8 Back to School Styling Tips for Moms

Styling your little one’s hair makes the top of every mom’s to-do list, at the start of every school term. And it can sometimes feel daunting when you are pressed for time or feel like you have run out of ideas or styling options. 

BUT we have got you covered with these quick tips that take the sting out of styling your child’s hair.

Not sure how to style your child’s hair? Pressed for time? Want a style that suits her busy school schedule?

Let’s dive right in:-

*Pssst, did you know that locking down on a simple, but effective hair regime for your child can save you lots of tears, time and stress. Get up to speed with our feature on Toddler Hair Care: A Simple Regime. 

1. Style for swimming season

Braids, cornrows with extensions and tiny plaits are hairstyles that are best suited for swimming season. 

Not only are they practical, but they stay neat for longer, without needing to be refreshed. Plus you can co-wash or rinse your child’s hair after a swim, and not have to worry about the style getting undone.

Avoid installing any styles that unravel quickly, such as looks where your child’s hair is exposed or is in thick cornrows and plaits as these tend to unravel quicker when exposed to water. 

2. Limit Accessories

All new moms have gone through this rite of passage.

You buy all the cute ribbons and headbands to start off her school year, only for your child to come back home with hair unravelled and the accessories lost in the same place Tupperware and left socks go to die.

So when it comes to accessories, simple and practical are best. Rather save the fancy ribbons, ties and headbands for the weekend, when you can keep an eye on your little one’s roving fingers.

3. Plan styles in line with your social calendar

Make sure you style your child’s hair with your upcoming calendar in mind.

Is there a rehearsal coming up? Will she be walking down the aisle as a flower girl in a few weeks? Or is there an important family gathering you need to attend?

Rather than have your child’s hair styled in braids or thin cornrows, only to have to undo it a few weeks later, rather style her hair so that it is easy (and not as expensive) to restyle when the special occasion comes up.

Ponytails, afro-puffs and thick cornrows are great go-to hairstyles when you need ‘placeholder’ hairstyles before a major event.

4. Ponytail for ‘short term’ styling

Speaking of which, ponytails are a great go-to short term style.

Ponytails are a great ‘stand in’ hairstyle for when you are busy, have an event coming up or when your little one simply does not want to settle down to get her hair braided.

Depending on the length of your child’s hair, you can do one big ponytail or you can divide it into sections and secure it with a ribbon.

Need some styling tips for your little one. Read up on Natural Hair Care for Kids – with Dede. 

There are also different ways to style ponytails. You can add ribbons down the length of her hair, wrap wool around it or braid it in pigtails for a fun look.

5. Braids for ‘long term’ styling

Braids are a reliable ‘go to long-term do’ that can withstand the roughest of play days. And depending on how well you care for them, they can even last a term – freeing you time to do other things.

Short braids that you can secure in a ponytail are best, because they stay off her face when she plays sport, and is much cooler, for those hot summer days.

There are also extremely versatile and can be styled in a number of ways, as well as still look fresh no matter how busy your little one is.

Check out Natural Hair Care for Kids – with Laki for some additional tips on how to style your child’s hair. 

6. Block out time to refresh hairstyles

When your child has her hair in ‘short term’ hairstyles, like ponytails, large cornrows and afro-puffs, make time to refresh her hairstyle so that it can last longer.

Depending on the style (and the texture of your child’s hair), you can either freshen it daily (before the school run begins in the morning) or once a week (especially for thick plaits / cornrows).

All you will need is your daily spritz, as well as your preferred moisturiser and sealant for your child’s hair. This simple routine allows you to keep her hairstyle for longer.

7. Limit loose styles

It is key to limit having your child wear loose styles, especially if it is swimming season or you have a child that is very active (read, loves the sand pit).

Most times, children are so involved in playing that their hair is the last of their worries (as it should be!). Also loose hairstyles are an invitation for leaves, twigs and sand (the joys of the sand pit) to come to roost on her head and cause you stress.

To avoid this, always have these styles as ‘saved for later’. That is, limit these styles for the weekend or special occasions when you want her to look cute.

8. Have a good hair stylist on speed dial

Last but not least, it is always good to have a good hair stylist on speed dial for a rainy day (read tired, away at work or plain busy). And by good, we mean someone who is gentle and is able to style your child’s hair with little fuss and tears.

Having a reliable stylist that you can fall back on is always a life saver, and helps keep this task checked off your to-do list on your busy days.

This is where having a back-up plan definitely helps.

Want to check out some natural hair stylists in your area. Browse through our Natural Hair Salon Finder for some salons in your area. 

Conclusion

These 8 tips will make styling your child’s hair that much easier, and save you time (and worry) – making the build up to the school term less stressful. 

Also it will make your child’s hair styling experience that much easier – which translates into a happy child. And we all know that a happy child equals a happy mom.

Do you have any back to school styling hacks that you can share with other moms out there? What is your go-to school hair style? Shout out in the comments section and lets us know..

Until the next time ladies, happy naturaling!