Braids create stylish, carefree looks for kids of all hair types and personalities. For both girls and boys, these kiddie braid styles control unruly hair. Whether their designs are intricate or simple, braids can be worn by children of all ages at school, play dates, and special events alike. While preventing messy flyaways, braided styles let kids’ natural beauty and personality shine through.
Popular braided looks for children include cornrows, fishtails, ponytails, buns, and fun pull through plaits and braided updos. Feel free to dress it up with accessories like beads or ribbons. For tender heads, focus on easing tension as tight braiding leads to discomfort. Instead, opt for looser styles that won’t rub or tug.
Consider your child’s lifestyle and preferences when choosing braids. While eye-catching styles make a statement, busy kids need practical options that last through playtime.
Find the combination of style and function with these 26 beautifully practical braiding ideas for kids.
1. Cute Kiddie style with Natural Curls or Afros
If you want your child to have a trendy, comfortable, and cute hairstyle, you can create cornrows paired with curls or let their natural hair form an afro. These styles can make any girl look feminine and adorable. You can also pull the hair up into a bun and accessorize it with ribbons.
2. Kiddies Braids Style With Beads
Beads are a fun hair accessory that can transform any simple braided hairstyle. Braids keep your child’s hair tidy and healthy and save you time getting ready for school in the morning. All you’ll need to do with braids is oil their hair and neaten the edges. Beads add personality to styles like Fulani braids, box braids, cornrows, or braided updos.
3. Kiddies Cornrow Hairstyle
Cornrows are an easy braided style that can be done on natural hair or with added extensions. They are appropriate for young kids in preschool and grade school. Cornrows are simple to braid at home if you have basic skills, but you can also see a stylist for help getting neat, long-lasting rows. Feel free to decorate them using fun beads, hair ruffs, ribbons or other accessories.
4. Braided Mohawk For Kids
The braided mohawk involves slicking or braiding the hair on both sides of the head toward the center, leaving a strip of longer hair down the middle that can also be braided. This fun style helps kids feel fabulous and self-assured. The mohawk loses its edgy vibe when worn by children. It works with various hair textures and lengths.
5. Wedding Braided Hairstyle For Kids
Young children often participate in weddings as flower girls or ring bearers. Make sure their hairstyle complements their outfit and the ceremony’s theme. Kid-friendly braided styles with buns and updos look lovely for weddings, especially when accessorized with flowers and ribbons.
6. Kids Braids For Natural Short Hair
If your child has short hair, many stylish and low-maintenance options exist. You don’t need to add extensions if their hair is tender or you prefer not to. Choose a simple, protective style they can wear to school without much upkeep. Some excellent choices are twists, box braids, French braids, Dutch braids, headband braids among others..
7. Knotless Braids For Kids
Knotless braids look cute and promote healthy hair. These knotless styles are a gentler way to add extensions to children’s hair. By avoiding traditional knotting at the braid base, the tension on kids’ scalps is reduced. This versatile protective style works well as a back-to-school look for girls.
8. Double Braided Ponytail For Kids
Ponytail styles keep hair out of the face, letting kids play freely without messing up their look. Rather than one pony, give them two cut braided pigtails for extra sweetness. Decorate the braids with fun beads, clear beads, or ribbons. This picture-perfect style works for any occasion.
9. Lemonade Braids For Kids
Lemonade braids are a gorgeous summer style for kids that are more trendy than regular braids. These cornrow braids slant towards one shoulder. Hair extensions can be added to the braid using the feed-in technique, or they can be made with natural hair alone. They come in small, medium, and large sizes and can be decorated with beads and ribbons.
10. Pop Smoke Braids For Kids
The late rapper Pop Smoke made these jumbo feed-in braids with a middle part wildly popular. Kids can wear this Pop Smoke style to school or for special events. You can use your child’s natural hair to recreate it or add extensions for more length and fullness.
11. Center Part Braids For Kids
Braided styles can be separated with a middle part for a symmetrical, tidy look. Choices with a center part include buns, box braids, cornrows, and more to suit your taste. Make sure you add some accessories to spice it up!
12. Space Buns For Kids
Space buns are among the most popular styles for toddlers, as they’re easy to create for a cute, glamorous appearance. This style involves pinning the hair in two buns on either side of the head. The space buns first appeared in the original Star Wars movie. For kids obsessed with Star Wars, this is an obvious number one choice!
13. Stitch Braids For Kids
Stitch braids are cornrows with a fun twist. For this style, the hair is sectioned into thin or thick horizontal lines before braiding. These rows can be done with your child’s natural hair or added extensions if desired. You can create simple stitch patterns or intricate designs, and decorate them with bright beads and ribbons.
14. Half Braids Half Crochet For Kids
Half braids half crochet can be a great style for kids with thin or short hair. This mixes cornrows on top with crocheted extensions on the bottom for special events that call for long, full locks. It’s ideal for beauty pageants, photoshoots, weddings, or any occasion that deserves extra glamour.
15. Tribal Braids For Kids
Tribal braids work beautifully for kids too. These feature diagonal braids swept to the sides, with beads optional. They make a simple protective style for school or special events. To prevent hair loss, gently avoid the front/back hairline while braiding lightly without tension. Leave those delicate edges out.
16. Twist Braids For Kids
Two-strand twists, or rope twists, are a protective style that makes kids shine. They keep hair healthy by minimizing manipulation and off little faces. Twists are easy to install and take out, reasonably low maintenance, and can be accessorized. They promote healthy hair growth with less handling.
17. Bubble Braids For Kids
Bubble braids are great for parents with basic braiding skills who want an adorable look. Though they resemble braids, these are easier than 3-strand plaits and work on various lengths. First, tie the section into a ponytail, then secure elastic bands an inch apart to create bubbles along the length when gently pulled. Add ribbons, bows or scrunchies for a playful touch.
18. Side Dutch Braid For Kids
This style features Dutch braids on one side of the head or diagonally from root to shoulder. You can braid the full length into the side Dutch, stop at the nape, and secure hair into a ponytail. Gently pulling the braid creates a loosely messy look.
19. Criss Cross Braids For Kids
Criss cross braids are among the most accessible kid styles. First, section out hair for each cross based on the desired number. Braid each piece, then cross and secure it with bands to prevent unraveling. You can leave the remaining hair down or tie it up. Finish with hairspray to minimize frizz on this fun look.
20. Fishbone Cornrows For Kids
If you want to give your child jumbo cornrows but are concerned about durability, fishbone cornrows are a great option. This style involves sectioning the hair into the desired number of sections. Small cornrows are braided on both sides of each section toward the center. Then, the small braids are joined into one larger braid in the middle. This gives the look of a fishbone down the back of the head. Fishbone cornrows minimize flyaway hairs and protect children’s hair from elements like wind, rain, and sun.
21. Headband Braid For Kids
The headband braid is perfect for keeping hair out of little ones’ faces. It works well for children with short or long hair. Simply section off hair from ear to ear at the front of the head. Then, braid this front piece into a French or Dutch braid. Use a hair pin to secure the ends behind one ear. You can leave the remaining hair down or pull it up into a ponytail. The headband braid keeps strands tidy so kids can play without distraction. And it creates a cute style at the same time. This versatile look works for school, sports, or play dates.
22. Fishtail Braid For Kids
The fishtail braid transforms little girls into princesses. You can start this intricate braid near the nape of the neck. Or, brake from the crown of the head all the way through the hair’s length. Combine a fishtail with crisscrossed strands, a headband braid, or blunt bangs. The options are endless for personalizing this style. A fishtail’s woven texture prevents tangles, making it practical for energetic youngsters. The flattering shape flatters round or heart-shaped faces. And it works equally well on straight or curly hair. Unleash your mini-model’s inner Elsa or Anna with this fairytale braid.
23. Sleek Ponytail Braid For Kids
The sleek ponytail braid is one of the sassiest braided looks for kids. Both you and your little princess will love this style. First, gather all the hair into a tight, high ponytail and secure with elastic bands. Next, braid the ponytail into a 3-strand plait or a rope twist. Adorn with ribbons for an extra girly touch. Finally, spritz the crown of the head with hairspray or gel to smooth flyaways and complete the polished look. This braided pony keeps hair neat and comfortable while letting your child’s spirited personality shine through. The smooth top and braided length is a match made in hair heaven.
24. Pull Through Braid For Kids
The pull through braid is a fun, easy style that works for long or short hair. It makes the hair look abundantly thick and keeps strands out of little ones’ faces. First, split hair into two ponytails stacked on top of each other. Take the top pony and divide it into two sections. Pull the bottom ponytail through the split pony above it. Secure the new sections together behind the bottom pony with an elastic, creating the first pull through strand. Repeat this braiding process down both ponytails to the ends. Finally, tie off the ends neatly with one last elastic band. The pull through technique gives a creatively messy look while keeping hair controlled. Kids with fine or thin hair get instant volume. While those with thick manes are easier to manage.
25. French Braid For Kids
French braids are a classic hairstyle for kids that work nicely for back-to-school. To create this three-strand braid, simply incorporate hair over the braid as you weave sections under and over. You can secure the braid into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck using an elastic band. Or, continue braiding in a regular three-strand pattern all the way down your child’s locks before tying off at the end. This versatile braided style keeps hair tidy and comfortable for learning, playing, and everything in between.
26. Locs For Kids
Locs can be a great option for children with natural afro-textured hair. This style reduces manipulation and promotes length retention when properly maintained. However, because locing is permanent, consider the pros and cons carefully. Also, discuss the decision with your child to see if they want locs. The self-expression and pride that comes with wearing their natural pattern may boost confidence. But keeping locs neat and tidy involves a dedication to regular upkeep. While salon maintenance can get expensive, home care with the right products can reduce costs. Ultimately, approach locing as a lifestyle change for your whole family. When cared for properly, locs allow healthy hair growth and creative styling. As with any permanent change, make sure your child is on board with this commitment before starting the journey.
