School run chaos - Behind schedule, rushing through breakfast and still need your little one's curls to look presentable all in good time? We get it.

If you're searching for the best curly hair products and quick, hassle free curly hairstyles that actually last the school day, be it an action filled day or a special picture day, this guide provides you with 5 easy curly hairstyles that are fun, stylish and fit for purpose, as well as gentle hydrating products every curly haired kid needs in their routine.

Curly hair generally requires a little more care and attention, as it’s more fragile than straighter textures but the task of curly hair styling for kids doesn’t have to be stressful or time consuming.

With the right prep, a few simple styles, curls can be out of the door in 5 mins or less.

Jump straight to Watch our full Style in Session: YouTube curly hair styling tutorials for kids.

Alternatively you can follow our step by step guide on how to achieve these 5 easy curly hairstyles:

1. The Double Puff ( Puff & flow)
2. Two strand twist (Twist & Shout)
3. Half Up, Half Down Knot Bun (Top Twirl)
4. Braided Half Up For Curly Hair (Braided Halo)
5. Wash 'n' go (Bounce 'n' Go)

Curly Hair Routine for Kids: Why Curls Need A Different Approach in the UAE

Curly hair in the middle east needs to be studied to be understood, but we have done it so you don’t have to. Hard water, pool water, detangling, frizz, heat and humidity, some of the key factors to consider when caring for kids with curly hair in the UAE. The list may seem endless but we have you covered to ensure your little one’s curls stay healthy, manageable and beautifully theirs.

But before any routine can be truly effective one factor matters most – hair porosity, this determines how your child’s curl behave – how it absorbs and holds moisture. When you understand it, a simple yet effective routine can be designed that works with their curls and not against them.

Generally, children are born with low to medium porosity curls, however age, genetics, hormones and hair practices impact how that evolves. Low to medium porosity curls mean they need light, hydrating products not oil or butter heavy products.

How to Test Your Child's Curl Porosity at Home

A quick test and the way to observe porosity – spritz water on a section of your child's curls – if the water beads are still present after a minute or two that’s an indicator your child has low porosity, if water beads evaporate after about 60 secs that points to medium porosity and if water beads aren’t present that leans more to high porosity.

Here are key clues you can use at home to determine porosity:

Porosity Clue Table

Still unsure of your child's hair porosity? Take our quick curl quiz here.

The best curly hair routines for kids should include hydration, hydration starts from cleansing through to conditioning using gentle curly hair products for kids - this is the baseline for beautiful curly hair styling.

Pro Tip: Always start styling on damp curls, wet curls also works, but younger children are more prone to feeling cold with soaking wet hair. If you're styling straight from a wash day routine, gently blot dry using a microfibre cloth, section the hair and apply a small coin sized amount of leave in conditioner to prime and prepare for styling.

5 Easy Curly Hairstyles for Kids

1. Double Puff ( Puff & flow)

The puff is a classic curly hairstyle for kids, also know as a pineapple for its shape and structure. It's a go to for school mornings when time is short, but you still want your child's curls to look neat and defined.

Step by Step:

1. Start on damp, detangled curls.
2. Create a clear parting down the middle of the hair.
3. Gather the hair on the left side and smooth edges front and back into place. Secure the puff with a silk or satin scrunchie.
4. Repeat on the right side.
   
5. While the hair is still damp, glaze a small amount of curl defining gel over the exposed curls and rake through for elongation and hold.
   
6. Allow hair to air dry naturally while you finish your morning routine.

2. Two strand twist (Twist & Shout)

The twist equivalent of the popular French braids. This protective curly hairstyle for kids is low manipulation, secure and perfect for keeping curls in place all day. 

Ideal for action-packed school days with sports activities such as gymnastics, swimming or horseback riding. Yet stylish enough for picture day.

Whilst simple, it can be accessorised with beautiful clips, beads or colourful bands for that extra touch. 

Step by step:

1. Start with damp curls that are well detangled and moisturised.
2. Part the hair down the middle using a comb or your fingers.
3. Working on a section at a time, apply a curl cream to the palms of your hands and rub to activate.
4. Smooth the curl cream from root to tip. This will smoothen the hair surface, reduce frizz and make twisting that bit easier.
5. Begin the twist, start by taking two strands from the front of the hair line and begin twisting, feeding in hair gradually as you move towards the nape - similar to how you would a French braid.
6. Once you get to the nape, secure the twist with a silk or satin scrunchie and finger coil the ends of the hair.
7. Repeat on the other side

Pro Tip: Use a kid friendly curl defining cream that will add nourishment, soften and define. Our expert pick: Camille Rose Sweet Puddin' Buttercream

3. Half Up, Half Down Knot Bun (Top Twirl)

This style maintains a sleek polished look that gathers the top section into a neat, tension free top bun while leaving the rest of the curls loose, free and beautifully defined.

Perfect for full, packed school days with extra curricular activities, themed dress up events, play dates and birthday parties. This curly kids’ hairstyle stays secure and stylish from drop off to dinner time, even in the Middle East heat.

Step by Step:

1. Start by spritzing a curl refresher across the length of the hair to rehydrate, detangle and prepare for styling.
2. Create two sections by parting the hair from ear to ear using your fingers or comb for more precision. Clip the top section in place.
3. Take a coin sized amount of curl cream, emulsify and work it through the length of the curls in the lower section, then apply a similar size amount of styling gel and rake it through and gently cup the curls at the bottom, scrunching upwards for more curl definition.
4. For the top section, create a ponytail by gathering the hair at the crown. Apply a touch of curl cream to sides to smoothen and enhance the sleek look.
5. To create the knot, gently twist the pony and wrap it around the base and secure with a silk or satin scrunchie.
6. Smooth any flyaways with a squeeze of curl styling gel on the fingertips.
7. Add accessories (optional) add floral clips or bows for a themed events, parties or just to add that sparkle during the school week.

4. Braided Half Up For Curly Hair (Braided Halo)

The style that blends the best of both worlds, a sleek part up do with two braids through the middle with beautiful loose, defined curls flowing in the lower section. It keeps curls neatly out of the face, while still letting those princess perfect locks shine.

An easy curly hairstyle for kids that’s picture day ready and just as perfect for busy school mornings. 

Step by step:

1. Start with damp curls that are well detangled and moisturised using a leave in conditioner and curl cream to soften and lightly define.
2. Create the top section using a comb or your fingers, creating a parting from ear to ear and clip the bottom section away.
3. Divide the top section into two parts - this will be your braiding sections.
4. Beginning at the hairline, create a simple three strand braid, adding sections of hair as you work towards the crown.
5. Repeat on the other side.
   
6. Style the lower curls, use a refresher to reactivate the curl cream and rake through for definition. For extra hold, add a small about styling gel, glaze over curls from root to tip.
7. Add accessories (optional) add floral clips or hairpins for a picture ready finish.   

5. Wash 'n' go (Bounce 'n' Go)

The style for when they want to wear their curls loud and proud. Beautifully defined curls and coils, sculpted for softness and naturally bounce.

A go to curly hairstyle for kids, and just as loved by adults, it celebrates textured hair in its purest form while keeping the routine fuss free and simple.

Step by step:

1. After cleansing with a gentle, sulfate free shampoo or cowash.
2. Apply a kids leave in conditioner generously from the root to tip, while the hair is still wet, avoiding the scalp.
3. Section by section, apply your preferred styler such as a curl cream, smooth along the length of the hair and then rake through the hair with fingertips.
4. Lock it in for added definition and a seal hold with a styling gel. Apply the styling gel to the palms of your hands and glaze over each section with praying hands method and then gently cup and scrunch upwards to encourage further curl clumping and definition.
5. Air dry or light diffuse on low heat.
6. Gently break the curl cast with a pea-sized amount of hair oil or butter, cupping each section and scrunching upward to soften the hold.

Pro Tip: For quick school mornings, prepare this curly hairstyle the night before and let it air dry. In the morning, refresh with a light mist of curl refresher to break the cast and revive definition. 

Making School Mornings Easier, One Curly Hairstyle at a Time

From picture day perfection to action-ready hold, these easy curly hairstyle for kids prove that preparing for the school day can be tear and hassle free.

With the right prep, a little moisturising base, a few easy go to styles in your toolkit, your child's curls can look their best everyday without having to spend more than 5 to 7 minutes.

Your next steps:

Bookmark this guide, so you have it readily available when you need it.

Share your child's favourite curly hairstyle and tag @emerson.beauty on Instagram, so we can feature them.

Explore our range of the best kids curly products to keep these styles soft, defined and lasting all day. This includes our expertly curated Mummy & Me Kit which includes all you and your little one needs for healthy, moisturised and defined curls.