"Have you sent your kid off to daycare or school looking picture-perfect after throwing an extra layer of dry shampoo on your day four hair? We’ve been there too. Getting our little ones ready for the day is part of every parent’s morning routine. And if doing your toddler’s hair is one step in the process, we’re here to make it easier with some toddler hairstyles you can recreate.
Many moms on Instagram and TikTok are sharing their morning routine hacks and toddler haircare supplies to make this process go more smoothly. For example, having their toddler eat breakfast, read a few books, or watch a show on their iPad while strapped into their highchair can help keep them from moving too much. Additionally, having a comb, brush, detangle spray (and other styling products), clips, hair elastics, and other accessories within arm’s reach is important.
We gathered some of our favorite toddler hairstyle ideas and compiled the list below. Not only are they darling and will look adorable on your little one, but they’re all much simpler to achieve than they look. The next time you’re at a loss for how to style your kiddo’s hair, refer back to this list.
1. Braided Ponytail
The ponytail is a classic go-to that never fails. But, when they get bored of the same old, same old, why not spruce it up a bit? The braids add such a fun element to this hairstyle, and we love that it can be even more fun with things like clips and a bow.
2. Braided Pigtails
Pigtail braids are a fun toddler girl hairstyle regardless, but these add a creative element. The small sections in the front are made even more adorable with colorful rubber bands (a must-have for toddler hairstyles!).
3. Heart Shaped Ponytail
You may have seen this style going around a time or two, and now’s the time to give it a try. If you start practicing now, you can have it perfected for next Valentine’s Day.
4. Toddler Braid & Beads
Not only are the braids on this hairstyle adorable, but the beads make it even more fun for a little girl. As Libby Hair Care shared, the “white and clear beads… match almost all her outfits.” We couldn’t agree more!
5. Toddler Braids & Buns
If you see a braid theme here, that’s because there’s so much that can be done with them! We love this option, which is a little more complicated than some of the other toddler hairstyles on the list, but you can try sitting your toddler in their highchair like this mom does. The crisscross braids and mini buns are just darling.
6. Top Buns and Beaded Braids
Another braid and bun combo, we know this option of toddler hairstyles would put the biggest smile on her face. Perhaps the best part are the beads in the shape of bows that feel extra girly.
7. Twisted Toddler Braid Hairstyle
If you haven’t nailed down the perfect traditional braid or are just looking for something new and fresh, try out these gorgeous two-strand twists instead.
8. Double Bun with Bow
Perfect for curly-haired little ones, this is another option that looks significantly more complex than it is! Plus, your kiddo will feel extra special sporting a big bow all day.
9. Waterfall Braids
This is sure to be a style your kiddo asks for again and again. Who knew a sequence of little ponytails could turn out this adorable?
10. Bunchie Bows
Few things are quite as girly as bows. Turn your little one’s locks into sweet little bows in just a matter of minutes with this easy-to-follow technique.
11. Colorful Clips
Perhaps the easiest of all of our toddler hairstyles involves sweet colorful clips. The best part is you won’t have to wait until your little one has long hair to do it.
12. Bubble Braids
Nearly everyone has been wearing bubble braids these days—both kids and mamas! We love that this hairstyle makes the trend even more creative and fun.
13. Braid + Barrette
For one of the cutest and simplest ideas, this easy toddler hairstyle is made extra special by adding three small ponytails, a short braid, and a cute barrette.
14. Side Ponytail + a Bow
Girl mom Tiffany Snedaker‘s entire Instagram feed is full of cute hairstyles for toddlers like this one. We love the throwback side-pony in this hairstyle, paired with little waterfall ponytails and an adorable bow.
15. French Braid Pigtail Buns + Cute Clips
Save this sweet style for when their hair is a little longer. French braided pigtails are pulled into two cute buns and accessorized with colorful clips!
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!