Discover the top 14 kids’ hairstyles for every occasion! From casual to formal, find the perfect style for your little one.
As any parent knows, kids are constantly on the move. Whether they’re at school, attending a family event, or playing outside, it’s important to choose a hairstyle that’s not only cute but also practical. The right hairstyle can keep your child’s hair out of their face, make them feel confident, and be easy to manage throughout the day.
But finding the right kids hairstyle isn’t always easy. After all, there are so many options! From braids and buns to ponytails and curly styles, the possibilities seem endless. And with different hair textures, lengths, and preferences, choosing a hairstyle that suits your child can feel overwhelming.
In this post, we’ll walk you through 14 of the best kids hairstyles that work for all kinds of occasions, from school to parties, and everything in between. These styles are simple enough to recreate at home but stylish enough to make your little one stand out.
The Classic Ponytail
The classic ponytail is one of the most timeless and versatile hairstyles for kids. It’s simple to do, keeps hair out of the face, and is perfect for an active child. Whether your child has straight, wavy, or curly hair, a ponytail works for almost any hair type.
You can dress up a ponytail by adding colorful hair ties, bows, or even small braids for extra flair. For a polished look, you can even smooth the hair with a little gel or mousse to keep it neat throughout the day.
Why it’s great:
Quick and easy to do.
Keeps hair out of the face, perfect for active kids.
Easy to customize with hair ties, ribbons, and other accessories.
Occasions:
School, sports practice, playdates, or casual outings.
Braided Crown
For a more polished and sophisticated look, consider the braided crown hairstyle. This style features two braids that wrap around your child’s head like a crown, creating an elegant yet playful look. The braided crown works best for long or medium-length hair, and it’s perfect for formal events like birthday parties or family gatherings.
Creating the braided crown may take a little time and patience, but the result is definitely worth it. Once the braids are in place, you can even add a few flower accessories to make it feel extra special.
Why it’s great:
Elegant and regal, perfect for formal events.
Keeps hair secure and out of the face.
Can be dressed up with accessories like flowers or ribbons.
Occasions:
Weddings, birthday parties, family events, or school performances.
Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is an intricate yet stylish option that’s perfect for older kids who want something a little more sophisticated. This style works well for medium to long hair and is ideal for events where you want your child to look their best while still keeping their hair manageable.
While fishtail braids may look complicated, they are actually fairly simple once you get the hang of it. This hairstyle is ideal for both casual and formal occasions, and it can be dressed up or down based on your preferences.
Why it’s great:
Adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Keeps hair neat and tidy all day.
Ideal for medium to long hair.
Occasions:
School, parties, family gatherings, or casual outings.
Messy Bun
The messy bun is a relaxed, low-maintenance hairstyle that’s perfect for busy kids. It’s ideal for situations where your child needs their hair out of their face but doesn’t want a perfectly styled look. A messy bun can be as neat or as loose as you like, giving you the flexibility to create a style that suits your child’s personality.
This hairstyle works particularly well for kids with medium to long hair, and it’s a great choice for casual outings, sports activities, or playdates.
Why it’s great:
Effortless, stylish, and practical.
Keeps hair out of the face.
Quick to do and perfect for busy days.
Occasions:
School, sports, playground, casual events.
Side Swept Curls
For kids with curly hair, side-swept curls are a fun and stylish way to keep curls from getting in the way. This style involves sweeping the curls to one side for a polished, yet playful look. Side-swept curls work well for both casual and formal occasions, allowing your child’s natural curls to shine while keeping them tidy and manageable.
This hairstyle works best for kids with medium to long curly hair, but it can also be adapted for wavy hair.
Why it’s great:
Showcases natural curls in a stylish way.
Can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.
Keeps curls out of the face.
Occasions:
School, parties, weddings, or casual events.
French Braid
The French braid is a classic kids’ hairstyle that never goes out of style. This braid starts at the top of the head and gradually weaves additional hair into the braid as you go down. French braids are perfect for keeping hair neat and tidy, making them ideal for school days, sports, or other busy activities.
This style works well for both short and long hair and is versatile enough to wear with casual or more formal outfits.
Why it’s great:
Keeps hair secure and out of the face.
Elegant yet simple.
Works for both short and long hair.
Occasions:
School, sports, playdates, family outings.
Top Knot
A top knot is a chic, high ponytail that is twisted into a bun at the top of the head. This style works best for longer hair and is great for keeping hair out of the face while still looking fashionable. Top knots are quick to create, making them a great choice for busy mornings or last-minute events.
Pair the top knot with a headband or a cute bow to add a little personality to the style.
Why it’s great:
Stylish and practical.
Keeps hair off the face and neck.
Perfect for busy mornings.
Occasions:
School, casual outings, sports.
High Puff
The high puff is a fun, voluminous hairstyle that works great for kids with curly or textured hair. It’s a stylish way to show off natural curls while keeping hair out of the face. The high puff adds height and personality to the look, making it a bold style choice for your child.
Why it’s great:
Embraces natural curls.
Adds volume and height.
Easy to create and maintain.
Occasions:
Family gatherings, casual outings, or themed parties.
Pigtails
Pigtails are a fun and classic choice for younger kids. This style is especially great for active toddlers or preschoolers because it keeps hair neatly tied back while still looking cute. Pigtails are easy to do and can be adapted to suit any style—whether neat and tidy or messy and playful. You can even add braids to the pigtails or accessorize them with bows or clips for extra flair.
Why it’s great:
Fun and practical for younger children.
Keeps hair secure and out of the face.
Easy to create and style.
Occasions:
School, playground, playdates.
Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids are a trendy, stylish way to keep hair neat and secure. This style involves weaving the hair under instead of over, creating a braided look that’s slightly more textured than traditional braids. Double Dutch braids are perfect for kids who love to express their personality through their hair, and they work for both casual and more formal occasions.
Why it’s great:
Stylish and trendy.
Keeps hair in place.
Great for kids with medium to long hair.
Occasions:
Sports events, school, casual outings.
Slicked-Back Hairstyle
For a sleek, polished look, a slicked-back hairstyle is an excellent option. This style works well for kids with shorter hair, keeping it neat and tidy throughout the day. Using gel or mousse, you can create a smooth, shiny look that is perfect for formal occasions like family photos or weddings.
Why it’s great:
Elegant and sophisticated.
Keeps hair neat and tidy.
Perfect for formal events.
Occasions:
Weddings, family photos, or formal gatherings.
Half-Up Half-Down
The half-up half-down hairstyle is a perfect combination of casual and formal. By gathering the top half of the hair into a small ponytail or bun and leaving the bottom half loose, this style works well for medium to long hair. It’s an easy-to-do option that can be dressed up with braids, twists, or hair accessories.
Why it’s great:
Versatile and easy to style.
Can be dressed up or down.
Great for medium to long hair.
Occasions:
School, casual outings, family gatherings.
Bob Cut with Bangs
For a sleek, cute, and low-maintenance style, the bob cut with bangs is an excellent option. This look works well for younger girls and is a great way to keep hair off the face. It’s versatile enough to wear casually or for more formal events, and it’s perfect for busy parents who need something easy to maintain.
Why it’s great:
Low-maintenance and stylish.
Cute and versatile.
Works for both casual and formal occasions.
Occasions:
School, family events, casual outings.
Curly Fro
A curly fro is a bold and beautiful hairstyle for kids with curly or textured hair. This style embraces natural curls, creating a full and voluminous look that’s fun and full of personality. It’s a great way for your child to show off their natural texture and feel confident in their own skin.
Why it’s great:
Celebrates natural texture.
Bold, fun, and full of personality.
Low-maintenance and easy to maintain.
Occasions:
Playdates, family gatherings, casual outings.
Finding the perfect kids hairstyle for every occasion doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether your little one needs something easy and practical for school or a more elegant style for a special event, there’s a style to fit every need. From the classic ponytail to the bold curly fro, these 14 kids hairstyles are sure to help your child look and feel their best.
FAQs
What are the easiest kids’ hairstyles to maintain?
The easiest hairstyles to maintain include ponytails, messy buns, pigtails, and top knots. These styles are quick to do, and they keep hair secure and out of the face.
How can I make my child’s hairstyle last all day?
Use strong-hold hairspray or gel to keep hair in place. Finish with sturdy hair ties or clips to ensure that the hairstyle stays intact throughout the day.
Can I do kids’ hairstyles with short hair?
Yes! Many of the hairstyles in this list, such as the bob cut with bangs, slicked-back styles, and French braids, work well for kids with shorter hair.
Are there any cute hairstyles for school?
Yes! The French braid, ponytail, and side-swept curls are all cute, practical hairstyles for school. They keep hair neat while looking stylish.
