As the holidays draw to a close, there always seems to be a mad rush to get everything in order before the kids go back to school.

From comfy but appropriate school shoes, to making sure they have an abundance of stationery, there’s plenty to buy. Nut what about the things you have to prepare that don’t come with a price tag?

They may sound easy, but some hairstyles are notoriously fiddly. Fear not! We’ve rounded up five of the best hairstyles for long hair with step-by-step guides that your child and their school will definitely approve of. Which one will you try out for their first day back?

1. Basic ballet bun

This style is great for anyone with long hair that they want to keep out of their face.

  1. Gather the hair into a high ponytail and tie with a hair elastic.
  2. Twist the hair from the ponytail.
  3. Wrap the hair around the hair elastic and secure with bobby pins or another hair elastic.
  4. Optional: Accessorise with a ribbon or hair clips.

Double up and add some ribbons like Millie Bobby Brown. (Image: Getty Images)

2. Half up half down

Another easy style, this one is perfect for those who can’t decide if they want it up or down. It’s super simple, will keep the hair out of their face and look adorable.

  1. Collect two portions of hair from the side and tie them together with a hair elastic or secure with pins.
  2. Jazz it up by braiding (see below) or adding hair accessories.

Go as simple or as jazzed up as you like. (Image: Instagram @fave4girllynne)

3. Layered/bubble ponytail

Ponytails may sound basic and boring, but this is a fun way to make it a little bit more interesting. Using brightly coloured hair elastics will make it pop even more.

  1. Divide the hair into four sections: They should be stacked vertically starting at the top of the head to the nape of the neck.
  2. Tie the first section into a ponytail, then tie the second into a ponytail adding the first one in.
  3. Repeat for the third and fourth ponytails.

Bubble ponytails can endure all those active activities. (Image: Instagram @fave4girllynne)

4. Fishtail braid

Fishtail braids may look complicated, but they’re worth the fiddly practice! Trust us, those first day back photos will look amazing.

  1. Brush hair thoroughly.
  2. Tie a ponytail at their nape and split into two sections.
  3. Overlap thin sections of hair from the outside of each section over to each other.
  4. Pull each section firmly as you go and repeat until you reach the end.
  5. Secure with a hair elastic.

WATCH: How to fishtail braid courtesy of Cosmopolitan. Post continues after video…

5. Double dutch braid

This one is great for thick hair and will look fabulous whether they’re sitting in the classroom or dashing around the soccer field.

  1. Tie a middle section into a ponytail.
  2. Grab a front section and divide into three strands.
  3. Tuck the outer strands under the middle strand.
  4. Pull through more sections of hair from the front side only.
  5. Continue and secure with a hair elastic. Then do the same on the other side.
  6. Tie all three braids together into one ponytail and braid together.
  7. Twist into a bun and secure with pins.