Getting ready for February 14th is always so much fun, especially when you have little ones to dress up! If you are looking for Valentine’s Day Hair Ideas for Kids, you have come to the perfect place. We’re sharing sweet styles that range from simple heart shapes to fancy braids using pink ribbons.
Even if you aren’t a professional stylist, these cute looks will make your child feel extra special. Let’s grab some hair ties and get creative with these lovely hairdos! whether you want something quick for school or fancy for a party, we have it all.
1. The Classic Half-Up Heart Braid ❤️
This is probably the most iconic look for the holiday. It turns a regular half-up style into a cute heart shape right on the back of the head. It looks complicated, but it is actually quite simple once you get the hang of the parting.
It keeps hair out of the face while looking festive. You can leave the rest of the hair straight or curl it for extra volume.
How to Create
- Start by taking a section of hair from the crown and securing it with a small elastic.
- Split that ponytail into two sections. Twist them outward or braid them thinly.
- Shape them into the top arches of a heart and secure them together at the bottom with another elastic.
- Pin the arches in place if they move around too much.
Style Guide
- Vibe: Sweet and classic.
- Best For: Medium to long hair.
- Outfit Match: A red velvet dress or a cute pink sweater.
Materials Needed
- Small clear elastics.
- Bobby pins.
- Comb for parting.
2. Sweet Piggy Buns with Bows 🎀
If you want something playful and energetic, space buns (or piggy buns) are the way to go. They sit high on the head and look absolutely adorable on younger kids.
Adding Valentine’s specific accessories makes this everyday style party-ready. It’s perfect for active kids because it stays secure all day long.
How to Create
- Part the hair right down the middle into two equal sections.
- Pull each section into a high ponytail.
- Twist the hair around the base of the ponytail to create a bun and secure it with pins or another hair tie.
- Clip a large bow right in front of or on top of each bun.
Style Guide
- Vibe: Fun and energetic.
- Best For: Toddlers and active school-aged kids.
- Outfit Match: Denim overalls with a heart-print shirt.
Materials Needed
- Two large pink or red bows.
- Hair elastics.
- Hairspray for flyaways.
3. The Ribbon Corset Braid 🧶
This style looks incredibly intricate, like a corset laced up with ribbon. It adds a pop of color directly into the braid and keeps the hair very tidy.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert braider. You mostly just need patience to weave the ribbon through.
How to Create
- Create two Dutch braids (cornrows) going down the back of the head.
- Take a long piece of pink or red ribbon.
- Start at the top and lace the ribbon through the inner loops of the braids, crisscrossing like a shoelace.
- Tie a bow at the bottom where the braids end.
Style Guide
- Vibe: Sporty yet festive.
- Best For: School days or sports activities on Valentine’s Day.
- Outfit Match: A casual t-shirt and jeans combo.
Materials Needed
- Red or pink satin ribbon (thin width).
- Elastics.
- Topsy tail tool (optional, but helps pull ribbon through).
4. Bubble Braids with Heart Clips 🫧
Bubble braids are trendy right now and they are super easy to do. They give the illusion of thick, voluminous braids without the weaving.
This is a great “cheat” hairstyle if you are rushing in the morning but still want your kid to look themed.
How to Create
- Make a high ponytail.
- Add another elastic about two inches down.
- Gently tug the hair between the two elastics to puff it out like a bubble.
- Repeat this all the way down.
- Add small heart-shaped claw clips between each bubble.
Style Guide
- Vibe: Trendy and modern.
- Best For: Long hair (thin or thick).
- Outfit Match: A trendy skirt and boots outfit.
Materials Needed
- Multiple small elastics (red, pink, and white mixed).
- Mini heart claw clips.
5. Cupid’s Arrow Bun 💘
This is a fun, whimsical take on a messy bun. It uses a prop to make it look like Cupid’s arrow has gone through the hair.
It’s a conversation starter and kids usually think it is hilarious and cool.
How to Create
- Gather all hair into a messy bun at the crown or back of the head.
- Insert a hair stick shaped like an arrow through the bun.
- If you don’t have an arrow stick, you can DIY one with a safe stick and felt for the arrow tip and feathers.
Style Guide
- Vibe: Whimsical and funny.
- Best For: Thick hair that holds a bun well.
- Outfit Match: Anything casual or a graphic tee with a pun.
Materials Needed
- Hair elastics.
- Bobby pins.
- Arrow-shaped hair stick or accessory.
6. Waterfall Braid with Curls 🌊
For a softer, princess-like appearance, the waterfall braid is unmatched. It allows the length of the hair to flow freely.
This looks stunning if you have time to curl the loose strands. It feels very fancy and appropriate for a Valentine’s dance or dinner.
How to Create
- Start a French braid near the temple.
- Every time you cross the top strand over, drop it completely and pick up a new strand from underneath to continue.
- This creates the “cascading” effect.
- Wrap the end of the braid around the back and pin it, or continue to the other side.
Style Guide
- Vibe: Elegant and fairy-tale.
- Best For: Flower girls or special parties.
- Outfit Match: A frilly party dress.
Materials Needed
- Curling iron (for the loose hair).
- Small clear elastic.
- Tiny flower or heart pins to decorate the braid.
7. The “Love” Letter Parting 💌
This is a funky and creative idea for shorter hair or boys who want to join in, or girls with braided styles. It involves using glitter gel or distinct parting patterns.
We will focus on a glitter root look which is very popular and festive.
How to Create
- Style the hair in two tight Dutch braids or buns.
- Mix hair gel with chunky red and pink heart confetti/glitter.
- Use a tint brush to paint the gel mixture right along the exposed part line.
Style Guide
- Vibe: Sparkly and bold.
- Best For: Parties or crazy hair day at school.
- Outfit Match: Neutral clothes so the hair stands out.
Materials Needed
- Clear hair gel.
- Chunky cosmetic grade glitter (hearts and stars).
- Tint brush.
8. Simple Side Pony with Scarf 🧣
Sometimes less is more. A side ponytail is retro and cute, and adding a Valentine’s themed scarf elevates it instantly.
This is the best option if you are running late but still want your child to look put-together and themed.
How to Create
- Brush all hair to one side, just behind the ear.
- Secure with a strong elastic.
- Take a small silk scarf (with hearts or red/pink colors) and tie it around the elastic.
- Let the tails of the scarf drape down with the hair.
Style Guide
- Vibe: Retro chic.
- Best For: Any age, quick styling.
- Outfit Match: A poodle skirt or leggings and a tunic.
Materials Needed
- Hair tie.
- Silk or satin square scarf.
9. Triple Heart Pull-Through Braid 🔗
This creates a visual illusion of linked hearts going down the ponytail. It looks very technical but relies mostly on small rubber bands.
It works best on long hair so you have enough room to make at least two or three “hearts.”
How to Create
- Make a half-up ponytail.
- Make a second ponytail right under it.
- Split the top ponytail in two, wrap it around the second ponytail, and join it with a third ponytail underneath.
- Pulling the edges of the loops creates the heart shape. (This is easier to follow with a video, but think of it as inverted loops).
Style Guide
- Vibe: Intricate and impressive.
- Best For: Long, straight or wavy hair.
- Outfit Match: Simple dress so the hair is the focal point.
Materials Needed
- Many small elastics (clear or colored).
- Comb.
10. Twisted “Rope” Pigtails 🪢
Rope braids (twists) are a great alternative to standard three-strand braids. They look like candy canes if you use ribbons!
They hold up very well during playtime and are less likely to get frizzy than loose hair.
How to Create
- Divide hair into two high pigtails.
- Divide one pigtail into two strands.
- Twist both strands to the right.
- Cross the strands over each other to the left. (Twisting and crossing in opposite directions locks the braid).
- Secure at the bottom.
Style Guide
- Vibe: Playful and neat.
- Best For: Active kids.
- Outfit Match: Sporty outfits or school uniforms.
Materials Needed
- Two main elastics.
- Two small end elastics.
- Optional: Ribbon to twist in for a “candy cane” look.
Conclusion
We hope these Valentine’s Day Hair Ideas for Kids inspire you to try something new this February! Whether you choose the simple bubble braids or the intricate heart details, your little one is sure to love their festive look.
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of your creation. Save this post to your “Kids Hairstyles” board on Pinterest so you can find it easily next year! 📌
