25 Kid-Approved Hairstyles for Toddlers

Styling your toddler’s hair can be both a delightful experience and a daily challenge. Between their busy little bodies and short attention spans, finding a hairstyle that is quick, cute, and durable is every parent’s goal. That’s why choosing from a list of kid-approved hairstyles for toddlers can make your life easier and your little one happier.

Whether your child has curly hair, fine strands, or a head full of thick locks, the right hairstyle can help manage tangles, enhance their natural beauty, and even build confidence. Plus, these styles can reduce hair breakage and keep hair out of your toddler’s face during active play.

In this article, we’ve rounded up 25 kid-approved hairstyles for toddlers that are easy to recreate, comfortable to wear, and loved by kids and parents alike. From sweet pigtails to protective braids, these styles are perfect for busy mornings, special events, or just a fun day at home.

1. Classic High Ponytail

The classic high ponytail is one of the most kid-approved hairstyles for toddlers due to its simplicity and charm. It’s ideal for toddlers with medium to long hair and keeps hair off the face during playtime or meals.

Use a soft elastic band and a gentle brush to gather the hair at the crown. For added flair, attach a bow or fun clip to the base. This toddler ponytail style is perfect for hot days and works well with casual or dressy outfits.

To add some variety, curl the ends slightly or part the hair at a diagonal for a more playful twist. It’s a quick fix when you’re short on time but still want your child to look picture-ready.

Parents love this look for its neatness and how well it stays intact throughout the day. It’s also a favorite among baby girl hair ideas.

2. Double Side Buns

Double side buns are adorable and totally trendy among toddler hairstyles. They’re playful, secure, and ideal for toddlers with fine hair or short to medium lengths.

Start by parting the hair down the middle and securing each half into a small bun on each side of the head. You can twist or braid each section before wrapping it into a bun for extra texture and hold.

Accessorize with mini clips or ribbons to give this style a polished, playful vibe. It’s perfect for kids’ parties, playdates, or just adding a touch of fun to everyday wear.

Parents appreciate that this style stays in place during all the bouncing and crawling, making it one of the most kid-friendly hairstyles available.

3. Braided Crown Halo

The braided crown halo is an elegant and protective hairstyle for toddlers that looks more complex than it is. It works best on long hair and is ideal for birthday parties or photo shoots.

Begin by creating a small braid on one side of the head and wrap it across the crown, securing it with pins. Repeat on the other side to complete the halo look.

This style keeps hair out of your toddler’s face and protects it from tangles and knots, especially in humid or windy weather. Add floral clips or beads for extra cuteness.

It’s a classic look that turns your toddler into a little princess while also being practical for long wear.

4. Mini Pigtails with Bows

Nothing says toddler cuteness like mini pigtails with colorful bows. This style is perfect for baby photos, school mornings, or just a casual day of fun.

Part the hair down the middle and tie two small pigtails on each side of the head. This easy hairstyle for kids works best with short or fine toddler hair and takes only minutes to complete.

Adding bows or clips not only enhances the look but also keeps the pigtails in place throughout the day. You can use soft satin bows for formal events or plastic clips for active days.

It’s a classic go-to that never goes out of style, making it one of the most kid-approved hairstyles for toddlers.

5. Side Braid with Clip

A simple side braid is a low-maintenance and stylish choice for toddlers. This look works well for toddler girls with longer hair and is ideal for school or family outings.

Start by gathering hair on one side and creating a three-strand braid. Secure it with a cute clip or scrunchie. This toddler hairstyle with clips keeps hair from falling into the face while still offering a feminine flair.

You can jazz it up with sparkly hair accessories or use colored elastics for a playful twist. The side braid stays neat and adds a structured look without much effort.

It’s great for taming wild hair while still letting your little one’s personality shine through.

6. Top Knot with Headband

A top knot paired with a headband is one of the easiest and most practical toddler hairstyles. It keeps hair out of the way and stays in place even during the most energetic play sessions.

To create this look, pull all the hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a knot. Place a cute headband hairstyle around the crown to keep stray hairs down.

This is especially ideal for curly toddler hair or natural hair, as it reduces tangling and breakage. It’s also a versatile look that can be dressed up or down.

Busy mornings become much easier when this style is part of your weekly rotation—it’s both fashionable and functional.

7. Loose Natural Curls

Sometimes the best style is no style at all. Embracing your child’s natural curls can be empowering and beautiful. Just add a bit of leave-in conditioner to enhance the curls and reduce frizz.

This is a great everyday look for black toddlers or any child with textured hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently shape the curls without disturbing the natural pattern.

Add a small bow, headband, or clip to frame the face and keep the look polished. It’s an especially good option for low-maintenance toddler hair days.

This style not only celebrates your child’s natural beauty but also promotes healthy hair practices from an early age.

8. Faux Hawk Fun Style

The faux hawk is a trendy and bold look for toddler boys or girls who love to stand out. It’s surprisingly easy and adds a dash of personality to any outfit.

Start by creating small side braids or ponytails on each side of the head, leaving the center section free. Then fluff or spike the center section to create a soft mohawk style.

Use a gentle hair mousse or styling cream made for kids to hold the style without stiffness. This look is perfect for birthday parties or family photos where you want to make a playful statement.

It’s one of the trendiest kid-approved hairstyles for toddlers who love a bit of edge.

9. Half-Up Double Knots

This style gives you the best of both worlds: loose hair with a fun, structured twist. It’s great for long hair toddler styles and allows for easy daily wear.

Separate the top half of the hair and create two mini knots on each side, secured with small elastics. Leave the rest of the hair down to showcase its texture.

This works especially well with curly or wavy hair and pairs beautifully with beaded clips or tiny bows. It’s also gentle enough for baby hairstyles and can be styled in under ten minutes.

This is a must-try for parents looking for creative toddler hairstyles that are functional yet adorable.

10. Twisted Side Pony

The twisted side pony is a modern twist on a classic look. Ideal for toddler girls, this style adds a little sophistication without being too fussy.

Twist two front sections of the hair and pull them into a low ponytail resting on one shoulder. Secure with a cute ribbon or hair tie that matches your child’s outfit.

It’s a gentle style that works well with fine toddler hair and looks great for school, church, or any semi-formal setting.

Parents love this option for how polished it looks without needing much styling time or product.

11. Baby Box Braids

Box braids are one of the most reliable protective hairstyles for toddlers, especially for children with natural or textured hair. They help prevent breakage and tangling while keeping hair neatly in place for days or even weeks.

The braids are parted into small squares and secured with tiny beads or colorful elastics for added charm. These braided toddler hairstyles are perfect for low-maintenance mornings and require minimal touch-ups.

Though they take a bit longer to install, the long-term convenience makes it worthwhile. Be sure to moisturize the scalp regularly to keep hair healthy and soft underneath.

Many parents turn to this style for vacations, school days, or simply as a way to manage thick toddler hair.

12. Heart-Shaped Braid

This adorable style adds a fun, romantic flair to your toddler’s look and is especially popular around Valentine’s Day or for special occasions. The heart-shaped braid is a playful twist on regular toddler braid styles.

It involves sectioning the hair into a heart and braiding around the edges before pulling it into a ponytail or bun. It’s a sweet touch that will melt hearts at birthday parties or school events.

This look works great with both fine and thick hair and can be enhanced with clips, bows, or even a touch of glitter.

The unique design makes it one of the most creative toddler hairstyles on this list.

13. Waterfall Mini Braids

Waterfall braids are an elegant way to show off your toddler’s long locks while keeping strands out of their face. This look gives off a fairytale vibe and is ideal for weddings, family photos, or holidays.

It involves braiding along the crown while letting pieces fall through like a waterfall. It may take a few tries, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to recreate.

Pair this with soft curls or natural waves for a truly enchanting style. Add floral accessories for extra magic.

This is a picture-perfect choice for any toddler who loves to feel fancy.

14. Banded Ponytail Rows

This style is perfect for active toddlers who need their hair securely tied back. The banded ponytail rows technique uses multiple elastic bands spaced down each section to create a bubble effect.

Divide the hair into sections and secure each with colorful elastics, spacing them evenly along each ponytail. This bubble ponytail style works well on all hair types and textures.

It’s functional for sports or dance class and can easily be jazzed up with ribbons or sparkly clips.

Parents appreciate the durability, and kids love the playful look it creates.

15. Top Puff with Beads

The top puff is a classic go-to style for toddler girls with natural hair. It involves pulling hair into a high puff and decorating it with colorful beads or clips.

This look celebrates the beauty of natural curls and helps reduce breakage and manipulation. It’s easy to maintain and can be refreshed daily with a spritz of water and conditioner.

Beads or barrettes can be added to match outfits or celebrate special occasions.

It’s an excellent choice for both everyday wear and dressier events.

16. Dutch Braids into Puffs

This fusion style combines Dutch braids in the front with afro puffs in the back. It’s ideal for toddler hairstyles for thick hair and gives a structured yet playful look.

Part the hair in the middle, create tight Dutch braids along the scalp, and tie the ends into puffs. Use beaded clips or fun elastics to complete the style.

This style is versatile, protective, and toddler-friendly. It also works great for days when you want a longer-lasting style.

Add it to your weekly rotation for an energetic, sporty, yet stylish look.

17. Pull-Through Ponytails

This style mimics a braided look without the actual braiding, making it one of the easiest quick toddler hairstyles.

Start by dividing the hair into multiple ponytails down the head, then pull one through the next, creating a “looped” effect. Secure with elastics at each stage and fluff the sections for volume.

This is ideal for fine or thin hair and gives the appearance of a fuller style. Use pastel clips or bows to give it a polished finish.

It’s fun, fast, and always a hit with both parents and kids.

18. Zig-Zag Parted Pigtails

Change up basic pigtails by adding a zig-zag part down the scalp. It adds visual interest and works well on both short and long hair.

Use a pointed comb to create the zig-zag shape and tie pigtails with bright hair ties or accessories. This simple variation creates an eye-catching update to a common style.

It’s a favorite among toddlers who love fun hair ideas that stand out from the crowd.

Great for school or playdates, this look adds character and charm.

19. Simple Bob with Clips

Not every toddler hairstyle requires a ponytail or braid. A simple bob paired with cute clips or barrettes can be both stylish and practical.

This low-maintenance cut works great for fine toddler hair and is easy to maintain daily. Just use a side part and add fun hair clips on one or both sides.

It’s neat, timeless, and always photo-ready—especially when using accessories for toddler playdates.

Ideal for toddlers who don’t like their hair being pulled or styled frequently.

20. Bubble Ponytails

Bubble ponytails are whimsical and trendy, making them a must-have in your toddler’s hair routine. Simply tie the hair into a ponytail and add spaced elastics down the length, fluffing each section to create “bubbles.”

This style works for any hair texture and is a favorite among hairstyles for toddler playdates and special events.

The bubble effect is both cute and functional—it holds hair securely while adding a pop of fun.

Add sparkly or themed elastics to match outfits or holiday themes.

21. Natural Afro with Bow

Embracing your toddler’s natural afro is both empowering and beautiful. Use a wide-tooth comb to fluff the hair and add a bold bow for a splash of color.

This is one of the best afro puff toddler styles for showcasing texture while keeping things simple. Moisturize the hair to maintain softness and prevent frizz.

Pair it with a headwrap or fun headband for extra flair. This look celebrates identity and is loved by both kids and adults.

It’s a high-impact, low-effort option perfect for any occasion.

22. Braided Bangs

Add some character to your toddler’s hair by braiding just the front bangs while leaving the rest down. This style is subtle yet adorable.

Braided bangs keep hair out of the face and add detail to even the simplest look. Pair it with loose curls or a half-updo for extra variety.

It’s great for all hair types and a fun way to change things up without much time or effort.

You can finish it with tiny beads or bows for extra charm.

23. Cornrows into Bun

This protective style combines tightly braided cornrows leading into a sleek bun at the crown. It’s ideal for black toddlers or those with thick hair who need a long-lasting, tidy style.

Add beads or barrettes for a pop of color and fun. This style can last up to a week with minimal touch-ups.

It’s both neat and stylish, making it a go-to for busy weeks.

Perfect for holidays, school, and everything in between.

24. Headwrap and Afro Puff Combo

Add culture and flair to your toddler’s look with a vibrant head wrap paired with a fluffy afro puff. This look is rich in personality and perfect for special occasions or photoshoots.

Choose wraps in bright prints or soft pastels and tie them over a high puff. It’s protective, comfortable, and undeniably fashionable.

This is one of the most empowering headwrap styles for toddlers, showcasing heritage and individuality.

And yes—it’s incredibly photogenic.

25. Ribbon-Tied Braided Bun

End with elegance! This style features a braid coiled into a bun, secured with a ribbon. It’s perfect for weddings, family photos, or any formal event.

Start with a basic braid, wrap it into a bun, and tie a satin ribbon around the base. Match the ribbon to your toddler’s outfit for coordinated charm.

It’s a sophisticated touch that’s still fun and comfortable for your child.

Definitely one of the most kid-approved hairstyles for toddlers that blends function with flair.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re getting your little one ready for daycare, a birthday party, or a family photo shoot, these 25 kid-approved hairstyles for toddlers offer endless options for every hair type and personality. From simple pigtails to intricate braided buns, there’s something here for every parent looking to simplify mornings and keep their toddler looking adorable.

Many of these styles are not only cute but also serve a protective function, helping to reduce breakage, control frizz, and promote healthy hair habits from a young age. With a bit of practice and creativity, you can make hair time a fun, bonding part of your daily routine.

So grab your comb, elastics, and clips—it’s time to try something new and let your toddler shine with confidence.

FAQs:

Q1. How do I get my toddler to sit still for a hairstyle?

Use fun distractions like cartoons, snacks, or story time to keep them entertained. Try styling in a high chair or while they’re watching their favorite show. Keeping tools and accessories nearby also helps speed up the process.

Q2. What toddler hairstyles are best for curly hair? 

Styles like top puffs, baby box braids, and natural curls with headbands work well with curly hair. These styles minimize tangling and emphasize the beauty of natural texture.

Q3. How often should I wash a toddler’s hair? 

2 to 3 times a week is usually enough. Overwashing can dry out natural oils, especially in toddlers with curly or natural hair. Use mild, child-friendly shampoo and a hydrating conditioner.

Q4. Can I use hair gel or mousse on my toddler’s hair? 

Yes, but choose alcohol-free, kid-safe formulas with natural ingredients. Avoid heavy gels or adult styling products that may irritate sensitive scalps.

Q5. What styles work best for fine or thin toddler hair? 

Try bubble ponytails, pigtails, or half-up styles. These options add volume and stay in place without putting too much tension on delicate strands.