10 Easy Wacky Hair Day Ideas for Teachers That’ll Make Your Students Smile
As someone who’s written extensively about fashion and hair trends, I can confidently say this: nothing brings more joy to a classroom during Spirit Week than a good old-fashioned Wacky Hair Day. Whether you're a preschool teacher with a flair for fun or a high school educator ready to show off your wild side, Wacky Hair Day is your moment to shine. But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy to come up with hair ideas that are equal parts creative, quick, and comfortable to wear all day.
So, I put together this list of 10 easy wacky hair day ideas for teachers that will not only make your students grin from ear to ear, but also score you major spirit points in the teacher’s lounge. From DIY creations to Dr. Seuss-inspired madness, these ideas are ideal for everything from preschool fun to Halloween flair, even if you have short hair. And yes, I had an absolute blast researching and revisiting some of my favorite classroom styles while writing this.
Let’s get into it—because your next Spirit Week is just around the corner!
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1. The Classic Crazy Buns with Pipe Cleaners
This is probably one of the easiest and most classroom-friendly ways to go all-out with your hair without spending hours styling. Simply part your hair down the middle and twist two high buns on either side of your head.
Now for the fun part: decorate them with brightly colored pipe cleaners, pom-poms, or googly eyes! You can curl the pipe cleaners into swirls or zigzags for extra flair. Bonus: this style works great on short hair, too, as long as you can pull it into mini buns.
Teacher Tip: I once used rainbow pipe cleaners shaped into tiny heart spirals, and my kindergarten class couldn’t stop giggling all morning.
2. Dr. Seuss “Cat in the Hat” Stack
This one is pure classroom magic. Inspired by Dr. Seuss, this wacky idea uses a red Solo cup (or similar) to create a makeshift “hat” atop a high ponytail. Wrap the cup in red and white striped paper or felt and secure it with bobby pins or a headband.
Not only is it cute, but it’s also the perfect nod to literature week, especially if your school celebrates Seuss Day in March.
3. Rainbow Mohawk Using Hair Gel & Chalk
Feeling bold? A rainbow mohawk is definitely a crowd-pleaser. Use temporary hair chalk to color sections of your hair in rainbow order, then use extra-hold gel to spike it into a fauxhawk.
This look screams spirit week and also doubles as a standout Halloween costume if you're going for a punk rock theme.
Amazon Product Recommendation #1:
This gel is the gold standard for creating dramatic hair shapes that stay all day—perfect for wacky hair looks. It’s safe for both kids and adults and washes out easily with shampoo.
Grab it on Amazon here and get ready to rock your mohawk like a pro!
4. Bow Explosion with DIY Hair Accessories
Go the cute and chaotic route by filling your hair with bows—LOTS of them. This works particularly well for teachers with short hair, as you can clip bows directly onto your hair or a stretchy headband.
Get creative with colors and patterns: polka dots, glitter, stripes—the wackier the better!
DIY Tip: I made mine from leftover gift wrap ribbon and tiny safety pins—total cost? Under $5!
5. Spaghetti & Meatballs Hair Plate
Now we’re getting into next-level silly. For this look, twist your hair into a bun and wrap yellow yarn around it like spaghetti. Then attach brown pom-poms or felt balls to represent meatballs.
Glue them onto hair clips or simply nestle them into the yarn. This look always gets a big laugh—especially from preschoolers.
One teacher told me she paired this hairdo with a red-and-white checkered apron and carried a giant plastic fork—talk about commitment!
Amazon Product Recommendation #2:
Mini Pom-Poms Craft Set – 1,000 Pieces
These colorful mini pom-poms are perfect for hair decor! You can glue them onto bobby pins, barrettes, or even pipe cleaners.
Order yours from Amazon and get crafty with endless possibilities for your wacky looks.
6. Rugrats Throwback Look
Remember Angelica’s doll Cynthia from Rugrats? Channel her chaotic charm by pulling hair into messy pigtails and adding jagged sections with bright clips.
This 90s throwback is equal parts crazy and cute, and kids absolutely love when teachers reference old cartoons—even if they’ve never seen the show!
Bonus: Works well for short to medium hair lengths.
7. Upside Down Princess Crown Hair
This style is wonderfully whimsical. Flip your hair forward and gather it into a high ponytail that spills toward your forehead. Place a toy tiara or crown at the hairline to complete the "upside-down princess" effect.
Perfect for a storybook day or silly costume contest.
Classroom moment: One student asked if I was a “backward queen from another planet” when I wore this. Nailed it.
8. Halloween Pumpkin Patch Head
Spooky and sweet, this style is ideal for an October spirit week. Start by spraying your hair orange (temporary hair spray or chalk), then attach small felt pumpkins or green vines using bobby pins or hair clips.
Works beautifully with an orange tee and green suspenders for a full pumpkin look.
Amazon Product Recommendation #3:
Temporary Hair Color Spray – Orange Blast
This temporary spray delivers bold color with no long-term commitment. It's safe, non-toxic, and perfect for seasonal looks like pumpkins or even fall leaves.
Buy it here on Amazon to complete your festive fall hair transformation!
9. Witch Hat or Crazy Headband Add-On
If you’re short on time, this is your best bet: just grab a mini witch hat, unicorn horn, or oversized headband and plop it on top of teased or gelled-up hair. Instant wacky hair success.
This look is perfect for teachers with short hair or anyone not keen on heavy styling.
You can also grab glow-in-the-dark antennae, bug-eyed glasses, or bunny ears for bonus silly points.
10. Buzzing Beehive
Create a traditional beehive bun and wrap it with yellow yarn or ribbon. Use tiny cutouts of bees, flowers, or honeycomb patterns to decorate.
The best part? You’ll get tons of “buzz” around the classroom, and the kids will be fascinated by your wearable art.
Pro tip: Add a gentle honey scent to your hair spray for an extra sensory treat!
BONUS: Quick Tips for Wacky Hair Day Success
As someone who’s helped style everything from wedding hair to costume parties, trust me—comfort matters just as much as creativity. Here are a few final thoughts:
- Use a strong base. A ponytail, bun, or braid gives you structure to build on.
- Prep the night before. DIY doesn’t mean last-minute!
- Be mindful of allergies. Avoid scents or materials that may affect students.
- Capture the moment! Don’t forget to take photos and share them with your school community or on social media.
And most importantly—have fun with it! Wacky Hair Day is about celebrating creativity, letting loose, and connecting with your students on a playful level.
Final Thoughts
I had such a blast writing this post, especially because it brought back memories of my own classroom visits during Spirit Week—seeing teachers get just as excited as the kids is truly heartwarming. Whether you go for the Dr. Seuss stack, the crazy rainbow mohawk, or the spaghetti bun, I hope these easy wacky hair day ideas for teachers bring joy, laughter, and maybe even a little chaos (the fun kind) to your school day.
So grab your pipe cleaners, spray cans, and glittery headbands—and let your hair do the talking!