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Looking for fun, practical, or totally adorable hairstyle ideas for girls? Whether you’re getting her ready for daycare, a birthday party, or just another day of play, these hairstyle ideas are as sweet as they are functional.
From playful pigtails to elegant braids, there’s something here for every vibe, messy, neat, curly, or straight. Plus, they’re all mom-approved and little-kid friendly! Let’s get started!
1. Mini Space Buns
Space buns are a fun, trendy style for girls who love a little extra spunk. Try them out with regular elastics or scrunchie ties like you see in this photo above from happy_little_minis.
2. Straight Chin-length Bob
Short and sweet! A chin-length bob is a low-maintenance, high-style cut for busy toddlers.
3. Half Up Fish Tail Braid
Fishtail braids look detailed and delicate. Doing it half-up makes it manageable for little heads.
4. Waterfall Bubble Braids
A whimsical, fairy-tale vibe that’s surprisingly doable. Try this for a birthday party or fun outing.
5. Rope Braid
Twist two sections and wrap them together for a quick rope braid. Easy and secure and a little more *extra* than a standard braid. The braid in the middle looks like lattice-work and can be made by bringing strands of hair lower together before joining them.
6. Ballet Bun
A must for dance class or any occasion where you need a tidy, elegant updo. Use a bun donut to help create the perfect shape.
7. Dutch Braids
A classic for a reason, Dutch braids are tight, sporty, and great for keeping hair in place all day. They’re made in the opposite way of a French braid; switch it up with this alternative style.
8. Hair Bow
Make a bow out of their own hair! This look is Pinterest-level adorable and great for photos.
9. Braided Heart into Messy Buns
A sweet heart shape on the top leading to two buns, this look isn’t just for Valentine’s Day or picture day, it’s sweet year-round!
10. Half Up French Braid and Curls
This style is part fancy, part fun. The braid keeps hair back and out of the face while the curls add volume and bounce.
11. Ringletes
Got natural curls? Embrace them! Define ringlets with a curl cream for a sweet, natural style or use rollers or a small curling iron for more definition.
12. Half Up Crown Braid
This elegant style wraps around like a crown and works beautifully on thick or wavy hair. You need quite a bit of length to create a braid that wraps all the way around the crown of your head.
13. Pull Through Braid
Looks super fancy but is surprisingly easy, just pull sections through elastics for a full, intricate look. For this specific look, create two side accent braids and join them in a mini, half up ponytail. Clip this first ponytail out of the way then create another small ponytail directly underneath. After that, continue with your pull through braid!
14. Pig Tails with Briads
Braid each pigtail for an upgraded version of the classic. A fun style with extra texture. This style is also super helpful to prevent knots during activities.
15. Top Knot/Messy Bun
For days when you’re in a rush, messy buns are the perfect combo of effortless and cute.
16. Criss-crossing Elastics into Curly Pigtails
Add some flair with criss-crossed elastics that go into curly pigtails. It’s secure and seriously adorable.
17. Bubble Braid
Perfect for medium to long hair, bubble braids are easy to do with a few elastics and give big princess energy. This bubble braid also features two accent rope braids on the sides for added flair!
18. Classic Pigtails
A go-to for toddlers, pigtails are cute, timeless, and perfect for keeping hair out of little faces while they play.
19. Half French Plait
A clean, versatile style for school days or outings. Keeps front sections neat while letting the rest flow down the back.
20. French Braid into Wrapped Braid
Create a zig zag part and separate the hair in two. French braid the hair then create a wrapped braid by splitting off a small section of hair from a strand, wrapping it around the braid and joining it back into the section.
21. Half Bubble Ponytail
The top half of the hair pulled into a bubble pony adds bounce and cuteness without too much styling time.
22. Mini Braids
Do a few small braids throughout the hair for a cute, textured look. This look is fun with beads or cuffs too!
23. Side Dutch Pancake Braid
A soft braid swept to the side gives an instant touch of charm. This one works great on longer hair and is easy to finish off with a bow or flower clip.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, 23 sweet, stylish, and practical hairstyle ideas for girls! Whether you’re after something playful or polished, there’s a look here for every little personality. Try a few and find your faves!
