Picture day hairstyles don’t need to be difficult or time-consuming. With just a few simple styling tricks, everyday hair can instantly look polished, adorable, and ready for the camera.
From soft braids and sleek ponytails to elegant buns and half-up styles, there are plenty of options for every hair length — whether she has short, medium, or long hair.
These picture day hairstyle ideas for girls are both school-appropriate and photo-ready. They strike the perfect balance between cute and comfortable, so she can focus on smiling with confidence.
They’re especially helpful for busy mornings when time is limited, but you still want her to look neat and feel special.
Whether it’s her very first school photo or her middle school portrait session, these charming school hairstyles will help her look radiant and capture beautiful memories that last for years.
PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLES FOR KIDS
1. Rainbow Ponies Into Side Messy Bun
I love how fun this look is!
Just grab tiny rainbow elastics to section the top and pull them into a little bun.
Leaving the rest of the hair curled makes it look extra sweet, and the bow on top finishes it perfectly.
2. Criss Cross Braided pigtails
This one is such a cool twist on braids.
You cross the braids over the top of the head before tying them into pigtails.
I like how the elastics add a pop of color and help keep it neat all day.
3. Five Strand Braid Pigtails
I always think Dutch braids make such a statement.
Braiding tightly from the crown down gives a nice, even look, and they stay put no matter what.
It’s a style that never goes out of fashion.
4. Center Dutch Braid with Ponytail
This style is so simple but looks so good!
A braid runs along the top and blends right into a ponytail.
The bow gives it that little extra charm — such an easy way to dress it up.
5. Bubble Braid Crown Hairstyle
Sometimes I just love a style that’s quick but still cute.
You twist back the front section, tie it with an elastic, and leave the rest loose and wavy.
It looks effortless and works for any day.
6. Half Up Bubbles Braid With Butterfly Clips
How fun is this one?
You twist small sections into little buns and clip them with colorful butterfly clips.
It’s the kind of style that makes kids feel extra special for the day.
7. Rope Braid into Braided Ponytail
This style is so sweet and easy.
A side braid pulls the hair back neatly, and the bow makes it look extra special.
Such a great option when you need something quick in the morning but still polished.
8. Double Bubble Braids
I think this one looks amazing with all the little bubbles down the back.
It adds so much texture, and it actually holds really well.
Perfect if you want a style that stays neat all day long.
9. Pull-Through Braid Into Twisted Space Buns
This style starts with elastics and little twists that lead into two buns.
Add bows, and suddenly it looks so fun and full of personality.
I love how the detail makes it stand out without being too complicated.
10. Side Braid Into Pigtails
I love how the braid across the top looks like a crown.
It blends right into two long braids, which makes it feel extra special.
This one always looks beautiful in school photos.
11. Braided Crown Ponytails
This style starts with two neat braids at the top that tie into pigtails.
Matching bows make it feel extra sweet.
It’s playful without being too fussy, which makes it a favorite for kids.
12. Double Dutch Braids with Glam Waves
Two small braids sit along the part and blend into long waves.
I love how soft this one looks while still feeling special.
It’s a pretty choice that always photographs nicely.
13. Pull Through Braids Into Bubble Braids
These pigtails get sectioned into little bubbles and tied with scrunchies.
It adds lots of texture without being hard to do.
The best part is it stays in place even during playtime.
14. Dutch Braids Into Messy Space Buns
Two Dutch braids lead up into space buns, each topped with bows.
It’s a fun style with a little more detail.
I like how bold it looks without taking too long to finish.
15. 3 Side Braids with Bow
Tiny braids are pulled to the side and tied off with a bow.
It’s simple but adds just enough detail to stand out.
Such a sweet option for school pictures or everyday wear.
16. Rope Twist braid into Rope Twist Bun
This style starts with a simple twist that leads into a smooth low bun.
A scrunchie makes it feel a little more fun.
You could also swap the scrunchie for a ribbon to match an outfit.
17. Rope Twist Braided Bun
A high bun always looks neat, and the velvet bow makes it extra sweet.
It’s great for keeping hair off the face all day.
I like how tidy this stays, even during busy mornings.
18. Twists with Messy Top Bun
This hairstyle uses a twist in the front and another at the back that meet in a soft bun.
A bow clip adds the finishing touch and keeps it cute.
A little hairspray helps the bun stay in place all day.
19. Waterfall Bubble Braids
This style leaves out a piece of hair at each step while the rest is tied with an elastic, creating a waterfall effect.
The sections fall down evenly, which makes the design stand out.
It’s one of those styles that looks fancy but is actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
20. Lace Braided Bun
A high bun gets an upgrade when it’s wrapped with a braid.
It’s simple but looks a little more polished.
This one works best on medium to long hair lengths.
21. Twisted Low Ponytail with Curls
This hairstyle starts with two twists that pull into a low ponytail.
The ends are curled for a soft finish, and a bow ties it all together.
It’s a pretty style that feels a little more dressed up than a regular ponytail.
22. Topsy Tail Bubble Braid
This hairstyle starts with a ponytail and each section is flipped into a topsy tail before tying the next elastic.
It gives the braid a really cool, twisted look that’s different from a regular bubble braid.
I love how the sequin bow adds extra detail.
23. Braided Half-Updo with Waves
A braid pulls back the top section while the rest of the hair falls into waves.
I like how it feels soft but still has some detail.
This style works best if the hair has a little natural volume.
24. Double Dutch Braids into High Ponytail
This one starts with a braid from the crown and feeds into a ponytail.
A sequin bow makes it shine.
It’s simple but has just enough sparkle to feel special.
25. Double Front Braids Into Buns
Two sections of hair are twisted back from the front and tied into little buns.
Matching bows are added on top to finish the look.
It’s such a playful style and works especially well for younger kids.
