No matter how old your daughter is, finding the right hairstyle can make school mornings and special occasions so much simpler. As a hairstylist and mom, I’ve seen firsthand how the right hairdo can boost a young girl’s confidence while being practical enough for playground adventures and classroom activities.
Having worked with countless families over my 12 years behind the chair, I know that the key to successful kids’ hairstyles is finding that sweet spot between cute and manageable. From simple braids that stay put during sports practice to fun updos for birthday parties, there are plenty of options that won’t have you wrestling with tears and tangles each morning.
Here are some kid-friendly hairstyles that both parents and little ones will love.
Rainbow Mini-Buns: A Playful Pop of Color
Who says everyday hairstyles need to be boring? Small colorful elastics lined up along the crown create the perfect mix of fun and function for long straight hair. I love how these mini-buns add just enough personality without being over-the-top, making it an ideal choice for both school days and weekend playdates. The style keeps hair neatly pulled back while those bright bands bring a cheerful element that every kid’s hairstyle collection needs.
Sweet Daisy-Adorned Curls
Want to level up those natural curls? Pull the top section back and pin it with sweet little daisies for an easy-but-adorable look. The loose curls at the bottom give off such a carefree summer vibe, while the pulled-back top keeps everything tidy for school or special occasions. Perfect for those mornings when you need something quick but cute.
Playful Rainbow Mini-Clips Bun
Looking for a fun way to jazz up a classic bun? Adding tiny rainbow clips in a neat row creates an unexpected pop of color that’s perfect for dance class, birthday parties, or just brightening up an ordinary day. The bright blue scrunchie ties the whole look together, while keeping those flyaways firmly in place during all kinds of adventures.
Swirling Crown Braids with Curly Tips
Looking for a style that’s both playful and polished? These curved cornrows create a pretty swirl pattern that flows from front to back, while the loose curly ends add a fun bounce. Top it off with a sweet bow, and you’ve got a look that works for everything from school picture day to weekend adventures. The neat partings keep hair tidy all week long, which means more time for fun and less time fussing with tangles in the morning.
Sweet Side Braid with Sparkly Clip
Playing with side braids creates such a pretty look for special occasions or everyday wear. A thin braid running along the side leads to a neat ponytail, while pink elastics add playful pops of color. Top it off with a sparkly silver clip for that perfect finishing touch that catches the light just right.
Criss-Cross Charm with Holiday Bows
Ready to level up those basic pigtails? This crisscross elastic pattern creates an adorable net-like effect that’s perfect for special occasions or just making Monday mornings more fun. The tiny colorful elastics map out a sweet geometric design, while those golden bows at the base add a touch of festive flair. It’s the kind of style that looks complicated but only takes about 10 minutes once you get the hang of it.
Sweet and Simple Elastic Section Style
Getting little ones ready in the morning doesn’t have to be a battle. With just a few clear elastics and quick sections, you can create an easy style that keeps hair tidy for school or play. The sectioned ponytails work perfectly for both straight and wavy hair types, while the slightly loose gathering prevents any ouchy pulling that might lead to tears. Plus, it’s a style that actually stays put through all those playground adventures.
Playful Double Buns with Rainbow Elastics
Double buns get a sweet update with colorful elastic bands creating a fun zigzag pattern between them. Perfect for active days at school or weekend playdates, the style keeps hair neatly in place while tiny rainbow holders add just the right amount of whimsy.
Sweet and Simple Elastic Section Style
Looking for a cute style that stays put during playground adventures? Try this easy sectioned look with mini elastics. The small triangular sections create a neat pattern that leads to a perky gold bow on top. Perfect for those busy mornings when you need something quick but super cute that’ll last through a full day of fun and games.
Playful Pigtail Ponytail Combo
Perfect for those busy school mornings, this sweet style combines mini pigtails with a flowing ponytail that keeps hair neatly secured all day long. The tiny elastic bands in fun colors add a pop of personality while the cascading curls at the bottom bring movement and bounce. It’s an easy go-to look that works for everything from gymnastics class to birthday parties, and the best part? It takes just minutes to create.
Mini Buns with Criss-Cross Braids
Looking for a playful yet neat hairstyle for your little one? Combining thin cornrow braids with mini buns creates an adorable pattern that stays put during playground adventures. The clear hair accessories add a sweet touch while keeping those tiny buns secure. As a mom who’s tried countless kids’ hairstyles, I can say this one’s perfect for active days – it keeps hair tidy and looks cute from every angle.
Playful Elastic Braids with Double Buns
Perfect for those busy playground days, these criss-crossing braids feature fun pink and blue elastics that add a pop of color while keeping every strand in place. The style splits the hair into neat sections, leading to two sweet buns that won’t budge during cartwheels or swing sets. It’s the kind of look that takes just a few minutes in the morning but stays put all day long.
Sweet Side Braid with Polka-Dot Bow
Looking for a quick morning style that won’t have you wrestling with tangles? A neat side braid paired with a cute bow is your answer. The braid curves along the hairline like a headband, making it perfect for keeping those pesky flyaways in check during playground adventures. Add a spotted bow at the end, and you’ve got a look that works for both school days and special occasions.
Double Bun Braids with Fluffy White Bands
Want a hairstyle that’s perfect for your little one’s next special occasion? These twin buns with diagonal braids are a total game-changer. The white fuzzy bands add such a sweet touch – they remind me of fresh snow or cotton candy clouds. I’ve tried many kids’ hairstyles over the years, but this one hits different with its neat partings and those perfectly positioned braids leading up to each bun. It’s surprisingly doable for morning routines once you get the hang of it, and the style stays put through all those playground adventures.
Playful Bow-Shaped Buns for Sweet Style
Looking for a fun spin on everyday kids’ hairstyles? These adorable bow-shaped buns take pigtails to the next level. By gently shaping the hair into loops secured with pink elastics, you can create two sweet bows that sit perfectly on top. It’s a perfect hairstyle for girls who love a touch of whimsy in their look, and the best part is it works great for both special occasions and casual playdates. The half-up style lets the rest of the hair flow naturally, making it comfortable for all-day wear.
Playful Glitter Sections with Bow Accent
Want to add a bit of sparkle to those everyday ponytails and braids? Small sections decorated with colorful elastics and glitter gel create fun diagonal lines that catch the light just right. Top it off with a sweet bow clip in a cool mint shade, and you’ve got a style that’s perfect for everything from dance class to birthday parties. The best part? It takes just minutes to do but looks like you spent way more time on it.
Braided Pigtail Perfection
Looking for a fun twist on classic pigtails? Try adding small braids along the part line before securing each side. It’s an easy way to level up an everyday style that works great for school, sports, or playdates. The neat center part and braided sections keep flyaways in check while the bouncy pigtails maintain that carefree, playful vibe perfect for active kids.
Bubble-Section Pigtails with Festive Bows
Looking for a sweet style that’s perfect for school days and special occasions? These sectioned pigtails with matching polka dot bows are too cute to resist. The hair is neatly divided into bubble sections using teal elastics (a fun pop of color!), leading down to low pigtails decorated with white spotty bows. In my experience, this hairstyle for little girls stays put all day long and works great for active kiddos who love to play.
Festive Beaded Star Side-Sweep
Let’s talk about making those special occasions pop! Adding green beads and a sweet star clip turns a simple side ponytail into something worth showing off at any holiday party. (Between us, this kids’ hairstyle is perfect for those mornings when you need something quick but still want that ‘put-together’ look.) The beaded strands cascade down like tiny Christmas lights, making it a fun choice for little ones who love a bit of sparkle in their step.
Playful Pumpkin-Themed Elastic Style
Looking for a fun fall hairstyle that’s perfect for little ones? Mini elastics lined up in a row create an easy-to-manage style that stays put through hours of play. Add some seasonal flair with tiny pumpkin hair ties at the end – they’re small enough to be cute but practical enough for everyday wear. Best of all, this look takes just minutes to create and works great for school, playdates, or those autumn photo ops.
Dreamy Multi-Colored Braid with Pink Flair
Playing with color has never been more fun than with this whimsical braid that flows from deep navy to soft pink tones. The chunky, rope-like plait combines different shades in a way that makes everyday hair feel like a fairytale moment. Perfect for special occasions or just brightening up a regular Tuesday, this style shows how a simple braid can become something magical when you add unexpected pops of color.
Playful Pigtails with Sparkly Hair Gems
Looking for a sweet style that’s perfect for playground adventures? Split pigtails paired with scattered hair gems create an adorable look that stays put during all the jumping, running, and twirling. Pink flower hair ties add an extra touch of charm while keeping those locks neatly in place. The best part? This easy-to-do style works great for school days, birthday parties, or any occasion that calls for a bit of sparkle.
Playful Box Braids with Electric Blue Bow
Looking for a fresh take on kids’ protective hairstyles? These neat box braids tied off with yellow bands add a pop of fun to any summer outfit. The thick blue bow perched on top brings the whole look together perfectly. When I style kids’ hair like this, I love how the braids keep everything tidy for playground adventures while still looking super cute. The four-section parting creates a balanced style that’s both practical and pretty for active little ones.
Triangle Pull-Through Ponytail with Festive Flair
Looking for a fun way to jazz up your little one’s everyday ponytail? The triangle section pattern creates a neat geometric design that stays put during playground adventures. Small clear elastics keep each segment secure, while the sparkly green bow adds just the right amount of holiday spirit at the base. As a mom who’s tried countless kids’ hairstyles, I can say this one’s a winner – it takes just five minutes but looks like you spent way longer. Perfect for those mornings when you need something quick but nice enough for school pictures.
Criss-Cross Braids with Pearls and Ponytails
Looking for a sweet hairstyle that works for both big and little sisters? These crisscrossing braids adorned with pearl beads and tiny flowers create such a pretty pattern leading into low ponytails. The gentle waves flowing from the secured ponytails add a soft, natural finish that’s perfect for special occasions or just making everyday moments feel extra special. When styling kids’ hair this way, the beauty is in how the design looks intricate but stays comfortably in place all day.
Sweet and Simple Bow Bun
Looking for a quick fix that’s totally school-ready? A classic bun paired with a navy bow adds just the right touch of polish without trying too hard. The neat twist keeps hair off the face during art class and playground time, while the bow gives it that extra special something. Perfect for those mornings when you’re rushing out the door but still want to look put-together.
Preppy Bow-Tied Braid for School Days
Looking for a hairstyle that stays neat from first bell to dismissal? A classic side braid topped with a navy bow brings together function and fun for those busy school days. The positioning keeps hair off the face while the braid maintains its shape through playground adventures and classroom activities. Add a matching elastic at the end, and you’ve got a foolproof style that works with any school uniform.
Half-Up French Braid with Sparkly Bow
Looking for a sweet style that works for both school days and special occasions? A half-up French braid crowned with a glittery bow brings just the right mix of practical and pretty. The braid keeps hair neatly pulled back while letting the bottom layers flow freely, making it perfect for active kids who still want to feel dressed up.