Summer hairstyles for kids short hair can sometimes feel impossible to figure out when the weather gets hot and sticky. I put this list together because most tutorials focus on long braids that just do not work for shorter lengths.
If you are a busy parent dealing with sweaty foreheads and tangles, these quick styles are exactly what you need. You will get simple, practical routines that keep hair out of their face while looking adorable all day.
1. Mini Space Buns 🎀
When it is too hot for hair to touch the back of the neck, pulling it up is a lifesaver. Half-up space buns keep those shorter front pieces secure without needing enough length for a full ponytail. They look playful and survive playground sessions surprisingly well.
How to Make
- Part the top section of the hair down the middle.
- Gather each side into a small pigtail at the crown of the head.
- Twist the pigtails into little buns and secure with elastic bands.
Style Guide
- Fine-tooth rat tail comb for precise parting
- Small clear elastic hair bands
- A light mist of kid-friendly leave-in conditioner
2. The Classic Headband Tuck 🍉
Finding ways to tame wild morning hair in under two minutes is always a priority before summer camp. A thick, soft headband pushes everything back off the face instantly. It is comfortable for active days and requires zero braiding skills from parents who are rushing out the door.
How to Make
- Brush the hair completely straight to remove any knots.
- Slide a soft fabric headband over the head down to the neck.
- Push the headband up to the hairline, pushing all front hair back.
Style Guide
- Soft bristle detangling brush
- Wide cotton stretch headbands in fun summer colors
- Optional snap clips for stubborn flyaways
3. Twisted Front Pull-Backs 💦
If those front bangs are growing out and constantly falling in their eyes, twists offer a great hold. Flat twists lay nicely against the scalp and grab even the shortest wisps of hair. It frames the face beautifully and stays tight even during swimming or running around the yard.
How to Make
- Take a small section of hair near the front hairline.
- Divide it in two and twist them around each other, adding a little hair as you go back.
- Pin the twist securely behind the ear using a small clip.
Style Guide
- Metal snap hair clips or colorful bobby pins
- Styling gel with light hold
- Water spray bottle to dampen the hair first
4. Triple Mini Ponytails 🎾
Keeping layers out of the way when the hair is not long enough for one single ponytail can be tricky. Linking three small ponytails from the front to the crown catches all those uneven lengths. This creates a fun, sporty look that holds up through the most active summer afternoons.
How to Make
- Create a small ponytail right at the top front of the head.
- Make a second ponytail directly behind it, catching the hair from the first one.
- Repeat for a third ponytail towards the crown.
Style Guide
- Colorful rubber hair ties
- Sectioning comb
- Smoothing hair balm for flyaways
5. French Braid Pigtails 🏖️
For days when you know they will be sweating at the beach, you want something tightly secured. Braiding down the sides grabs all the short nape hairs that usually escape. While it takes a little more practice, it is incredibly durable and looks so neat all day.
How to Make
- Part the hair straight down the middle from forehead to neck.
- Start a French braid on one side, grabbing small sections tightly.
- Tie it off at the bottom and repeat on the other side.
Style Guide
- Fine-tooth comb for a sharp middle part
- Strong hold mini hair elastics
- Detangling spray to make braiding smooth
6. The Quick Pineapple Top Knot 🍍
Sometimes you just have ten seconds to get their hair up before they sprint out the door. Grabbing the top section into a messy little knot on top of the head is effortlessly cute. It leaves the back down to stay cool but keeps the forehead completely clear.
How to Make
- Gather all the hair from the top section of the head.
- Pull it through a hairband once.
- On the second pull, leave the hair halfway through to create a looped knot.
Style Guide
- Soft scrunchie or thick elastic
- Wide-tooth comb
- Leave-in conditioning spray for the loose hair at the back
7. Zig-Zag Parting with Clips 🦋
Adding a fun detail can make a simple down-do feel fresh and exciting for a summer party. A zig-zag part breaks up the usual routine and adds instant volume to fine hair. Paired with some bright butterfly clips, it gives off a sweet, retro vibe that kids really enjoy.
How to Make
- Use the tail of a comb to draw a zig-zag line down the center of the head.
- Separate the hair cleanly to each side.
- Secure the front sections away from the face with decorative clips.
Style Guide
- Metal tail comb for precise parting
- Pastel butterfly hair clips
- Smoothing brush
8. Criss-Cross Front Elastics 🧩
Getting creative with hair ties is a smart way to manage layers that refuse to lay flat. Crossing small sections of hair over each other creates a woven look that is surprisingly flat against the head. It acts like a built-in headband made of their own hair.
How to Make
- Make two small ponytails right at the front hairline.
- Cross the tail of the left one to the right, and the right to the left.
- Tie those tails into two new ponytails slightly further back on the head.
Style Guide
- Neon colored mini hair elastics
- Edge control paste for neat sections
- Small bristle detailing brush
9. Side Swept with a Bow 🌻
Dressing up a short bob for a summer wedding or family photo requires minimal fuss. Simply sweeping the hair heavily to one side and pinning it with a large, textured bow looks incredibly polished. It is elegant but completely comfortable for a child to wear in the heat.
How to Make
- Create a deep side part on either the left or right side.
- Brush the heavier side smooth across the forehead.
- Pin a large fabric bow right above the ear to hold the sweep in place.
Style Guide
- Large linen or cotton hair bow on an alligator clip
- Soft boar bristle brush
- Light mist of flexible hold hairspray
10. Faux Mohawk Puffs 🎈
When your kid has tons of energy and wants a style that matches their fun personality, this works great. Creating a line of little fluffy buns down the center of the head looks edgy and keeps the neck completely bare. It is highly secure and perfect for curly or textured hair types.
How to Make
- Section the hair into three or four blocks down the center of the head.
- Gather each block into a tight ponytail.
- Fluff out each ponytail, or loop them into messy buns to create a mohawk shape.
Style Guide
- Thick hair elastics
- Curl defining cream
- Wide-tooth detangling comb
Finding the right routine saves so much time during busy mornings. These options prove that you do not need long locks to keep things neat and cool in the heat.
.webp "summer hairstyles for kids short hair")
Make sure to pin this post to your favorite Pinterest board so you have these ideas ready for your next pool day or summer camp morning!
