Every mom knows the feeling: It’s Sunday evening, the weekend’s gone in a blur, and suddenly you remember—tomorrow is Monday. Uniforms are laid out, homework’s packed, and then you look at your daughter’s hair. After a weekend of fun, it’s wild, tangled, and definitely not “first day back” ready. But don’t worry—whether you’ve got 20 minutes or five, you can send your little girl off to school looking like the princess she is. Here are 20 easy braids for kids that you can master fast, even if you’re racing the clock.
1. The “Miracle Makeover” Classic Braid
You’re staring at a weekend’s worth of knots—grab a detangler and brush, then do a classic three-strand braid down the back. It tames wild hair in minutes and always looks neat.
2. Quick French Braid Rescue
A French braid might sound fancy, but once you’ve practiced, it’s the fastest way to pull hair back and hide uneven layers or frizz. Start at the top, add hair as you go, and you’ll have her looking polished in under 10 minutes.
3. Dutch Braid for Drama
Want a bit of flair? The Dutch braid pops out on top of the hair and keeps everything contained for those first-day-of-the-week class photos.
4. Double Dutch Braids
Split hair down the middle and Dutch braid each side. These “boxer braids” are secure, cute, and last all day—even if gym class gets wild.
5. Fishtail Braid
Perfect for long hair, this braid looks impressive but is easy to do once you know how. Great for moms who want to send their daughters in with a “special” look that still takes less than 10 minutes.
6. Waterfall Braid (for a Princess Moment)
Sunday night is the time for something pretty. A waterfall braid across the front lets some hair fall loose, creating a magical, delicate look that’s actually pretty forgiving if you’re not a pro.
7. Side Braid Magic
If you’re really short on time, sweep all the hair to one side and do a loose braid over the shoulder. Instant cuteness, with minimal effort.
8. Crown Braid “Wow”
Braid a small section from behind one ear, wrap it across the head, and pin. It takes a few bobby pins and gives major princess vibes—ideal for school events or just boosting your daughter’s confidence on a Monday.
Why we highly recommend Braids for delicate hair
9. French Pigtails
Two French braids—one on each side—keep hair out of the way, look sweet, and are perfect for girls who move a lot. Secure with matching bows for bonus points.
10. Braided Bun
Braid a simple ponytail, twist it into a bun, and pin. Perfect for “I forgot to wash her hair” days, and it looks tidy enough for assembly or picture day.
11. Rope Braid
Divide hair in two, twist each section, then twist them around each other. It holds surprisingly well and hides all sorts of weekend hair chaos.
12. Zigzag Part Braids
When all else fails, part hair in a zigzag and do two quick braids. The fun parting distracts from any frizz, and your daughter will love showing off her unique style.
13. Accent Braid
Braid just the front or a small section by the ear. Add a bow or fun clip. Great for shorter hair or if you’re seriously pressed for time.
Also check: Braids for older women
14. Mini Braids All Over
Add a few tiny braids around her head, letting the rest of her hair stay loose. It’s boho, fun, and takes almost no time.
15. Bubble Braids
Not technically a braid, but super quick: put hair in a ponytail, then add hair ties every two inches, fluffing each section for volume. The effect is playful and holds all day.
16. Braided Ponytail
Gather hair into a ponytail, braid the ponytail itself, and secure. This works even on thick or curly hair and looks much more complicated than it is.
17. Bang Braid
Braid just the bangs or front section and pin to the side. A quick trick for keeping hair out of her eyes and dressing up her look.
18. Crisscross Braids
Split the front into two sections, braid each, and cross them over before pinning at the back. It’s a sweet style that keeps her face clear and looks like you tried—without needing much time.
19. Braided Headband
Braid a skinny section behind one ear, then lay it across the top like a headband and pin on the other side. It works even if the rest of the hair is wild!
20. Four-Strand Braid
Have a few extra minutes? Try this for extra “wow.” Divide hair into four and braid as usual, weaving each strand under and over. It looks impressive, but with a YouTube tutorial and a little practice, you’ll master it.
Quick Fixes for Real Life
- Spray with water or detangler first if hair is extra knotty.
- Use fun elastics or bows—even a plain braid looks special with a pop of color.
- Don’t stress about perfection: A little messy is still adorable, and your daughter’s smile is what everyone notices.
- Practice on Sundays: The more you do these, the faster you’ll get—and you can turn Sunday night hair time into a cozy moment together.
Mom, You’ve Got This
No matter how crazy the weekend was, a quick braid can turn wild hair into a princess crown and a sleepy Monday into a confident start. Your daughter will feel special and loved—because you made the effort, even at the last minute. So when Sunday night rolls around and you’re wondering what to do with her hair, remember: it’s not about perfection, it’s about showing you care.