Simple ways to do your kid's hair that save money and time, but also look polished.

As a mom of two, one girl and one boy, one of my many jobs is taming my children's tresses! It is a chore enough to do my own hair daily let alone my kids' hair. Therefore I have some quick and simple "go to" ideas for hair management for kids. Girl's hair needs much more attention than boy's hair because usually it is much longer. If you are a mom like me, It bothers me considerably to see my daughters hair in her face, especially while she is playing or eating. This is why I try to find different ways to pull her hair back and have it look nice. I personally like my daughter's hair long. This is because it looks good on her, she has thick enough hair for the longer length and it enables me to do more when pulling it back. Most of these styles however can be done on much shorter shoulder length hair as well. Simply follow my instructions for taming the top portion of hair and leave the rest down.

Before even beginning a certain look, you must have the necessary tools! They may include barrettes, small and large hair ties of the "ouchless" variety, (this means there is no metal piece within the elastic band which pulls on hair less.) , a brush of your choice, possibly a comb for parting hair and a frilly tie to add flair. And don't forget a quick spritz of non aerosol hair spray to help hold in place throughout the day.

Here is a simple list of quick and easy "go to" styles.

1. Pulling the front into sections: This can be done by first acquiring your "tools" you will need four hair ties. I suggest matching their colors to the outfit, but it is not necessary. And one brush and some non- aerosol hair spray. Next brush all hair thoroughly so that it is smooth and manageable. Next, starting at the top of the hairline, pull together one even section of hair and secure with hair tie. Do the same thing with the remaining front hair on either side of the middle section done first. Then pull all hair together into "messy bun" or pony tail. Lastly, spritz a little hairspray to hold. This style is shown in the picture of my daughter in the blue shirt.

2. French braid: The french braid is a great way to keep hair secure for the entire day and there are a few different options when deciding upon the french braid. You may want a traditional full length french braid down the center of the hair or as pig tails. You may also try the french braid only halfway and secure midway through and leave the rest of the hair down, (as shown in the very first picture), or pull all remaining hair up into a bun.(as shown in the second picture) Pig tails can be done with the beginnings of the french braid and then bringing the remaining hair up underneath as well. This will show the french braid on top, without all of the fuss of finishing it out.

3. Pulling hair back with two ties, one up front and one at the base: This is my favorite because it is the easiest! First part hair to the side of choice and pull one front section of hair from that side, secure with tie. Next pull hair down and secure ponytail at the neck. DONE! Looks great in a pinch. This one is shown in the fifth and sixth pictures.

4.  The simple ponytail with an accessory:   This is very simple, just make a high or low ponytail and add a couple barrettes to either side or a cute headband or bow.

When it comes to haircuts boys are still super simple.  I love having a pair of clippers at the house.  You don't need the most expensive but don't buy cheapest either.  Find one for around 20-30 and it will last about a year or two and it will more than pay itself in haircuts especially if you have more than one son and a husband in line for the haircutting chair!  I cut both my husband's and son's hair.  Eventhough my son is only 11 months old, as you can see from the pictures he has had quite a mane of hair in his short lifetime.  When you get the hair trimmers for men they come with great length options called "guards" that can be attached to the end of the clipper.  This ensures that you will not cut any shorter than you like.  Just sweep the trimmer across the scalp and watch the hair fall.  You may also get more technical and use a larger guard for the top and shorter for the sides and back, in order to give a more styled look.  This will allow the hair on the top to be longer than the sides and back.  Or you can keep it easy and simple and do one length all over saving lots of time.  I suggest starting with a length or two longer than you would think you want to ensure that you do not cut too short.  You can always drop down one level of guards if it is still not short enough.

As far as the girls hair it can be a little bit more tricky to trim up.  I suggest buying hair cutting scissors and not using your craft scissors that are stuck in the back of your junk drawer.  Simple hair cutting scissors are not expensive.  It is not necessary to buy the professional grade when you are just doing an average trim.  Make sure before you start, that you brush hair smooth and let it fall to its natural part or to the part you desire best.  Then carefully and evenly trim around keeping close attention to making all sides even.  If you wish to try a layering effect, this is not hard to try.  First pull long narrow sections of hair from top to base of hair.  Comb them straight and keep the section between your first two fingers.  Slide your fingers to the end of the hair and snip along the ends of hair using your fingers as a guide.  Repeat from one side of the head to the other, making sure to take off the same amount each time.  If trying face framing layers, use a comb to make hair fall smoothly on sides of face.  Pick desired starting point.  For instance if you would like them to start at the nose cut from nose down at an angle.  This angle being from nose to shoulder and again on the other side.  When doing the other side keep close attention to make it match the exact way it was done on the first side.  Good luck!