Summer hairstyles for kids long hair can be tough to figure out when the weather gets hot and sticky. I put this list together because most online tutorials take way too much time, and no child wants that.
If you are dealing with sweaty afternoons at the playground, these quick options will help. You will find simple, cute styles that actually stay put all day, keeping your little one cool while saving you precious time every morning.
1. Playful Bubble Braids 🫧
When you need something faster than a French braid but just as secure, this style works wonders. It keeps the hair out of their face and looks incredibly fun for a busy day at the park. Plus, you don’t need any special braiding skills to pull this off quickly.
How to Make
- Pull the hair into a high ponytail and secure it tightly.
- Add small elastics every two inches down the length of the tail.
- Gently pull the hair sections outward between the elastics to create a rounded bubble effect.
Style Guide
- Mini clear or colorful hair elastics.
- A smoothing brush.
- Light detangling spray.
2. Double Space Buns 🪐
If your child is constantly running around and hates hair touching their neck, these twin buns are a lifesaver. This setup completely lifts heavy hair off the shoulders so they stay comfortable all afternoon. It is also surprisingly durable if they need to wear a sun hat later.
How to Make
- Part the hair straight down the middle into two even sections.
- Tie each side into a high pigtail on top of the head.
- Twist each pigtail tightly and wrap it around the base, pinning it into a neat bun.
Style Guide
- Two strong hair ties.
- Bobby pins that match their hair color.
- A fine-tooth comb for clean parting.
3. Classic French Braid Pigtails 🏖️
Active days at the beach call for something that won’t easily fall apart in the wind. Braiding the hair tightly from the root prevents those annoying flyaways from getting tangled in the sand. Once these are in, you really won’t have to touch their hair again until bath time.
How to Make
- Divide the hair into two even halves down the back of the head.
- Start at the top of one side, crossing three sections and pulling in new hair as you work your way down.
- Secure the ends tightly with an elastic and repeat the exact process on the other side.
Style Guide
- Styling gel or water spray for grip.
- Soft hair ties.
- Rat-tail comb for sectioning.
4. The Messy Top Knot 🎀
For those mornings when you only have exactly two minutes before the school bus arrives, grab a thick scrunchie. Gathering everything right on top of the head gives a relaxed, effortless look that still keeps them cool. It is the best way to handle thick hair that refuses to lay flat on humid days.
How to Make
- Flip the child’s head upside down to gather all their hair at the crown.
- Twist the hair loosely and wrap it into a chunky bun.
- Secure the bun with a thick scrunchie and gently pull out a few face-framing pieces.
Style Guide
- Large fabric scrunchie.
- Light texturizing spray.
- A few hairpins for loose layers.
5. Topsy Tail Half-Up 🌸
Sometimes they want to wear their hair down, but you still need it out of their eyes. This simple flip technique adds a fancy touch without the headache of tight pulling or multiple braids. It works beautifully for summer family dinners or afternoon birthday parties.
How to Make
- Pull the top half of the hair into a small, loose ponytail.
- Create a small hole in the hair just above the elastic.
- Flip the ponytail up and push it straight down through the hole, pulling it tight to create a twist.
Style Guide
- Clear hair elastic.
- A topsy tail loop tool (optional but helpful).
- Detangling brush.
6. Braided Crown Headband 👑
Keeping bangs out of a sweaty forehead is much easier when you use their own hair as an accessory. A front braid sweeps across the hairline, acting like a natural headband that won’t pinch behind their ears. The rest of the hair can flow freely or get tied back into a low ponytail.
How to Make
- Part the hair deeply on one side of the head.
- French braid a small section along the front hairline, only pulling in new hair from the top side.
- Pin the end of the braid securely under the loose hair just behind the ear.
Style Guide
- Small clear elastic.
- Bobby pins.
- Smoothing cream to tame frizz.
7. High Ponytail with a Bow 🎀
You really cannot beat a traditional look when you want something clean, simple, and reliable. Elevating a basic ponytail with a fun, oversized accessory instantly dresses up a casual summer outfit. It pulls all the weight upward, which feels great on a scorching afternoon.
How to Make
- Brush all the hair smoothly up to the highest point of the crown.
- Tie it tightly with a firm, durable elastic band.
- Clip or tie a large decorative bow directly over the elastic to hide it.
Style Guide
- Firm-hold hair tie.
- Large fabric hair bow (like gingham or linen).
- Boar bristle brush for a smooth finish.
8. Criss-Cross Pigtails ✖️
When regular pigtails feel a bit boring, adding a geometric pattern at the top makes things interesting. This method completely handles those short little baby hairs at the front that always seem to escape. It stays incredibly secure, even during heavy backyard playtime.
How to Make
- Part the front of the hair into two small square sections and tie them into mini ponytails.
- Cross the right mini ponytail over to the left side, and the left over to the right.
- Secure these crossed sections into two larger pigtails at the bottom of the head.
Style Guide
- Multiple mini colorful elastics.
- Metal parting comb.
- Kid-friendly hair gel.
9. Twisted Rope Braid 🪢
Traditional braiding can be tricky if you are in a rush, but twisting is something anyone can master instantly. A rope braid looks thick and intricate, yet it only requires wrapping two sections tightly around each other. It is fantastic for minimizing nasty tangles during swimming or active sports.
How to Make
- Tie the hair into a firm, mid-height ponytail.
- Split the ponytail into two equal sections and twist both pieces tightly to the right.
- Cross the right section over the left repeatedly all the way down, then tie the bottom.
Style Guide
- Two standard hair ties.
- Smoothing serum.
- Wide-tooth comb.
10. Low Macaron Buns 🥯
Low buns sitting right behind the ears offer a sweet look that works perfectly under a bicycle helmet. Keeping the hair low means accessories like baseball caps and safety gear fit comfortably without awkward lumps. They are quick to wrap up and do not pull uncomfortably on a sensitive scalp.
How to Make
- Part the hair down the middle into two low sections at the nape of the neck.
- Twist each section tightly until it naturally coils into a flat, round circle.
- Secure each bun with a hair tie and tuck in any loose ends securely.
Style Guide
- Soft scrunchies or no-damage hair ties.
- Gentle detangling brush.
- Leave-in conditioner spray.
Getting through the hot months doesn’t mean you have to deal with endless complaining about tangled locks. These easy options keep them feeling fresh and looking adorable without a stressful daily struggle.
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Try a few of these out and see which ones become your go-to morning lifesavers. If you found these ideas helpful, make sure to pin this post to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find them later!
