Picture day is one of the most memorable events in a child’s school life, and every parent wants their little one to look their best. But the challenge lies in finding a hairstyle that is not only cute but also easy to manage and long-lasting. A good picture day hairstyle enhances your child’s features, complements their outfit, and stays intact through all the excitement. Whether your child has long locks or short hair, there are plenty of stylish options to make their school photo shine. From playful pigtails and creative braids to elegant updos and sleek ponytails, this list provides 25 adorable and easy-to-achieve hairstyles for picture day, ensuring your child looks camera-ready with minimal fuss. Let’s explore these picture-perfect hairstyles that will make your child feel confident and look fabulous in their school photo.
1. Classic French Braid
The classic French braid is a timeless and elegant hairstyle that works perfectly for picture day. This hairstyle keeps the hair neatly in place while adding a sophisticated touch to your child’s look. Start by gathering a small section of hair at the top of the head and divide it into three parts. Begin braiding the hair, incorporating sections from the sides as you move downwards. The result is a sleek braid that frames the face beautifully and keeps the hair out of the way. Add a colorful ribbon or bow at the end of the braid for an extra pop of color and charm. This hairstyle works well for medium to long hair and looks neat all day long, making it perfect for school photos.
2. Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids offer a fun and playful look for kids on picture day. These two tight braids, starting from the front of the head and running down the sides, are ideal for keeping hair tidy while adding a stylish edge. Start by parting the hair down the middle and creating two sections. For each section, weave a Dutch braid by crossing the hair strands under one another instead of over. Secure the braids with colorful hair ties or ribbons for a lively and cute finish. Double Dutch braids work well for kids with medium to long hair and are especially great for active children who need their hairstyle to stay intact throughout the day.
3. High Ponytail with a Bow
A high ponytail with a large bow is a cute and easy hairstyle that works wonderfully for picture day. It’s simple to achieve and provides a neat, polished look that stays in place. To create this hairstyle, gather the hair into a high ponytail at the crown of the head and secure it with a hair tie. Smooth out any flyaways with a bit of hairspray or gel for a sleek finish. To add a fun touch, tie a large, colorful bow around the ponytail. This look is perfect for kids with long or medium-length hair and can be easily done in just a few minutes, making it a go-to option for busy picture day mornings.
4. Messy Bun with a Headband
A messy bun is a great option for kids who want a casual yet cute hairstyle for picture day. The key to this look is creating a loose, effortless bun that still appears put-together. Start by gathering the hair into a ponytail and twisting it loosely around itself to form a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins and leave a few strands out for a relaxed look. To add a touch of flair, place a colorful or patterned headband just behind the hairline. This style works for both long and medium-length hair and offers a playful, youthful appearance that looks great in photos.
5. Half-Up, Half-Down with Curls
For a more elegant look, try a half-up, half-down hairstyle with soft curls. This style offers the best of both worlds: the hair is out of the face, but the loose curls add volume and texture. Start by parting the hair and pulling the top half back into a small ponytail, securing it with a cute clip or bow. Use a curling iron or rollers to add soft waves or curls to the bottom half of the hair. This look is ideal for kids with longer hair and adds a sophisticated touch to their picture day appearance while still being age-appropriate and fun.
6. Pigtail Braids
Pigtail braids are a classic and playful hairstyle perfect for picture day. This look is especially great for younger kids and adds a cute, fun vibe to their photos. Part the hair down the middle and divide it into two sections. Braid each section into a simple three-strand braid and secure with small hair ties. For added charm, tie small bows or add colorful hair ties at the ends of the braids. Pigtail braids keep the hair neatly in place throughout the day, making it an ideal choice for active kids who want a hairstyle that will last.
7. Side-Swept Bangs with a Low Ponytail
A low ponytail with side-swept bangs offers a sleek and polished look for picture day. This hairstyle is perfect for kids with shorter hair or those who want to keep their hair out of the face. To create this look, sweep the bangs to one side and secure the rest of the hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Use a cute clip or bow to add a pop of color and personality. This style is simple, elegant, and looks great in school photos, providing a neat and tidy appearance that lasts all day.
8. Fishtail Braid
For a more intricate and unique look, try a fishtail braid. This braid looks complex but is surprisingly easy to create with a little practice. Start by dividing the hair into two sections. Take a small piece of hair from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to the other section. Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of the hair. Secure the braid with a small hair tie and gently pull on the sides of the braid to loosen it for a more voluminous effect. The fishtail braid works well for kids with long hair and adds a touch of sophistication to their picture day look.
9. Top Knot Bun
The top knot bun is a stylish and hassle-free hairstyle that’s perfect for picture day. This sleek look keeps the hair out of the face while adding a trendy touch to your child’s overall appearance. To create a top knot, gather all the hair at the crown of the head and twist it into a tight bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins or a hair tie, ensuring that it stays in place throughout the day. Add a cute hair accessory like a ribbon or flower clip to elevate the look. This hairstyle is ideal for medium to long hair and provides a clean, elegant finish that will stand out in school photos.
10. Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is a beautiful and unique hairstyle that adds a touch of whimsy to picture day. This braid flows gently across the back of the head, giving the impression of cascading hair, much like a waterfall. To create this look, start a French braid near the top of the head, but instead of incorporating all the hair into the braid, let one strand fall free with each pass. Continue braiding around the head and secure with a clip or small hair tie. This style is perfect for kids with longer hair and creates a dreamy, romantic look for school photos.
11. Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail is a playful and trendy hairstyle that adds a fun twist to the classic ponytail. To achieve this look, gather the hair into a high or low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Every few inches down the ponytail, add another hair tie to create “bubbles” in the hair. Gently tug on each section between the hair ties to give the bubbles a fuller, more defined look. This hairstyle works well for kids with medium to long hair and adds an element of fun to their picture day appearance while keeping the hair neat and in place.
12. Twisted Half-Up Style
For a simple yet elegant hairstyle, the twisted half-up look is a great choice. This style involves twisting two small sections of hair from the front and securing them at the back of the head, leaving the rest of the hair down. Start by taking a small section of hair from one side of the head, twisting it tightly, and pinning it at the back. Repeat on the other side, securing both twists with a decorative clip or hair tie. This style is perfect for kids with medium to long hair and offers a charming balance between casual and dressy for picture day.
13. Braided Crown
The braided crown is a regal hairstyle that gives your child a princess-like appearance for picture day. This style involves creating a braid around the entire head, resembling a crown. Start by parting the hair into two sections and braiding each section into a regular three-strand braid. Wrap each braid around the head and secure with bobby pins. Add a small flower or bow for a sweet, fairy-tale touch. The braided crown is perfect for kids with long hair and adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to their school photo look.
14. Low Pigtails with Ribbons
Low pigtails with ribbons offer a cute and classic picture day look. Part the hair down the middle and divide it into two sections. Create low pigtails by securing each section with a colorful ribbon or bow at the nape of the neck. This hairstyle works well for younger children and adds a touch of innocence and playfulness to their school photo. For added flair, use coordinating ribbons that match your child’s outfit or school colors. This simple style is quick to achieve and holds up well throughout the day.
15. Side Braid with a Flower Clip
A side braid with a flower clip is a beautiful and effortless style for picture day. This hairstyle brings all the hair to one side, creating a charming asymmetrical look that frames the face. Start by gathering the hair to one side and braiding it into a regular three-strand braid. Secure the end with a small hair tie and add a decorative flower clip for a sweet, girly touch. This style is ideal for kids with long hair and provides a neat, polished appearance that works beautifully in photos.
16. Curly Pigtails
Curly pigtails offer a fun, bouncy look that’s perfect for picture day. To achieve this style, part the hair down the middle and create two high or low pigtails. Use a curling iron or rollers to add soft curls to each pigtail, giving the hairstyle a voluminous, playful appearance. Secure the pigtails with bright, colorful hair ties or ribbons for a cheerful finish. This look is great for kids with naturally curly or wavy hair but can also be done on straight hair with a bit of curling. It’s a cute and youthful option that adds lots of personality to school photos.
17. Twisted Pigtails
For a unique spin on classic pigtails, try twisted pigtails. This style is quick, easy, and perfect for keeping hair tidy on picture day. Start by parting the hair down the middle and twisting each section tightly before securing with a hair tie. The result is two sleek, twisted pigtails that stay in place all day long. Add a cute bow or hair tie at the end of each twist for an extra pop of color. Twisted pigtails work best for medium to long hair and are ideal for kids who prefer a simple, no-fuss look that still looks great in photos.
18. Sleek Low Bun
The sleek low bun is a sophisticated and elegant hairstyle that works well for picture day. This style keeps the hair neatly pulled back and out of the face, creating a polished and professional appearance. To create this look, gather the hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, then twist it into a bun and secure with bobby pins. Smooth out any flyaways with a bit of hairspray for a flawless finish. This hairstyle is perfect for kids with long or medium-length hair and gives a timeless, classic look that will stand out in school photos.
19. Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail is a fun and practical hairstyle for picture day, combining the ease of a ponytail with the elegance of a braid. To achieve this look, gather the hair into a high or low ponytail and secure with a hair tie. Then, braid the ponytail and tie it off at the end. This style keeps the hair neat while adding a bit of flair to a simple ponytail. You can enhance the look with colorful hair ties or clips, making it perfect for kids with long hair who want a playful yet stylish look for their school photos.
20. Twisted Top Knot with Braids
A twisted top knot with braids offers a fun, trendy twist to the traditional top knot. Start by sectioning off a portion of hair at the crown of the head for the top knot. Braid two small sections of hair on each side, securing them temporarily with a clip. Twist the top section into a high bun and secure with bobby pins or a hair tie. Then, bring the braids around the bun and pin them in place, creating a beautiful braided frame around the bun. This style works best for kids with medium to long hair and adds a stylish, textured look for picture day.
21. Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid is an elegant and intricate hairstyle perfect for picture day. This braid gives a beautiful, woven appearance and stands out more than a traditional three-strand braid. To create a fishtail braid, divide the hair into two sections and pull a small piece from the outer edge of one section, crossing it over to the other section. Repeat on the opposite side and continue this pattern until you reach the end of the hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie. This style is ideal for kids with longer hair and offers a sophisticated yet youthful look for school photos.
22. Loose Waves with a Headband
Loose waves paired with a headband create a soft, charming look for picture day. To achieve this style, use a curling iron or hair rollers to create loose, gentle waves throughout the hair. Once the curls have set, run your fingers through the hair to loosen them slightly for a more natural look. Add a decorative headband or a simple ribbon to complete the style. This look is great for kids with medium to long hair and provides an easy yet elegant option for school photos. It’s an effortless style that adds a touch of flair without being too formal.
23. Mini Braids with Hair Beads
Mini braids adorned with colorful hair beads offer a playful and creative hairstyle for picture day. Start by sectioning small pieces of hair and braiding them individually. Secure the ends of each braid with colorful beads or small hair ties. You can braid the entire head or just add a few braids to the front sections for a more subtle look. This style works especially well for kids with curly or textured hair but can be done on all hair types. The addition of beads adds a fun pop of color and makes the hairstyle stand out in school photos.
24. Low Side Ponytail with a Ribbon
A low side ponytail with a ribbon is a sweet and simple hairstyle that works well for picture day. To create this look, part the hair to one side and gather it into a low ponytail near the ear. Secure the ponytail with a colorful ribbon or hair tie, allowing the hair to fall gently over the shoulder. For added charm, curl the ends of the ponytail for a soft, romantic touch. This style is perfect for kids with medium to long hair and offers a timeless, elegant appearance that looks beautiful in school photos.
25. Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids offer a sporty and stylish look that keeps hair secure throughout the day. To achieve this style, part the hair down the middle and divide it into two sections. Starting at the front, braid each section using the Dutch braiding technique, which involves crossing the hair under each section rather than over. Secure the braids with hair ties at the end. This hairstyle works well for kids with longer hair and provides a neat, structured look that stays in place, making it perfect for picture day.