20 Fun Christmas Hairstyles for Kids That Everyone Will Notice
Kids love festive hairstyles, and Christmas offers the perfect moment to try fun looks that feel playful and easy. Parents want simple ideas that don’t cost much or take all day. This list brings practical, cheerful options you can recreate at home with clips, ribbons, or quick braids. Each style is light, comfy, and friendly for school parties, family dinners, or photos. Pick one, grab a few supplies, and make holiday memories that stick.
- Candy Cane Twist Ponytail
Give any ponytail a bright seasonal touch with a simple red-and-white ribbon. Start with a smooth, mid-height ponytail. Wrap two thin ribbons around the base, twisting them together as you move downward. Keep the twist loose so the colors show clearly. Kids love how cheerful it looks, and it doesn’t pull on the scalp. You can buy ribbon rolls for a low cost or use leftovers from gift wrapping. Add a small clip at the end to keep the twist from slipping. If your child has shorter hair, just wrap the ribbon around the base and let the ends flow. It photographs well and works for school mornings because it takes only a few minutes.
- Rudolph Bun
A Rudolph bun brings a playful look to any outfit. Make a regular bun first. Then tuck two felt antlers into the elastic. Add a tiny red pom-pom in front to create the “nose” effect. Felt sheets cost very little, and you can cut several antlers at once for siblings. Keep the bun slightly loose so it feels comfortable. For extra hold, use bobby pins under the antlers so they stand straight. Kids tend to wiggle, but this style stays put during holiday events. It takes less than ten minutes from start to finish.
- Christmas Tree Braid
This style looks impressive but is surprisingly simple. Create small horizontal sections down the back of the head. Pull each section to the center so it narrows as you go. This forms a tree-like shape. Add little green or gold clips to mimic ornaments. You can finish with a star clip at the top. If your child has thin hair, use small elastics instead of clips to keep everything neat. A small spritz of water helps tame flyaways. This hairstyle holds well for long outings and looks great in pictures.
- Snowflake Crown
A braid crown feels special without being uncomfortable. Make two braids from each side and wrap them over the top. Secure them with small pins. Then add snowflake clips around the circle. You can find a pack of these clips at low cost during the holidays. If hair is very silky, use a tiny bit of styling cream on fingertips to control slipping. Kids love how gentle and light it feels. It’s great for holiday recitals or family portraits.
- Holly Berry Half-Up
Pull the top section of hair back and secure it with an elastic. Add small red beads or pom-poms to mimic berries. Cut two small leaf shapes from green felt and slide them under the elastic. This style is quick and works on straight or curly hair. For curly textures, finger-coil a few front strands to frame the face. It’s a cute touch for classroom parties and doesn’t require heat tools. Kids can help choose the berry colors for a fun moment before heading out.
- Gift Bow Top Knot
A simple top knot becomes festive with a bow. Pull the hair high and twist it into a knot. Use a soft ribbon bow clip on top. Go for lightweight bows so it doesn’t feel heavy. You can match the bow color to your child’s outfit for a coordinated look. This style works well when you’re short on time. If your child has fine hair, use two elastics for extra grip. Add glittery ribbon for extra sparkle.
- Tiny Ornament Pigtails
Pigtails get a festive twist with small, plastic ornaments. Choose lightweight ones to keep it safe and comfy. Tie the pigtails first, then attach the ornaments using small clips or ribbon loops. Keep them close to the elastic point so they don’t swing too much. This style works well for toddlers because it stays neat. It’s also an affordable option—dollar stores often sell mini ornaments in multipacks. Always check for secure attachment before heading out.
- Sparkle Ribbon Fishtail
Weave a thin ribbon into a fishtail braid for a gentle shimmer. Secure one end of the ribbon at the top with an elastic, then braid as usual. Keep the braid loose for a soft finish. This works beautifully on medium to long hair. If your child moves a lot, add a second elastic at the bottom to keep the ribbon in place. Use a single-color ribbon for a clean look. This braid is lovely for evening gatherings.
- Star Clip Side Sweep
Sweep the hair to one side and secure it with small star clips. Use different sizes for a fun cluster effect. This takes less than two minutes and works on all hair textures. It’s perfect for busy mornings. You can find packs of star clips for a low price online or at craft stores. If your child has thick hair, use two parallel rows of clips for stronger hold.
- Gingerbread Space Buns
Space buns feel playful, and adding gingerbread shapes makes them even cuter. Part the hair down the middle and create two buns. Cut felt into simple gingerbread shapes and attach them with bobby pins or glue onto small clips. Kids love this because it feels fun and silly. If the buns feel too tight, loosen them slightly for comfort. It’s a great style for holiday baking days or family outings.
- Festive Bubble Braid
Bubble braids look adorable and take very little time. Start with a regular ponytail. Add elastics every few inches and gently tug each section to create a bubble shape. Use red and green elastics for a seasonal touch. If your child has thinner hair, use clear elastics and place colored ribbon strips under the bubbles instead. This style stays tidy all day and works great for active kids.
- Velvet Ribbon Low Pony
A velvet ribbon makes even a simple pony feel holiday-ready. Gather the hair low at the nape and tie a wide ribbon around the elastic. Let the ends hang long. Velvet ribbon is inexpensive and comes in many colors. If your child has very silky hair, wrap the ribbon twice to stop slipping. This gentle style suits younger kids who dislike tight hairstyles. It pairs nicely with cozy sweaters.
- Twinkle Clip Scatter
Add a playful sparkle with scattered clips. Use small glitter or metallic pins and place them across the top layer of hair. It works on loose hair or curls. Start with a light mist of water to flatten flyaways. Mix different shapes like stars, dots, or hearts for variety. This is a quick fix when you have almost no time but want the look to feel special. Packs of these clips are cheap and last through multiple seasons.
- Evergreen French Braid
A French braid gets a festive feel with green accents. Start braiding from the top and add a thin green ribbon or green pins along one side. Keep the braid slightly loose for comfort. If your child has shorter layers, use tiny elastics to prevent pieces from popping out. This works well for long events because French braids stay tidy. It’s a practical option for holiday performances or church events.
- Santa Hat Pony Puff
For children with textured hair, a pony puff decorated with a tiny Santa hat clip looks adorable. Gather the puff high or low and secure it. Add the hat clip near the base. Choose soft clips so they don’t snag curls. You can shape the puff with a bit of water and gentle stretching. This style is quick, comfy, and perfect for younger kids who want something fun without heavy accessories.
- Ribbon Ladder Braid
A ladder braid looks detailed but only takes a few minutes. Create two parallel braids on each side and thread a ribbon between them like steps on a ladder. Use a thin ribbon so it stays light. This works best on medium to long hair. If you need extra grip, mist the hair lightly before braiding. It’s great for parties because it stays neat and grabs attention without much effort.
- Frosted Tip Curls
Curl the ends of the hair with heat-free methods like overnight braids or foam rollers. Add a tiny bit of child-safe shimmer spray to the tips for a frosted effect. Keep it subtle so it doesn’t shed onto clothing. This works best on loose hairstyles. Use a detangling spray before brushing to keep curls soft. Kids enjoy the sparkle, especially for evening events.
- Peppermint Pigtail Wraps
Wrap thin red-and-white ties around pigtails for a minty look. Start at the elastic and spiral downward. Don’t wrap tightly—keep it soft so your child stays comfortable. If hair is short, wrap just the base area. Use reusable fabric ties instead of plastic so it feels gentle. This style is affordable and great for active kids since it stays in place even during play.
- Ornament Bun Garland
Create a small bun and wrap a lightweight mini-garland around the base. Choose plastic ornaments to avoid weight. You can trim a tiny section from a craft-store garland for low cost. Secure it with bobby pins. This style stands out at holiday dinners and looks charming in photos. Keep the bun loose so it remains comfy throughout the day.
- Elf Braided Headband
Make a braid behind one ear, bring it over the top like a headband, and pin it behind the other ear. Add small elf-themed clips along the braid. This style looks sweet but feels very light. If your child’s hair is thick, divide the braid into two smaller ones for easier placement. This hairstyle holds well during school events and takes only a few minutes.
Conclusion
Christmas hairstyles don’t have to be difficult or expensive. A few ribbons, small clips, and simple braids go a long way. These styles help kids feel cheerful during holiday outings, pictures, or parties. Pick one that fits your child’s hair type, keep the steps light, and enjoy the moment together. Feel free to mix and match ideas to create your own festive look.
