11 Kids Party Hairstyles

A party hairstyle for a child should do two things at once: look special in photos and stay comfortable through cake, dancing, and games. The styles in this list are made for November and December parties — birthday parties, holiday parties, and family celebrations — when a little extra sparkle feels right but a fussy, tight style does not. Every look here is simple to wear, easy to take down at the end of the day, and kind to young hair.

Pick a style that matches how long your child will be at the party and how much fussing they will happily sit still for. A soft bow or headband can make an everyday style feel party-ready in minutes, while a braid or a bun will hold up better through a long afternoon. For more holiday ideas, see our Christmas party hairstyles, and for younger children, our baby girl haircuts and toddler girl haircuts cover shorter, simpler cuts.

Quick picks — the shortlist

• The low ponytail with a big bow — the fastest party upgrade, and it works on almost any length.
• The side braid with a tiara — the most special-occasion look here, and it stays neat for hours.
• Double mini top knots — playful, quick, and great for younger children who will not sit still long.
• Big soft curls — the best choice when you want the hair down but still party-ready.

11 kids party hairstyles to try

1. Low ponytail with a big bow

A smooth low ponytail finished with one large soft bow at the back turns a plain everyday style into a party style in minutes. It suits straight, wavy, and lightly curly hair, and it works best on hair about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long or longer, so the ponytail has enough length to sit below the neck. Maintenance is low: brush it smooth, secure it with a soft elastic, and the bow covers the band. Ask for: a low ponytail with the hair brushed smooth and a large soft bow at the back, or do the simple at-home version by tying a low ponytail and clipping a big bow over the elastic.

2. Side braid with a tiara

One loose braid swept over one shoulder, finished with a small light tiara, gives a princess-party feel without a stiff updo. It suits girls who like their hair down at the front but out of the way at the back, and it works on straight to wavy hair about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) long, so the braid has length to show. Maintenance is low to medium: the braid holds well, but a few soft pieces will loosen over a long party. Ask for: a loose side braid over one shoulder with a small light tiara, or try the at-home version by braiding loosely to one side and adding a tiara that sits comfortably, not tightly.

3. Braided pigtails with ribbons

Two neat braids tied with long ribbons, plus a flower crown for extra celebration, keep hair completely out of the face while still looking dressed up. It suits active children who will be dancing and playing, and it works on straight to wavy hair about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long. Maintenance is low: once braided, it holds for the whole party with almost no fixing. Ask for: two braids tied with long ribbons, with the ends left soft rather than pulled tight, or do the at-home version by parting the hair down the middle, braiding each side, and tying a ribbon at each end.

4. Double mini top knots

Two small buns sitting high on either side of the head are playful, light, and quick to make. They suit younger children and fine to medium hair, and they work on hair about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long, which is enough to twist into small buns. Maintenance is low: the buns are small, so they are easy to redo if one comes loose. Ask for: two small high buns, kept soft and not pulled tight, or try the at-home version by parting the hair in the middle, twisting each side into a small bun, and securing it with a soft elastic and a colorful tie.

5. Double puffs with clips

Two round puffs, one on each side, with small colorful clips, are a cheerful party style for curly and coily hair. They suit children with natural curls who want volume without heat or heavy styling, and they work on hair about 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) long when stretched, so each puff has a full, round shape. Maintenance is low: the puffs keep their shape, and clips add color without pulling. Ask for: two soft side puffs with colorful clips, kept loose at the edges, or do the at-home version by parting the hair in the middle, gathering each side into a puff with a soft band, and adding clips for color.

6. Curly bob with a bow

A chin-length curly bob with a large bow on top looks neat, bouncy, and ready for photos. It suits naturally curly hair and children who prefer their hair off the neck, and it works best at about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long, so the curls spring up to a bob shape. Maintenance is low to medium: the curls need a little leave-in conditioner to stay soft, but no heat styling. Ask for: a curly bob cut to sit at chin length when dry, with a large soft bow on top, or do the at-home version by refreshing the curls with water and conditioner and clipping a big bow at the crown.

7. High bun with a headband

A neat high bun paired with a wide soft headband keeps every strand out of the face and looks polished for a family celebration. It suits straight to wavy hair and children who do not want hair falling forward while they play, and it works on hair about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long, so the bun has enough length to wrap neatly. Maintenance is low: the headband hides flyaways, so the style still looks tidy late in the party. Ask for: a high bun with a wide soft headband, kept comfortable rather than pulled tight, or try the at-home version by gathering the hair high, twisting it into a bun, and sliding on a soft headband.

8. High curly top knot

A single high knot made from natural curls gives height and a festive shape while keeping the neck cool and the face clear. It suits curly and coily hair and younger children who want a simple updo, and it works on hair about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long, which is enough to gather into a full knot. Maintenance is low: the curls give the knot its shape, so it needs no backcombing or pins. Ask for: a high curly top knot, kept soft and loose at the edges, or do the at-home version by gathering the curls high with a soft elastic and letting the curls fall naturally around the knot.

9. Long straight party hair

Long, smooth, straight hair with soft bangs, worn down with a small tiara or clip, is a classic for a formal party. It suits straight hair and children who are happy to have their hair down, and it works best at about 12-14 inches (30-36 cm) long, so the hair falls well past the shoulders. Maintenance is medium: it needs a gentle brush-through and a light clip or tiara to keep the front tidy. Ask for: long straight hair with soft bangs and a small light tiara, or do the at-home version by brushing the hair smooth, adding a small tiara or clip at the front, and leaving the rest down.

10. Big soft curls

Full, soft curls worn loose give a joyful, party-ready look with no updo and no tight pulling. They suit naturally wavy and curly hair and children who like their hair down, and they work best at about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long, so the curls have room to bounce. Maintenance is low to medium: a little conditioner keeps the curls soft, and the style looks better as it relaxes through the party. Ask for: soft, natural curls left loose and brushed out gently at the ends, or do the at-home version by refreshing curls with water and conditioner and letting them dry naturally before the party.

11. High pigtails

Two high pigtails, tied at the sides with soft elastics, are simple, sturdy, and perfect for a long birthday party. They suit straight to wavy hair and younger children who will be running around, and they work on hair about 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long, so each pigtail has enough length to swing. Maintenance is low: pigtails hold their shape, and if one loosens, it takes seconds to retie. Ask for: two high pigtails, tied softly so they do not pull, or try the at-home version by parting the hair in the middle, gathering each side high, and securing it with a soft elastic in a color that matches the outfit.

How to choose the right party hairstyle

Start with comfort. If your child tugs at tight styles, choose a loose braid, soft curls, or a low ponytail rather than a pulled-back bun. Check the party length too: a braid or pigtails will outlast loose hair through a long afternoon, while a bow or headband is enough for a short celebration. For more braid ideas, see our braided hairstyles for girls.

Next, match the style to the hair you already have. Curly hair looks best when it is worked with, not against — puffs, a top knot, or soft curls all use the natural texture. Straight hair holds braids and smooth ponytails neatly. Fine hair suits smaller buns and pigtails, which need less length and less product. Whatever you choose, keep accessories light and soft, and test the style once before the party day so there are no surprises.

What to ask your stylist

Use one sentence that covers the style, the length, and comfort. For example: “We would like a loose side braid for a party, on hair about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) long, kept soft and comfortable so she can wear it all afternoon.” Show a photo of the exact style, mention any accessory you plan to wear, and say clearly if your child dislikes tight pulling. A good stylist will keep the style loose enough to last the party without hurting.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make a party hairstyle last all afternoon?

Choose a style that holds itself: braids, pigtails, puffs, and buns last longer than loose hair. Use soft elastics, add a bow or headband to cover flyaways, and carry one spare elastic and clip in your bag for a quick fix.

What is the simplest party hairstyle for a child who will not sit still?

A low ponytail with a big bow, or two high pigtails, are the simplest choices. Both take only a few minutes, need no braiding skill, and are easy to redo if they loosen during play.

Should I use heat styling for a kids party hairstyle?

No — heat is not needed for any style in this list. Curls, braids, buns, and bows all work with natural texture and soft accessories, which keeps young hair healthy and the morning calmer.

How do I keep a party hairstyle comfortable?

Keep everything loose at the hairline, use soft elastics and light accessories, and check that no clip or tiara presses into the scalp. If your child says a style pulls, loosen it right away — a comfortable style always looks better in photos than a tight one.

The best kids party hairstyle is the one your child forgets they are wearing. Choose a style that suits their hair, add one fun accessory, and keep it soft and comfortable — then let them enjoy the party.

Keep exploring

• Braided Hairstyles for Girls — more braid styles for everyday and special occasions.
• Christmas Party Hairstyles — festive styles for the holiday season.
• Baby Girl Haircuts — simple cuts for the youngest children.
• Toddler Girl Haircuts — easy, comfortable cuts for toddlers.