Kids love everything about Halloween. I could remember telling my niece to come sit so I can make her hair. The speed at which she jumped in the chair surprised everyone. That day was the first time she didn’t cry while getting her hair dressed.
This is the power of Halloween, and it works like magic in kids. Even hair that usually causes tears somehow feels exciting once a costume is involved.
A costume rarely feels finished without the right hairstyle to go with it. A princess costume needs a certain kind of hair, and a witch costume needs another. Even a simple animal costume looks more complete once the hair matches the theme somehow.
If your child already picked an outfit from the earlier list of ideas, this part pulls it all together. Some parents skip this step, but a matching hairstyle often turns a good costume into a great one. Check out 35 Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids They’ll Beg to Wear if you have not chosen a costume yet.
Little girls often care about their hair just as much as the outfit itself. Some want braids. Some want curls. Some just want their hair out of the way so they can run around all night without fuss. A good hairstyle should feel comfortable, not tight or fussy.
It has to last for hours of walking and playing. Rushed styling tends to fall apart fast, so a little patience early on saves trouble later in the evening. Below are 27 Halloween hairstyles that pair well with almost any costume, from the simplest to the most detailed.
27 Halloween Hairstyles for Little Girls That Complete Any Costume
1. Braided Pigtails
Braided pigtails work for almost every costume on any list, which makes them a reliable go to choice. Split the hair down the middle and braid each side evenly from root to end.
This style stays neat through hours of walking and playing outside without much fixing along the way. It also holds up well under a hat or a hood if the costume needs one for warmth.
Add small bows or ribbons at the ends to match the costume colors for a coordinated finish. This is one of the easiest styles to do quickly on a busy evening when time feels short. It also works nicely for siblings who want to match on the same night.
2. Space Buns
Space buns give a fun, playful look that suits alien, astronaut, or fairy costumes especially well. Part the hair into two sections and twist each one into a bun near the top of the head.
Secure with small elastics and pull a few pieces loose for a softer, less rigid finish. This style stays put through a lot of movement, which matters during a long night of trick or treating.
It also works nicely under a small headband or antenna without falling apart or slipping loose. Some kids enjoy picking their own bun placement, which makes getting ready feel like part of the fun.
This style also stays comfortable enough to nap in during the car ride home. It rarely leaves marks or dents in the hair, unlike some tighter styles worn for a full evening.
3. Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid adds a touch of elegance that suits a princess or fairy costume nicely. It looks more detailed than a regular braid but still holds up well through a busy night out.
Split the hair into two sections and cross small pieces from each side into the middle as you go. This takes a little more practice than a basic braid, so trying it once beforehand helps a lot.
Practicing on a doll or a willing sibling first can make the real thing go much smoother. Once you get the hang of it, this style becomes a quick favorite for special nights like this one.
A thin ribbon woven through the braid adds extra shine for costume photos later. This style also holds well the next morning if you want the look to carry over.
4. Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids sit close to the scalp and stay secure for hours without loosening or slipping around. This style works well for costumes that involve running or jumping, since nothing falls into the face.
It suits witch, pirate, and superhero costumes especially well, given how active those characters tend to be. Braid from the front of the head down to the nape of the neck on each side carefully.
Finish with small clear elastics so the braids blend into the rest of the hair smoothly. This style also tends to survive an entire evening of Halloween games without needing a single touch up.
It rarely comes loose, even during pumpkin carving or costume contests. Parents who struggle with this style at first often find it gets easier after just a few tries.
5. Half Up Half Down Style
This style keeps hair out of the face while still leaving some length down for a softer overall look. Gather the top section of hair and secure it with a clip, bow, or small elastic band.
Leave the rest of the hair loose or lightly curled underneath for extra texture and movement. This style suits mermaid, fairy, and butterfly costumes especially well, since it feels light and flowing.
It works for kids who do not like their whole head styled but still want to look dressed up. This is a nice middle ground between a full style and leaving the hair completely loose. It also works for kids who change costumes more than once in one evening.
6. Loose Waves
Loose waves give a soft, flowing look that pairs beautifully with mermaid or fairy costumes on Halloween night. Braid clean, dry hair the night before and let it out in the morning for natural waves.
You can also use a wand curler on low heat for a quicker version if time feels short. This style tends to hold well for a full evening out, even through some running and playing.
Add a flower clip or a thin headband to finish the entire look with a bit more detail. Some kids enjoy sleeping in the braids overnight, which turns the whole process into part of the fun.
Waking up to soft waves already in place saves time on a busy morning. Avoid using heat too close to Halloween day itself, since overworked hair tends to lose its shine faster.
7. Ponytail with Bow
A ponytail with a bow is simple, classic, and works with nearly every costume you can think of. Gather all the hair at the back of the head and secure it with a clear elastic band.
Add a bow that matches the costume color for a neat, coordinated finish overall. This style takes only a few minutes but still looks put together and intentional once it is done.
It also holds up well through hours of movement and play without much need for fixing. This one works especially well for younger kids who dislike sitting still for very long.
A matching bow on a sibling’s outfit makes for a nice coordinated photo too. Some families like to keep the same bow color across every sibling for a matching set of pictures at the end of the night.
8. Braided Crown
A braided crown wraps around the head like a small halo of hair, which suits princess or forest fairy costumes. Take two small sections from either side of the head and braid them toward the back carefully.
Cross them over each other and pin them into place at the back once finished. This style looks detailed but only takes about ten minutes once you know the steps involved.
Some kids like a costume built around this same fairytale feel. How to Choose a Halloween Costume Your Child Will Actually Love Wearing can help guide that choice.
A few small flowers tucked into the braid add a soft finishing touch. Small fabric flowers hold up better through the evening than fresh ones, which tend to wilt after a few hours outside.
9. Twisted Buns
Twisted buns give a playful, textured look that suits bumblebee, butterfly, or ladybug costumes especially well. Twist small sections of hair and wrap them into little buns spaced evenly across the head.
Secure each one with a small pin or clear elastic as you work your way around. This style works well on shorter hair that is not quite long enough for full braids yet.
It also stays neat through a lot of running and jumping without coming undone too easily. Some kids enjoy counting how many little buns end up across their whole head.
Younger siblings often enjoy watching the process, especially once they realize each bun gets its own little section.
10. Side Braid
A side braid falls over one shoulder and gives a soft, effortless look for almost any costume choice. Gather all the hair to one side and braid it loosely down the length from top to end.
This style works especially well with off shoulder costume tops or capes that drape over one side. It takes only a few minutes and suits both younger kids and older girls equally well overall.
Leave a few strands loose around the face for a softer, less pulled back finish. A small clip at the top helps keep flyaways from falling out of place too soon.
This style also works well for kids with layered or shorter hair near the front of the head.
11. High Ponytail
A high ponytail keeps hair fully off the neck, which helps a great deal on a warmer Halloween evening. Gather the hair at the crown of the head and secure it tightly with a strong elastic band.
This style suits superhero, cheerleader, and cat costumes especially well, since it feels sporty and quick. Add a small bow or a costume accessory clip near the base for a bit of extra detail.
It also holds up well through a full night of walking from house to house without loosening. Some evenings include games or costume parades before trick or treating even begins.
35 Halloween Activities for Kids They’ll Actually Want to Try has plenty of ideas to fill that time.
12. Low Bun
A low bun gives a neat, polished look that suits ballerina or doctor costumes especially well. Gather the hair at the nape of the neck and twist it into a small, tight bun shape. Secure it with bobby pins and a light hold hairspray if the hair tends to slip loose.
This style stays in place through hours of movement without much fuss or repeated fixing. It also works well under small hats or headpieces that some costumes require for the full look.
If your area tends to get cold by evening, layering matters just as much as the hairstyle itself. What to Wear Under a Halloween Costume When the Weather Gets Cold has ideas for staying warm without hiding all that styling.
13. French Braid
A French braid down the back of the head gives a clean, classic look for many different costumes. Start at the crown and add small sections of hair as you braid down toward the neck.
This style holds up especially well for active kids who plan to run around all night long. It suits witch, pirate, and adventurer costumes nicely, given how sturdy and neat it stays.
Finish the end with a small elastic and let a bit of extra length hang loose below. This style also works well as a base for adding small charms or beads later.
It holds up especially well for younger kids who tend to touch or pull at their hair throughout the evening.
14. Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid lets sections of hair fall out gradually as you braid across the back of the head. It gives a soft, romantic look that pairs beautifully with fairy or princess costumes for the night.
This style takes a bit more practice than a regular braid but looks far more detailed once finished properly. Curl the loose sections lightly afterward for extra texture and a fuller overall appearance.
This is a nice choice for older girls who want something a little more grown up than usual. Practicing this style once ahead of time makes the real thing go much faster.
Good lighting helps a great deal when working on this one, since the small sections are easy to lose track of.
15. Curly Afro Puff
A curly afro puff celebrates natural hair texture and pairs beautifully with lion, sunflower, or superhero costumes alike. Gather the hair up into a puff at the crown or the back of the head gently.
Use a soft edge control or light gel to smooth the front before securing the puff in place. This style holds shape well through a full night of play without much frizz or slipping.
A colorful headband or bow adds a fun finishing touch that matches most costume themes nicely. Kids with natural hair often feel proudest wearing a style that celebrates their own natural texture.
This style also holds up especially well in humid weather, when other styles tend to lose their shape faster.
16. Twin Puffs
Twin puffs split natural hair into two even sections, one on each side of the head. This style suits animal costumes, cartoon inspired looks, or simple everyday outfits equally well overall.
Part the hair down the middle and secure each puff with a soft, gentle elastic band. Add small bows or clips at the base of each puff for a bit of extra detail.
This style stays neat and comfortable through hours of walking and playing outside without much upkeep needed. Many toddlers find this style especially comfortable, since it does not pull tightly at the scalp.
It also takes less time than a full head of braids, which helps on a busy evening.
17. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots create a bold, textured look using small twisted sections pinned close to the scalp neatly. This style works beautifully with warrior, jungle explorer, or fantasy character costumes that need a bit of drama.
Divide the hair into small sections and twist each one tightly before wrapping it into a small knot. Secure each knot with a small pin as you work your way around the entire head.
This style holds shape for hours and can later be taken down into soft curls the next day. It is a style that carries real meaning for families who wear it beyond just Halloween night.
Taking the time to explain that meaning to a child can turn styling into a proud moment, not just a costume detail.
18. Cornrows
Cornrows give a neat, long lasting style that holds up through even the most active Halloween night out. This style works especially well for kids who plan a lot of running, jumping, and outdoor play.
Braid the hair close to the scalp in straight or curved rows based on your child’s preference. Add small beads or bows at the ends of each row for a bit of extra flair.
This style also saves time on styling for the days following Halloween, since it lasts well beyond one night. Many families treat this styling session as its own small tradition each year.
Taking a bit more time on this one often pays off across several days, not just one night.
19. Flower Crown Braid
A flower crown braid combines a soft braid with small fabric or fresh flowers tucked along the way. This style suits fairy, garden nymph, or butterfly costumes especially well, given the natural, delicate feel.
Braid a loose crown style around the head and tuck small flowers into the gaps as you go. This is a fun styling project to do together as part of getting ready for the night.
Many families enjoy craft projects like this one together at home. 27 Halloween Crafts for Kids That Look Amazing has more hands on ideas worth trying before the big night arrives.
Making the small flowers together beforehand adds extra excitement to the whole process.
20. Ribbon Braid
A ribbon braid weaves a thin ribbon through a regular braid for extra color and detail overall. This style pairs well with almost any costume, since you can match the ribbon to the outfit exactly.
Braid the hair as usual, adding the ribbon in as one of the strands as you go. This style takes only a bit more time than a regular braid but looks far more finished once done.
It also gives a nice pop of color for costume photos later in the evening outside. Kids often enjoy picking the ribbon color themselves, which adds a small personal touch to the look.
Keeping a few spare ribbons on hand makes it easy to switch colors for a different costume later in the season.
21. Messy Bun
A messy bun works well for kids who do not want a fussy hairstyle on a busy night out. Gather the hair loosely at the top or back of the head and twist it into a soft bun shape.
Pull a few pieces loose around the face for a relaxed, easy finish overall. This style takes only a minute or two, which helps on a night that is already running behind schedule.
Bookmark this for later: How to Put Together a Last-Minute Halloween Look Without Buying a Full Costume. It has more ideas for when time feels tight.
This hairstyle pairs naturally with a costume built the exact same way, using what is already on hand.
22. Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail combines a neat braid with the ease of a regular ponytail underneath it all. Gather the hair into a ponytail first, then braid the length of it down to the end.
This style holds up well through a full night of activity without needing much fixing along the way. It suits pirate, adventurer, and superhero costumes especially well, since it stays neat but still looks active.
A small elastic at the end keeps everything secure through hours of play and movement. Kids who want more than a plain ponytail but less than a full braid tend to like this option best.
It also takes far less time than a full braid, which helps when the evening is already running late.
23. Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail uses several small elastics spaced evenly down a single ponytail to create a fun, bubbled effect. Gather the hair and add elastics every two or three inches down the length carefully.
Gently pull the hair between each elastic to create the rounded bubble shape as you go. This style suits bright, playful costumes like bumblebee, ladybug, or clown outfits especially well overall.
It also photographs well for Halloween pictures later in the night, since the shape holds nicely. Younger kids especially enjoy watching each bubble form as the style comes together.
This is also an easy style to teach an older sibling, since the steps repeat all the way down.
24. Headband Style
A simple headband style works when time is short or your child prefers loose, natural hair for the night. Slide a costume themed headband over freshly brushed hair and let the rest fall naturally around it.
This style suits almost any costume, since the headband itself often carries most of the theme already. Some evenings feel tight on time already before hair even gets started.
How to Plan a Halloween Activity Day Without Making It Complicated can help you manage the rest of the schedule without extra stress. This is often the fastest option on this entire list from start to finish.
25. Glitter Roots Style
A glitter roots style adds a bit of sparkle along the part or hairline for costumes that need extra shine. Use a small amount of hair safe glitter gel along the scalp before styling the rest as usual.
This style pairs beautifully with fairy, mermaid, or star themed costumes that already lean toward sparkle. It washes out easily with regular shampoo the next day, so there is little cleanup involved.
This is a fun detail to add once the base hairstyle underneath is already finished. Even a small amount of glitter tends to catch porch lights nicely during trick or treating.
A light hand goes a long way with this one, since too much glitter can spread onto clothes and costumes.
26. Spiral Curls
Spiral curls give a bouncy, full look that suits princess or fairy tale costumes especially well overall. Use small foam rollers or a curling wand to create tight, even curls throughout the hair.
Let the curls cool completely before brushing them out gently for a bit of extra volume. This style holds well for a few hours before starting to loosen naturally as the night goes on.
Some kids enjoy learning how curls form as part of getting ready for the night. That turns styling time into a small lesson of its own.
How to Turn Halloween Into a Fun Learning Experience for Kids has more ways to build learning into the rest of the day.
27. Simple Straight Down Style
Sometimes the easiest choice is also the best one for a tired child on a long night out. Brush the hair straight down and add a single clip or headband to keep it neat overall. This style suits any costume without needing extra time or tools to put together quickly.
It works especially well for younger toddlers who dislike sitting still for any kind of styling. There is no shame in choosing this option on a night when everyone is already tired and running low on patience.
If your child is very young, a soft sensory activity beforehand can help settle them before getting dressed. How to Set Up a Halloween Sensory Bin Kids Will Love is a good option to try earlier that day.
Finishing the Look Together
With 27 styles to choose from, there is likely one that fits your child’s costume and personality well. Hair does not need to be complicated to look finished for the night ahead. My sister once spent ten minutes on a simple braid before her daughter’s costume.
It made the whole outfit look pulled together instantly. Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference on Halloween night, more than most people expect going in.
Whatever style you pick, try to keep your child comfortable through the entire process from start to finish. A relaxed child sits still longer than one who feels rushed or pulled at too much.
My neighbor once let her daughter watch a short video while braiding her hair. The whole session passed without a single complaint. Little things like that can turn styling time into something both of you enjoy.
It beats rushing through the whole thing. A calm start to the evening tends to carry through the rest of the night too.
Halloween hair does not need to be perfect to be memorable for either of you. What matters most is that your child feels good in the mirror before heading out the door. It might take five minutes, or it might take fifty.
Either way, the right hairstyle finishes off all the hard work that went into picking the costume itself. Enjoy the process, and let your child have a say in how their own hair looks too.
Years from now, the photos will matter more than how long any of it took to get right.
