25 Short Hair Christmas Hairstyles for Kids to Try

The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative with kids’ hairstyles, even for short hair. Short hair doesn’t mean limited options—it can be fun, festive, and easy to manage. From playful braids to cute accessories, these styles add holiday cheer without long hours or expensive tools. These ideas are kid-friendly, practical, and budget-conscious, perfect for school parties, family photos, or cozy holiday gatherings. Here’s a list of 25 short hair Christmas hairstyles your child can try this season.

1. Sparkly Headband Bob

A sparkly headband bob is a quick and festive way to style short hair. Simply place a glittery headband over the hair and let the natural bob shine. For added flair, curl the ends slightly with a small curling iron. This style takes under five minutes and works great for school parties or family photos. Budget tip: Use affordable craft headbands or DIY by adding glitter to plain ones. Kids can even help decorate their own, making it a fun holiday activity.

2. Tiny Braided Crown

The tiny braided crown adds a sweet, holiday-inspired touch to short hair. Take a small section from each side and braid it, then pin the braids across the top of the head. You can accent the braids with miniature bows or festive hairpins. This style works well on straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s easy, doesn’t take long, and keeps hair away from the face. DIY tip: Use mini clips or ribbon scraps to dress it up affordably.

3. Festive Bow Clips

Adding festive bow clips is one of the simplest ways to decorate short hair. Place clips symmetrically or asymmetrically for playful charm. They instantly make any hairstyle look holiday-ready without fuss. Clips come in velvet, sparkly, or patterned designs. For short hair, make sure they’re secure to avoid slipping. Budget tip: Repurpose hair bows from previous years or DIY using ribbons and small clips. Perfect for school events or photo sessions.

4. Side-Swept Bangs with Glitter

Side-swept bangs can sparkle with a touch of glitter for a festive effect. Brush the bangs to one side, apply a small amount of hair gel, and sprinkle fine glitter lightly. This works well with pixie cuts or short bobs. It’s quick, eye-catching, and keeps hair looking neat. DIY tip: Use eco-friendly glitter for safety. Pair with simple clips or a headband to complete the look without extra effort.

5. Mini Pigtails

Mini pigtails are playful and easy to achieve on short hair. Divide hair into two sections and secure with small elastics near the ears. Tie festive ribbons around each elastic for holiday cheer. This style is comfortable for active kids and stays in place throughout the day. Budget tip: Use leftover ribbon scraps or inexpensive hair ties. Mini pigtails are perfect for casual gatherings or crafting holiday cards with kids.

6. Twisted Side Accent

Create a twisted side accent by twisting a small section of hair from the front and pinning it to the side. Add small festive clips for a playful touch. This works on very short hair, keeping it neat and decorative. It’s a simple style that adds charm without needing heat or complicated tools. Budget tip: Use inexpensive bobby pins and add craft stars or bows for a personalized look.

7. Snowflake Hairpins

Snowflake hairpins instantly make short hair festive. Simply place a few decorative pins randomly across the hair. This style works for pixies or short bobs. It’s effortless, keeps hair tidy, and adds a holiday sparkle. Budget tip: Buy a set of decorative pins and reuse them each year. Kids can even help place the pins, making styling interactive and fun.

8. Glitter Roots

Add glitter to the roots for a subtle but festive touch. Use hair gel to apply fine glitter at the scalp line, concentrating on the crown. Works well with short pixie cuts or bobs. This keeps hair lightweight and playful for parties. DIY tip: Use cosmetic-grade glitter to avoid irritation. Combine with a simple headband or clips for a polished look in under five minutes.

9. Holiday Hair Scarf

A holiday hair scarf instantly jazzes up short hair. Fold a thin scarf and wrap it around the head, tying it at the side or top. It keeps hair off the face and adds color and pattern. Scarves can double as accessories for holiday photos or family gatherings. Budget tip: Use fabric scraps or old scarves for a festive look without spending extra.

10. Tiny Twists with Ribbon

Tiny twists with ribbon are charming and easy on short hair. Twist a small section from the front, pin it, and tie a thin ribbon around the base. Repeat for symmetry or mix it up. Works on almost any short hairstyle. Budget tip: Ribbon can be recycled from gift wrapping or old decorations, keeping it cheap and eco-friendly.

11. Star-Shaped Clips

Decorate short hair with star-shaped clips for a playful holiday touch. Scatter a few across one side of the head or line along a braid. It’s fast, kid-friendly, and visually festive. Budget tip: Craft star clips using cardboard and glitter or purchase a small set for multiple hairstyles.

12. Curled Pixie Ends

Even short pixies can curl the ends for added charm. Use a mini curling iron or rollers on small sections. Add a single bow clip for a festive accent. This creates movement and softness in short hair. Budget tip: Use small velcro rollers overnight to avoid heat, keeping the style safe and cheap.

13. Tinsel Accent

Weave a few strands of tinsel into short hair for a sparkly effect. Place near the front or crown to catch the light. This works with layered bobs or pixie cuts. DIY tip: Use craft tinsel cut into small sections and secure with tiny clips for safe, festive sparkle.

14. Bow-Tied Ponytail

Short hair can still have a tiny ponytail. Gather the hair at the nape, tie with a bow, and secure gently. This style works for layered bobs. Budget tip: Use leftover ribbon or inexpensive bows to create a polished look in minutes.

15. Christmas Hair Chain

Create a hair chain with small clips or beads for holiday flair. Pin them along the front or sides for a playful effect. Works well with short layers or pixies. Budget tip: Use leftover beads from craft projects to make this look affordable and reusable.

16. Pom-Pom Accents

Add pom-poms for a cheerful, festive look. Secure tiny pom-poms with clips along short layers. It’s whimsical, easy, and removable. Budget tip: Use leftover craft pom-poms or buy a multi-pack for multiple styles.

17. Candy Cane Twist

Create a candy cane twist by twisting a front section of hair and wrapping with thin red-and-white ribbon. Works on short bobs or pixies. Simple, playful, and holiday-ready. DIY tip: Use ribbon scraps to mimic the candy cane effect.

18. Half-Up Sparkle

A half-up sparkle style adds flair to short hair. Pull a small top section, secure with a clip or elastic, and dust with glitter. Quick, eye-catching, and comfortable for kids. Budget tip: Use leftover glitter or cosmetic glitter for safe sparkle.

19. Ribbon Braid Accent

Weave a ribbon through a small braid for a festive accent. Works on side sections of short hair. Easy to do, kid-friendly, and visually appealing. Budget tip: Use ribbons from holiday wrapping for a cheap and fun style.

20. Festive Hair Pins Cluster

Cluster a few festive pins on one side for a simple yet eye-catching look. Works on pixie cuts or bobs. Quick to style, keeps hair tidy, and adds sparkle. Budget tip: Collect small pins from past seasons for reusable, affordable styling.

21. Bow Headband Twist

Combine a twist and a bow headband for a polished short hairstyle. Twist a small section of hair under the headband and pin. It adds texture while keeping hair out of the face. DIY tip: Use simple ribbon to mimic bow headbands without spending extra.

22. Glitter Clip Side Sweep

A side sweep with a glitter clip transforms short hair instantly. Brush hair to one side, secure with a sparkly clip, and you’re ready for parties. Quick, festive, and safe for kids. Budget tip: Reuse small clips from previous holidays.

23. Mini Halo Twist

Create a mini halo twist by twisting small sections along the crown and pinning in place. Adds elegance and charm to short hair. Budget tip: Use inexpensive clips and ribbons to accentuate the twists.

24. Tinsel Braided Accent

Weave tinsel into a small braid for holiday shimmer. Works with short layers, adding sparkle without complexity. Secure ends with small elastics or clips. DIY tip: Craft tinsel from leftover holiday decorations.

25. Bow Cluster Pixie

Finish with a bow cluster on a pixie cut. Place 2–3 small bows together for maximum impact. Quick, festive, and perfect for photos. Budget tip: Use small craft bows or repurpose old clips for a low-cost, cute style.

Conclusion

Short hair for kids doesn’t limit holiday creativity. These 25 festive hairstyles offer easy, playful, and budget-friendly ways to make your child feel special this season. With simple twists, braids, clips, glitter, and accessories, short hair can shine just as brightly as long locks. Experiment, have fun, and capture memorable holiday photos without stress. Kids can even help style their own hair, turning festive looks into a joyful family activity.