Hi, I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with over 10 years in the salon chair creating kid-friendly looks for special occasions. In this post I’ve curated 24 festive holiday hairstyles for kids that are practical, comfortable and picture-ready. These styles suit toddlers through tweens and work on straight, wavy, curly and fine hair. You’ll find everything from simple braids and playful buns to sparkly accessory-ready updos that hold up through parties and family photos. My approach focuses on gentle prep (detangle, light leave-in, soft elastics), age-appropriate hold, and quick techniques you can do at home. Each look is paired with an image to guide you step-by-step, plus swap ideas for different hair lengths and textures. Whether you have five minutes or thirty, these styles will keep little ones looking festive without fuss — and with salon-tested tips to keep hair healthy and comfortable all season long.
Soft Twisted Crown into Low Messy Bun — Blonde Updo for Girls
This elegant twisted crown leading into a low, relaxed bun suits fine to medium hair textured straight to wavy; thicker hair will create more volume while very short hair may need small extensions. Technique: create a deep side part, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then take 2–3 sections from the front and twist or loosely rope-braid them back along the hairline, pinning each twist into a low nape bun. For longevity, pre-shape strands with a 1
Half-Up Twisted Curls for Fine to Medium Hair
This soft half-up twisted curls look is ideal for fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair and flatters long lengths. Start by prepping with a lightweight volumizing mousse or spray on damp hair and a heat-protectant. Blow-dry smooth for shine or diffuse for natural wave. Create a deep side part and take two front sections; twist each section back toward the crown, gently pulling to create volume, and secure with bobby pins or a small clear elastic. Use a 1
Double Dutch Mohawk Braids with Loose Curls — Child-Friendly Textured Look
This playful double Dutch mohawk braid with soft, face-framing curls suits fine to medium hair and works well on naturally wavy or slightly textured hair. Best on shoulder-length to long hair, it creates volume at the crown while keeping hair tidy for active kids. Technique: create a central row or two parallel sections and Dutch-braid each section toward the back, gently pancake the braid to widen and soften the shape, then secure with small elastics and leave lower lengths out to curl. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins and a 1 curling wand (or use heatless braids for children). Products required: lightweight mousse or salt spray for grip, heat protectant if using hot tools, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — basic Dutch-braid skill and patience required; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely re-braid, refresh curls with a water + leave-in spray and scrunch, re-pancake braids to revive volume, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down fine hair.
Braided Crown into Low Twisted Bun — Soft Boho Updo for Medium‑Long Hair
A soft braided crown swept into a low twisted bun creates a romantic, wearable updo that flatters medium‑ to long‑length hair. Best suited to fine‑to‑medium density and straight to lightly wavy textures — thick hair can also work but will need extra pins and smoothing. Technique: starting at the hairline, create a Dutch/French braid along each side (or one side for an asymmetrical look), feed the sections toward the nape, secure with small elastics, then twist and pin the braids into a low bun; gently pancake the braids for volume and pull a couple of face‑framing tendrils loose for softness. Tools needed: rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, fine‑tooth comb, soft brush, small clear elastics, varied‑length bobby pins. Products required: detangling spray, lightweight mousse or root‑grip spray for hold, texturizing spray for separation, flexible‑hold finishing spray and a light shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — requires braid experience and patience. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap, refresh with dry shampoo/texturizer, resecure any loose pins, and reshape tendrils as needed.
Double Braided Space Buns — Twin Braided Buns for Short to Medium Hair
A playful, salon-friendly double braided space buns look that works well on shoulder-length to mid-back hair. Best suited to straight or slightly wavy hair textures (fine to medium density), it’s also achievable on thicker hair with sectioning and lightweight thinning. Start with detangled, slightly textured hair: create a clean middle part, clip one side, and French- or Dutch-braid from hairline to crown into two secure small ponytails. Wrap each braided ponytail into a tight bun and pin with bobby pins and an elastic, loosening a few face-framing pieces for softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, brush. Products: light texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, smoothing cream for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: easy–medium — minimal braiding skill required; allow 15–25 minutes. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf or pillowcase to reduce frizz, re-secure any loose pins daily, refresh roots with dry shampoo, and retighten braids if needed. For children, use gentle elastics and avoid heavy products to keep the style comfortable.
Side Twist-to-Bun with Soft Bow — Braided Accent for Kids
This soft side-twist braided bun is ideal for children and works best on straight to wavy hair, and on fine to medium-thick textures. Start by detangling and applying a light leave-in detangler or mousse for grip. Create a loose French/twist braid along the front hairline, feeding in small sections as you move to the side; gather the remaining hair into a low, slightly messy bun and secure with a soft elastic and bobby pins. Finish by tucking the braid into the bun and adding a small bow clip for a polished, kid-friendly look. Tools: tail comb, detangling brush, small elastics, bobby pins, bow or clip. Products: lightweight mousse or detangler, smoothing serum (sparingly), texturizing spray for hold, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — quick with basic braiding skills; allow 10–15 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin pillowcase or use a bonnet to reduce frizz, refresh shape with a mist of water and texturizing spray, gently re-pin loose sections instead of rebraiding, and remove accessories carefully to prevent breakage.
Side Dutch Crown Into Loose Curly Fishtail Braid — Textured Romantic Style
This textured side braid works best on medium to long hair with natural wave or light curl; fine hair will benefit from pre-texturizing, while very thick hair may need extra pinning for hold. Technique: create a small Dutch (reverse) braid along the hairline toward the crown, feed remaining hair into a low side braid (fishtail or loose three-strand). After braiding, gently pancake sections to widen the braid and pull out face-framing tendrils. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a 1 curling iron or wand if your hair is naturally straight. Products required: heat protectant, light mousse or volumizing spray, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, and a drop of smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–40 minutes depending on length and curl prep. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin the braid to preserve shape, refresh curls with a few quick wand touches, revive texture with dry shampoo, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to keep braid definition.
Double Dutch Rope Braids Into Low Twisted Bun — Child-Friendly Braided Updo
Suitable hair types: best on fine to medium-thick straight or slightly wavy hair, shoulder-length to long. Curly hair can be lightly blown out or smoothed before braiding. Styling technique: create a clean center part and work on slightly damp or product-prepped hair. Start a Dutch/inside-out rope braid along each side of the part, adding small sections as you move toward the nape. Secure each braid with a small elastic, twist the braid ends into a low twisted bun or tuck-and-pin them along the nape to create the finished crown effect. Gently pancake the braid loops to widen and soften the look. Tools needed: tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips and a brush. Products required: lightweight leave-in detangler, texturizing spray or mousse for grip (fine hair), smoothing cream or anti-frizz serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires basic braiding skills; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: secure visible pins, refresh texture with dry shampoo, tame new baby hairs with a dab of serum, and sleep with a silk scarf or loose bun to preserve shape for 1–2 days.
Half-Up Side Dutch Braids with Loose Waves — Holiday Hair
This half-up holiday style pairs two small side Dutch braids that are twisted back and pinned over natural loose waves. Best for medium to long hair and medium-thick textures; it also works on fine hair with added texturizer and on relaxed curls if detangled and smoothed first. Technique: create a clean side part, Dutch-braid a 1–2-inch section from each temple toward the crown, secure with small clear elastics, then gently pancake the braids for width and pin them together at the back. Leave the remaining lengths in soft waves. Tools needed: tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand (optional), and a brush. Products required: light leave-in detangler, texturizing spray or mousse for grip, heat protectant (if using heat), and a flexible-hold hairspray to finish. Difficulty: easy–moderate (15–25 minutes) — suitable for stylists or confident DIYers. Maintenance tips: do on second-day hair for better hold, refresh waves with a salt spray or quick touch-up with a curling wand, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and remove decorative picks before bed to avoid damage.
Half‑Up Twisted Crown with Loose Waves — Long Hair Styling
This soft half‑up twisted crown with loose waves works best on medium to long hair and suits straight, wavy or relaxed curly textures. For fine hair add a texturizing mousse for grip; for thicker hair work in small sections. Technique: create a clean center or slight side part, take two front sections and twist or rope‑braid each back toward the crown, secure with discreet bobby pins or a small elastic and hide ends under the twist. Finish by creating loose, 1–1.25 in barrel waves through the lengths and brush gently to soften. Tools: 1 in curling wand or flat iron, tail comb, paddle brush, bobby pins, small clear elastics. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or sea‑salt spray for texture, smoothing serum on ends, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium; expect 15–30 minutes depending on length and curl definition. Maintenance tips: sleep with a loose braid or silk scarf to preserve waves, refresh with dry shampoo and a few spritzes of sea‑salt spray, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the twist down. For children, use low heat and adult supervision.
Soft Twisted Crown (Halo Twist) — Loose Two‑Strand Crown Braid for Fine to Medium Hair
Suitable for fine to medium straight or wavy hair and ideal at short-to-shoulder lengths, this soft twisted crown (halo twist) creates a polished, child-friendly look that holds well without heavy products. Technique: part hair down the middle or slightly off-center, take 2–3
Classic Pin-Curl Updo with Ribbon — Soft Vintage Style for Fine to Medium Hair
This soft pin-curl updo works best on fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair; it creates vintage volume without heavy product, but can be adapted for thicker hair by using smaller sections and stronger hold. Start with towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight volumizing mousse and a heat-protectant if you’ll use heat. Section hair into 1–2 inch pieces, roll each piece into finger curls or around a small barrel curling iron, then secure with duckbill clips or setting pins. For heatless styling, wrap sections around foam rollers and diffuse or air-dry fully. Once set, gently release curls, shape with a wide-tooth comb or soft brush into three or four smooth pin curls across the crown, and anchor with bobby pins. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray and a dab of lightweight shine serum on ends; add a ribbon or small barrette as a focal point. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice; allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a satin pillowcase, refresh curls with a light mist and finger reshaping, and avoid heavy brushing to preserve the style.
Side Dutch Braid into Loose Textured Side Braid
This look suits medium-to-long hair and works well on straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from a light texturizer or dry shampoo for grip, while thick or curly hair should be detangled and smoothed before braiding. Start with a deep side part, pick up three sections at the front and create a Dutch braid (underhand) along the hairline, adding hair as you move toward the nape. When you reach the back, transition to a loose three-strand or fishtail braid and secure with a small elastic. Pancake the braid slightly for width and softness. Tools: tail comb, detangling brush, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and clips. Products: leave-in detangler, light hold mousse or texturizing spray, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braiding skill and section control; expect 12–20 minutes. Maintenance tips: avoid overly tight braids on children, refresh shape with misted water and texturizer, retighten or redo the bottom braid after sleep, and use silk or satin at night to reduce frizz.
Side Dutch Braid Into Low Braid with Festive Hair Accessory
Suitability: Best for fine to medium hair and straight-to-wavy textures; works well for children and adults who want a secure, decorative style. Styling technique: Start with a Dutch (inside-out) braid at the hairline, working along the crown and incorporating hair toward the back ear. Continue the braid into a regular three-strand or Dutch braid down the nape, secure with a small elastic, then gently pancake the braid for width and softness. Finish by tucking and pinning the braid base and adding a lightweight festive clip or floral accessory over the ear. Tools needed: fine-tooth tail comb for parting, paddle brush or wide-tooth detangler, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and sectioning clips. Products required: leave-in detangler or lightweight mousse for grip, texturizing spray for hold, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a light-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: Moderate — requires comfortable braiding skills and patience (15–30 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap with a soft scarf to reduce frizz, refresh with a water or texturizing-spray mist and re-pancake as needed, and check accessory security frequently for comfort and safety.
Textured Dutch-to-Bubble Braid with Soft Face-Framing Pieces
Salon-ready textured Dutch-to-bubble braid designed for medium to long hair. Best suited to fine-to-medium density and naturally wavy or slightly curly textures; very straight hair will benefit from a texturizing spray for grip, while very thick hair may need extra sections or a larger braid. Technique: begin with a loose Dutch braid at the crown or along one side, incorporate hair down to the nape, secure into a low ponytail, then add small elastics every 2–3 inches. Gently pancake and pull each section between elastics to create soft, voluminous bubbles, and free a few face-framing pieces for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: rattail comb, soft-bristle brush, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and sectioning clips. Products required: dry shampoo or texturizing spray for hold, light volumizing mousse (optional), smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty level: intermediate — approximately 20–35 minutes with practice. Maintenance tips: sleep loosely wrapped or on a silk pillowcase, refresh with texturizer and re-pancake sections as needed, replace stretched elastics, and retouch loose tendrils with a small curling iron if required.
High Curly Pineapple Bun — Textured Natural Curls Updo
A high curly pineapple bun lifts natural texture into a polished, playful updo that works for casual wear and special occasions. Suitability: Best on natural curl patterns from loose waves to tight coils with medium to high density; hair should be at least shoulder length when stretched. Styling technique: Work on damp, detangled hair. Apply a leave-in and a curl cream, gather hair to the crown and secure with a soft scrunchie or elastic without flattening the roots. Twist or loosely wrap the pony into a voluminous bun and pin sections with bobby pins to keep shape. Pull a few face-framing tendrils for softness. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, rat-tail comb (optional), elastic or silk scrunchie, bobby pins, spray bottle. Products required: lightweight leave-in conditioner, curl-defining cream, small amount of light gel or edge control, nourishing oil, and a light-hold spray for flyaways. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate — 10–20 minutes once you’re comfortable. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk bonnet or pillowcase, refresh with water and a little leave-in or curl cream, re-pin loose sections as needed, and clarify monthly to avoid buildup.
Half-Up Braided Twist with Loose Curls and Bow
This half-up braided twist with loose, glossy curls suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures (add clip-in extensions for extra volume). Start on slightly second-day or dry hair for grip: create two Dutch/French braids or deep twists from the hairline toward the crown, secure the braid ends together with a small elastic and hide with pins. Curl the loose lengths with a 1 curling iron or wand, alternating directions for natural movement, then finger-comb for soft waves. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron or wand, paddle brush, bobby pins, small elastics. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root-lift spray for volume, texturizing spray for separation, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for shine. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding/twisting skill and some practice; expect 25–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely re-pin the style, refresh curls quickly with a 5–10 second reheat, revive roots with dry shampoo, and secure any loosened pieces with discreet pins. Finish with a bow or accessory to personalize the look.
Loose Waves with Crown Braid — Long Blonde Hair, Soft Curls
This soft crown braid with loose waves suits fine to medium-density long hair and works beautifully on naturally straight, wavy, or lightly textured hair. Start on second-day hair for better hold or use a light-dry shampoo to add grip. Section a 1–2-inch band along the hairline and create a French or Dutch braid across the crown, securing the end behind the ear with small elastic and discreet bobby pins. Leave the remaining lengths in long, loose waves by wrapping 1-inch sections around a curling iron or wand, alternating directions for a natural finish. Tools: 1-inch curling iron or wand, paddle or round brush, rat-tail comb, small elastics, bobby pins, and clips. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root-lift spray, light-hold hairspray, and a shine serum. Difficulty: easy–moderate; basic braiding skill recommended. Maintenance tips: refresh waves with a light sea-salt or texture spray and re-curl a few pieces on day two; sleep with hair loosely braided or on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz; use low heat settings for children and supervise when using heated tools.
Crown Dutch Braid Halo Updo — Textured, Voluminous Look (Fine–Medium Hair)
In the salon we use this crown Dutch braid halo to create a soft, voluminous updo that suits fine to medium straight or wavy hair (and can be adapted for thicker or curly textures). Start on dry, detangled hair with a bit of texture — apply a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray to add grip. Create two Dutch braids along the hairline, braiding under and pulling gently to pancake the sections for added fullness. Wrap the braids around the crown, secure ends with small elastics and U-pins, and tuck any loose pieces for a neat finish. For curly hair, braid when slightly damp with a leave-in conditioner to control frizz and improve hold. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby/U-pins and a paddle brush. Products: texturizing spray or mousse, smoothing serum for flyaways and a medium-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — plan 20–35 minutes depending on length and texture. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap with a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a few pins to reshape, and avoid heavy brushing to preserve braid definition and volume.
Twisted Crown Braid into Low Braided Bun — Child-Friendly Formal Hairstyle
Suitable for fine to medium hair and shoulder-length to long textures, this twisted crown braid swept into a low braided bun works especially well on slightly textured or blow-dried hair — light texturizing helps the loops hold. Start by parting on one side and creating a Dutch/tucked braid or twisted 3-strand along the hairline, adding small sections as you move toward the nape. Pancake (gently pull) each loop to create the rounded, rope-like bubbles, then gather the remaining hair into a low bun and braid or twist it into a tidy bun, securing with elastics and bobby pins. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a fine-tooth comb. Products: pre-styling detangler or smoothing cream, texturizing spray for grip, flexible-hold hairspray, and a light shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes depending on cooperation. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or pillowcase to reduce frizz; refresh by misting dry shampoo at the roots and re-securing loose pins; avoid heavy products that weigh down the loops. For longer hold, tighten elastics and finish with an extra mist of flexible-hold spray.
Side Dutch Braid Half-Up with Loose Beachy Waves
This polished half-up style suits fine to medium hair and straight-to-wavy textures; it also adds visible volume to thinner hair and works best on shoulder length or longer. Create a deep side part, then pick a front section and do a Dutch (inside-out) braid along the hairline, adding small pieces as you go until just past the temple. Secure with a small clear elastic and gently pancake the braid for width. For the remaining lengths, use a 1 curling wand or flat iron to form soft, alternating S-shaped waves; for childrens hair, opt for heatless rope or braid waves to protect the hair. Tools: tail comb, small elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips, curling wand or flat iron (optional). Products: heat protectant, light texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — expect 15–25 minutes with practice required for clean Dutch braids. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh texture with misted water and sea-salt spray, re-pancake or re-secure the braid daily and avoid tight elastics to reduce breakage.
Soft Braided Crown Updo with Festive Berry Accent
Suitable for fine to medium textures and shoulder-length to long hair, this soft braided crown updo adds volume and a polished, festive touch for events. Create it by French- or Dutch-braiding along the hairline on one or both sides, feeding hair into the braid and rolling the finished braid toward the back; secure ends into a low, slightly messy bun and gently pancake braid loops for width. Leave a couple of face-framing tendrils for softness and tuck a berry or floral accessory into the side braid for sparkle. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron or flat iron to add bend, small elastics, bobby pins, and accessory. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or texturizing spray for grip, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 20–30 minutes with practice. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loosened pieces, sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape, and avoid tight tension for sensitive scalps. Re-secure pins before long wear and remove accessories gently.
Side Half-Up French Braid with Loose Romantic Curls
This soft half-up style pairs a side French braid with loose, beachy curls — ideal for medium to long hair. It works best on fine to medium hair or naturally wavy textures; very thick hair will need sectioning and thinning for the same soft silhouette. Technique: create a deep side part, French-braid along the hairline toward the crown, secure with a small elastic and hide the end by tucking and pinning the tail into a half-up knot. Curl remaining lengths away from the face in 1–1.25 sections and finger-comb for relaxed waves. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb, rat-tail for parting, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins and a 1–1.25 curling iron. Products required: heat protectant, light texturizing spray or sea-salt spray for grip, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — basic French-braid skills and curling practice recommended. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, refresh waves with a water + leave-in mist or light curl cream, and use dry shampoo to extend hold; re-pin or loosen braid for a softer look throughout the day.
Crown Dutch Braid with Loose Ringlet Curls — Child-Friendly Holiday Style
This crown Dutch braid paired with soft ringlet curls is ideal for shoulder-length to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or naturally curly textures. Best on medium to fine hair where the braid can sit neatly on the crown; thicker hair benefits from light layering to reduce bulk. Technique: create two Dutch/French braids starting at each temple, braid around the head and pin the ends under or into a low bun at the back. Leave face-framing sections out and define them with ½–¾-inch barrel curls for soft ringlets. Tools: fine-tooth tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, ½–¾″ curling iron or hot rollers, and a diffuser if enhancing natural curls. Products: lightweight mousse or curl-enhancing leave-in, heat protectant, light-hold hairspray, and a small amount of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–45 minutes depending on length and curl definition. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or bonnet, refresh ringlets with a low-heat iron or water-and-scrunch method, avoid heavy oils that weigh curls down, and secure embellishments with extra pins for active kids.
Thanks for exploring these 24 holiday hairstyles with me — from cozy twists to sparkly braids, every style is designed to be gentle, durable and camera-ready. My top professional tips: always start with a detangled, slightly damp base and a lightweight leave-in or mousse for hold and frizz control. Use soft elastics and bobby pins sized for children to avoid pulling; avoid high heat on young scalps and opt for low-heat tools only when absolutely necessary. For curls, scrunch with a curl cream; for fine hair, add texture spray or a light mousse to create grip. Protect styles overnight with a satin bonnet or pillowcase and trim split ends before big events to keep styles smooth. Do a trial run before the day, pack a mini kit (elastics, pins, tiny brush, travel spray) and most importantly, make styling fun — involve your child with accessories and choose looks they’ll be happy to wear. If you want help adapting any look for a specific hair type or a step-by-step tutorial for one of the images, I’m happy to help — Lena.