Adorable Christmas Hairstyles for Toddlers

There’s something incredibly joyful about getting little ones ready for the holidays, and Christmas Hairstyles for Toddlers make that moment even more magical. Whether it’s for a family photo, a festive gathering, or just dancing around the living room in a holiday sweater, the right hairstyle can make your toddler look extra adorable and feel special too.

Christmas Hairstyles for Toddlers

Christmas Hairstyles for Toddlers are all about adding extra cuteness and festive charm to your little one’s holiday look. These styles are simple, comfy, and perfect for tiny heads full of cheer.

 

Santa Hat Headband Curls

Okay, let me just say—this one is always a crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I tried this look on one of my little models, the mom literally squealed, “She looks like a Christmas card!” All I did was loosely curl the toddler’s hair with a safe, low-heat wand (honestly, don’t stress over perfect curls), then popped on this soft red headband with a tiny plush Santa hat attached. It’s ridiculously cute, and you don’t even need to do much after.

I usually let the curls fall wherever they want—toddlers don’t sit still long enough for symmetry anyway. In my opinion, that slightly messy bounce actually adds to the charm. Sometimes I spritz just a little glitter spray (if the mom’s okay with it) and boom—holiday magic. This style works great for family photo shoots or school parties where you want a cute but quick statement style.

Twisted Holiday Pigtails

Twists and pigtails? Match made in toddler heaven. I’ve done this style more times than I can count, and each time, it gets that “awww” reaction. What I love is how adaptable it is. You just part the hair down the middle, twist each section from the front down toward the nape, then secure into low pigtails with festive ties. Done and dusted in under ten minutes—unless snack time interrupts, which… yeah, always.

One toddler I styled recently had sparkly green elastics with little snowflakes on them, and the way they bounced when she walked? I swear even I melted. I’ve found that toddlers with shoulder-length hair get the most definition in the twists, but even fine or short hair can rock this look with a bit of mousse. Don’t aim for perfection—let it feel soft and fun.

Mini Braided Crown

Now this one takes a bit more patience, but it’s worth every second. The mini braided crown is like a fairy tale come to life. I remember doing it for a toddler’s Christmas Eve church event, and even her grandpa was like, “She’s royalty now.” You basically take two thin braids from behind each ear and wrap them over the top of the head like a halo. Clip them with teeny red bows or sparkly pins.

Sometimes I add a little wave to the rest of the hair if there’s time (emphasis on if), but honestly, even just brushed out natural hair looks beautiful underneath. I always get emotional when I finish this one—something about it just feels magical. It’s a little more effort, but if the toddler will sit still and you’ve got a snack on hand, go for it.

Reindeer Clip Half-Updo

Okay, I’m obsessed with reindeer clips. One of my clients brought me a pair shaped like antlers last year and I’ve been using them every December since. For this style, I part off the top half of the toddler’s hair and pull it into a soft half-up ponytail. Then I add those adorable reindeer clips on each side and boom—she’s the cutest creature at the party.

The best part? It keeps the hair out of the face while still showing off the curls or texture. In my experience, toddlers love seeing themselves in the mirror with the antlers—there’s always this giggle, like they know how ridiculously cute they look. I usually finish with a touch of hairspray to keep the flyaways tame, but nothing stiff—toddlers hate that crunchy feel.

Red Ribbon Baby Bun

This one is honestly the most classic of all. It reminds me of old holiday cards—just a tiny ballerina bun wrapped with a red ribbon. It works best on toddlers with medium to long hair, but I’ve even managed it on shorter strands by using a mesh bun form (the lifesaver of toddler hair). I secure the bun low at the nape or higher for drama—depends on the dress, really.

One time, I styled a toddler in a green velvet dress and added a red velvet bow around her bun and I almost cried. It was that cute. I’ve found that a ribbon with wire edges gives you better shape and stays put through all the cookie eating and present opening. Keep some bobby pins handy though—the bun likes to wiggle loose during dance time.

Christmas Beaded Puff

Now this style is pure fun. I love doing beaded puffs on my toddler models who wear their hair in natural textures. You start with a centered puff—nice and fluffy—and then add in these tiny red, green, and gold beads on the ends of a few sections. The colors just pop, especially under holiday lights. One little girl I styled had gold beads that matched her sparkly shoes—it was everything.

To be fair, threading beads can be tricky if you’re in a rush, so I always prep those ahead of time if possible. But even just a few placed randomly makes such a festive impact. I let the puff stay big and soft—no need to pull it tight. In my opinion, it’s one of the most joyful styles, and the toddlers always seem to bounce a little more proudly when wearing it.

Side Pony with Sparkle

You wouldn’t think a simple side ponytail could feel so festive, but with the right sparkle? Oh, it delivers. I usually start with a deep side part and sweep the hair into a low side pony. Then I wrap a strand of glittery tinsel around the base or clip on a big Christmas bow. Sometimes both—because why not go all out?

One of my December shoots had a toddler in a gold tulle dress, and the way the glitter in her hair caught the light—it seriously made the whole look. This one’s great for fussy toddlers too since it’s quick and doesn’t involve pins near the face. I’ve found it holds up surprisingly well through all the snack breaks and present unwrapping too.

Candy Cane Braids

Ahh, candy cane braids. The ultimate mix of playful and polished. I usually create two French braids and then weave in red and white ribbons alongside. It’s honestly a little extra, but I live for it. The reaction from parents is always pure joy. One mom told me her daughter looked like “a walking candy cane” and I took that as the highest compliment.

The ribbons can be slippery though, so I recommend weaving them in slowly and keeping them taut. Sometimes I just tie the ribbon at the ends and let them hang—it’s still super cute. This style is definitely a conversation-starter and perfect for holiday parades or school events. Trust me, people will ask you how you did it.

Elf Top Knot

This is my go-to when time is short and energy is lower than the battery on my curling iron. It’s a high top knot, slightly messy (on purpose!), and secured with an elf-themed scrunchie or mini hat clip. I’ve done this look during back-to-back bookings, and somehow it always looks adorable. The higher the bun, the funnier the reaction—toddlers just love the drama of it.

There’s a playful, cheeky vibe to it that I adore. Plus, it keeps the hair completely out of their face so they can focus on eating candy canes and chasing cousins. I’ve found that teasing the bun a little before pinning gives it extra volume—especially helpful if their hair is on the finer side.

Festive Flower Clip Curls

This one gives me holiday fairy vibes every single time. I curl the hair loosely (nothing too tight—we want bounce, not crunch), then pin in a big red poinsettia clip or sparkly flower to one side. The simplicity of it makes it feel so graceful. I once styled a toddler in a gold tutu dress with a red flower in her curls, and she looked like she’d stepped out of a Christmas dream.

I like that it works for both short and long hair. Even just a few curls on the ends with a clip makes it special. In my opinion, it’s the perfect “we’re going to Grandma’s for dinner” look—festive, pretty, and easy to pull together. Moms love this one too because it doesn’t take much fuss and it photographs beautifully.

Safety & Comfort First

When it comes to Christmas Hairstyles for Toddlers, looking cute should never come at the cost of comfort. Toddlers have sensitive scalps and little patience, so it’s important to choose styles and accessories that are gentle, safe, and fuss-free. Here are a few key tips to keep your little one smiling all through the festivities:

• Avoid tight hairstyles that cause pulling
  Skip any style that feels too tight on the scalp, as it can lead to discomfort, irritation, or even hair breakage.

• Don’t use adult hairspray or harsh products
  Stick to child-friendly, gentle products—adult formulas can be too strong for delicate toddler hair and skin.

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• Check for clip sharpness or loose parts
  Always inspect accessories like clips or pins to ensure there are no sharp edges or small pieces that could pose a choking hazard.

Keeping these simple Christmas Hairstyles for Toddlers tips in mind ensures your toddler not only looks adorable but stays safe and comfortable throughout the Christmas celebrations.

FAQ

What are some easy Christmas Hairstyles for Toddlers?

Simple styles like twisted pigtails, soft curls with a Santa headband, or a half-updo with holiday clips are quick and toddler-friendly.

How can I keep my toddler still while styling their hair?

Try distracting them with a favorite toy, song, or cartoon. Styling during snack time or after a nap can also help.

Are holiday hair accessories safe for toddlers?

Yes, as long as they are soft, lightweight, and free of sharp edges or small detachable parts that could be a choking hazard.

Can I use hairspray or gel on my toddler’s hair?

It’s best to avoid adult hairspray or gels. Use child-safe, mild styling products if needed, or stick to natural options like aloe or water-based sprays.