24 Holiday Hairstyles for Kids: Festive, Easy Looks for Parties

Hi, I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with over 10 years in the salon chair. I created this collection of 24 holiday hairstyles for kids to make party mornings easier and more fun for families. These looks are designed for toddlers through teens and work well on straight, wavy, curly, and textured hair; I include variations so you can adapt each style to fine, medium, or thick hair. My approach emphasizes comfort, longevity, and child-friendly techniques: gentle detangling, snag-free elastics, strategically placed bobby pins, and safe finishing products. For very young children I lean toward low-heat or heat-free methods like braids, twists, and roller sets. For older kids we can add playful accessories, sparkly elastics, or a light styling spray for hold. Below you’ll find step-by-step visuals and quick tips to help you recreate each look quickly at home or prep the night before for stress-free celebrations.

Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids — Neat Cornrow-Style Braids for Kids

This double Dutch (boxer) braid look features two raised, center-parted braids that run from the hairline to the nape — a tidy, sporty style ideal for children and active clients. Suitability: works best on medium to thick hair and on textured, curly or wavy hair for natural grip; fine hair can also hold the style with light texturizing product. Styling technique: create a clean center part, section into two panels, then braid each panel using the Dutch (underhand) method, adding hair as you go to keep the braid flat and raised. Keep tension snug but not tight to protect the scalp. Tools needed: rattail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, spray bottle, soft bristle brush and an edge brush. Products required: leave-in detangler, light styling cream or gel for hold, lightweight oil for the scalp, and a small amount of edge control for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires steady braiding skills and takes 20–45 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: sleep on satin, moisturize scalp twice weekly, refresh edges with a dab of edge control, and re-braid after 7–14 days to avoid buildup and breakage.

Waterfall Crown Braid with Soft Loose Curls

A polished, kid-friendly waterfall (or face-framing) crown braid finished with soft, loose curls. Best for medium-to-long hair and works well on straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from a light mousse or sea-salt spray for grip, while thick hair may need thinner braid sections and smoothing cream to control bulk. Technique: create a deep side part and start a waterfall or Dutch-style braid along the hairline, dropping and picking up strands to create the cascading effect. Secure the braid at the crown with an elastic or bobby pins, then curl the remaining lengths away from the face using a 1/2–1” curling wand for natural waves. Tools: tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand, detangling brush. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or texturizing spray, smoothing serum for flyaways, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — braiding practice required; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh waves by loosely re-curling or sleeping in soft braids, use dry shampoo for second-day texture, tuck and pin any loosened braid ends, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Loose Waterfall Twist into Boho Side Braid for Long Wavy Hair

This romantic waterfall-style twist that transitions into a loose side braid suits long fine to medium-thick hair with natural waves or relaxed curls. Start on dry, detangled hair with a deep side part. Section a front triangular piece and create a waterfall/twist by dropping the lower strand and picking up new hair as you move toward the crown; continue the twist down into a three-strand braid at ear level. Gently pancake the braid for width and softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastic, a few bobby pins and a 1 curling wand or flat iron (optional). Products: heat protectant, light texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, a lightweight smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 15–25 minutes once you’re comfortable with the waterfall technique. Maintenance tips: refresh waves with a quick loop of the curling wand or sea-salt spray on second-day hair; sleep on a silk pillowcase or re-tie in a loose braid to preserve shape; re-pancake and secure any loosened sections with pins. For children, skip heat and rely on natural texture for safety.

Half-Up Waterfall Twist with Loose Curls — Braided Kids Hairstyle

This soft half-up waterfall twist with loose curls is ideal for medium to long hair and delivers a polished, youthful look. Hair type suitability: works best on fine to medium textures and naturally wavy or straight hair; thick hair can also wear it with additional sectioning and stronger hold. Styling technique: start on dry, detangled hair treated with heat protectant. Create two small waterfall or Dutch braids from each temple toward the back, dropping sections to achieve the waterfall effect. Secure both braids where they meet, then twist or wrap them into a low knotted half-up and pin. Use a 1 curling iron or wand to curl remaining lengths into soft, separated curls and gently loosen with your fingers. Tools needed: tail comb, wide-tooth comb, small elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling iron, sectioning clips and a blow dryer if smoothing first. Products required: heat protectant, light mousse or texturizing spray for hold, smoothing serum for frizz control, and medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes in salon hands. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh curls with quick touch-up curls or a light mist of water and scrunch, use dry shampoo between washes, and re-pin any loose braid pieces as needed.

Soft Crown Dutch Braid Updo — Halo Braid for Fine to Medium Hair

A classic crown Dutch braid styled into a low pinned bun, this updo works best on fine to medium, straight or slightly wavy hair; it also adapts well to relaxed curls with gentle smoothing. Start on dry, detangled hair with a light texturizing spray for grip. Create a Dutch (reverse French) braid along the hairline, picking up small sections and keeping tension even; continue the braid around the head and secure the end into a low bun or tuck it under and pin. For added volume, pancake the braid gently by pulling outer loops after pinning. Essential tools: tail comb, medium elastics, plenty of bobby pins, sectioning clips and a boar-bristle brush. Recommended products: texturizing or sea-salt spray, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, dry shampoo for extra hold, and a flexible light-hold hairspray. Skill level: moderate — achievable at home with practice; allow 20–30 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and retighten pins as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils that will loosen the braid’s grip.

Double Dutch Braids (Braided Pigtails) for Fine to Medium-Length Hair

This classic double Dutch braid is well suited to fine through medium hair and medium to long lengths; with adjustments it also works on thicker hair by using larger sections. Start on clean, detangled hair—mist with a light leave-in detangler and apply a pea-sized styling lotion or mousse for hold. Using a tail comb, create a centered part and begin Dutch braiding (crossing strands under instead of over) from the hairline, adding hair as you move toward the nape. Secure each braid with a small elastic and gently pancake the braid with your fingers for fullness and softness. Tools: paddle brush, tail comb, small elastics, a few bobby pins for loose pieces. Products: leave-in detangler, light mousse or styling lotion, texturizing spray (optional), light-hold hairspray and smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding skill and some practice to keep tension even. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a soft bonnet, refresh with water or texturizing spray, re-tighten elastics daily if needed, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the braids down.

Crown Double Dutch Braids into Low Messy Buns — Textured Updo for Fine to Medium Hair

This polished-yet-playful updo pairs two Dutch (inside-out) braids across the crown that are tucked into low, slightly messy braided buns. Best on fine to medium straight or wavy hair of shoulder length or longer; light-to-medium texture helps the braids hold while very silky hair benefits from a bit of texturizing product. Start on dry, detangled hair with a clean center part. Create two Dutch braids from the hairline to the nape, pancake the braid loops for volume, then coil each braid into a loose bun and secure with small elastics and bobby pins. Tools: tail comb, detangling brush, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a few sectioning clips. Products: lightweight texturizing spray or sea salt mist, a touch of leave-in detangler for kids, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfort with Dutch braiding and pinning. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose bonnet to reduce frizz, refresh with dry shampoo or mist and re-pin loose strands, and avoid overly tight braids to protect the scalp, especially for children.

Soft Twisted Braided Updo for Girls – Messy Romantic Low Bun

Suitable for medium to long hair and fine-to-medium textures, this romantic twisted-braid updo works well for girls and adults alike. Start on dry, slightly textured hair — add light mousse or texturizing spray to give grip. Create soft curls with a 1-inch curling wand on low heat (or skip heat for young or heat-sensitive hair), then French- or Dutch-braid along the crown, releasing the braid slightly to pancake for volume. Gather remaining hair into a low loose bun, twist sections and secure with bobby pins so the braid blends into the knot. Pull delicate face-framing tendrils and loosen pieces for a lived-in finish. Tools: tail comb, 1-inch curling wand (optional), small elastics, assorted bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or mousse, light-hold flexible hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes in a salon setting. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf or pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin any loosened sections. For very fine or short hair, use clip-in extensions or padding for added fullness. Minimize heavy oils that will weigh the style down and use low heat or no-heat methods for childrens hair.

Textured Short Curly Bob with Twisted Front Sections

This playful short curly bob with two twisted front sections suits fine-to-medium natural waves and loose curls best, but can easily be created on straighter hair with heat or overnight braiding. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a small amount of curl cream or mousse to add definition and control. Create a soft side part and take two front sections; twist each section away from the face and secure with discreet clips or small elastic bands, tucking ends under for a polished look. For added texture, use a 1 curling wand on low heat or a diffuser to enhance natural shape, then gently finger-comb for softness. Tools: wide-tooth comb, small elastics or bobby pins, 1 curling wand or diffuser, and a detangling brush. Products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or light mousse, heat protectant, and a light-hold hairspray or shine serum. Difficulty: easy — suitable for parents or stylists, 10–20 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with a water mist and curl cream, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose pineapple, and trim every 8–12 weeks to keep ends healthy.

Soft Half-Up Dutch Braids with Loose Natural Curls

This style suits fine to medium textures and shoulder‑to‑long lengths; it works well on straight, wavy or naturally curly hair. Start on damp or detangled dry hair: create a center part, take two small sections along the front hairline and Dutch‑braid (inside‑out French) each toward the crown, securing with small clear elastics or bobby pins. Leave the remaining lengths loose — enhance existing waves with a diffuser or touch up pieces with a small 3/4 curling wand for defined ringlets. Tools: rat‑tail comb, wide‑tooth comb, small elastics, bobby pins, diffuser or small curling iron. Products: lightweight leave‑in detangler, mousse or curl‑enhancing cream, heat protectant, light flexible hairspray and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–intermediate; expect 10–25 minutes depending on hair length and curl definition. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pineapple the top to protect braids, refresh curls with a water + leave‑in spray or curl refresher, and resecure elastics as needed. Avoid heavy oils at the roots to maintain braid grip and volume.

Half‑Up Crown Fishtail Braid with Soft Curls and Snowflake Pin

Suitable for fine to medium hair and shoulder‑length to long lengths, this half‑up crown fishtail with loose curls works well on straight or naturally wavy hair and is ideal for special occasions. Technique: start by applying a light texturizing product to dry hair, create a small Dutch or fishtail braid along the hairline from one temple to the other, secure behind the crown, then gently pancake the braid for width. Leave lower sections loose and curl away from the face with a 3/4–1 curling iron or wand, brushing through for soft waves. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 3/4–1 curling iron or wand. Products required: heat protectant, light mousse or root‑lift spray for grip, dry shampoo or texturizing spray, flexible‑hold hairspray and a drop of shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — basic braid technique and curling skills required; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk pillowcase or loose braid, refresh waves with a light mist of texturizer and finger‑scrunch, retighten braid and replace pins as needed, and avoid heavy oils that weigh curls down.

Crown Halo Braid with Loose Beach Waves

This braided halo combines a front Dutch (reverse) crown braid with loose, tousled beach waves for a soft, wearable look. Ideal for medium-to-long hair and for fine to medium textures — natural texture or a light texturizer helps the braid hold; very thick hair works too with slightly larger sections. Technique: create a side part, take a triangular section along the hairline and work a Dutch braid across the crown toward the opposite temple, secure the braid behind the ear and pin the tail into a small knot or discreet loop, leaving the rest of the lengths free. Tools: tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1–1.25” curling wand or large-barrel iron, blow dryer. Products: detangling spray, heat protectant, lightweight mousse or sea-salt texturizing spray, and a light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — requires basic braiding and curling skills; allow 15–30 minutes. Maintenance: refresh waves with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, loosen braid with fingers for a softer finish, sleep on a silk pillowcase or re-secure the braid to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down.

Dutch crown-to-braid with festive ribbon — braided holiday hairstyle

This polished Dutch crown-to-braid is ideal for straight to gently wavy hair in medium to long lengths and works well on fine to medium density. Start with clean, detangled hair; apply a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray to add grip. Using a tail comb, section a diagonal front-to-back section and begin an inverted (Dutch) braid along the crown, adding small sections as you go. Continue into a three-strand braid down the back and secure with a small elastic; gently pancake (pull apart) the braid for added fullness and softness. Tools needed: paddle brush, fine-tooth/tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and scissors to trim ribbon. Products required: lightweight mousse or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braid technique and some practice to keep sections even; allow 15–25 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose bun to preserve shape, refresh with a light mist or dry shampoo and re-tighten the elastic if needed, and replace the ribbon or secure edges with a dab of gel for a neat finish.

Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids — Tension-Free Style for Curly to Wavy Hair

A practical, salon-tested look, these double Dutch (boxer) braids work best on medium to thick curly, coily or wavy hair but can be adapted for straight hair by adding texture. Start on clean, detangled hair with a defined center part. Apply a lightweight leave-in detangler and a small amount of smoothing cream or gel at the roots to control flyaways. Use a rat-tail comb to section, clip one side out of the way, then braid the first side by crossing outer sections under the center to keep the braid close to the scalp; repeat on the other side and secure with snag-free elastics. Tools: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, soft brush, small clear elastics. Products: leave-in conditioner, light styling cream or gel for hold, a few drops of hair oil for ends, and a light holding spray if needed. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 15–30 minutes depending on thickness and practice. Maintenance: sleep on a satin pillow or use a satin bonnet, lightly mist scalp with water or leave-in every 2–3 days, refresh edges with a small amount of oil, and re-braid or retighten if loosening. Avoid excessive tension to prevent breakage and keep scalp moisturized for healthy wear up to one week.

Twisted Crown Half‑Up with Loose Curls — Soft Braided Hairstyle

This soft twisted crown with loose curls is ideal for fine to medium, straight or wavy long hair and translates beautifully for children and adults. Begin by creating a center or slight side part, then take two sections from the front hairline and twist or 3‑strand braid each toward the back, pinning them across the crown with discreet bobby pins. Leave the lower lengths loose and finish by adding soft curls with a 3/4–1 curling wand for natural movement. Tools needed: fine tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand, and a light paddle brush. Recommended products: heat protectant, lightweight smoothing cream or leave‑in conditioner, a light texturizing spray for grip, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — expect 20–35 minutes depending on length and curl detail. Maintenance tips: secure pins close to the scalp and tuck ends for longer wear, refresh curls with a finger‑comb and mist, and protect overnight with a silk pillowcase or loose braid. For thicker or coarse hair, pre‑blow dry and use a smoothing serum for easier twisting.

Side Dutch Braid to Loose Plait — Braided Holiday Style for Fine to Medium Hair

This relaxed side Dutch braid that transitions into a loose plait is ideal for fine to medium hair and works well on straight or slightly wavy textures. Technique: create a deep side part, begin a Dutch (inside-out) braid at the front hairline and feed hair in across the crown, then convert to a regular three-strand braid at the nape and secure with a small elastic. Gently pancake the braid for width and softness and pull a few face‑framing pieces loose for a lived‑in look. Tools needed: detangling brush, tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and clips to hold sections. Products required: lightweight leave‑in detangler, light styling cream or smoothing milk for flyaways, optional texturizing spray for grip, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: salon-level beginner to intermediate — expect 10–25 minutes depending on skill and hair length. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin pillowcase or use a silk bonnet, refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, re-tighten or re-pancake the braid as needed, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh down fine hair.

Soft Side Swirl Updo with Twisted Front — Updo for Fine to Medium Hair

This elegant side swirl updo suits fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair and works well for shoulder‑length to long hair (use clip‑ins if hair is shorter). Start by blow‑drying with a round brush for smoothness, then create a deep side part. Section a 1–2 inch front panel and twist it back, securing with bobby pins along the crown. Gather remaining hair at the nape or low side, roll or twist into soft loops and pin each loop to form a low swirl rather than a tight bun—this keeps the look soft and child‑friendly for special occasions. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1

Halo Crown Braids — Protective Style for Natural Textured Hair

This elegant halo crown braid is ideal for natural textured hair (loose curls to tight coils) and works well for children and adults with medium to high density. From salon experience, start on clean, well‑conditioned, detangled hair. Create a clean center or side part and section hair into two or more cornrow/Dutch braid rows that follow the hairline; braid each row toward the opposite side, secure the ends, then tuck and pin the braids into a circular crown. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, rat‑tail comb, small elastics, hair clips, bobby pins, and an edge brush. Products: lightweight leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or butter for slip, light‑hold gel for smoothness, a few drops of hair oil for shine, and a soft holding spray. Difficulty: moderate — basic braiding skills required; allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a satin bonnet, rehydrate with a spritz of water + leave‑in weekly, gently refresh edges with a small amount of edge control, and don’t over‑tighten to protect the hairline. Rebraid after 1–3 weeks depending on growth and scalp health.

Dutch Crown Braid into Low Messy Bun — Braided Crown Updo for Medium–Long Hair

Suitable for medium to long hair and most textures (fine, medium, wavy or thick), this Dutch crown braid flowing into a low messy bun creates a soft, romantic updo with face‑framing tendrils. Preparation: start on second‑day hair or add grip with dry shampoo and light texturizing spray. Styling technique: create a Dutch (inside‑out) braid along the hairline from one temple to the other, gradually adding hair and pancaking the braid for width; continue the braid into the nape and coil into a low bun, securing with a small elastic and bobby pins. Pull a few pieces loose at the crown and around the face for a lived‑in finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and optional 1

Side Lace Braid with Soft Waves — Shoulder-Length Blonde Hairstyle

This delicate side lace braid with soft, loose waves is ideal for shoulder-length to mid-length hair and works best on fine to medium textures. It’s particularly suited to naturally straight or slightly wavy hair — thicker hair can wear it too but may require more control. Technique: create a deep side part, take a small front section and work a lace (or small Dutch) braid along the hairline, adding only from the hairline side, then secure behind the ear with a clear elastic and discreet bobby pins. Finish by curling mid-lengths to ends with a 1–1.25 curling wand and gently finger-combing for relaxed waves. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand, and a detangling brush. Products: lightweight heat protectant, a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray for grip, finishing light-hold hairspray, and a small smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–moderate (10–15 minutes once practiced). Maintenance tips: refresh waves next day with a light mist of water or texturizer and scrunch; sleep on a silk pillowcase or pin the braid to the side to preserve shape; reapply a little dry shampoo at the roots to extend wear.

Double Braided Space Buns with Pom-Pom Ends — Kids Protective Style

This playful protective look works best on medium to thick textures and holds well on wavy or curly hair; fine hair can also wear it with light texturizing spray or slightly dampened hair for grip. Start with a clean, detangled base and a precise center part. Create two cornrow or simple three-strand braids from the front hairline toward the crown, secure each braid into a small twisted bun, then leave two face-framing sections braided down and finish with small elastics and decorative pom-poms. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a soft-bristle brush. Products required: detangling spray or leave-in conditioner, light styling gel or edge control for sleek parts, a cream-based moisturizer for the scalp, and a light-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: easy–intermediate; allow 20–35 minutes depending on precision. Maintenance tips: keep scalp moisturized, sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcase to reduce frizz, retie elastics as they loosen, and refresh edges with a small amount of gel. Avoid over-tightening to protect the hairline.

Messy Curly Double Buns (Space Buns) — For Fine, Wavy & Curly Hair

This playful messy double-bun (space buns) is ideal for fine to medium textured hair, wavy or naturally curly locks. It works well on shoulder-length hair and longer; very tight coils can be loosened for softer buns. Technique: start on damp or day-two hair, create a clean center part, gather each side into high ponytails, then coil each ponytail into a loose bun and secure with a soft elastic and a few bobby pins. Pull a few face-framing tendrils free and gently tease the crowns for volume. Tools: tail comb for parting, wide-tooth comb or fingers, small elastics or scrunchies, bobby pins, and optionally a small curling wand for defining stray pieces. Products: lightweight mousse or curl cream on damp hair, a light-hold hairspray or texturizing spray for grip, and a leave-in detangler to smooth flyaways. Difficulty: easy–moderate — child-friendly if done seated and distracted. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk cap or loose braid, refresh with a water or leave-in spray and scrunch to reactivate curls, re-pin any loose bun bits, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down fine hair.

Crown Halo Braid into Low Bun — Braided Updo for Fine to Medium Hair

This soft crown halo braid pulled into a low bun works best on fine to medium, straight or slightly wavy hair at collarbone length or longer. Start on clean, towel-dried hair sprayed with a lightweight mousse or salt spray to add grip. Section a front-to-back part and create an inverted (Dutch) braid along the hairline on each side, or work a single continuous braid around the crown, gently pancaking the braid for width. Gather the ends at the nape and twist into a loose low bun, securing with bobby pins and a small elastic. Tools: detangling brush, fine-tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and sectioning clips. Products: texturizing or dry shampoo for hold, smoothing serum for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: Moderate — requires basic braiding skills and patience; allow 20–40 minutes depending on practice and hair thickness. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, and tighten or replace pins as needed. For thicker hair, create more defined sections or two buns to balance weight.

Twisted Crown into Loose Curled Ponytail — Textured Braided Party Hairstyle

This twisted crown flowing into a loose, curled ponytail combines a soft side twist with stacked, looped curls at the nape — perfect for holidays and special occasions. Suitability: works best on medium to long hair, fine to medium-thick textures; straight or gently wavy hair holds the shape well (very fine hair benefits from a bit of powder/texturizer, very thick hair may need smoothing or thinner sections). Styling technique: prep with light volumizing mousse on damp hair and blow-dry smooth. Create a deep side part, take two- to three-strand twists along the crown and secure them at the back with a small elastic. Backcomb the top mid-lengths for lift, gather hair into a low ponytail, divide into sections and form loose loops, pinning each loop to build the stacked curled effect. Curl remaining ends with a 1

These 24 holiday hairstyles for kids are meant to be practical, gentle, and festive — not fussy. My top professional tips: prep hair the night before when possible (loose braids or roller sets keep curls and waves intact), always detangle with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush from ends to roots, and use a lightweight leave-in detangler or cream to reduce breakage. Limit heat on young scalps; when you must use a blow-dryer or curling iron, choose low heat and a heat protectant. Keep accessories comfortable and age-appropriate — soft headbands, covered elastics, and fabric bows work best. For longer wear, finish with a light mist of flexible-hold spray and pack a mini kit (small brush, extra elastics, a few bobby pins) for quick touch-ups. If you’d like a custom version of any look for your child’s hair type or event, book a consult — I love adapting styles so kids feel happy and comfy all day. — Lena