Easy first-day-of-school hairstyles anyone can execute

Easy first-day-of-school hairstyles anyone can execute— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

The first day of school is going to be a major event this year, especially for kids who haven't had in-person learning in over a year. Naturally, your child is going to want to look their best for the big day, which means putting some effort into their hairstyle. The good news is that it's entirely possible to send your child off to their first day of school rocking a fancy 'do without a lot of effort.

We asked celebrity hair stylist Anh Co Tran to share his tips and tricks for easy hairstyles that are perfect for back to school. He dished all of his pro secrets, including his 10 favorite hair products, and shared five hair styles that even the most hair-inept (um, me) can easily execute.

Easy kids' hairstyles, from a celebrity stylist

1. Braids or twists

Twists
Credit: Reviewed / Lisa Lawrence

Not good at braids? Try twists!

"Braids are always a hit. If you don’t know how to braid, try twists! It’s an efficient and playful style that keeps hair out of the face while staying in place all day. Just twist the hair back from the face, adding pieces as you go. Secure with bobby pins or a small ponytail holder."

2. Inverted ponytails

Ponytails
Credit: Reviewed / Lisa Lawrence

Inside-out ponytails looks fancy but are simple to execute.

"Make a high or low ponytail, and secure it tightly with a hairband. Loosen the base below the hairband, create a separation and loop the ponytail over and through the hole. Pull the hair through and retighten the base. It looks fancy, but it's surprisingly easy."

3. A slicked-down 'do

short hair
Credit: Reviewed / Lisa Lawrence

Keep short hair in place with a finishing spray.

"For shorter hair, wet cowlicks down and use a fine-tooth comb to position hair slightly back off the face. Make sure the hair around the ears is laying back and spray lightly with a finishing spray."

4. Zigzags

zigzag part
Credit: Reviewed / Lisa Lawrence

A zigzag part is an easy—and fun—style.

"Zigzag parts are back! Use a rat tail comb to create a zigzag parting on dry hair. Brush the hair back and place the tail comb on the front hairline, wherever you’d like to begin the parting. Keep the tail comb positioned on the scalp and move your hand from left to right as you travel back on the head. Gently divide the hair and clip aside. You can finish the style by creating pigtails, a ponytail, or braids."

5. Morning waves

Braid
Credit: Reviewed / Lisa Lawrence

Loose braids at night result in morning waves.

"Loosely braid the hair at night and unravel it in the morning. Lightly comb through it with your fingers, and finish with a moisturizing cream product through the ends."

Anh's must-have products

1. Rat tail comb

rat tail comb
Credit: Leinuosen

A comb that helps create sleek styles.

A rat tail comb is essential for making razor-straight parts.

Get a three-pack of rat tail combs at Amazon for $4.99

2. Hair ties

hair ties
Credit: 79Style

Keep plenty of hair bands on hand for morning 'dos.

Much like socks, hair ties seem to disappear into thin air. A 100-pack of ribbon ponytail holders should be enough to last for a few months. My daughter likes all the different colors, as well as the fact that they're ouch-free.

Get a 100-pack of Ribbon Ponytail Holders at Amazon for $8.99

3. Tangle Teezer

Tangle Teezer
Credit: Tangle Teezer

A brush that combats tangles.

Use this colorful, oddly-shaped brush on wet or dry hair to get rid of tangles without damaging delicate strands. It even works on wigs, weaves, and extensions.

Get a Tangle Teezer at Amazon for $11.41

4. Bobby pins

Bobby pins
Credit: Bememo

Colorful bobby pins keep hair in place.

For twists, braid crowns, or buns, you'll need a big handful of bobby pins to keep styles secure and in place. Kids will love Bememo's rainbow bobby pins that come in their own storage box.

Get a 100-pack of Bememo Hair Pins at Amazon for $11.99

5. Finishing spray

Leonor Greyl Finishing Spray
Credit: Leonor Greyl Paris

A finishing spray helps with sleek styles.

Don't let all of your hard work get destroyed the minute your child steps on to the playground: Spritz finished styles with Leonor Greyl Paris medium-hold finishing spray to help keep your child's fancy hairdo in place.

Get Leonor Greyl Paris Spray Structure Naturelle at Amazon for $42

6. Shu Uemura oil

Hair oil
Credit: Shu Uemura

Hair oil keeps dry ends moisturized.

Keep the ends of your child's hair moisturized and glossy-looking with a drop or two of Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil. The luxurious product is on the pricey side, but it lasts forever if you use it sparingly. Plus, you can make your kids share it with you—it does wonders for dry, colored hair.

Get Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil at Amazon for $22.69

7. Leave-in conditioner

L'Oreal 10-in-1 leave-in conditioner
Credit: L'Oreal Paris

Tame tangles with a leave-in conditioner.

If your kid has fine, wavy hair, you likely spend a portion of every morning combing out tangles. L'Oreal's 10-in-1 leave-in conditioner detangles even the most epic rat's nest, plus it protects hair from heat and helps prevent split ends.

Get L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert 10-in-1 Perfecting Multipurpose Spray at Amazon for $15.20

8. Texturizing styling cream

Leonor Greyl Paris
Credit: Leonor Greyl

A luxe styling cream keeps hair frizz-free.

Use a small dot of Leonor Greyl Paris Éclat Naturel styling cream on the ends of hair to smooth frizz and give styles a sleek look.

Get Leonor Greyl Paris Éclat Naturel styling cream at Amazon for $42

9. Tiny rubber bands

tiny rubber bands
Credit: Teenitor

Hair bands that are just the right size for small styles.

Keep the end of braids and tiny twists securely anchored—without detracting from the look of the style—with extra-small rubber bands made from clear plastic.

Get a pack of 2,000 clear plastic hair bands at Amazon for $5.99

10. Barrettes

butterfly barrettes
Credit: Gejoy

Butterfly barrettes are practical and beautiful.

A selection of fun, stylish, and functional barrettes can be used to accessorize a great hair style, or cover-up a badly-executed braid. Simple metal barrettes are practical for keeping growing-out bangs out of a child's eyes, but a set of whimsical butterfly clips really set a simple hairstyle apart.

Get a pack of 16 butterfly clips at Amazon for $7.99

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