Half term is nearly here, and so is the Monday morning rush that follows it. If you want your child's hair neat for the first day back, a few simple products make it much easier. This guide covers what to buy for smooth edges, tidy ponytails and protected hair overnight, all from our back to school hair page.
When is back to school after October half term in Leeds?
- October half term: Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026.
- Back to school: Monday 2 November 2026.
These are the Leeds City Council dates for community schools. Academies and free schools set their own dates, so they may differ. Check with your child's school if you are not sure.
The weekend before school is a good time to wash, condition and style. Then you only need a quick touch-up each morning.
The neat-for-school hair kit
You do not need everything here. Most families pick one edge product, one gel, some bobbles and a bonnet.
1. Edge gel for the hairline
ORS Olive Oil Girls Fly-Away Taming Edge Gel 5oz (£4.99) is made to tame and smooth fly-aways around the hairline. It contains olive oil, castor oil and vitamin E, and the brand says it is alcohol-free. Apply a small amount around the hairline and the nape, then smooth with a soft brush.
2. One product for edges and ponytail bases
Just For Me Curl Peace Smoothing Ponytail & Edge Control 5.5oz (£5.49) is a good choice if you want one jar for two jobs. It contains flaxseed, avocado oil and black castor oil. Smooth it over the edges with your fingertips, or work it through the hair as you brush it back into a ponytail.
3. A softer-hold styling gel
Africa's Best Kids Organics Olive Oil Smoothing & Styling Gel 426g (£4.99) is a larger tub for whole-head styling. It is described as alcohol-free with a softer hold, and is made for ponytails, curls and sleek styles. Work it through damp hair from root to tip, comb through, then style.
4. Bobbles that do not snag
The Accessory Kids Fused Elastics (£1.99 a pack) have fused ends, so there is no metal join to catch the hair. Pack sizes and colours vary by design, so check what is in stock when you order.
5. A satin bonnet for bedtime
The Murry Collection Kids Satin Bonnet (£2.99, black) helps keep a style tidy overnight, so you are not starting from scratch every morning. See more bonnets, durags and shower caps in our kids' hair accessories collection.
How to choose
- Edges only: an edge gel, such as the ORS Girls Fly-Away Taming Edge Gel.
- Puffs and ponytails: the Just For Me Smoothing Ponytail & Edge Control, or a styling gel for the whole head.
- Lots of hair or several children: a big tub of gel, such as the 426g Africa's Best Kids gel, goes further.
- Every child: a satin bonnet and a few packs of bobbles.
For more options, browse the full kids' hair styling collection, which includes curl creams, puddings and other gels.
A quick school-morning routine
- Prep the night before. Style the hair, then cover it with a satin bonnet.
- Refresh in the morning. Take off the bonnet and lightly dampen any frizzy areas with water.
- Smooth the ponytail or puff. Brush gently, add a little gel or ponytail smoother, and secure with a fused bobble.
- Finish the edges. Use a small amount of edge gel and a soft brush. Tie a scarf over the hairline for 5 to 10 minutes while your child has breakfast to help it set.
Using products safely on children's hair
- Adults should apply them. The ORS Girls edge gel label says it is for adult use and should be kept out of reach of children. Apply it for your child and put the jar away.
- Try a small amount first. If your child has sensitive skin, test a little on a small area before using a new product all over. Stop using it if you see redness or itching.
- Keep products away from the eyes. If any gets in, rinse with plenty of water.
- Keep away from flames. Leave-in products can make hair more flammable, so keep hair away from candles, cookers and sparks.
- Do not pull too tight. Very tight ponytails and lots of brushing can be hard on the hairline. Use only a little product and a soft brush.
- Bobbles are small. Keep packs out of reach of babies and toddlers.
Getting the best results
- Start with clean, conditioned hair. Products hold better on moisturised hair.
- Less is more. A pea-sized amount of edge gel is usually enough for the whole hairline.
- Let the gel dry before your child puts on a coat hood or hat.
- Wash brushes and combs each week so old product does not build up.
Where to buy in Leeds and online
Everything in this guide is available from CC Hair & Beauty. Shop the full back to school hair range online, with UK delivery (free on orders over £75). You can also order online and pick up from our Chapeltown, Roundhay or Leeds City Centre shop.
Not sure which product suits your child's hair? Call us on 0113 249 5562 and we will help you choose.
Prices and stock were correct at the time of writing and may change.
