20 Playful Summer Hairstyles for Kids in 2025

Adorable Top Knot A Stylish Updo for Busy Summer Days

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Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore fun and carefree hairstyles that are as playful as they are practical. With all the adventures that come with warm weather — from beach outings and backyard picnics to playdates and family vacations — the right hairstyle can help your child stay cool, comfortable, and totally adorable.

Think breezy beach waves, neat little braids, cute buns, and easy ponytails that hold up during hours of fun in the sun. These styles aren’t just cute — they’re also low-maintenance and designed with active kids in mind.

In this collection of 20 stylish summer hairstyles for kids in 2025, you’ll find looks that are quick to create, easy to wear, and full of personality. Whether your child loves a polished French braid or a messy-chic top knot, there’s something here to match every mood and occasion.

Get ready to discover hairstyles that will keep your little one looking fresh, happy, and ready for all the sunny days ahead!

1. Beach Waves Cool and Adventurous

Beach waves are the ultimate summer hairstyle for kids who enjoy a relaxed, effortless look. The natural tousled texture captures the effortless beach feel with little effort required. Whether your child has straight or curly locks, a bit of sea salt spray or curling iron can produce the desired texture.

Beach waves are ideal for a day of play in the sun, as they’re comfortable and require minimal retouching. And, they even complement beachwear or loose summer garb, making this a go-to style for impromptu family adventures or beach activities.

Beach Waves Cool and Adventurous
PC: www.pinterest.com

2. Bring Some Playfulness to Those Twists and Turns

Ideal for special celebrations, bubble braids take the classic braid to a new and exciting level, infusing it with a playful and bouncy style. To get the bubble braids, you will just braid the hair as you normally would, but instead of keeping a normal braid, you would add elastic bands into the braid to create “bubbles”. This instantly creates a more lively braid but will also add texture and volume to your hair.

Bubble braids are particularly great for children who desire to express their personality and creativity. They’re ideal for playdates, summer fairs, or just a daily hairstyle that adds an extra dose of joy and a dash of fun to their appearance.

Bring Some Playfulness to Those Twists and Turns
PC: Sydney Shirley

3. A Trendy Twist on a Classic Style

Double Dutch braids provide a chic and functional means to keep hair tidy on busy summer days. The braids are typically done near the scalp, resulting in a gorgeous, close pattern that holds well even during play or sports. Double Dutch braids are a magic solution for children with long hair, keeping it comfortable and fashionable.

While they bike, run, or attend summer camp, double Dutch braids hold well without sacrificing fashion. You can also personalize this style by decorating with colorful beads or elastics for a fabulous, individual flair.

A Trendy Twist on a Classic Style
PC: Apex Braids

4. The Simple and Sweet Details

A ponytail with a bow is a simple, sweet, and straightforward combination. This timeless haircut is suitable for any occasion, from a day trip to the park to a family picnic. It’s a convenient and concise method for keeping hair away from the face while still looking cute.

You can dress up a simple ponytail by topping it with a large, bright-colored bow to tie the look together. Use bright, playful colors or a flower print for a seasonal look. Whether your child is playing hard or sitting to snack, the style is low-maintenance and so cute!

The Simple and Sweet Details
PC: www.pinterest.com

5. Intergalactic Hair for Your Mini Star

Space buns are a fun, silly summer haircut for the child that loves outlandish hairstyles. Space buns are made up of two buns made on either side of your head just like little planets in space.

There are so many occasions that you can wear space buns from the beach to a night out with friends.

The best part about space buns is that they are very customizable–you can use glitter, colorful hair ties or tiny braids to make your space buns unique. Space buns are playful, practical, and will be sure to stand out for any child who wants to be uniquely them and shine bright.

Intergalactic Hair for Your Mini Star
PC: Haileys hairstyles

6. Quirky and Cool with a Touch of Sass

Side-swept pigtails offer a fun, quirky twist on the classic pigtail hairstyle. Rather than setting them on opposite sides of the head, these pigtails are pulled together on one side and form a cheeky and unbalanced style. This haircut is ideal for children who need something more interest-based than ordinary pigtails but don’t have to sacrifice usefulness.

Side-swept pigtails are an excellent choice for energetic children, as they keep the hair clean and neat when worn with the hair back. They also pair exceptionally well with everyday wear, such as summer dresses or T-shirts, making your child stand out and look fashionable wherever they are.

Quirky and Cool with a Touch of Sass
PC: Latest Hairstyles

7. Loose Braid with Flowers: A Whimsical Look for Dreamy Days

Add a touch of whimsy to any day with a loose braid adorned with delicate faux flowers.You would pair an easy, undone braid into a naturally romantic, dreamy effect for the summer. As the flowers are bright and playful, this hairstyle is perfect for all outdoor summer activities such as a picnic, garden party, or family pictures. 

Using silk flowers in bright colors or small hair accessories to crown the braid is a fun way to personalize your look. This is a fun style to make, and will look cute without effort. It gives you the fairy-tale look every sunny day.

Loose Braid with Flowers A Whimsical Look for Dreamy Days
PC: Itakeyou Wedding

8. Half-Up, Half-Down with Twist

Half-up, half-down is an amazing style for kids who love the freedom of loose hair but still want some of their beautiful faces showing.

By twisting the top part of the hair and holding it all in place with a cute hair tie, you now have a style that is both fashionable and functional. This look is appropriate for any type of hair and can be worn on both formal occasions or for everyday activities. Add a decorative clip or bow to the twist for an added splash of color, and your child will be set to take on any summer adventure in style.

Half Up, Half Down with Twist
PC: Priscila Fernandez

9. Adorable Top Knot: A Stylish Updo for Busy Summer Days

The cute top knot is the perfect hairstyle for active kids during the summer. It keeps hair off the neck and out of the face providing a neat, but laid-back style that works well in the heat. Whether your kid is at the park or tagging along to run errands with you, the top knot is great for keeping hair out of the way and looking tidy.

You could wear a pretty hair tie or scrunchie with it to dress it up, or go without for a cleaner look. This simple but stylish look is perfect for summer fun!.

Adorable Top Knot A Stylish Updo for Busy Summer Days
PC: Always Pretty Styling

10. A Princess-Inspired Style Worthy of Summer Days

The french braid crown is a cute and stylish hairstyle fit for a princess! This hairstyle has braids wrapped around the child’s head like a crown, creating a elegant and dreamy look. It is great for summer weddings, family reunions, or any other event your child wants to show off their crown.

You could also dress it up by tightening the braids to look sleek or leave the braid loose and relaxed, creating a bohemian look. This is an adorable hairstyle with timeless charm.

A Princess Inspired Style Worthy of Summer Days
PC: Dilyara K

11. A Beautiful Twist That’s Fun and So Different

Fishtail braids add a modern and stylish option to traditional braiding. Fishtail braids are unlike regular three-strand braids and use two strands of hair to create a more textured and artistic hairstyle. This hairstyle is great for kids with longer hair, and there are many ways to style a fishtail braid (loose for a more casual look, or tight for a more stylish finish).

Fishtail braids are perfect for summer outings, garden parties, or even beach days. Add a bright hair tie or ribbon for some extra personality, and make this braid your child’s new favourite hairstyle.

A Beautiful Twist That's Fun and So Different
PC: McKenna

12. Rock Those Natural Curls in Style

The frohawk curly is a fabulous and fun hairstyle for children with curly hair who want to show off their beautiful texture. The sides of the hair are shaved or trimmed, the top section is left longer and styled in a fun, bouffant-looking mohawk.

As a summertime hairstyle, it is practical and stylish, keeping the locks cool and off the enchanted and fun while also showing a bold statement. This is an ideal style for children who love to be unique, it showcases the beauty of their natural curls and provides a modern twist on a classic frohawk style. It’s a hairstyle as chic as it is unique.

Rock Those Natural Curls in Style
PC: Kristin Tousley

13. A Whimsical Style with a Flowing, Dreamy Look

Waterfall braids create a lovely, ethereal look that is perfect for warm-weather occasions. The waterfall braid cascades down the hair like a waterfall of hair flowing down the back. This technique does include passing various sections through the braid while other sections flow free, providing a lovely, flowing look.

Waterfall braids can be worn on children who have long to medium length hair and great for summer birthday parties or family events like weddings. It gives a dreamy and romantic look that is as gorgeous as a summer breeze and allows your child to feel like they just walked out of a fairy tale.

A Whimsical Style with a Flowing, Dreamy Look
PC: Every Little Strand

14. Stylish Take on Classic Pigtails

Rope twist pigtails give the classic pigtail look a trendy, textured spin. Rather than just braiding the hair, you twist two strands of hair together to make a rope-like effect, pinning them into pigtails. This creates a more mature and visually appealing look than standard braids.

 Rope twists are also an excellent method for tangle prevention and keeping hair in check on sweltering summer days. Whether your kid is visiting a playdate or going on a family outing, these twisted pigtails will keep their hair tidy, secure, and fashionable all day long.

Stylish Take on Classic Pigtails
PC: Brioni’s Boutique

15. No-Fuss Hairstyle for Fun Summer Days

A messy high bun is a great summer hairstyle for active, busy kids who want something stylish yet easy-to-do! This bun keeps hair away from the face and neck, which is especially helpful on those hot, sticky summer days when you want to look, and feel, cool. The messy vibe works well since it’s all about style and effortlessly look!

Simply pull hair into a high ponytail and twist the hair until you have a bun, while leaving some pieces out for flair. Plus, this style is great if you want to add hair accessories! You could wear this style on a summer day out, or just a casual day at home.

No Fuss Hairstyle for Fun Summer Days
PC: www.pinterest.com

16. Goddess Braids: Beautiful and Elegant, Suitable for Any Occasion

Goddess braids are full, detailed braids that bring elegance and beauty to any summer look. They are usually braided along the scalp, creating a beautiful pattern that appears royal and distinctive. Goddess braids are perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

You can do them plain or adorn them with beads and accessories for a more dressy appearance. This style is particularly well-suited for children with thicker or longer hair, as it effectively showcases the braids. Whether it’s a summer wedding or backyard playtime, goddess braids will make your child feel special and fashionable.

Goddess Braids Beautiful and Elegant, Suitable for Any Occasion
PC: Beauty Trend Tracker

17. Zigzag Parted Hair

A zigzag part is an easy and fun way to add a little flair into your child’s hair!  Instead of simply doing a straight part for a standard hairstyle, make a zigzag shape for added texture and originality.  A zigzag part works great for straight and wavy hairstyles and can also be used in braids, ponytails, and other loose hairstyles.

A zigzag part is a quick and playful way to keep your child’s summer style fresh, energetic, and fun.  There is not too much work involved, and all that is needed is the zigzag part and any of your child’s favorite hairstyles, and what a creative new twist on an old favorite!

Zigzag Parted Hair
PC: Momtastic.com

18. Playful Pixie: Short, Sweet, and Ready for Summer Fun

If your child has short hair, a pixie cut is the perfect summer hairstyle. There isn’t much to the cut while it is great because it is easy to style the hair, especially when it’s hot outside. Since a pixie cut is short, it allows for a lot of freedom of movement, which is great for active children who like to run, jump, and play. Use a bit of volume with soft curls or keep a straight style for sleek finish.

A pixie cut can be incorporated with hair accessories like headbands or hair clips for a little pop of color. A pixie cut is perfect for those who want to have a low-maintenance hairstyle that is fun and stylish.

Playful Pixie Short, Sweet, and Ready for Summer Fun
PC: Leilahjamid

19. Creating a Bold Statement with Temporary Color

Add some fun and creativity to your child’s hair with temporary color from using hair chalk. There are so many fun colors to choose from! With hair chalk, your child can add color to their hair without a long-term commitment.

You can use just a few streaks of pink, blue, or purple, it can be a fun way to highlight a summer hairstyle. Hair chalk is a fun option for kids who enjoy experimenting with trends and expressing their individuality.

Hair chalk is easy to apply, and when the day is done, it washes out without a permanent commitment!

Creating a Bold Statement with Temporary Color
PC: Dana Krueger

20. Braid into Bun: Adorable, Elegant Style That’s Ideal for Summer

A braid + bun creates your child’s stylish, chic and refined, practical look perfect for summer. The look calls for a braid to be made out of part of their hair and then twisted to form a bun. The look gives a clean, chic appearance and fits for all occasions. The braiding provides a soft visual appeal, but also creates a way of keeping the hair out of the neck and face.

Whether for a fancy family get-together or a trip out, this style secures hair without letting your child look frumpy or unfinished. Tuck a sweet hair clip or flower into the bun for an added summer flair that will enhance their entire appearance.

Braid into Bun Adorable, Elegant Style That's Ideal for Summer
PC: Amanda

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