20 Cute & Easy Little Girl Hairstyles

Styling a little girl's hair can be both a delightful bonding experience and a daily challenge. This article is dedicated to exploring a variety of easy and charming hairstyles perfect for young girls. Whether you're a busy parent rushing to get your daughter ready for school, or you're looking for a special style for a weekend outing, we've got you covered.

These hairstyles are designed to be simple enough for beginners to master, yet adorable enough to make your little one feel extra special. From practical everyday looks to cute styles for special occasions, we'll guide you through 20 effortless hairstyles that will save you time and keep your daughter looking fabulous.

Each style is accompanied by clear instructions and tips to make the process smooth and enjoyable. We've considered different hair types, lengths, and textures to ensure there's something for everyone. So, grab your combs, hair ties, and a spritz of detangler – let's dive into the world of easy and adorable hairstyles that will make your little girl shine with confidence and style!

Classic Pigtails

The classic pigtail style is a timeless favorite for little girls. This simple yet adorable hairstyle is perfect for everyday wear and keeps hair neatly out of the face. To create pigtails, start by parting the hair down the middle from forehead to nape.

Gather each side into a ponytail, securing with an elastic band. For added flair, consider using colorful hair ties or ribbons. Pigtails work well for various hair lengths and can be positioned high, low, or anywhere in between. They're ideal for active girls as they keep hair in place during play.

For a neater look, use a small amount of hair gel or water to smooth down any flyaways. Pigtails can also serve as a base for more elaborate styles, like braided pigtails or pigtail buns, as your styling skills advance.

Simple Half-Up Bow

The half-up bow is a charming and easy hairstyle that adds a touch of sweetness to any outfit. Begin by brushing the hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. Then, take the top section of hair from ear to ear and gather it at the crown of the head.

Secure this section with a hair tie, creating a small ponytail. Next, use a ribbon or a bow-shaped hair clip to create or attach a bow just above the hair tie. This style works wonderfully for girls with medium to long hair and is versatile enough for both casual and dressier occasions.

It keeps hair out of the face while still allowing the beauty of flowing locks. For added hold, use a light-hold hairspray. This style is particularly great for girls who aren't fond of having all their hair tied back.

Braided Headband

A braided headband is a lovely way to keep bangs or shorter front pieces out of the face while creating a bohemian-inspired look. To achieve this style, start by parting the hair on one side. Take a small section of hair from the part and begin French braiding along the hairline towards the opposite ear.

Continue braiding until you reach the ear, then secure the end with a small, clear elastic. Tuck the tail of the braid behind the ear or pin it in place. This style works well for medium to long hair and can be adapted for shorter hair by using bobby pins to secure loose ends.

It's perfect for school days or weekend adventures. To add some sparkle, weave a thin ribbon into the braid or add small flower clips along its length.

Messy Bun

The messy bun is a go-to style for its ease and charm. It's perfect for those mornings when you're short on time but still want your little one to look put-together. To create a messy bun, gather all the hair into a high ponytail on the crown of the head.

Twist the ponytail and wrap it around its base, securing with bobby pins as you go. Don't worry about making it too neat – the charm is in its slightly undone appearance. Leave a few strands loose around the face for a softer look.

This style works well for medium to long hair and is great for active days or warmer weather. For girls with thinner hair, try teasing the ponytail slightly before creating the bun to add volume. A spritz of texturizing spray can help hold the style and enhance the messy-chic vibe.

Side Braid with Ribbon

A side braid with a ribbon is a sweet and simple style that adds a pop of color to your little girl's look. Start by brushing all the hair to one side of the head. Separate the hair into three sections and begin a standard braid.

As you braid, weave a ribbon of your choice through the plaits. Secure the end of the braid with an elastic that matches the hair color. Tie the ribbon in a bow at the bottom for an extra cute touch. This style is versatile and works well for both casual and dressier occasions. It's ideal for girls with longer hair but can be adapted for medium-length hair too.

The ribbon not only adds visual interest but also helps to keep the braid intact throughout the day. Choose ribbon colors that complement your child's outfit for a coordinated look.

Butterfly Clips Arrangement

Butterfly clips are making a comeback, and they're a fun and easy way to style your little girl's hair. Start with freshly brushed hair, either left down or pulled half-up. Then, use colorful butterfly clips to create patterns or designs in the hair.

You can line them up in a row, create a butterfly shape with multiple clips, or scatter them randomly for a playful look. This style is great for girls of all hair lengths and types. It's particularly useful for keeping bangs or shorter layers out of the face.

The best part about this style is that your little one can get involved in the styling process, choosing her favorite clips and where to place them. It's a great way to express creativity and add a pop of color to any outfit.

Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids, also known as inside-out French braids, are a stylish and practical choice for active little girls. Begin by parting the hair down the middle from forehead to nape. Starting at the forehead on one side, separate a small section into three strands.

Begin the Dutch braid by crossing the outer strands under the middle strand, incorporating additional hair with each cross-under. Continue this pattern down to the nape of the neck, then braid the remaining hair normally and secure with an elastic.

Repeat on the other side. This style keeps all hair secure and off the face, making it perfect for sports or outdoor play. It works best on medium to long hair but can be adapted for shorter styles too. For a softer look, gently tug on the braid to loosen it slightly after finishing.

Topsy Tail Ponytail

The Topsy Tail ponytail is a quick and easy way to elevate a simple ponytail. Start by gathering all the hair into a ponytail at the desired height and secure it with an elastic. Then, use your finger or a pencil to create a hole in the hair right above the elastic.

Flip the ponytail up and over, pulling it down through this hole. This creates a twist effect that looks much more intricate than it actually is. This style works for all hair lengths that can be pulled into a ponytail and is great for adding a touch of whimsy to an everyday look.

It's perfect for school or playdates and stays in place well throughout the day. For added flair, consider using a decorative hair tie or adding a bow at the base of the ponytail.

Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is a beautiful and unique style that's surprisingly easy to create. Begin by taking a section of hair near the temple and dividing it into three strands. Start a French braid, but each time you cross the top strand over, drop it and pick up a new strand of hair to replace it.

Continue this pattern around the head, creating a braid that circles the crown with strands of hair "falling" through it like a waterfall. Secure the end of the braid behind the opposite ear with bobby pins. This style works best on medium to long hair and is perfect for special occasions or when you want to create a fairy-tale look. It's particularly pretty with curled or wavy hair, as the "waterfall" strands create a cascading effect.

Spiral Ponytail

The spiral ponytail is a fun and eye-catching style that's deceptively simple to create. Start by pulling the hair into a high ponytail and securing it with an elastic. Divide the ponytail into two to four sections, depending on the thickness of the hair.

Twist each section tightly, then wrap them around the base of the ponytail in a spiral pattern, securing with bobby pins as you go. The result is a textured, swirled ponytail that looks like it took much more effort than it actually did.

This style works well for medium to long hair and is great for adding interest to an everyday ponytail. It's perfect for school pictures or family events. To make the style last longer, use a texturizing spray before twisting the sections and finish with a light hold hairspray.

Mini Bun Mohawk

The mini bun mohawk is a playful and edgy style that's sure to turn heads. Begin by parting the hair down the middle on both sides, creating a strip of hair down the center of the head. Divide this strip into 3-5 sections (depending on hair length and desired look) and create small buns with each section, securing with elastics and bobby pins. Smooth down the sides for contrast.

This style works best on medium to long hair but can be adapted for shorter styles by creating smaller buns or leaving some sections as puffs instead of buns. It's a great choice for themed parties, crazy hair days at school, or any time your little one wants to express her wild side. Use colorful elastics or add glitter hairspray for extra pizzazz.

Heart-Shaped Half-Up Style

This adorable heart-shaped half-up style is perfect for Valentine's Day or any day you want to add a touch of love to your little one's look. Start by brushing the hair smooth and taking two sections from the front, one on each side of the head. Pull these sections back and cross them over each other at the back of the head to form the top of the heart.

Secure with a clear elastic. Then, take the ends of these sections and curve them inward to create the bottom of the heart, securing with bobby pins. This style works best on medium to long hair and is ideal for special occasions or themed events. It may take a bit of practice to perfect the heart shape, but the result is worth it. Consider adding heart-shaped clips or a red ribbon for extra charm.

Twist-Back Bangs

For little girls growing out their bangs or those who simply want to keep hair out of their face, the twist-back bang style is a lifesaver. Start by parting the bangs down the middle. Take one side and twist it back towards the ear, securing with a bobby pin.

Repeat on the other side. For a more secure hold, consider crossing the twists at the back and pinning them together. This style works for all hair lengths and is especially useful for girls with shorter hair or layers that don't yet reach a ponytail. It's perfect for school days or outdoor activities when you want to keep hair neat and out of the eyes. You can dress up this simple style by using decorative clips instead of plain bobby pins.

Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail is a fun and trendy style that's surprisingly easy to create. Start by pulling all the hair into a high ponytail and securing it with an elastic. Then, tie another elastic about an inch down from the first one.

Gently tug at the hair between the two elastics to create a "bubble" effect. Continue this process down the length of the ponytail, spacing the elastics evenly and creating bubbles as you go. This style works best on medium to long hair and is great for adding a playful touch to any outfit.

It's perfect for parties, play dates, or any time you want to try something a little different. Use colorful elastics to add extra flair, or try a double bubble ponytail for even more fun.

Braided Crown

A braided crown is a regal and beautiful style that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Start by parting the hair down the middle at the back of the head. French braid each side, starting at the nape of the neck and braiding up and around the side of the head.

When you reach the forehead, continue braiding the regular hair until you reach the end. Wrap each braid around the head, pinning in place as you go, to create a crown effect. Tuck the ends under and secure with more pins.

This style works best on medium to long hair and is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want your little princess to feel extra special. It's also a great style for keeping hair off the neck on hot days.

Twist and Pin Updo

The twist and pin updo is a versatile style that can be as neat or as messy as you like. Start by dividing the hair into several sections. Twist each section and pin it to the head, varying the direction of the twists for added interest.

Continue until all hair is pinned up. This style is great for girls with medium to long hair and can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair textures. It's perfect for special occasions or hot summer days when you want to keep hair off the neck.

The beauty of this style is that it doesn't have to be perfect – a slightly messy look adds to its charm. Add flowers or small clips for extra decoration.

Sock Bun

The sock bun is a great way to create a full, perfect bun even if your little one has fine or short hair. Start by pulling the hair into a high ponytail. Cut the toe off a sock and roll it into a donut shape, or use a store-bought bun form.

Pull the ponytail through the center of the sock/form and spread the hair around it. Roll the sock down towards the head, tucking hair around it as you go. Once you reach the base, secure with bobby pins and adjust the hair to cover the sock completely.

This style works for medium to long hair and is perfect for dance recitals, weddings, or any event requiring a sleek, polished look. Use a hair net for extra hold if needed.

Criss-Cross Pigtails

Criss-cross pigtails are a fun twist on the classic style. Begin by parting the hair down the middle from forehead to nape. On one side, take a small section of hair from the front and cross it over to the opposite side, incorporating it into that side's pigtail.

Repeat on the other side. Continue this criss-cross pattern down the length of the part, alternating sides. Secure each pigtail with an elastic when you reach the bottom. This style works well for medium to long hair and adds visual interest to simple pigtails.

It's great for school, sports, or anytime you want a secure style with a bit of flair. The criss-cross pattern helps to keep shorter layers or bangs in place throughout the day.

Bow Bun

The bow bun is an adorable style that turns your little girl's hair into a beautiful bow. Start by pulling the hair into a high ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two sections. Loop each section and pin them to create the "loops" of the bow.

Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the center to create the middle of the bow, pinning it securely. This style works best on medium to long hair and is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to add a touch of whimsy to your little one's look. It may take some practice to get the bow shape just right, but the result is worth it.

For extra hold, use a bit of hair gel or hairspray. This style is particularly cute for holidays or birthday parties, and it's sure to garner plenty of compliments.

Diagonal French Braid

The diagonal French braid is a stylish twist on the classic French braid. Start by parting the hair diagonally from one temple to the opposite nape. Begin French braiding along this part, incorporating hair from both sides as you go.

When you reach the nape of the neck, continue with a regular braid and secure with an elastic. This style works well for medium to long hair and is great for adding visual interest to an everyday look. It's perfect for school, sports, or any activity where you want hair securely out of the face.

The diagonal angle adds a unique touch that sets it apart from standard braids. For a softer look, gently tug on the braid to loosen it slightly after you're finished.

We hope you've enjoyed exploring these 20 easy and adorable hairstyles for little girls. From classic pigtails to more intricate styles like the waterfall braid or bow bun, there's something here for every skill level and occasion.

Remember, the key to successful styling is patience and practice. Don't be discouraged if a style doesn't turn out perfect the first time – even small variations can create charming, unique looks. Most importantly, use this time as an opportunity to bond with your little one and boost her confidence.

Experimenting with different hairstyles can be a fun way for girls to express their personality and creativity. So grab your combs and hair ties, and have fun trying out these delightful styles with your little princess!