Hi, I’m Anna, and I absolutely love everything about the holiday season—the lights, the music, the cozy vibes, and of course, the adorable Christmas Hairstyles for Kids! There’s something so special about helping little ones get ready for school events, family gatherings, or fun Christmas parties with a cute and festive hairstyle that brings out their holiday spirit.
Christmas Hairstyles for Kids
Christmas Hairstyles for Kids add a touch of festive cheer to holiday parties, school events, and family photos. These styles are all about being cute, comfortable, and fun for little ones to wear.
Braided Crown with Red Ribbon
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I’ve done this look on so many of my little clients, and every single time—without fail—their moms melt. The braided crown is one of those styles that looks so much harder than it is. You just do a simple Dutch or French braid starting from one side and work your way around the head, then tuck it in with bobby pins. The real holiday magic comes in when I weave a red ribbon through the braid. It gives off such a sweet, festive vibe.
One of my models, Mia, literally danced around the studio the moment she saw herself in the mirror. She kept twirling and asking if she looked like a princess from the North Pole (her words, not mine!). Honestly, it’s one of my go-to styles for Christmas pageants and parties. Add a few tiny jingle bells if you want to go all in—it jingles when they walk!
Santa Hat Ponytail
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This one’s just pure fun. It started as a total experiment one year when I had some leftover red pipe cleaners and cotton balls. I twisted the ponytail up into a cone, secured it with bobby pins, then wrapped red yarn around it like a spiral. Stuck a white pom-pom on top and boom—Santa hat! It’s silly, yes, but trust me, the kids eat it up.
One of my favorite moments was when little Liam saw his “Santa hair” and couldn’t stop giggling. He kept patting it like he couldn’t believe his own head had turned into a hat. It’s definitely a conversation starter at school or parties. If you’ve got a little one who loves to stand out or crack jokes, this is the one to go with. It’s kind of a controlled mess, but honestly, that’s what makes it adorable.
Twisted Bun with Snowflake Clips
Okay, this one’s for the slightly older girls who want to feel “fancy” but still festive. It’s just a high twisted bun (I usually do it with two rope twists wrapped around each other), but what makes it pop is the placement of little sparkly snowflake clips. You can get these in multipacks during Christmas season, and I swear they elevate the whole thing instantly.
I once did this style on a 10-year-old for her church’s Christmas recital. She was nervous but said the bun made her feel “grown up like Elsa.” In my opinion, it’s elegant without being too serious. I like to add a bit of glitter spray to finish it off—it catches the light when they turn their heads. Pro tip? Don’t overthink the twist. The looser and fluffier it is, the better it looks.
Classic Pigtails with Bows
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I mean… how can you go wrong with pigtails? They’re a classic for a reason. But when you add oversized red or green bows, it suddenly becomes a Christmas look. I part the hair straight down the middle (not always easy with squirmy toddlers, I’ll admit), tie up both sides with elastic, then clip on big festive bows.
One time, I did this for twin girls wearing matching elf dresses. They looked so insanely cute, it almost made me cry a little. Their grandma took like 50 photos in five minutes. In my experience, this one works best for younger kids, maybe under 6 or 7, who still love bows and don’t mind a bit of fussing. I always keep a stash of bows in my kit—never underestimate their power.
Reindeer Antler Headband Style
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This isn’t even technically a hairstyle, but I’m putting it in anyway because I do it every year. You just style the hair however you like—simple down and brushed, or maybe a few mini braids—and then pop on a reindeer antler headband. Done. Instant holiday cheer.
The fun part is you can play around with the base. I love doing two little buns on top of the head like “reindeer ears” underneath the antlers. The combo makes kids laugh and feel festive. One mom told me her son wore it all day at preschool and refused to take it off for naptime. In my opinion, sometimes you don’t need to over-style. Add a themed accessory, and it does all the heavy lifting.
Half-Up Twists with Green and Red Ribbons
I love this one because it works on all hair types and looks way more impressive than it actually is. You take two small sections from the front, twist them toward the back, and secure them together with a holiday-colored ribbon. I usually crisscross the ribbon through the twist for that extra something.
Once, I styled this on a girl who had just gotten her first haircut ever—she was so excited and kept flipping her hair like she was on a runway. The twist keeps the hair out of their face but still lets it flow, which kids always love. Honestly, this style is a lifesaver when you’ve only got 10 minutes and still want the kiddo to look party-ready. Also, the photos always come out great with this one.
Spiked Hair with Holiday Gel
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This one’s for the boys who want to look “cool” but still be in on the holiday action. I use a strong-hold gel (sometimes with a hint of red or green glitter), spike it up, and boom—they’ve got rockstar Christmas vibes. It’s messy, wild, and super fun.
One of the boys I styled this on said, “I look like a Christmas dragon!” and honestly, I wasn’t mad at it. The sparkle gel really shows in the light, especially if they’re at a party or event. To be fair, it can get crunchy if you use too much, but that’s part of the fun. I’ve found that kids love seeing their normally soft hair turned into something stiff and dramatic for a day.
Side-Parted Comb Over with Festive Clip
Now, if you’ve got a kid who likes things a bit more “neat and tidy,” this one’s golden. I do a clean side part, comb it over with a dab of pomade or gel, and then add a little holiday-themed clip on the side. Candy canes, mini Santas, snowmen—anything works.
It gives them a grown-up vibe, but the festive clip keeps it fun. I once did this for a kid heading to his school’s Christmas concert, and he looked like a tiny professor on holiday. It made the teachers laugh in the best way. Honestly, it’s such a simple touch, but it gives big style points. Works especially well for school photo day around December!
Mini Mohawk with Color Spray
This one’s chaotic in the best possible way. I section the center strip of hair, slick the sides down, and spike up the middle like a faux-hawk. Then I hit it with some red or green temporary color spray. Kids lose their minds over it.
I remember this one kid, Jordan, who ran around pretending he was a Christmas superhero after I gave him this style. His mom said he wore it to three events in one weekend. The best part? It washes out easily, so you don’t have to stress about lasting color. In my opinion, this one’s perfect for high-energy kids who want to be the center of attention. And honestly? Let them have their moment.
Glittery Space Buns
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These are always a hit, especially with the glitter lovers. I part the hair down the middle and twist each half into a bun on top—like little Christmas cinnamon rolls, if you will. Then I dust them with loose glitter or spray-on shimmer.
There was one little girl I worked with who gasped when she saw the final look. “I look like a sparkly Christmas alien!” she shouted, and I mean… she kinda did. But in the best way. This look screams holiday party and works great for dance recitals or festive photoshoots. In my experience, just be prepared for glitter to be everywhere. Like, everywhere. But it’s totally worth it for the sparkle.
Haircare Tips for Kids During the Holidays
With all the festive fun, it’s easy to forget that kids’ hair needs a little extra care during the holiday season. Between styling for parties, wearing accessories, and running around in winter weather, their hair can quickly become dry or tangled. Here are a few simple tips to keep their locks healthy and happy:
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Use gentle styling products
Always choose kid-friendly products that are free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, and strong fragrances. -
Don’t overdo heat—use natural styles
Avoid using curling irons or straighteners. Embrace natural textures with cute braids, buns, or ponytails. -
Keep hairstyles comfortable for kids to wear all day
Make sure styles aren’t too tight or heavy. If your child starts pulling at their hair, it may be time to switch it up. -
Remove accessories before bedtime
Take out bows, clips, and headbands before sleeping to prevent breakage and scalp discomfort. -
Hydrate and detangle hair after events
Use a light conditioner or detangling spray to gently comb through the hair and restore moisture after a long day of fun.
FAQ
What are some easy Christmas hairstyles for kids with short hair?
Short hair can still look festive! Try adding cute accessories like holiday headbands, clips, or a mini side braid with a ribbon for a cheerful touch.
How can I make my child’s hairstyle last all day during parties?
Use a light-hold hairspray or styling gel, and make sure the style is secure but comfortable. Avoid too many loose strands that might fall out during play.
Are temporary color sprays safe for kids?
Yes, most temporary hair color sprays designed for kids are safe. Just check the label for age recommendations and always do a patch test first.
How early should I style my child’s hair before an event?
Try to style it 30–60 minutes before leaving. This gives you time to fix any last-minute touch-ups without making them wait too long.
Hi, I’m Anna Spencer, A professional hairstylist based in North Carolina and the creator of Hairstyles for Life. With over a decade of hands-on salon experience, I’ve styled everything from everyday looks to runway-ready transformations. I started this website to share my passion for hair, offer expert tips, and help you feel confident in your personal style no matter your hair type or length. Whether you’re looking for quick tutorials, timeless trends, or honest product advice, you’ll find it all here.