15 Christmas Hairstyles for Kids
Hey friends, it’s Nadia! 🎄
Christmas is such a fun time to add a little extra sparkle to your kids’ everyday hairstyles, whether it’s for a family photo, a school holiday party, or just because the season feels festive. I put together 15 easy Christmas hairstyles for kids that are quick enough for a busy holiday morning but still feel special enough for the occasion.
Here are 15 Christmas hairstyles for kids.
How to Style Festive Kid-Friendly Hair: A Quick Guide
- Keep it comfortable first. Kids need to be able to move, play, and sit through a long family dinner, so avoid anything too tight or fussy.
- Ribbons and small bows go a long way. A simple red or plaid ribbon instantly makes any everyday style feel Christmas-ready.
- Braids hold up better than curls for active kids. If your child will be running around at a party, a braid will stay neater longer than loose curls.
- Let older kids have some say in the style. Giving tweens and older kids some choice helps them actually want to keep the style in all day.
- Practice a new style before the big event. Trying a new braid or updo once beforehand makes the actual day much less stressful.
15 Christmas Hairstyles for Kids
1. Festive Ribbon Pigtails
Two simple pigtails tied off with red or plaid ribbon bows instead of regular hair ties instantly feels like a holiday look.
Try this: use wire-edged ribbon so the bows hold their shape better throughout the day.
2. Candy Cane Twist Braid
Twisting two small sections of hair together down the length of a ponytail mimics the spiral look of a candy cane, a cute detail for younger kids.
Or try: alternate a red and white hair tie at the base for an extra candy cane touch.
3. Bubble Ponytail with Bow
Small elastics placed at intervals down a ponytail create fun, rounded “bubbles,” finished off with a festive bow at the top.
Try this: gently tug each bubble section for extra volume and a fuller look.
4. Braided Half-Up with Velvet Bow
A simple half-up braid secured with a velvet bow feels a little dressed up without being complicated to do.
Or try: use a plaid or tartan bow for a classic Christmas touch.
5. Mini Braid Crown
Two small braids from either side of the head, crossed and pinned at the back, create a sweet crown effect that keeps hair out of the face all day.
Try this: tuck a few small artificial berries or greenery into the braid for a festive touch at a family party.
6. Twin French Braids
Classic and practical, twin French braids keep hair neat through a long day of holiday activities while still looking put together.
Or try: finish each braid with a small red hair tie for a simple seasonal detail.
7. Santa Hat Space Buns
Two high space buns paired with a small Santa hat clip or accessory make for a playful, photo-ready look for younger kids.
Try this: keep the buns loose and a little messy for a softer, more comfortable fit.
8. Low Braided Ponytail with Plaid Ribbon
A simple low ponytail braided halfway down and tied with a plaid ribbon feels classic and put together for a family gathering.
Or try: curl the ends of the braid loosely with a wand for extra polish.
9. Loose Waves with Clip-In Bow
For kids with naturally curly or wavy hair, simply adding a festive clip or bow can be all it takes to make an everyday style feel special.
Try this: a single oversized bow clip near the crown adds a lot of impact with very little effort.
10. Fishtail Braid Pigtails
A slightly more detailed take on classic pigtails, fishtail braids give a bit more texture and interest for older kids who want something a little different.
Or try: gently pull apart the braid sections after finishing for a fuller, looser look.
11. Twisted Half-Up with Star Clip
Two small twists pulled back and secured with a star-shaped clip create an easy half-up style with just a touch of holiday sparkle.
Try this: use a shimmery or glittery star clip for extra festive shine in photos.
12. Christmas Tree Braid Pattern
A fun braid pattern styled to loosely resemble a Christmas tree shape down the back of the head is a playful, statement look for a holiday party.
Or try: keep the design simple with just a few “branch” braid sections rather than a fully detailed pattern for younger kids.
13. High Ponytail with Curled Ends
A sleek high ponytail with loosely curled ends feels a little more dressed up, perfect for a family Christmas photo or holiday dinner.
Try this: a small velvet scrunchie in deep red or green ties the whole look together.
14. Braided Headband Style
A single braid pulled across the top of the head like a headband, pinned into the rest of the hair, keeps bangs and shorter layers out of the face while looking neat.
Or try: weave a thin ribbon into the braid for an extra festive detail.
15. Loose Curls with Glitter Hairspray
Simple, soft curls finished with a light mist of glitter hairspray give an easy, no-braiding-required option that still feels festive.
Try this: focus the glitter spray at the crown and ends rather than all over for the most natural-looking sparkle.
Making It a Fun Holiday Activity
- Do it together while decorating the tree. A hairstyle session can become part of the holiday prep tradition.
- Let siblings match. Coordinating ribbon colors or braid styles is a cute touch for family photos.
- Keep a small kit of ribbons and clips on hand. Having festive accessories ready makes it easy to dress up any style last minute.
- Take photos throughout the season. Many of these styles work for more than one event, so you’ll get plenty of use out of them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a style that’s too tight or uncomfortable for a full day of activities and play.
- Skipping a practice run before a big event, which can lead to a stressful morning-of experience.
- Using too much product on younger kids’ hair, which can feel uncomfortable and is harder to wash out.
- Forgetting to check in with older kids about what they actually want to wear for the day.
FAQ
What’s the easiest Christmas hairstyle for younger kids? Festive Ribbon Pigtails or Santa Hat Space Buns are both quick, low-skill options that still feel festive.
How do I keep braids neat through a full day of activities? French braids and fishtail braids tend to hold their shape longer than loose curls, making them a good choice for active kids.
Can I do these styles on curly hair? Yes, most of these styles work on curly hair with small adjustments, and a few, like Loose Waves with Clip-In Bow, are specifically designed to work with natural texture.
What’s a good last-minute option if we’re short on time? Loose Curls with Glitter Hairspray or Loose Waves with Clip-In Bow both take just a few minutes and still feel special.
Final Thoughts
Christmas hairstyles for kids don’t need to be complicated to feel festive, sometimes a simple ribbon or bow is all it takes. Whether you’re headed to a family gathering or just want a fun photo-ready look, there’s an option here for every age and hair type.
Happy styling! — Nadia James Founder & Editor, Nadia Daily Living
Post Tags: #christmas hairstyles for kids #kids holiday hair #festive braids #family christmas photos #holiday hairstyles
Looking for More Beauty Inspiration?
If you’re planning holiday nails to match, my 10 Chrome Nail Ideas for a Bold Fall Manicure roundup transitions beautifully into the holiday season, and my 10 Halloween Hairstyles for Kids guide has more seasonal kid-friendly styling ideas. If you’re doing the whole family’s hair for the holidays, my 12 Christmas Party Hairstyles for Women pairs nicely for moms getting ready alongside the kids.
Browse the full Beauty category for even more nail art, hairstyle, and hair color 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.
