Easy Hairstyle Guides for Kids and Girls
KidsGen's hairstyle guide is a free collection of nine picture guides to braids, buns and ribbon styles for children, girls and teens. Each guide shows a finished look you can copy at home, from everyday school hair to party and festival styles.
Start with something simple such as the twisted bun or 15 ways to wear a ribbon, then build up to Pocahontas braids, Heidi braids with a bow, the Celtic knot and the princess crown braid. Whatever the length or texture of the hair, there is a style here to try.
All hairstyle guides
10 Different Pocahontas Braids
15 Ways to Wear a Ribbon
Double Crown Braid
Heidi Braids with a Bow
Heart-Shaped Locks of Love
Princess Crown Braid
The Bow Bun
The Celtic Knot
The Twisted BunIn short: nine free guides covering three families of style. Braids: Pocahontas braids, Heidi braids, the princess crown braid and the double crown braid. Buns and knots: the bow bun, the twisted bun and the Celtic knot. Accent styles: ribbon looks and heart-shaped locks of love.
What each hairstyle looks like
- 10 Different Pocahontas Braids
- Long, low braids worn forward over the shoulders, shown in ten variations. Best on long hair, and easy to dress up with beads or ribbon.
- 15 Ways to Wear a Ribbon
- Fifteen ways to add a ribbon to ponytails, braids and buns. A quick way to match hair to a school uniform, party dress or festival outfit.
- Double Crown Braid
- Two braids wrapped around the head for a full, layered halo that stays neat through a long day or event.
- Heidi Braids with a Bow
- Two braids crossed over the top of the head and pinned, finished with a bow. Keeps hair completely off the face.
- Heart-Shaped Locks of Love
- Hair sectioned and shaped into a heart, a favourite for Valentine's Day, birthdays and other special days.
- Princess Crown Braid
- A single braid circling the head like a tiara. A classic choice for weddings, dance recitals and dressing up.
- The Bow Bun
- A bun folded into the shape of a bow, made from the hair itself rather than a ribbon.
- The Celtic Knot
- Two sections of hair looped together into a decorative knot at the back of the head, inspired by the interlaced patterns of Celtic art.
- The Twisted Bun
- A ponytail twisted and coiled into a bun and pinned. Quick, tidy and a good first style for beginners.
Tips before you start
- Brush out every tangle first. Braids and knots go faster and look smoother on detangled hair.
- Slightly damp or lightly sprayed hair is easier to grip and holds a braid longer.
- Use soft, snag-free elastics and flat pins rather than rubber bands, which pull and break hair.
- Keep braids firm but never tight, and check that your child is comfortable as you go.
- Practise a new style on a weekend before trying it on a rushed school morning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest hairstyle for a beginner to try on a child?
Ribbon styles and the twisted bun are the gentlest starting points. Both begin with a simple ponytail and need no braiding, only a twist, a few pins or a ribbon. Once those feel easy, move on to a single braid and then to crown or Heidi braids.
What are Pocahontas braids?
Pocahontas braids are long, low braids, usually one or two plaits worn forward over the shoulders. They suit long hair and can be dressed up with extra woven detail, beads or ribbon. The KidsGen guide shows ten different versions.
What is the difference between a crown braid and a double crown braid?
A crown braid circles the head like a tiara, with the braid wrapped around and pinned in place. A double crown braid uses two braids for a fuller, layered halo. The single version is quicker; the double version holds up better for long events.
What are Heidi braids?
Heidi braids are two braids that are crossed over the top of the head and pinned, named after the Swiss heroine of Johanna Spyri's novel Heidi. The KidsGen guide finishes the look with a bow.
How do I stop braids from hurting my child's scalp?
Detangle first, braid firmly but never tight, and use soft, snag-free elastics instead of rubber bands. Take tight styles out before bed and give hair rest days between them, because repeated pulling can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss.
Are the KidsGen hairstyle guides free?
Yes. Every hairstyle guide on KidsGen is free to view online, with no sign-up needed.
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