Kids are usually the last on my styling list on a wedding morning and the first to want out of the chair. A style for a child has to survive a ceremony, photographs, cake and a dance floor, and it has to be comfortable enough that they leave it alone. Whether yours is a flower girl, junior bridesmaid, ring bearer or guest, I’ve noted for each of these twenty styles who it suits, how long it takes and what tends to go wrong with small, wriggly heads.
Tender Scalps, Wriggly Toddlers and the Styling Chair
Children’s scalps are more sensitive than adults’, and their hair is finer and tangles more easily. So the questions I ask a parent come before any style is chosen: how long will your child sit still, do they mind being brushed, and do they pull out clips at home? A four-year-old who tolerates five minutes needs a different plan from a ten-year-old who’ll sit for twenty.
- Under five: headbands, half-up styles, simple ponytails and loose braids. Fast, no tight pins.
- Five to eight: braided crowns, double braids, low buns and bubble ponytails.
- Nine and older: fishtails, side buns, waterfall braids and anything they’re excited to sit for.
Do the style once at home a week or two before. It shows you how long it takes, whether the accessories stay put, and whether your child is happy in it. A tablet or a snack in the chair buys a lot of patience on the morning itself.
1. Flower Girl Curls With Flower Crown
Curls with a flower crown are the classic flower girl look, and the crown is what usually fails, not the curls. I choose the lightest crown I can find, ideally on a thin wire with a ribbon tie at the back, and anchor it with two small bobby pins crossed over the wire behind each ear. Medium to long hair suits it best. Keep the curls loose and use only a light spray; children’s hair is fine, and heavy product makes it stiff and itchy. On very fine hair, set soft waves first so the crown has something to sit in.
2. Braided Crown For Kids Wedding
For a child who will run, hug and dance for hours, a braided crown is the most dependable shape I know. The braid circles the head like a halo, so nothing falls into the face. Straight, wavy and curly hair all work. Tiny flowers, pearl pins or a satin ribbon dress it up. I braid firmly at the start, then loosen gently once it’s pinned; that order means it stays tight at the root but looks soft. Watch the hairline on little ones, since a braid pulled too tight there is genuinely painful.
3. Low Bun For Kids Wedding
A low bun looks neat without making a child look grown-up, and it’s more comfortable than a high bun because it doesn’t pull at the crown. It pairs with flower girl dresses, lace collars and pearl accessories. I use a soft scrunchie as the base instead of a thin elastic, then wrap and pin. Curl the ends first for a softer finish, and leave a couple of face pieces near the cheeks. In warm weather it keeps hair off a hot neck.
4. Half Up Curls For Kids Wedding
Half-up curls are my first suggestion for children who hate anything tight. Only the top section is pulled back; the rest falls in soft curls or waves, so the hair is out of the eyes during the ceremony while length still shows in photos. A bow, mini floral clip or pearl barrette hides the anchor. Use a small, snag-free elastic rather than pins, because kids rub the back of their heads on chairs and pins work loose. It works for flower girls, junior bridesmaids and young guests.
5. Side Braid For Kids Wedding
A side braid is quick and survives a long day. Three-strand, French or fishtail all work depending on length and thickness. Over one shoulder it looks special while keeping hair controlled. A thin ribbon in the wedding colours can be braided in as a strand. Outdoors it copes with wind far better than loose curls. If the child is likely to chew on things, keep the end above the shoulder; a braid tip near the mouth gets sucked on by the second hour.
6. High Bun For Kids Wedding
A high bun gives a ballerina look for formal weddings and keeps long hair lifted. Smooth reads classic; a slightly fluffy bun looks younger. A small bow, floral comb or sparkly clip dresses it up without weight. It goes with tulle dresses, satin shoes and dressy outfits. I ask the child to nod and shake her head after I’ve tied it. If she winces, it’s too tight, and I’ll redo it a little lower. A headache at the ceremony isn’t worth any photo.
7. Ponytail With Curls For Kids Wedding
A curled ponytail lets curls bounce while the hair stays out of the face, which suits kids who’ll be dancing. Smooth the crown and curl the ends. Mid-height or high works on long hair; low looks more classic. A ribbon wrapped around the base or a matching bow finishes it. On a child I’ll curl with a lower heat setting and keep my hand between the iron and her neck, as they rarely sit still.
8. Waterfall Braid For Kids Wedding
A waterfall braid adds one detail to hair worn down. The braid crosses the head with strands dropping through, and it shows best on wavy or curled hair, where texture makes the braid stand out. It suits garden venues and soft flower girl dresses. Keep any accessories along it light. The downside on children is durability; the dropped strands are loose by design, and a lot of hugging pulls them out. I’d use a gentle setting spray and expect a small touch-up before photos.
9. Double Braids For Kids Wedding
Double braids are what I reach for when a child can’t sit still for long. Part down the middle and braid each side, and the style stays neat through ceremony and reception. Satin ribbons, tiny bows or flower clips at the ends make it dressier. Double French braids also catch shorter layers that would slip out of a plain braid. For a softer finish, gently loosen the edges. They’ll still be tidy after a night’s sleep, which helps if there’s a second day.
10. Natural Curls For Kids Wedding
Natural curls look their best when they’re defined and shaped, not forced into an updo. A flower clip, pearl headband or soft ribbon makes it feel special and stays age appropriate. Curly, coily and textured hair all suit it. I work in a moisturising curl cream on damp hair the evening or morning before and let it dry without touching. Never brush dry curls on the day; it breaks them into frizz. Detangle only when the hair is wet and conditioned, from the ends upward.
11. Bun With Braids For Kids Wedding
Adding braids to a bun makes it look finished and gives it extra grip. The braid can wrap the bun, lead in from the front or frame one side. That makes it a good flower girl style that lasts through walking, hugging and playing. Tiny blossoms or pearl pins sit well in the braid folds. Keep the bun low or mid-height. Around the hairline, braid with light tension; tight braids on young hair can cause soreness and, over time, breakage.
12. Short Hair With Headband For Kids Wedding
Short hair needs just one good accessory. A pearl, floral, satin-bow or lace headband turns a bob, pixie, short curls or shoulder-length hair into a wedding look. Lightly curl the ends, smooth the part, or add a little texture. Comfort is the real advantage: no pins pressing on the scalp all day. Check the fit before the wedding. Hard plastic bands squeeze behind the ears, so choose one with a soft or fabric-covered end, or the child will pull it off by lunchtime.
13. Fishtail Braid For Kids Wedding
For older kids who’d like something detailed, a fishtail braid looks dressier than a standard braid while staying controlled. Medium to long hair with some thickness carries it best; on very fine hair it can look thin. Wear it down the back or over one shoulder. A small ribbon tied at the end finishes it. Loosen it after securing by pulling the edges outward. Fishtails take a while to do, so this one suits a child happy to sit for ten minutes.
14. Twisted Half Up Hair For Kids Wedding
Twisted half-up hair is a gentle option for kids who dislike tight braids. Two small sections are twisted back from the face and joined at the back with a mini elastic or a clip. The rest can stay straight, wavy or softly curled. Bows, flower clips or pearl pins hide the join. Twists look full even on fine hair without any teasing. For younger children, it keeps front pieces out of the eyes while feeling barely there.
15. Bubble Ponytail For Kids Wedding
A bubble ponytail is playful and modern, and kids usually love how it looks. Gather a ponytail, then tie elastics down the length and pull each section out into rounded “bubbles”. It suits medium to long hair, high, low or to the side. Use clear elastics and cover each with a tiny bow, ribbon or pearl accent. Space the elastics evenly. Removing it at night is the only fiddly part: cut clear elastics off with small scissors instead of pulling them, which tangles fine hair.
16. Side Bun For Kids Wedding
A side bun sits near one side of the nape, so it shows in photos from the front and side. Curls or small braids around it make it look charming. One-shoulder dresses, floral clips and soft tulle suit it. Since it sits low and loose, it’s comfortable. Leave a few curled pieces near the face. I’d use it for formal weddings, garden ceremonies and flower girl portraits, and I’d put it on the side that faces the guests during the walk down the aisle.
17. Dutch Braids For Kids Wedding
Dutch braids suit thick hair and busy days. Because the braid sits on top of the hair, it’s raised and very visible in photos. Two Dutch braids look sporty and cute, while one Dutch braid into a bun or ponytail looks more formal. A soft ribbon braided through can match the colour palette. Outdoors, it holds against wind and movement. Smooth the edges with a light cream, but leave a little softness in the braid itself.
18. Loose Waves With Bow For Kids Wedding
Loose waves with a bow suit a child who can wear hair down without touching it constantly. Be honest about that, because if she fiddles with her hair, waves turn to tangles by the reception. The waves should look soft, not tightly curled. A large satin bow at the back or side finishes it. Shoulder-length, medium and long hair all work. Curl lightly, let each section cool fully, then brush out before clipping in the bow.
19. Afro Puffs For Kids Wedding
Afro puffs are comfortable, secure and made for coily or kinky natural hair. Two high puffs, two low puffs or a single puff with a bow or flower all work. For a wedding, I’d define the edges gently, keep the puffs moisturised and shape them so they look full. Use a soft fabric band or a satin scrunchie, not a tight elastic, which causes tension and breakage at the hairline. Small white flowers, pearl clips or ribbons that match the outfit dress it up.
20. Ring Bearer Hairstyle For Wedding
Ring bearer hair should look tidy and stay that way without much fuss. On short hair, a clean side part, soft comb-over or brushed-up front looks smart. Curly hair needs a light cream and gentle shaping at the sides. Longer hair can go into a small low ponytail or be left in natural waves. Keep it age appropriate; a heavy wet-look gel on a five-year-old looks odd in photos. A pea-sized amount of light cream or paste is plenty. I’d get the haircut a week before, not the day before, so the edges have softened.
Overnight Braids and Rag Curls Instead of a Hot Iron
A curling iron near a fidgeting child is risky, and children’s fine hair holds heat-set curls badly anyway. For waves, I’d often rather set the hair the night before.
- Wash and condition in the evening, then let the hair dry until just slightly damp.
- For waves, plait two or four loose braids. For curls, wrap small sections around strips of soft cotton fabric and tie them.
- Let them sleep in it, with a satin pillowcase if you have one.
- In the morning, take the braids or rags out with dry hands and separate gently with your fingers. Don’t brush.
Straight, silky hair may only hold a loose bend this way, while hair with some natural wave takes the set beautifully. That’s another reason to test it a week before.
If the style falls apart mid-wedding
Pack a plan B: a soft headband, two scrunchies and a few small clips. Waves gone flat or a bun pulled loose can become a simple ponytail with a bow in under a minute. Formal photos usually happen early, so the style only has to be perfect for that first part of the day. After that, comfort wins.
Comfort Shows Up in the Photos
Kids’ wedding hair should feel special without ever making the child uncomfortable. The right look depends on hair length, texture, age, outfit and how active the child will be. Braids, buns, curls, ponytails, natural texture, bows and flowers all work when comfort comes first. Outdoors, go for something secure. If pins upset them, choose a headband, bow or half-up style. A relaxed child photographs far better than one who spent the morning in tears over a tight bun.
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