17 Thanksgiving Hairstyles For Kids: Adorable & Easy Looks for the Holiday Table
Ever stared at your kid’s hair on Thanksgiving morning, completely clueless about what to do with it? Trust me — I’ve been there. The turkey’s in the oven, the relatives are arriving in two hours, and you’re standing in the bathroom with a brush and absolutely no plan. That’s exactly why I put together this guide on Thanksgiving hairstyles for kids — because your little one deserves to look as festive as the centerpiece on the table.
So what are the best Thanksgiving hairstyles for kids? There are 17 standout styles to choose from, ranging from simple braided crowns and twisted ponytails to harvest-inspired half-up styles, French braids with ribbon accents, and elegant low buns. Most take under 20 minutes and work on straight, wavy, or curly hair. Whether your child has short, medium, or long hair, there’s a festive look that fits perfectly for the holiday.
Read on and I’ll walk you through every style in detail — including the exact steps, the tools you’ll need, and insider tips for making each look last through pie, parades, and family photos. Let’s get into it.
Why Thanksgiving Calls for a Special Hairstyle
Thanksgiving is one of those rare days when the whole family gathers, photos get taken, and memories get made. A thoughtful hairstyle adds that extra bit of polish to your child’s holiday look without requiring a salon appointment. The styles below are practical, adorable, and — most importantly — doable by an average parent on a busy morning. Many can even be prepped the night before.
1. Crown Hairstyles For Kids
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Nothing frames a child’s face quite like a braided crown — it’s timeless, elegant, and surprisingly easy.
The crown involves taking two sections of hair from either side of the head, braiding each one, and then wrapping them across the top like a floral garland. This style works beautifully on medium to long hair and suits both straight and wavy textures. For a Thanksgiving twist, weave in a few small silk autumn leaves or a thin burnt-orange ribbon before securing the braid.
The key to making this style last all day is to start with slightly damp hair — freshly washed hair tends to be too slippery. Use a light-hold mousse before braiding, then secure the ends with clear elastics before pinning the braids across the crown with bobby pins. Finish with a light-hold hairspray.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, all textures
- Time: 15–20 minutes
- Accessories: Mini fall flower clips, silk autumn leaves, ribbon
This style suits both modern and traditional family aesthetics. If your child is wearing a dress or blouse, it adds just the right amount of dressed-up charm. Up next: a look that’s just as stunning but a bit more playful.
2. French Braid Hairstyles For Kids
Source: @Instagram
A French braid hairstyle is the sweet spot between “effortless” and “I clearly put in some effort.”
Start the French braid at the crown of the head and work it all the way down, then transition into a loose low ponytail at the nape of the neck. This style keeps hair off the face — perfect for kids who tend to get food everywhere during holiday meals. To give it that Thanksgiving flair, tie the ponytail with a plaid or velvet ribbon in fall shades like burgundy, mustard, or forest green.
For kids with thicker hair, section the braid in slightly larger pieces to keep the overall look neat. For fine hair, a bit of texturizing spray before braiding helps the braid grip and stay put.
- Best for: All hair types, medium to long hair
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Accessories: Velvet ribbon, plaid bow, small leaf charm
3. Half Up Twisted Crown
Source: @Pinterest
Simple, sweet, and ready in under ten minutes — the half-up twisted crown is your best friend on a hectic Thanksgiving morning.
Take the top half of your child’s hair, split it into two sections, and twist them toward each other before securing at the back with an elastic or a decorative clip. Let the rest of the hair fall naturally in loose waves or curls. This style works on almost every hair length and type.
For an elevated look, use a claw clip in tortoiseshell or gold tones. Alternatively, weave a thin satin ribbon through the twist before securing it. The result looks polished but feels relaxed — which is exactly the vibe for a holiday spent indoors.
- Best for: Short to long hair, any texture
- Time: 5–10 minutes
- Accessories: Tortoiseshell claw clip, gold snap clip, satin ribbon
4. Low Bun with Ribbon
Source: @Pinterest
There’s something wonderfully classic about a low bun — and on Thanksgiving, it photographs beautifully.
Gather your child’s hair into a low ponytail, then twist and coil it into a neat bun at the nape of the neck. Wrap a fall-colored ribbon (think rust, gold, or deep plum) around the base of the bun and tie it in a bow. Secure any flyaways with a small amount of edge-smoothing gel or a soft bristle brush.
This style is particularly gorgeous on kids with medium-thick or thick hair. If your child has curly hair, leave a few ringlets loose at the front for a romantic, effortless effect.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, all textures
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Accessories: Ribbon, bobby pins, decorative hairpins
5. Fishtail Braid Kids
Source: @Instagram
The fishtail braid might look complicated, but once you get the rhythm down, it practically makes itself.
Divide the hair into two equal sections and alternately pull small pieces from the outer edge of each section to the center. Continue until you reach the end, then secure with a clear elastic. Add mini felt or silk leaf clips along the braid for that unmistakable autumn harvest feel.
Fishtail braids look especially stunning on wavy hair because the natural texture gives the braid dimension and body. For straight hair, add a few waves with a wide-barrel wand before braiding.
- Best for: Long hair, wavy or straight textures
- Time: 20–25 minutes
- Accessories: Leaf clips, amber or brown elastic
6. Side Swept Curls
Source: @Pinterest
Sometimes the simplest styles are the most stunning — and side-swept curls prove exactly that.
Using a medium-barrel curling iron (or flexi rods for heat-free curls), create loose, bouncy curls all over the head. Then gently sweep the curls to one side and pin them behind the ear with a large velvet bow in burgundy or navy. Leave the other side natural for a casually elegant look.
This style works particularly well for kids with naturally wavy or curly hair. If your child has straight hair, apply a curl-enhancing cream before using the curling iron to help the style hold longer.
- Best for: All hair lengths, naturally wavy or curly hair
- Time: 15–20 minutes (longer with curling iron)
- Accessories: Large velvet bow, bobby pins
7. Twisted Pigtails with Fall Ribbon
Source: @Pinterest
Pigtails get a major upgrade when you add a twist — literally.
Divide hair into two sections and twist each one from root to end before securing with colorful fall-toned elastics. Add a small ribbon bow at the base of each pigtail for extra holiday charm. This is one of the easiest styles on this list and works on kids who hate sitting still for long hairdos.
For younger children with fine or thin hair, this style is especially forgiving — it works with just about any hair length, even chin-length hair.
- Best for: Short to medium hair, fine or thin textures
- Time: 5–8 minutes
- Accessories: Fall-colored elastics, mini ribbon bows
8. Dutch Braid Headband
Source: @Instagram
The Dutch braid headband frames the face beautifully and stays put all through dinner — no adjustments needed.
Unlike a regular braid, the Dutch braid crosses pieces under rather than over, making the braid pop off the scalp. Begin the braid at one temple, work it along the hairline, and secure it behind the opposite ear. The effect is a gorgeous, three-dimensional “headband” made entirely of hair.
This style is perfect for kids who dislike wearing actual headbands. It keeps hair off the face without any accessories slipping or sliding.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, straight to wavy textures
- Time: 15–20 minutes
- Accessories: Bobby pins to secure the end, optional small clip for decoration
9. Low Ponytail Braid
Source: @Pinterest
The low ponytail braid is underrated — it looks sophisticated, but it’s just two sections twisted together.
Split your child’s hair into two equal sections and twist each one clockwise. Then wrap the two sections around each other counterclockwise to create a rope. Secure at the end with an elastic. Finish with a decorative scrunchie in a harvest plaid print for a Thanksgiving-ready touch.
This braid holds up well throughout active days and works on all hair types. It’s also one of the fastest “fancy-looking” styles you can do.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, all textures
- Time: 8–12 minutes
- Accessories: Plaid scrunchie, clear elastic
10. Boho Braids For Kids
Source: @Instagram
For the free-spirited kid at your Thanksgiving table, the boho braids style is pure magic.
Sweet, simple, and completely achievable on a busy school morning. Boho braids for kids take two thin sections from either side of the face, braid each one loosely back toward the center, and secure them together with a floral clip, elastic, or ribbon — leaving the rest of the hair completely free to curl, wave, or flow naturally behind. The face stays open, the style stays playful, and the whole thing takes under five minutes. Thread a few small wooden beads, tiny butterfly clips, or pastel elastics onto the braid ends before securing for an extra detail that kids absolutely love customizing themselves.
Works beautifully on all hair textures and pairs perfectly with floral dresses, festival outfits, or any look that calls for effortless, carefree charm.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, wavy or curly textures
- Time: 10–12 minutes
- Accessories: Floral pin, gold hair beads, loose waves spray
11. Space Buns with Scrunchies
Source: @Pinterest
Kids absolutely love space buns — and with the right accessories, they look totally festive.
Divide hair into two equal sections at the top of the head. Twist each section into a bun and secure with an elastic. Wrap an autumn-print scrunchie around each bun to complete the look. Add a few face-framing pieces for a softer effect.
Space buns work on all hair lengths — even shorter hair that’s not quite long enough for a traditional bun can usually be coaxed into mini space buns with a bit of texturizing spray.
- Best for: Short to long hair, all textures
- Time: 5–10 minutes
- Accessories: Autumn scrunchies, texturizing spray
12. Gold Ponytail Cuff
Source: @Pinterest
Sometimes sleek is the statement — and a well-done low ponytail can look incredibly polished.
Brush hair smooth using a boar bristle brush and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Use an edge control gel or cream to tame flyaways and baby hairs. Slide a gold or bronze hair cuff over the elastic for an elegant finishing touch. This look photographs beautifully and requires almost no maintenance throughout the day.
- Best for: All hair types, medium to long hair
- Time: 5–8 minutes
- Accessories: Gold or bronze hair cuff, edge control cream, boar bristle brush
13. Floral Braided Hairstyles
Source: @Instagram
This is the “wow” look — the one that makes grandma pull out her phone for a photo immediately.
Romantic, considered, and worth every minute of effort. Floral braided hairstyles weave real or silk blooms directly into the braid structure — tucked between plaits, threaded through twists, or pinned along a French braid running from temple to nape. The flowers do two things simultaneously: they decorate and they secure, holding sections in place while adding color and softness that no clip or elastic can replicate. Start with two side braids gathered into a loose twisted updo at the back, then press small dried florals, silk blooms, or fresh baby’s breath into the braid at intervals before pinning everything down.
The result works beautifully for weddings, garden parties, school events, or any occasion where the hair needs to look genuinely special without feeling overdone or overly formal.
- Best for: Long hair, all textures
- Time: 25–35 minutes
- Accessories: Floral pins, bobby pins, light-hold hairspray
14. Afro Puff Ponytail
For kids with natural curls, the curly puff ponytail is a celebration of their hair — not a fight against it.
Full, free, and completely effortless. The afro puff ponytail gathers natural coils and kinks into a high or mid-level ponytail, then lets the hair puff outward above the elastic in its full, uncompressed volume — no stretching, no smoothing, no shrinkage fought. Apply a curl-defining cream or leave-in conditioner to damp hair first, working it through evenly before gathering. Once dry, secure with a satin scrunchie rather than a standard elastic — satin prevents the breakage and frizz that rubber and nylon cause on natural coil patterns. The puff does the rest.
Add a silk ribbon, gold cuff, or oversized bow at the base for a detail that elevates the whole style without touching the natural texture that makes it beautiful.
- Best for: Naturally curly or coily hair, any length
- Time: 10 minutes (plus drying time)
- Accessories: Satin scrunchie, curl-defining cream, ribbon bow
15. Waterfall Braid
Source: @Pinterest
The waterfall braid is pure poetry — it cascades beautifully down the side of the head.
Begin a regular braid on one side of the head, but instead of adding hair to the bottom section with each stitch, drop it and pick up a new piece from the hair below. This creates the “waterfall” effect as strands drape elegantly through the braid. Secure the end with a small clip behind the ear.
This style is absolutely stunning for Thanksgiving family photos and works especially well on long, straight, or wavy hair.
- Best for: Long, straight or wavy hair
- Time: 20–25 minutes
- Accessories: Small decorative clip, light hold spray
16. Bubble Hairstyle Kids
Source: @Instagram
The bubble hairstyle is one of the trendiest styles for kids right now — and it’s outrageously easy.
Create a regular ponytail, then add elastics every 1.5 to 2 inches down the length of the ponytail. After each elastic, gently pull the hair outward between elastics to create that signature “bubble” shape. Use matching fall-toned elastics for a cohesive look.
This style works on all hair types and lengths and keeps hair fully contained during dinner — which is always a win.
- Best for: All hair types, medium to long hair
- Time: 8–10 minutes
- Accessories: Multiple matching elastics in fall colors
17. Side Part Bobby Pin Hairstyles
Source: @Pinterest
Not every Thanksgiving hairstyle needs to be elaborate — sometimes a thoughtful detail makes all the difference.
Create a side part and sweep the hair to one side. Use a cluster of decorative bobby pins or hair pins — gold, pearl, or leaf-shaped — to pin the hair on the heavier side behind the ear. This works beautifully on short to medium hair and takes almost no time at all.
For kids who resist having their hair touched, this is the perfect style. It’s minimal fuss with maximum style payoff. And there we have it — all 17 Thanksgiving hairstyles for kids, from easiest to most elaborate.
Quick Comparison Table: All 17 Thanksgiving Hairstyles at a Glance
| # | Hairstyle | Skill Level | Time Needed | Best Hair Length | Best Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crown Hairstyles For Kids | Intermediate | 15–20 min | Medium–Long | All |
| 2 | French Braid Hairstyles For Kids | Intermediate | 10–15 min | Medium–Long | All |
| 3 | Half Up Twisted Crown | Beginner | 5–10 min | Short–Long | All |
| 4 | Low Bun with Ribbon | Beginner | 10–15 min | Medium–Long | All |
| 5 | Fishtail Braid Kids | Intermediate | 20–25 min | Long | Wavy/Straight |
| 6 | Side Swept Curls | Beginner | 15–20 min | All lengths | Wavy/Curly |
| 7 | Twisted Pigtails with Fall Ribbon | Beginner | 5–8 min | Short–Medium | Fine/Thin |
| 8 | Dutch Braid Headband | Advanced | 15–20 min | Medium–Long | Straight–Wavy |
| 9 | Low Ponytail Braid | Beginner | 8–12 min | Medium–Long | All |
| 10 | Boho Braids For Kids | Beginner | 10–12 min | Medium–Long | Wavy/Curly |
| 11 | Space Buns with Scrunchies | Beginner | 5–10 min | Short–Long | All |
| 12 | Gold Ponytail Cuff | Beginner | 5–8 min | Medium–Long | All |
| 13 | Floral Braided Hairstyles | Advanced | 25–35 min | Long | All |
| 14 | Afro Puff Ponytail | Beginner | 10 min | Any | Curly/Coily |
| 15 | Waterfall Braid | Advanced | 20–25 min | Long | Straight–Wavy |
| 16 | Bubble Hairstyle Kids | Beginner | 8–10 min | Medium–Long | All |
| 17 | Side Part Bobby Pin Hairstyles | Beginner | 3–5 min | Short–Medium | All |
Accessory & Product Guide for Thanksgiving Hairstyles
| Product/Accessory | Purpose | Best Used For | Recommended Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texturizing spray | Adds grip to hair | Braids, twists | Light mist formula |
| Light-hold mousse | Controls frizz, adds body | All braided styles | Alcohol-free formula |
| Edge control cream | Tames flyaways, smooths edges | Sleek styles | Non-sticky formula |
| Curl-defining cream | Enhances natural curl pattern | Curly/coily hairstyles | Moisturizing formula |
| Satin scrunchie | Protects curls, reduces breakage | Curly/coily hair | 100% satin fabric |
| Bobby pins | Securing updos, braided styles | All styles | Match to hair color |
| Velvet ribbon | Festive decoration | Ponytails, buns | 1/2 inch width |
| Leaf hair clips | Thanksgiving-themed decoration | Braids, half-up styles | Silk or felt |
| Gold hair cuffs | Elegant accent | Ponytails, braids | Open-end spiral style |
| Floral pins | Formal holiday decoration | Updos, braids | Fall color palette |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even seasoned parents make hairstyle mistakes on busy mornings. Here’s what to watch for:
Starting on soaking wet hair. Braids and twists are much harder to control on dripping wet hair. Towel-dry first or wait until hair is about 80% dry before styling.
Skipping a heat protectant. If you’re using a curling iron or flat iron for any of these styles, always apply a heat-protectant spray first. Kids’ hair is more delicate than adult hair and can sustain heat damage quickly.
Making the braid too tight near the scalp. This is painful and can cause headaches that ruin the whole day. Keep braids comfortable — you should be able to slide a finger underneath without pulling.
Not using the right products for the hair type. A curl-defining cream on straight hair or a smoothing serum on curly hair won’t give you the results you’re hoping for. Always match the product to the texture.
Leaving too little time. Advanced styles like the braided updo or the waterfall braid should be practiced at least once before Thanksgiving Day. Don’t attempt them for the first time on the holiday itself.
Forgetting about longevity. Kids are active — they’ll be playing, eating, and running around. Use light-hold hairspray to set the style and pack a few extra bobby pins and a small brush in your bag for touch-ups.
Similar Variations to Explore
If your child has a very specific hair type or length, here are some additional variations worth considering:
- For short hair: Mini space buns, simple side clips, or a sleek half-up with a single braid work beautifully even on chin-length hair.
- For natural/coily hair: Try a puff with a ribbon wrap, two-strand twists with gold cuffs, or a flat-twist crown — all of which celebrate natural texture rather than fight it.
- For toddlers: Keep it simple with a small top knot secured with a soft elastic, or use a single large bow clip on one side. Less is always more for wiggly little ones.
- For boys: A neat side part with a small amount of pomade, or a brushed-up style with a little texture paste, can look equally polished for the holiday.
Hair Care Tips for Thanksgiving Hairstyles
Getting the look right is only half the battle — protecting your child’s hair during and after the holiday matters just as much. Here’s how to keep their hair healthy:
Prep the night before. If your child’s hair is prone to tangles, do a light detangling session the night before and loosely braid the hair for bed. This makes morning styling much faster and easier.
Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. These cause far less breakage than fine-tooth combs, especially on damp hair or natural textures.
Don’t overwash. Washing the hair the morning of Thanksgiving can leave it too slippery for braids and twists. If needed, dry shampoo at the roots works great to freshen the hair without stripping natural oils.
Protect curly and coily hair. After the holiday, remove bobby pins and elastics gently. Use a small amount of leave-in conditioner to restore moisture, and put the hair in a loose protective style before bed.
Be gentle with takedowns. Adding a small amount of hair oil or detangler to the hair before removing braids or updos makes the process much smoother and significantly less painful for your child.
Watch for tension. If your child says their head hurts, the style is too tight. Loosen it immediately — prolonged tension on the scalp can cause traction and discomfort, especially for younger children.
Outro
Thanksgiving hairstyles for kids don’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With the right style, the right products, and a little bit of planning, you can create a look that’s festive, age-appropriate, and durable enough to survive an entire holiday dinner — from the appetizers to the last slice of pie.
Whether you go with a simple twisted pigtail or an intricate braided updo, the most important thing is that your child feels beautiful and comfortable. So pick your favorite style from this list of 17 Thanksgiving hairstyles for kids, gather your ribbons and bobby pins, and get ready to make some memories at the holiday table.
