Summer Braids for Kids are a lifesaver when the weather gets hot and mornings are rushed. I put this list together because finding summer hairstyles for kids braids that actually stay put during pool days or camp can be a struggle.
If you’re dealing with tangled, sweaty hair every afternoon, these simple styles are exactly what you need. They work for active toddlers and older girls alike, keeping hair secure, neat, and out of their faces all day long.
1. Double Dutch Braids 👧
When swimming lessons and playground trips are on the schedule, you need something that won’t fall apart. These classic twin braids keep flyaways completely locked down. They are incredibly practical for active days out in the sun.
Plus, taking them out later leaves lovely natural waves. It saves you from doing their hair again before a dinner outing.
What You Need & How to Style
- Fine-tooth rat tail comb for a straight middle part.
- Two sturdy hair ties and a good leave-in conditioner spray.
- Part the hair straight down the middle from forehead to neck.
- Dutch braid (crossing pieces under, not over) each side tightly and secure at the ends.
2. Crown Braid with Colorful Clips 👑
Keeping hair entirely off the neck is a big win during July heatwaves. A halo style wraps around the head nicely and stays secure all afternoon. It feels very neat, especially if your child hates hair sticking to their sweaty forehead.
Adding small snap clips makes it fun for them to wear. They can pick out their favorite colors to match their swimsuit or outfit.
Styling Guide & Materials
- A pack of pastel metal snap hair clips.
- Bobby pins that match their hair color.
- Start a French plait at the ear and work your way around the hairline.
- Pin the tail flat against the head and decorate with the bright snap clips.
3. Braided Pigtails with Bubble Accents 🫧
If your toddler simply won’t sit still for a complicated look, this hybrid option saves so much time. You just do a quick three-strand braid at the top and transition into bubble ties at the bottom. It gives that cute braided look without the fuss.
It is a really fast summer hairstyle for kids braids. You get out the door in under five minutes without any tears.
Quick Steps & Tools
- Mini neon rubber bands.
- A gentle detangling brush.
- Put hair into two high pigtails.
- Plait the first two inches, tie it off, then add elastics every inch down the tail to make bubbles.
4. Side French Braid into a High Ponytail 🧢
Sometimes you just need to keep those growing bangs out of the way before hitting the park. Pulling the front section into a tight French plait keeps the face completely clear. The rest of the hair goes up high, allowing for lots of airflow.
It’s super comfortable for wearing baseball caps or sun hats, too. The ponytail can swing freely while the front stays neat.
Hair Prep & Execution
- Firm hold hair gel or edge control paste.
- A thick, seamless hair tie.
- Section off the front bang area and French braid it toward the crown.
- Gather the braid and all remaining hair into a high, secure ponytail.
5. Zig-Zag Part with Classic Box Braids ⚡
For families wanting a low-maintenance protective style that lasts a few weeks, this is a lifesaver. Breaking up the sections with a fun zig-zag pattern adds a playful touch to a traditional look. These braids handle swimming, sleeping, and playing without needing daily fixing.
Just remember to use a good leave-in conditioner. It keeps the scalp moisturized when they are out in the sun all day.
Process & Required Items
- Hydrating scalp oil and styling mousse.
- Clear plastic hair beads for the ends.
- Use a rat tail comb to draw sharp zig-zag parts across the scalp.
- Braid each section tightly down to the ends and secure with a bead.
6. Pull-Through Braid Down the Back 🎀
Getting fine hair to stay in a regular plait can be frustrating since it always slips out. This method uses small elastics all the way down, making it totally secure even for thin hair. It creates a thick, voluminous look that actually survives a bouncy castle.
You don’t need advanced skills to make this look amazing. It just involves splitting ponytails and tying them together.
Tools & Setup Guide
- A large pack of clear, snag-free elastics.
- A smoothing brush to gather hair evenly.
- Make a small half-up ponytail, then make another right below it.
- Split the top tail, pull the bottom one through the middle, and tie with more hair below.
7. Two Braided Space Buns 🪐
Humid days call for getting every single strand of hair completely up and out of the way. Twisting two plaits into little buns on top of the head is incredibly cooling. They stay put much better than regular messy buns when kids are running around.
It is an adorable option for a summer festival or a fair. They won’t complain about hair sticking to their neck with this setup.
How to Achieve This Look
- Two strong hair elastics.
- U-shaped hair pins for extra hold.
- Create two high pigtails and braid them all the way down.
- Wrap each plait around its base to form a bun and pin securely.
8. Criss-Cross Front Braids ✖️
Trying to make short hair look festive for a summer party doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking two small sections at the front and crossing them over adds such a cute detail. You only need to plait the top few inches, tying them off neatly.
It frames the face nicely while keeping hair out of the eyes. This works great for bobs and shoulder-length cuts.
Material List & Steps
- Four small colored hair bands.
- A light misting spray bottle with water.
- Make two small braids at the front hairline.
- Cross them over each other in an ‘X’ shape and tie them into the hair further back.
9. Mermaid Braid with Ribbon 🧜♀️
When a birthday party or special event comes up, you probably want something that looks a bit fancy. Weaving a bright piece of fabric through a loose plait makes it look incredibly special. It feels very whimsical but is surprisingly easy to put together in the morning.
This is one of those summer hairstyles for kids braids that gets lots of compliments. It makes them feel like a princess without much effort.
Styling Guide & Accessories
- A yard of soft, colorful ribbon (satin or grosgrain).
- A gentle texturizing spray to give the hair some grip.
- Tie the ribbon around the base of a low ponytail.
- Treat the ribbon as one of your three sections and braid it directly into the hair.
10. Simple Accent Braids on Loose Hair 🏖️
Some days, kids just want to wear their hair down, even if it is warm outside. Adding just one or two tiny plaits near the face gives that beachy, carefree vibe. It takes literally three minutes before running out the door.
It is the perfect compromise when they refuse a full ponytail. The little plaits keep the very front layers from blowing into their mouths.
Quick Styling Steps
- Tiny clear hair elastics.
- A wide-tooth comb for the rest of the loose hair.
- Grab a one-inch section of hair right next to the face.
- Plait it tightly all the way down and secure, leaving the rest of the hair wavy and loose.
Doing your kid’s hair shouldn’t feel like a chore, especially when the weather is gorgeous and you just want to get outside. These simple ideas help keep them comfortable, look adorable, and actually hold up to a busy day of play.
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If you found a look you want to try next week, be sure to pin this post to your Pinterest board so you don’t lose it!
