted Side Clip
This elegant hairstyle is incredibly easy to do and looks great on all hair lengths. It’s a wonderful way to keep hair out of the face with a touch of sophistication.
Instructions:
- Part the hair: Create a side part.
- Twist the hair: Take a small section of hair from the side of the part and begin twisting it back away from the face.
- Add to the twist: As you twist, pick up small sections of hair and incorporate them into the twist.
- Secure the twist: Once you reach the ear, secure the twist with a decorative barrette or a few bobby pins.
Styles for Medium to Long Hair
These styles offer a bit more complexity and are perfect for girls with medium to longer hair. They still can be done quickly with a little bit of practice.
6. The Simple Braid
A basic three-strand braid is a versatile option that’s perfect for keeping hair neatly contained.
Instructions:
- Brush and divide the hair: Brush the hair to remove knots. Gather all the hair for a single braid or create a half up style if preferred. Divide the section into three equal strands.
- Begin braiding: Take the right strand and cross it over the middle strand. Then take the left strand and cross it over the new middle strand.
- Continue braiding: Continue this pattern—right over middle, then left over middle—until you reach the end of the hair.
- Secure the end: Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie.
- Style Variations: You can loosen the braid for a more relaxed look or add a ribbon at the end for extra flair. You can create two braids on either side for pigtail braids.
7. The French Braid
The French braid is a classic look that adds a touch of sophistication. It may take some practice, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s surprisingly quick.
Instructions:
- Begin at the crown: Start with a small section of hair at the top of the head.
- Divide into three: Divide this section into three equal strands.
- Start braiding: Begin a regular braid by crossing the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle.
- Add hair as you braid: Each time you take a new strand into the braid, incorporate a small section of hair from the sides of the head. The key is to include new hair each time as you continue the braid.
- Continue braiding: Continue braiding down the head, picking up new hair as you go.
- Secure the end: Once you reach the nape of the neck, continue braiding the remaining hair into a regular three-strand braid and secure with a hair tie.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about making it perfect! A slightly messy French braid can be just as chic.
8. The Dutch Braid
A Dutch braid is similar to a French braid, but instead of incorporating hair over the middle strand, you’ll take it under. This makes the braid stand out from the hair, creating a 3D effect.
Instructions:
- Begin at the crown: Start with a small section of hair at the top of the head.
- Divide into three: Divide this section into three equal strands.
- Start braiding: Begin the braid by crossing the right strand under the middle strand, then the left strand under the new middle strand.
- Add hair as you braid: Each time you take a new strand into the braid, incorporate a small section of hair from the sides of the head. Make sure you’re adding the hair under, instead of over the middle.
- Continue braiding: Continue braiding down the head, picking up new hair as you go.
- Secure the end: Once you reach the nape of the neck, continue braiding the remaining hair into a regular three-strand braid and secure with a hair tie.
9. The Bubble Ponytail
This playful style is a fun twist on the traditional ponytail and is surprisingly easy to create. It’s perfect for adding some flair to a simple look.
Instructions:
- Create a ponytail: Start by creating a high or low ponytail, depending on your preference.
- Add the first hair tie: Take another hair tie and place it a few inches down the length of the ponytail.
- Create a bubble: Gently pull at the hair between the first and second hair tie to create a “bubble” effect.
- Continue creating bubbles: Continue adding hair ties down the length of the ponytail, creating bubbles between each one. The number of bubbles will depend on the length of your daughter’s hair.
- Adjust as needed: Gently pull at the hair in each bubble to make them more voluminous.
10. The Twisted Ponytail
This style is a simple way to elevate a standard ponytail by adding a twist to the top. It is quick, elegant, and easy to achieve.
Instructions:
- Divide and twist: Part the hair down the middle and take two sections of hair in the front on each side of the part. Start twisting them back away from the face, towards the back of the head.
- Combine and create ponytail: Once the twisted sections reach the back, gather all the hair into a ponytail and secure it at the base with a hair tie.
- Adjust: Gently pull out the twisted section for added volume if desired.
Styles for Short Hair
Short hair can be just as versatile as longer styles! These quick options are perfect for keeping shorter hair looking neat and chic.
11. Headband Chic
A simple headband can transform a basic short hairstyle into something stylish and polished. This is a lifesaver on busy mornings.
Instructions:
- Brush the hair: Brush the hair to remove any tangles and make sure it’s smoothed.
- Place the headband: Position a headband over the top of the hair, pushing it back slightly so that the front hair is lifted.
- Adjust as needed: Make sure the headband feels comfortable and secure, not too tight or loose. You can adjust the front pieces of hair slightly if desired.
12. Side Part with Clips
A simple side part can instantly change the look of short hair. Adding decorative clips adds a touch of personality.
Instructions:
- Create a side part: Use a comb to create a clear side part.
- Secure with clips: Take small, decorative hair clips and clip back a few strands on the side with less hair to keep it out of the face.
13. Small Braids
Even with short hair, you can incorporate small braids for an added touch of fun. These are easy to create and are a great way to control shorter layers.
Instructions:
- Section the hair: Create a side part. Take a small section of hair near the hairline.
- Create a small braid: Braid the small section using a standard three-strand braid or twisting method.
- Secure the braid: Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic or clip, or secure it with a bobby pin behind the ear. You can do a small braid on both sides if desired.
Tips for a Stress-Free Morning
Here are some additional tips to make your morning hair routine even easier:
- Plan ahead: Choose the hairstyle the night before so you’re not scrambling for ideas in the morning.
- Practice makes perfect: Spend some time practicing the hairstyles on the weekends, so you become more efficient.
- Keep it simple: Don’t feel pressured to do elaborate styles every day. Sometimes the simplest hairstyles are the best.
- Involve your daughter: Let your daughter have a say in her hairstyle. It’ll make her feel more empowered and encourage her to get ready in the morning.
- Use dry shampoo: Dry shampoo can be your best friend on busy mornings. It refreshes hair and adds volume without needing to wash it.
- Keep hair accessories organized: Having all your hair accessories organized will save you precious time and frustration in the mornings. Use storage containers or drawers to keep them tidy.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Have fun trying out different styles and don’t be afraid to get creative!
Conclusion
With a little planning and these easy-to-follow hairstyles, you can conquer the morning rush and send your daughter to school looking and feeling confident. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create a positive experience around getting ready each day. These simple hairstyles will not only save you time but will also provide your daughter with a sense of pride and self-expression. By using these tips and tricks, the morning hair routine will transform from a challenge to a fun experience! Good luck and happy styling!