There’s something truly special about sitting down with your child and trying kids hairstyles at home together. It’s not just about how they look at the end — it’s the giggles, the storytelling, the little one sitting surprisingly still because they’re excited to see their reflection. Hair play at home is one of those simple, underrated bonding rituals that so many families enjoy but rarely talk about.
Whether you’re a seasoned hand with a hairbrush or you’re still figuring out how to tame a stubborn cowlick, this guide is for you. We’ve pulled together a collection of easy, fun, and genuinely achievable kids’ hairstyles you can try at home between salon visits — no professional training required.
Why Trying Kids Hairstyles at Home Matters More Than You Think
Before we dive into the styles, let’s talk about why this matters beyond aesthetics. According to NHS guidance on hair health, regular care and gentle handling of children’s hair makes a real difference to long-term condition. Regularly styling your child’s hair at home serves a few really valuable purposes:
- It builds positive associations with hair care. Children who enjoy having their hair done at home are far more likely to be comfortable and cooperative at the salon too.
- It helps you spot changes early. Regular brushing and styling means you’ll notice anything unusual — dryness, scalp changes, or tangles that signal the hair needs more attention.
- It’s a brilliant confidence booster. Children who feel proud of how their hair looks tend to carry that confidence into their day, whether that’s school, sports, or a family occasion.
- It’s quality time, full stop. In busy households, ten minutes of focused, calm hair play can be a grounding ritual that both parent and child look forward to.
Getting Set Up: What You’ll Need
You don’t need a professional kit to create lovely kids hairstyles at home. Here’s a simple toolkit that covers most of the styles in this guide:
- A wide-toothed comb (essential for detangling without breakage)
- A soft-bristle or cushion brush for smoothing
- A detangling spray (water with a tiny amount of conditioner works well for fine hair)
- A selection of small and medium hair elastics — ideally snag-free ones
- A few hair clips or kirby grips
- Optional: ribbons, hair bows, or small fabric scrunchies for a decorative finish
That’s genuinely all you need. The fancier the toolkit, the more fun it can be — but simplicity works just as well for most of these styles.
Easy Kids Hairstyles at Home to Try This Week
1. The Classic Half-Up, Half-Down
This is the perfect starter style — it works on almost every hair type and length, takes under two minutes, and looks polished without any effort. Simply section the top half of your child’s hair (from ear to ear), gather it into a ponytail or bun at the crown, and let the rest fall naturally.
Works best for: Medium to long hair, any texture.
Top tip: Add a ribbon or bow to elevate the look instantly — brilliant for school photos or birthday parties.
2. Simple Two-Strand Twist
The two-strand twist is one of the most versatile styles in children’s hair play, and it’s much easier than it looks. Take a section of hair, divide it into two equal parts, and twist them around each other as you work down the length of the hair. Secure with a small elastic at the end.
You can wear two-strand twists as individual sections all over the head, or use them as accents on either side of a centre parting for a tidy, everyday look.
Works best for: All hair types, particularly brilliant for curly and natural hair.
Top tip: Apply a tiny amount of leave-in conditioner or hair butter before twisting for a neater, longer-lasting result.
3. The Simple French Braid (Don’t Be Scared!)
French braiding has a reputation for being difficult, but once you get the rhythm, it really isn’t. The key is to practise on a doll or on yourself first, so your hands know the movement before you attempt it on a wriggly child.
Start at the crown, divide into three sections, and begin a standard three-strand braid — but each time you cross a strand over, add a small piece of hair from the side before incorporating it into the braid. Work down toward the nape and secure at the end.
Works best for: Straight to wavy hair, medium to long length.
Top tip: Slightly damp hair is much easier to braid than dry hair. A light mist with a water spray bottle makes the process far smoother.
4. The Low Bun
A low bun is tidy, elegant, and surprisingly practical for active children. Gather the hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, twist the ponytail around itself, and secure with a hair elastic. A few grip clips can help tuck in any flyaways.
For a looser, more relaxed version, gently pull apart the bun slightly once it’s secured to create a fuller, messier shape — this looks gorgeous and takes about ten seconds.
Works best for: Medium to long hair of any texture.
Top tip: Wrap a piece of the hair around the visible elastic to conceal it for a cleaner, salon-style finish.
5. Space Buns
Space buns are endlessly popular with children — and honestly, with adults too. Create a centre parting, divide the hair into two equal sections, then create a bun on each side of the head, positioned at the upper part of the head. Secure each one firmly and let any loose ends hang or tuck them in.
For a playful twist, leave mini pigtails hanging from each bun, or thread a ribbon through the elastics for a fun, festive look.
Works best for: All hair types, any length from medium upward.
Top tip: This style is a brilliant option for PE days and active events — it keeps hair completely off the face and stays put surprisingly well.
6. The Rope Braid (Twist Braid)
Easier than a French braid but more interesting than a standard ponytail, the rope braid is a great addition to your home hairstyling repertoire. Take two sections of hair, twist them in the same direction (both clockwise, for example), then wrap them around each other in the opposite direction. Secure at the end. The tension holds the twist in place as the hair naturally wants to wrap around itself.
Works best for: Straight to wavy hair, medium to long.
Top tip: Try two rope braids on either side of the head, tied off at the ends, for a fun take on classic bunches.
7. Cornrow-Inspired Flat Twists
If your child has natural, Afro-textured, or curly hair, flat twists are a wonderful protective style that’s also gorgeous and versatile. Similar in technique to a two-strand twist but worked flat against the scalp, they create clean, structured lines that look incredible and can last several days with proper care.
You don’t need to create a full head of flat twists for a beautiful result — even two flat twists at the front framing the face, meeting in a loose puff at the back, is a stunning everyday look.
Works best for: Natural, curly, and coily hair textures.
Top tip: Apply a moisturising cream or hair butter before styling, and sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to preserve the style overnight.
Making Kids Hairstyles at Home Fun: Tips to Get Children to Sit Still
Let’s be honest — the biggest challenge with kids hairstyles at home isn’t usually the technique. It’s convincing your child to stay still long enough to actually complete it. Here are a few tried-and-tested strategies from parents who’ve cracked it:
- Time it with a favourite show or audiobook. Putting on something your child loves means they’re naturally inclined to stay seated and focused — and you’ll often have more time than you expect.
- Make it a special ritual. Call it “hair play time” rather than “having your hair done” — language matters, especially with younger children. It’s an activity, not a chore.
- Let them choose the style. Children are far more cooperative when they feel they have some control. Offer two or three options and let them pick.
- Use a mirror. Children love watching the transformation happen in real time. A handheld mirror or sitting in front of a bathroom mirror can turn hairstyling into a performance they’re happy to participate in.
- Praise generously. The moment the style is done, make a fuss. Show them the mirror, tell them how brilliant they look, and let them feel proud. Positive associations make the next session so much easier.
When to Leave It to the Professionals
Home hair play is wonderful for maintaining styles, creating fun looks, and building confidence — but it’s no substitute for a proper haircut. A few signals that it’s time to book an appointment rather than reach for the hair elastics:
- The ends are looking frayed, thin, or splitting
- The overall style has lost its shape and no amount of styling fixes it
- Hair is consistently difficult to manage, tangling far more than usual
- Your child’s fringe is covering their eyes
- It’s been more than 10 to 12 weeks since their last trim
At Kids Hair Play, we can give your child a fresh, clean cut that makes all those home styles look even better — and the whole experience is designed to be fun from start to finish, with themed chairs, bubbles, a play area, and a team who genuinely love working with children.
Conclusion: Hair Play Is More Than Just a Hairstyle
Hair play at home is one of those beautifully simple things that can become a genuinely cherished part of family life. It builds confidence, creates connection, and sets children up to feel positive about their hair — which pays dividends at every future salon visit too.
Whether you’re attempting your first French braid or you’re already a space bun expert, the most important ingredient is enjoying the process together. The finished style is a lovely bonus — but the time spent is the real treasure.
Want to give your child’s hair a professional refresh before you start styling at home? Book an appointment at Kids Hair Play — we have salons in Sutton Coldfield, Hagley Road, and Wolverhampton, and we’d love to welcome your family.
