10 Game Day Hairstyles for Kids and Teens

Hey friends, it’s Nadia! 🏈

Fall means football season, and around here that means a whole lot of team-colored ribbons, braided hairstyles, and kids who want their hair to show just as much school spirit as their jersey. I put together 10 game day hairstyles for kids and teens that are fun, festive, and sturdy enough to survive an afternoon of cheering, tailgating, and running around with friends.

Here are 10 game day hairstyles for kids and teens.

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How to Keep Game Day Hair Looking Great All Afternoon: A Quick Guide

Before we get into the styles, a few basics for a long day outside:

• Choose a strong-hold style if you’ll be outside for hours. Wind, humidity, and general activity all take a toll on hair over a long game day.
• Team colors work best in ribbon or elastic accents. A small pop of color is easier to coordinate than trying to dye or chalk hair for one afternoon.
• Bring a small touch-up kit. A few extra bobby pins and a travel-size hairspray can save a windy tailgate hairstyle.
• Consider sun protection. If the game is outdoors and sunny, a hat-friendly style, like a low braid or ponytail, is worth considering.

10 Game Day Hairstyles for Kids and Teens

1. Team Color Braided Pigtails

Shop On Amazon: Ribbon Hair Ties

Why it works: Two classic braids finished with team-colored ribbon ties show spirit while staying secure through hours of cheering.

• Best for: A full day of tailgating and cheering from the stands.
• Styling tip: Tie the ribbon in a bow at the very end of each braid for the most visible pop of color.
• Finish: Neat, secure, and spirited.

Why you love this: It survives a long afternoon outside without falling apart. You get team spirit that actually lasts the whole game.

2. High Ponytail with Team Ribbon Wrap

Shop On Amazon: Satin Ribbon

Why it works: Wrapping a length of team-colored ribbon around a high ponytail adds spirit without needing a fully braided style.

• Best for: A quick way to show spirit on a busy game day morning.
• Styling tip: Secure the ribbon with a small piece of clear tape underneath before wrapping for the most secure hold.
• Finish: Sleek with a colorful wrap.

Why you love this: It’s quick enough for a rushed morning. You still get a clear team spirit statement.

3. Dutch Braid Crown with Ribbon

Shop On Amazon: Bobby Pins Set

Why it works: A Dutch braid wrapped around the head like a crown, with a ribbon woven through, keeps hair fully secure through an active day while looking a little more detailed.

• Best for: Teens who want a more elevated look for a big rivalry game.
• Styling tip: Weave the ribbon in as you braid for the most secure, natural-looking placement.
• Finish: Detailed and secure.

Why you love this: It stays put through an entire day outside. You get a look that feels a little more special for a big game.

4. Space Buns with Pom-Pom Elastics

Shop On Amazon: Pom-Pom Hair Elastics

Why it works: Playful space buns finished with team-colored pom-pom elastics bring fun, youthful spirit for younger fans.

• Best for: Younger kids attending their first few games.
• Styling tip: Tease the roots slightly before securing each bun for a fuller shape that holds up longer.
• Finish: Playful and spirited.

Why you love this: It’s an easy way for younger kids to feel like part of the game day excitement. You get a fun look that holds up on the go.

5. Fishtail Braid with Team Bow

Shop On Amazon: Wide Tooth Comb

Why it works: A textured fishtail braid finished with a team-colored bow feels a little more detailed than a classic braid while still holding up to activity.

• Best for: Teens wanting a slightly more grown-up braided style for game day.
• Styling tip: Loosen the braid slightly after finishing for a fuller, more relaxed texture that holds through the day.
• Finish: Textured and spirited.

Why you love this: It looks a little more done without sacrificing durability. You get detail that survives a whole day outside.

6. Low Ponytail with Face-Painted Accents

Shop On Amazon: Face Paint Sticks

Why it works: A simple, secure low ponytail pairs perfectly with face paint or team stickers, keeping hair out of the way while other spirit accessories take center stage.

• Best for: Kids who want their team spirit to come through mainly in face paint or clothing.
• Styling tip: Keep the ponytail smooth and simple so it doesn’t compete visually with face paint or accessories.
• Finish: Simple and practical.

Why you love this: It’s the easiest option when you’re short on time. You get all-day hold that lets other spirit details shine.

7. Half-Up Twist with Team Clip

Shop On Amazon: Team Color Hair Clips

Why it works: A simple half-up twist secured with a team-colored clip keeps hair out of the face while adding a clear, easy pop of spirit.

• Best for: A quick, low-effort game day style.
• Styling tip: Twist each side toward the back before securing for a neater, more finished look.
• Finish: Simple with a spirited accent.

Why you love this: It’s genuinely quick to do. You get a clear team-color statement without much styling time.

8. Braided Ponytail Wrap

Shop On Amazon: Small Hair Elastics

Why it works: Wrapping a small braid around the base of a ponytail hides the elastic and adds detail, holding up well through a long day.

• Best for: A slightly more polished look for tailgating or a homecoming game.
• Styling tip: Secure the wrapped braid underneath with a small bobby pin so it stays hidden and secure through activity.
• Finish: Polished and secure.

Why you love this: It upgrades a basic ponytail with very little extra time. You get a detail that photographs well in game day pictures.

9. Two-Tone Braid with Team Colors

Shop On Amazon: Colored Hair Extensions Clip-In

Why it works: A small clip-in colored extension woven into a braid brings a literal pop of team color directly into the hair itself.

• Best for: Teens who want a bold, unmistakable spirit statement.
• Styling tip: Clip the colored extension close to the root before braiding so it blends naturally through the length.
• Finish: Bold and colorful.

Why you love this: It’s the boldest way to show spirit on this list. You get a statement look that’s still practical for a day outside.

10. Simple Braided Headband Style

Shop On Amazon: Bobby Pins Set

Why it works: A thin braid pulled back like a headband keeps hair out of the face while leaving the rest down and easy for an active, casual game day.

• Best for: A relaxed, low-key tailgate or backyard watch party.
• Styling tip: Pull the braid slightly looser than feels natural for the most relaxed, effortless look.
• Finish: Casual and comfortable.

Why you love this: It’s low-maintenance but still looks intentional. You get an easy style for a laid-back game day.

Nadia’s Editor Picks

• Most durable for a full day outside: Team Color Braided Pigtails
• Boldest spirit statement: Two-Tone Braid with Team Colors
• Best for younger kids: Space Buns with Pom-Pom Elastics
• Quickest option: Half-Up Twist with Team Clip
• My personal favorite: Dutch Braid Crown with Ribbon, since it feels a little more special for a big rivalry game

Common Game Day Hairstyle Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a style that can’t handle wind and activity. Loose, flowing styles tend to fall apart fastest outdoors, opt for braids or secured ponytails instead.
• Forgetting a touch-up kit. A few extra bobby pins and travel hairspray can rescue a hairstyle by halftime.
• Overcommitting to temporary hair color or chalk. These can be messy and hard to remove, ribbon and clip accents are an easier way to show team colors.
• Skipping sun protection on hot game days. A hat-friendly braid or ponytail makes it easier to add a cap if needed later in the day.

FAQ

What’s the most durable style for a full day at the stadium? Braided styles, like the Team Color Braided Pigtails or the Dutch Braid Crown, tend to hold up best through wind, activity, and a long afternoon outside.

How can younger kids show team spirit without a complicated hairstyle? Space Buns with Pom-Pom Elastics or the Low Ponytail with Face-Painted Accents are both simple, quick options that still bring in team colors.

Is temporary hair chalk a good option for game day? It can be fun for special occasions, but it’s often messier and less durable than ribbon or clip accents, especially for a full day outdoors.

How do I keep a braid from unraveling during an active game day? A slightly tighter braid (without being uncomfortable) combined with a strong, snag-free elastic at the end will hold up best through movement and activity.

Conclusion

Game day is all about showing spirit, and these 10 hairstyles let kids and teens do exactly that without worrying about their hair falling apart by kickoff. Whether it’s a full day of tailgating or a quick trip to a Friday night game, there’s a style here that will actually hold up while looking great in every photo.

Looking for More Beauty Inspiration?

If you’re planning ahead for Halloween too, my 15 Halloween Nail Ideas for Kids roundup makes a fun weekend project, and my 12 Back-to-School Hairstyles for Kids That Last All Day guide has even more quick, durable styles for busy mornings the rest of the week. For moms who want their own game day hair to match, my 20 Christmas Hairstyles for Holiday Parties and Family Photos guide has braided updo techniques that adapt nicely for a cooler-weather tailgate too.

Browse the full Beauty category for even more hairstyle, haircolor, and nail art ideas for the whole family, and visit the Nadia Daily Living homepage for our latest hairstyle trends, nail art collections, fashion guides, beauty tips, and lifestyle inspiration.

Happy styling! — Nadia James