Festive and Cute New Year Hairstyles for Kids: Easy, Stylish Ideas for Every Hair Type and Length
As New Year’s Eve approaches, many parents are on the hunt for festive and cute New Year hairstyles for kids to help them shine at every gathering. From timeless braids to trendy twists, here’s a list of 26 hairstyles that will bring the perfect dose of sparkle and cheer to the holiday season. Dive in and find a style to suit every look, length, and hair type!
Classic Braided Pigtails
Classic braided pigtails are perfect for kids with medium to long hair and work well for all face shapes. This easy and cute hairstyle keeps hair tidy and stylish, giving kids the charm of a traditional look with a touch of fun. Best suited for straight or wavy textures, it’s ideal for New Year’s parties or a casual day with family.
To achieve this look, use a gentle detangling spray like Johnson’s No More Tangles before braiding. Secure each braid with colorful elastics and finish with a light hold spray, such as Dove’s Kids Care Styling Spray, to keep everything in place.
Cozy French Braid with a Twist
A cozy French braid with a twist offers a stylish take on the classic French braid, perfect for kids who want a simple yet chic look. Suitable for longer hair, this style keeps hair secure, making it ideal for energetic play or New Year’s school parties. The twist adds a fun element, perfect for festive celebrations.
Start by applying a smoothing serum like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Serum for a neat braid. After braiding, add a festive ribbon to the braid’s end for an extra celebratory touch.
Side Swept Fishtail Braid
The side-swept fishtail braid gives a charmingly elegant look that’s easy to create and suits medium to long hair. This style is great for kids with curly or wavy hair who want a unique and party-ready look. The side-swept design brings out the shape of the braid, giving it a lovely cascade effect.
To keep the braid intact and frizz-free, try SheaMoisture Kids Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Butter Cream. For a little extra sparkle, add decorative hairpins along the braid.
Half-Up, Half-Down Ponytail
A half-up, half-down ponytail combines the best of both worlds: elegance and practicality. This style is great for curly hair as it adds volume and is easy to accessorize with festive clips or bows. Perfect for casual family gatherings or a New Year’s day of school, it’s a cute and low-maintenance look.
Add a curl-enhancing spray like CurlyKids Super Detangling Spray for bouncy curls, then secure the ponytail with a festive bow.
Bubble Ponytail with Ribbon
The bubble ponytail is a fun and trendy option that works well for medium to long hair. It’s easy to create and adds a cute, party-ready look that’s perfect for New Year’s. Adding a ribbon at the top makes it even more festive and kid-friendly.
Use a bit of styling gel like Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Styling Gel for a sleek look. Tie the ponytail with clear elastics spaced evenly, then top it off with a ribbon for that winter wonderland vibe.
Textured Top Knot
A textured top knot offers a stylish yet easy option for kids with short or medium hair. This look suits curly hair perfectly, creating a voluminous bun at the top that’s both cute and functional. Ideal for holiday parties, it keeps hair off the face and adds a playful touch to any outfit. It’s particularly flattering on kids with round or oval face shapes, and it’s a breeze to achieve.
To style, apply a mousse like Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Activating Mousse for added texture. For a neat finish, secure the bun with bobby pins and a light spray of Suave Kids Purely Fun Detangler.
Low Bun with Twisted Accent
The low bun with a twisted accent adds elegance and simplicity to any outfit. This style is ideal for kids with natural hair and works wonderfully on longer hair lengths. It’s a go-to look for formal gatherings or any New Year’s day of school when your little one wants a neat, polished appearance.
For a smooth finish, use Cantu Care for Kids Curling Cream before twisting. Secure the twists into a low bun and finish with a festive ribbon in a bright color.
Braided Crown with Loose Waves
A braided crown with loose waves creates a princess-like look that’s both charming and cute, perfect for New Year’s parties. This style is great for kids with medium to long hair, especially if they have natural or curly hair. The braid around the crown adds a festive touch, while loose waves give a soft, relaxed vibe.
Begin by applying a wave spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray, then gently braid around the crown. Secure the braid with small pins and finish with a bit of detangler for a soft hold.
High Ponytail with Fuzzy Scrunchie
The high ponytail with a fuzzy scrunchie is a cute and easy look for active kids who still want a touch of festive flair. This hairstyle is especially suitable for short or medium hair and is quick to put together, making it ideal for both school and parties.
Use a gentle detangler like Johnson’s Shiny & Soft Spray before pulling the hair into a high ponytail. Finish with a fluffy scrunchie to keep it secure and add a pop of texture.
Sleek Low Ponytail with Ribbon
The sleek low ponytail with a ribbon is a timeless style, perfect for kids who prefer a more polished look. This style suits all hair types, including short hair and curly hair, and can be dressed up or down for different occasions. It’s a classic look for New Year’s celebrations that exudes elegance and sophistication.
For a smooth ponytail, use a serum like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Serum. Secure the ponytail with a festive ribbon and finish with light hairspray for a glossy hold.
Crown Braid with Hat-Friendly Style
A crown braid that’s also hat-friendly is ideal for kids who need a hairstyle that will stay put throughout the day. This braided look is excellent for natural hair and is cute for any New Year’s event or school day. The braid sits low, allowing room for a winter hat without ruining the style.
Apply Cantu Care for Kids Styling Custard for a smooth braid. Braid around the head and secure with pins, leaving room for a festive hat if needed.
French Braided Ponytail
The French braided ponytail is a chic, practical hairstyle that keeps hair secure and tidy, making it great for parties and active days. This style is best for curly hair or medium to long lengths and adds an elegant touch to any outfit. It’s perfect for New Year’s events and will hold up even during play.
Use a soft-hold gel like Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Styling Gel for control. Braid from the crown down to a ponytail, securing with a ribbon for added flair.
Side Parted Straight Cut with Clips
A side-parted straight cut with clips is a classic and clean style, ideal for kids with straight or slightly wavy hair. The side part adds a touch of elegance, making it great for holiday gatherings and New Year’s celebrations. This style works particularly well on kids with round or oval faces and is perfect for a day of school or festive parties.
To achieve a smooth finish, use a detangling spray like Johnson’s Shiny & Soft Detangler, and place decorative clips on one side for an extra holiday sparkle.
Curly Puff Ponytails
Curly puff ponytails are a fun and playful choice that looks adorable on kids with black hair or natural curls. This style involves two high ponytails with lots of volume, ideal for New Year’s festivities. The style holds up well for active kids and frames the face beautifully, bringing out the natural charm of their curls.
Apply a curl-enhancing cream like Cantu Care for Kids Curling Cream before gathering hair into ponytails. For added bounce, gently fluff each puff and secure with colorful elastics.
Space Buns with Sparkly Clips
Space buns with sparkly clips bring a trendy, cheerful vibe to any New Year’s outfit, making it ideal for kids who want a cute and easy look. This hairstyle works best for short to medium hair lengths and can be decorated with glittery or themed clips for a touch of sparkle.
To achieve this look, use a styling gel like Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Gel to keep flyaways in place. After securing the buns, add sparkly clips to each for a festive finish.
Half-Up Bow Braid
The half-up bow braid adds a sweet, whimsical look to the hair, making it perfect for New Year’s parties. This style suits medium to long hair and is particularly great for curly hair or wavy textures, adding a touch of volume and charm with the bow accent.
Use a curl cream like Mixed Chicks Kids Curling Cream for added definition. Then, secure the braid with a cute bow in a festive color like silver or red to complete the look.
Double Braided Buns
Double braided buns offer a stylish and structured look for kids with natural hair or curly textures. This hairstyle suits a festive day out or a family gathering, as it holds up well throughout the day. The buns are positioned low or high on the head, keeping the look fresh and unique.
To create this look, use Cantu Care for Kids Detangling Leave-In Conditioner. Braid each section and secure the buns with colorful elastics for an extra festive touch.
Tied Back Twists
Tied-back twists bring a trendy, elegant look suitable for all hair types, especially natural hair. This style is practical for New Year’s parties or a day at school, as it keeps hair secure while allowing kids to enjoy the festivities comfortably.
Apply SheaMoisture Kids Butter Cream before twisting, then secure each twist with colorful elastics or small decorative clips for added festivity.
Side Swept Bangs with Clipped Back
Side-swept bangs clipped back is a soft, sophisticated look that suits straight or slightly wavy hair. This style keeps the bangs neat, while the clips add a decorative touch, making it ideal for any New Year’s party. This look works best on kids with medium to long hair and can be easily styled for a day of school or family gathering.
To achieve this, use a detangler spray like Johnson’s Shiny & Soft Detangler and gently sweep the bangs to the side. Secure with a clip or barrette for a polished finish.
Simple Short Bob
The simple short bob is a timeless, easy-to-manage style that’s both practical and cute, perfect for kids with short hair. This classic cut keeps hair neatly in place, making it ideal for active days and festive New Year’s events. The bob suits all face shapes, especially round or oval, and works well with any hair texture, adding a polished yet playful look.
To keep the bob looking shiny and soft, use a lightweight detangling spray like Suave Kids Detangler. For added warmth and a cozy holiday touch, pair it with ear warmers or a soft knit headband.
Classic Pigtails
Classic pigtails paired make for an adorable winter look. This simple cute hairstyle is ideal for kids with medium-length hair and works well for a day of school or New Year’s events.
For a polished finish, use a detangling spray like Suave Kids Detangler before sectioning the hair. Secure the pigtails with colorful elastics.
Wavy Lob
The wavy lob (long bob) is a stylish, versatile look that’s ideal for kids with medium-length curly hair or naturally wavy textures. This hairstyle adds volume and movement, creating a relaxed yet polished vibe, perfect for New Year’s celebrations. The wavy lob suits all face shapes and is particularly flattering for kids with natural hair looking for a chic, easy-to-maintain style.
To achieve soft waves, use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray, which adds definition and shine. Gently scrunch the hair after application for a natural, tousled effect that lasts.
Sleek Middle Part with Braided Crown
A sleek middle part with a braided crown is a neat and polished style that looks beautiful for kids with black hair or natural hair. This style is great for any New Year’s party or formal event, as it keeps hair in place while adding an elegant touch. It works best on medium to long hair, especially for those with natural curls or waves.
To achieve this look, apply a smoothing serum like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine, then create a small braid along the crown and secure it at the back. Finish with a light mist of hairspray for a sleek effect.
Textured Pixie Cut
The textured pixie cut is an effortless style that brings out natural texture and is great for short hair. It’s a perfect choice for active kids and works well with curly or wavy hair. The pixie cut is ideal for casual gatherings and New Year’s celebrations, bringing a modern twist to traditional cuts.
To enhance texture, use a styling cream like CurlyKids Super Detangling Cream, focusing on creating volume. Add a touch of gel for hold and style with fingers for a relaxed look.
Shaggy Layers with Warm Hair Clips
Shaggy layers with warm hair clips add a playful, layered look, ideal for natural hair or wavy textures. This style works best for medium to long hair, offering a relaxed yet festive feel. It’s perfect for a day of school or a cozy New Year’s day at home.
Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner like Suave Kids Detangler Spray for added softness. Secure the layers with warm-toned hair clips for a cute, cozy finish.
Loose Braid
A loose braid is a relaxed, effortless style that’s perfect for New Year’s gatherings and school days alike. This hairstyle works best for kids with long hair and adds a charming touch to any outfit. The loose braid creates a soft, natural look that’s both easy to do and maintain, making it a great choice for kids who want to look festive but keep things simple.
Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, like SheaMoisture Kids Mango & Carrot Extra-Nourishing Conditioner, to keep hair smooth and frizz-free before braiding. For a little extra sparkle, add a decorative clip or ribbon at the end of the braid.
Conclusion
With so many styles to choose from, there’s a New Year hairstyle for every kid to feel special and stylish as they celebrate. Whether it’s a simple braid or a cute twist, these ideas bring fun and festivity to any gathering. Which style will you choose for your child this season? Share your favorites in the comments and help inspire others with these festive looks!
