22 Christmas Hairstyles for Kids They’ll Absolutely Love
Christmas morning is so much more fun when little ones feel festive from head to toe. These christmas hairstyles for kids are cute, comfortable, and easy enough for busy parents to create before the celebrations begin. Every style below uses soft elastics and gentle accessories, so no tugging or tears.
From reindeer pigtails to jingle bell braids, each of these 22 ideas comes with simple steps you can follow at home. WebMD reminds parents to take care with tightly wound hairstyles, so every look here keeps things loose and comfy for all-day wear. Pick a favorite together and make it part of your holiday tradition.
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The Reindeer Pigtails
The reindeer pigtails turn two high pigtails into the cutest antlers on the block. Braid each pigtail loosely, then fluff them outward and tie red bows at the base. It is playful, photo-ready, and takes less than ten minutes. Kids adore it because it feels like dress-up.
Use soft fabric elastics and keep the braids loose so they stay comfortable all day. Add a red pom-pom nose clip for the full reindeer effect. These christmas hairstyles for kids prove that the simplest ideas get the biggest smiles. Finish with kid-safe detangler for shine.
Candy Cane Pigtails
- Make two high pigtails with soft elastics.
- Wrap red and white ribbon in spirals down each one.
- Secure ribbon ends with tiny clear elastics.
- Add a bow at the top of each pigtail.
Candy cane pigtails are pure holiday sweetness. The red and white ribbon spirals look good enough to eat, and the style holds through parties and playtime. I have noticed kids love picking their own ribbon colors, which makes them excited to wear it. It works on straight, wavy, and curly hair alike.
The Elf Braid
Quick Tip:
Braid slightly to one side so the bells rest on the shoulder instead of the back. They will jingle when she moves, which kids find absolutely delightful.
The elf braid is a long side braid dotted with tiny jingle bells and green ribbon. It looks like it came straight from the North Pole workshop. Keep the braid loose and pancake it gently for fullness. This style suits medium to long hair and stays neat for hours of holiday fun.
Santa Hat Bun
BEFORE: A plain everyday bun that looks fine but has zero Christmas spirit.
AFTER: A jolly bun tucked under a mini Santa hat, instantly turning any outfit into a holiday costume.
The Santa hat bun is the easiest festive style on this list. Gather hair into a high bun, then perch a mini Santa hat on top with bobby pins. It works for school parties, photos, and Christmas morning. Choose a hat with a soft band so it stays comfy, and let a few curls peek out around the face.
The Jingle Bell Braids
- Part hair down the middle into two sections.
- Braid each side loosely from the nape downward.
- Thread small golden jingle bells onto the braids.
- Tie the ends with festive ribbon bows.
The jingle bell braids make music as kids move. Small golden bells threaded through two classic braids create a merry sound with every step. Keep the braids loose at the scalp for comfort. This is a wonderful choice for concerts, church services, and anywhere a little extra joy is welcome.
Frosty Twin Buns
| Feature | Frosty Twin Buns | Single High Bun |
|---|---|---|
| Festive factor | Double the fun | Simple and neat |
| Best for | Parties and photos | Everyday wear |
| Time needed | About 10 minutes | About 3 minutes |
| Stays put | Very secure | Needs pins |
Frosty twin buns look like they were dusted with fresh snow. Two high buns with faux snow glitter and icy blue ribbons create a winter wonderland effect. The style is secure enough for active play. Use kid-safe glitter spray and soft scrunchies, and the buns will survive even the most energetic Christmas party.
The Gingerbread Pigtails
DO:
- Use soft elastics that do not pull or snag.
- Let your child pick the hair clips; they will love it more.
- Do a quick comfort check after styling.
DON’T:
- Do not braid so tightly that it hurts the scalp.
- Do not use heavy accessories that drag hair down.
- Do not skip detangling first; knots plus clips equal tears.
The gingerbread pigtails are as sweet as the cookie. Two bouncy pigtails decorated with tiny gingerbread-man clips bring instant holiday cheer. They are quick to make on busy Christmas mornings. Keep everything soft and loose, and this becomes the style kids request year after year.
Twinkle Star Ponytail
Best For: Evening events | Time: 8 minutes | Skill Level: Beginner | Holds: All evening
The twinkle star ponytail shines brightest after dark. A high ponytail wrapped with star-shaped clips catches every bit of Christmas light. It is simple enough for school concerts yet special enough for family photos. Smooth the top with a soft brush, secure with a comfy elastic, and let the stars do the talking.
The Snowman Bun
The snowman bun stacks the cuteness sky high. A round high bun becomes a snowman head with a tiny top hat clip and a carrot-orange ribbon scarf. Kids giggle every time they see it in the mirror. It works best on medium to long hair gathered smoothly.
Keep the bun soft rather than scraped tight, and anchor the hat with two small pins. A few loose tendrils make it look playful instead of perfect. These christmas hairstyles for kids are all about joy, and this one delivers it in bun form. It photographs beautifully from every angle.
Merry Mini Braids
- Part small sections all around the head.
- Braid each with red, green, or gold thread.
- Add tiny beads at the ends for sparkle.
Merry mini braids turn the whole head into a Christmas celebration. Lots of tiny braids with colorful thread and beads look festive and last for days. This is perfect for the week between Christmas and New Year. Work while your child watches a holiday movie and the time flies by.
The Hot Cocoa Bun
Quick Tip:
Twist the bun loosely like soft-serve ice cream, then tuck the end underneath. A white bow on top looks just like a marshmallow.
The hot cocoa bun is warm and cozy in hairstyle form. A swirled cinnamon-brown bun with a marshmallow-white bow looks good enough to sip. It is elegant enough for Christmas dinner yet easy enough for a parent to master. Smooth hair back gently and twist without pulling for a comfy fit.
Peppermint Ponytails
BEFORE: Plain ponytails that look the same as every other school day.
AFTER: Bouncy peppermint ponytails with swirled red and white ribbons that scream Christmas fun.
Peppermint ponytails add instant holiday flavor. Two high ponytails with peppermint-swirled ribbon curls bounce with every step. Curl the ribbons around a pencil for perfect spirals. It is a five-minute style with maximum festive impact, ideal for last-minute party invitations.
The Sugarplum Twists
- Make two high pigtails with gentle elastics.
- Twist each pigtail from base to tip.
- Wrap pastel pink and lavender ribbons around the twists.
- Pin the ends softly; no tight pulling.
The sugarplum twists are straight out of a holiday ballet. Pastel ribbons wrapped around twisted pigtails create a dreamy, fairy-like look. It is gentle on young hair and easy to remove at bedtime. Little dancers especially love this one for Nutcracker season performances and parties.
Cozy Winter Pigtails
| Feature | Cozy Winter Pigtails | Plain Pigtails |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth | Headband keeps ears warm | No extra warmth |
| Style level | Festive and put-together | Basic everyday |
| Best for | Outdoor events | Indoor play |
| Effort | Two extra minutes | Minimal |
Cozy winter pigtails are made for frosty adventures. Loose wavy pigtails paired with a knitted winter headband keep little ears warm while looking adorable. It is the go-to for Christmas markets, tree picking, and snowy walks. The headband also tames flyaways, so the style stays neat outdoors.
The Starlight Braid
DO:
- Weave star clips in as you braid for even spacing.
- Keep the braid a little loose for a soft look.
- Finish with a clear elastic and a bow.
DON’T:
- Do not use sharp clips that can scratch the scalp.
- Do not braid wet hair too tightly; it stretches and snaps.
- Do not overload with stars; five or six is plenty.
The starlight braid weaves tiny glowing stars right into the hair. A classic French braid becomes magical with star clips spaced along its length. It is stunning in evening Christmas lights. These christmas hairstyles for kids make little ones feel like the star of every celebration.
Holly Jolly Buns
Best For: Christmas photos | Time: 12 minutes | Skill Level: Beginner | Holds: All day
Holly jolly buns bring the Christmas tree to the hairstyle. Two low buns decorated with faux holly leaves and red berries look classic and charming. They sit comfortably for long family gatherings. Pin the greenery securely but gently, and this timeless style will shine in every holiday photo.
The North Pole Pony
The North Pole pony is cool in every sense. A sleek high ponytail with icy-blue ribbon streaks gives serious Arctic princess vibes. It is simple, striking, and comfortable for all-day wear. Smooth the crown gently and let the ribbons flow long for maximum effect.
This style works beautifully for winter performances and parties. The blue ribbons catch the light like ice crystals. These christmas hairstyles for kids show that one great accessory can transform the simplest ponytail. Secure everything with soft elastics, skip the heavy gels, and let her shine all evening.
Glitter Snowflake Braids
- Make two Dutch braids, keeping them soft.
- Pin glittering snowflake clips along each braid.
- Mist lightly with kid-safe glitter spray.
Glitter snowflake braids are winter magic in hair form. Dutch braids dotted with shimmering snowflake clips look like a frosty fairy tale. The style holds well for active kids and photographs gorgeously. I have noticed this is the one kids show off to friends first, every single time.
The Cocoa Curl Puffs
Quick Tip:
Moisturize curls with a leave-in cream before puffing them up. Soft, defined curls hold the style better and stay frizz-free all day.
The cocoa curl puffs celebrate beautiful natural texture. Two high puffs with gold star clips show off gorgeous curls in the most festive way. It is quick, protective, and full of joy. Never pull puffs too tight; comfort comes first and the style still looks amazing.
Tinsel Fairy Twists
BEFORE: A simple half-up style that is pretty but plain for the holidays.
AFTER: Twisted half-up hair woven with silver tinsel that shimmers like fairy dust.
Tinsel fairy twists add pure sparkle to any hair type. Twisted sections woven with silver tinsel strands catch the light beautifully. It is delicate, magical, and surprisingly sturdy. Use thin tinsel made for hair, twist loosely, and let your little one shine like the star on the tree.
The Merry Topknot
- Gather hair into a high ponytail gently.
- Twist the ponytail into a loose topknot.
- Secure with a soft scrunchie, not tight pins.
- Wrap a red velvet ribbon bow around the base.
The merry topknot is party-perfect in minutes. A playful high knot with a red velvet bow looks polished without any fuss. It keeps hair out of little faces during dinner and dancing. This is the style for Christmas Eve when time is short but the photos matter most.
Winter Berry Braids
| Feature | Winter Berry Braids | Regular Side Braid |
|---|---|---|
| Festive touch | Berry sprigs and ribbons | None |
| Elegance | Special occasion ready | Casual |
| Time needed | About 15 minutes | About 5 minutes |
| Best for | Holiday dinners | School days |
Winter berry braids are elegance for little ones. Side braids decorated with winter berry sprigs and burgundy ribbons look refined yet playful. They are perfect for fancy holiday dinners and family portraits. Keep the braids soft, pin the sprigs gently, and enjoy a style worthy of the season.
Styling Tips for These Christmas Hairstyles for Kids
Comfort always comes first with little ones. Use soft fabric elastics instead of rubber bands, and never braid so tightly that it pulls the scalp, since tight styles can damage young hair. Detangle gently before every style to avoid tears, and keep a spray bottle handy for touch-ups. Let your child choose between two styles; feeling involved makes them happy to sit still. Keep accessories lightweight and remove anything sharp before playtime. At bedtime, take everything down and brush softly so hair rests easy overnight.
Conclusion
Christmas hairstyles for kids should be as joyful as the season itself. In my experience, the styles kids love most are the ones they help choose, so let your little one pick their favorite from the photos above. From reindeer pigtails to winter berry braids, these 22 ideas prove that festive hair can be cute, comfy, and easy for parents to create. Pick the styles that match your child’s personality, keep everything soft and gentle, and enjoy the holiday magic together. The best accessory is always a happy smile. Save this list for next year too, since these classics never go out of style.
