Summer Hairstyles for Kids can feel like a daily battle when the weather gets hot and sticky. I put this list together because most tutorials online look great but fall apart the second your child starts running around the playground or jumping in the pool.
If you are a busy parent dealing with tangled, sweaty hair every afternoon, these easy options will actually stay put. You will get practical summer hair inspo for kids that takes minutes to do.
1. The Bubble Braid Ponytail 🫧
Keeping long hair out of a sweaty neck is a priority during July heat waves. This style grabs all those little flyaways and stays secure through hours of playground running. It is much faster than traditional braiding, making it a staple for easy summer hairstyles for kids.
How to Make
- Brush the hair back into a high, tight ponytail and secure it with a strong hair tie.
- Tie another small elastic about two inches down the ponytail length.
- Gently pull the hair between the elastics outward to create a round, bubble shape.
- Repeat this process all the way down the hair until you reach the end.
Style Guide
- Use clear elastics for a seamless look, or bright neon ones for a playful vibe.
- Pair this with a casual cotton sundress and comfortable sneakers.
- Finish with a quick spray of leave-in conditioner to keep the bubbles smooth.
2. Double Dutch Braids 🏖️
When your day involves swimming and beach wind, regular ponytails just do not hold up. These tight, secure braids keep everything locked in place from morning until bath time. They are a fantastic choice for summer hairstyles for girls kids who refuse to sit still.
How to Make
- Part the hair straight down the middle from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
- Clip one side away, then start a Dutch braid (crossing sections under) at the top of the other side.
- Add small pieces of hair as you work your way down the head, securing the end with a tie.
- Repeat the exact same process on the clipped side.
Style Guide
- Keep the braids tight to prevent them from unraveling in the pool.
- Add a dab of child-safe styling gel to the roots to manage baby hairs.
- Match the hair ties to their swimsuit for a coordinated beach look.
3. Space Buns with Zig-Zag Part ⚡
Playdates at the park call for something out of the face that still feels fun. Buns keep the hair completely off the shoulders, bringing instant cooling relief on a hot afternoon. Adding a fun part line gives this simple look a trendy, energetic twist.
How to Make
- Use a rat-tail comb to draw a zig-zag line down the center of the scalp.
- Gather the hair on each side into two high pigtails.
- Twist each pigtail tightly until it wraps around itself into a bun.
- Secure each bun with a hair tie and a few bobby pins if needed.
Style Guide
- Spray the zig-zag part with a little water to make the lines crisp.
- Wrap a colorful scrunchie around the base of each bun for extra flair.
- Pair this with a casual graphic tee and denim shorts.
4. Messy Top Knot with a Headband 🎀
Sometimes you only have two minutes before rushing out the door to summer camp. A quick, high bun hides unwashed hair perfectly while keeping them cool. The headband acts as a sweat-catcher and keeps those stubborn front pieces completely out of the way.
How to Make
- Flip the head upside down and brush all the hair into a high pile on the crown.
- Tie it loosely with a scrunchie, letting pieces fall out naturally.
- Slide a wide, stretchy fabric headband over the forehead and push it back slightly.
- Pull a few face-framing strands loose for a relaxed, messy finish.
Style Guide
- Choose a moisture-wicking headband for heavy outdoor activity days.
- Use a large, soft scrunchie to prevent pulling on the scalp.
- Match the headband color to their backpack or shoes for a cohesive style.
5. Twisted Crown Half-Up 🌼
Family barbecue photos always look better when the hair is pulled back neatly but softly. This option keeps hair out of their eyes while letting the rest flow freely in the breeze. It is a brilliant summer hair inspo for kids when you want something slightly more dressed up.
How to Make
- Take a two-inch section of hair from the front left side of the face.
- Twist it tightly backward toward the back of the head.
- Repeat the exact same twist on the right side.
- Bring both twists together at the back of the head and tie them with a small elastic.
Style Guide
- Clip a small floral barrette over the elastic to hide it completely.
- Brush the loose bottom hair straight or add slight waves with a damp texturizing spray.
- This looks great with a lightweight linen dress and sandals.
6. Braided Pigtails with Colorful Beads 🔴🔵
Adding a little personality to everyday styles makes getting ready in the morning much easier. Beads bring a fun, clicking sound that kids love, and the weight helps keep the braids straight. It is a classic choice that protects the ends of the hair from sun damage.
How to Make
- Part the hair down the middle and tie it into two low pigtails at the nape.
- Braid each pigtail neatly all the way to the very bottom.
- Thread three to four plastic beads onto the end of each braid.
- Fold the tip of the hair over the beads and secure it tightly with a tiny rubber band.
Style Guide
- Let your child pick out their own bead colors to make the process fun.
- Keep the braids slightly loose at the top so it does not pull on their scalp.
- Pair this look with colorful tank tops and bright sunglasses.
7. The Classic French Braid Tuck 🌿
Formal summer events like weddings or church require a style that survives humidity and heat. A tucked braid looks elegant but functions brilliantly by keeping the neck completely bare. It prevents the hair from sticking to a sweaty back during outdoor ceremonies.
How to Make
- Start a standard French braid at the top crown, gathering hair as you move down.
- Continue braiding normally until you reach the very end of the hair.
- Take the tail of the braid and fold it up, tucking it underneath the main braid against the scalp.
- Secure the tucked pocket heavily with several hidden bobby pins.
Style Guide
- Smooth the top with a lightweight anti-frizz serum before you start braiding.
- Add a tiny silk ribbon bow at the base of the tuck for a formal touch.
- This pairs beautifully with a special occasion dress or a formal romper.
8. Criss-Cross Elastics to Ponytail ✖️
Short flyaways around the face are annoying when kids are trying to play outside. This specific technique locks down those short front hairs using small bands before joining the rest in the back. It creates a cool, sporty pattern that is incredibly durable.
How to Make
- Section the front hair into four small squares along the hairline.
- Tie each square into a tiny ponytail using a small elastic.
- Cross the two left ponytails over to the right side, and the right ones to the left.
- Gather all the crossed sections and the remaining back hair into one mid-height ponytail.
Style Guide
- Use a comb to make sure the square parts are sharp and clean.
- Bright, contrasting colored elastics make the criss-cross pattern pop.
- This is a highly functional setup for sports camps or active playground days.
9. High Ponytail with a Silk Scarf 🧣
Protecting the scalp from direct sun while looking put-together is a huge win for outdoor days. A silk scarf tied around a simple updo adds instant charm and shields the delicate back of the neck. It dresses up a basic look without requiring any extra braiding skills.
How to Make
- Brush all the hair up into a very high, smooth ponytail.
- Fold a square silk scarf into a long, thin band.
- Wrap the center of the scarf around the front of the head, acting like a headband.
- Tie the scarf ends firmly under the ponytail base, letting the fabric tails hang down.
Style Guide
- Pick a lightweight, breathable fabric so it does not trap heat against the head.
- Use bobby pins behind the ears to keep the scarf from slipping forward.
- Match the scarf pattern to a simple, solid-colored outfit so it stands out.
10. Multi-Braid High Bun 🍩
Thick hair can trap a lot of heat, so piling it all on top of the head brings instant relief. Instead of one massive bun that might fall out, separating the hair into braids first makes the bun rock-solid. It distributes the weight perfectly so it does not give them a headache.
How to Make
- Tie the hair into a high ponytail right at the top of the crown.
- Divide the ponytail into three equal sections.
- Braid each of the three sections normally and secure with small elastics.
- Wrap the three braids around the base of the ponytail and pin them securely into a bun.
Style Guide
- Use heavy-duty, thick hair ties for the main ponytail to support the weight.
- Gently pull on the edges of the braids before pinning to make the bun look thicker.
- Finish with a quick mist of flexible hairspray to lock down fuzzy edges.
Finding the right balance between cute and durable is the secret to surviving summer mornings. These options prove that you do not need hours of free time to create something that lasts through sunscreen applications and pool days. Keep things simple, use plenty of sturdy hair ties, and let them get back to playing outside.
.webp "Summer Hairstyles for Kids")
Don’t forget to save these ideas! Pin this post to your favorite Pinterest board so you have quick inspiration ready for tomorrow morning.
