Young Girls' Hairstyles: Fashion & Function
From school days to special events, a great hairstyle can help young girls feel confident, stylish, and ready for anything. This collection of hairstyles combines fashion-forward looks with practical benefits, offering something for every occasion and personality. Whether you're looking for effortless elegance, playful charm, or just a style that keeps hair in place during a busy day, these thoughtfully designed options strike the perfect balance between style and function.
This enchanting style combines the elegance of a side-swept braid with the playful charm of loose tendrils. The look features a braid that begins at the hairline and sweeps across the crown, while the remaining hair flows in a beautiful, voluminous braid down one shoulder.
This style embodies the current trend of romantic, princess-inspired looks that are extremely popular. The asymmetrical design creates visual interest and sophistication, while the loose tendrils add a touch of whimsy that's perfect for young girls.
This hairstyle is a winner for active young girls. The braid element keeps hair away from the face during school activities and sports, while the secured side placement prevents constant hair flipping. The style can last for two to three days with proper nighttime care. For maintenance, the braid can be refreshed each morning with a light misting of water and a touch of leave-in conditioner.
2: Classic Side Braid
This timeless style showcases a beautifully crafted side braid that demonstrates the enduring appeal of traditional braiding techniques. The hair is deeply side-parted and woven into a long braid that drapes elegantly over one shoulder. The rich chocolate brown hair color provides a perfect canvas for the intricate braiding pattern, while subtle caramel highlights add depth and movement throughout the plait.
This look taps into the "cottagecore" and vintage-inspired trends that have gained tremendous popularity among younger generations. The relaxed, slightly undone texture of the braid gives it a modern feel that's age-appropriate. This style works beautifully with everything from casual school outfits to more dressed-up occasions, making it incredibly versatile for young girls.
The practical benefits of this hairstyle cannot be overstated. It's the ultimate low-maintenance look that keeps long hair completely contained and tangle-free throughout the day. The side braid is particularly beneficial for girls who participate in sports, as it stays secure during physical activities without requiring excessive hairspray or tight elastics that can cause breakage.
The braid can be created quickly each morning and typically stays neat for the entire day. To maintain the look overnight, simply re-braid loosely before bed, and in the morning, gently tug at the edges of the braid to recreate that perfectly imperfect, lived-in texture.
3: Sleek High Ponytail
This high ponytail represents the epitome of chic simplicity. The style features hair that's been smoothed back from the face and secured high on the crown, creating a clean, streamlined silhouette. The rich brown hair appears glossy and healthy, with every strand perfectly in place, while the ponytail showcases the hair's natural shine and movement.
In terms of current fashion trends, this look aligns perfectly with the minimalist aesthetic. The sleek, pulled-back style has become synonymous with confidence, making it an excellent choice for young girls who want to project maturity and poise.
The high ponytail is unbeatable for active lifestyles. It keeps hair completely off the face and neck, making it ideal for sports or dance classes. The style is also perfect for school environments where hair needs to stay neat and non-distracting throughout long days. The high placement prevents the ponytail from getting caught in backpack straps or interfering with desk work.
To achieve the glossy finish, use a smoothing serum before blow-drying, then finish with a flat iron for extra sleekness. A light-hold hairspray will maintain the polished look all day, and the style can be easily refreshed by smoothing any flyaways with a damp brush.
4: Messy Bun
This perfectly imperfect messy bun captures the essence of effortless chic that's become a signature look in contemporary hair fashion. The style features hair that's been loosely gathered at the crown and twisted into a voluminous, textured bun with strategic pieces left to frame the face. The rich brunette hair color provides a beautiful base for the styling, while the deliberately tousled texture creates movement.
Fashion-forward and utterly modern, this hairstyle embodies the "undone" aesthetic that's been trending across all age groups. The messy bun has become a symbol of confident, carefree style that suggests the wearer is too busy living life to worry about perfect hair. The face-framing pieces add a soft touch that keeps the style from appearing too severe or adult.
The practical advantages of this hairstyle are numerous, making it a favorite among busy parents and active kids alike. The messy bun can be created in literally two minutes, making it perfect for rushed mornings or last-minute changes before activities. Unlike traditional, tightly-wound buns that can cause headaches and hair breakage, this loose interpretation is comfortable enough to wear all day.
The style is incredibly forgiving and the messier it gets throughout the day, the better it looks. It's also gentle on hair, as the loose construction doesn't create tension on the scalp. To achieve this look, apply a texturizing spray to damp hair, allow it to air dry, then loosely gather and secure with a soft elastic, purposely leaving some pieces loose for the undone effect.
5: Curls and Blunt Bangs
This stunning hairstyle combines the drama of voluminous, bouncy curls with the frame of perfectly cut blunt bangs. The look features long hair that's been expertly curled to create maximum volume and movement, while the straight-across bangs provide a graphic element that's both modern and timeless.
This style represents a perfect blend of retro inspiration and contemporary execution. The combination of blunt bangs with voluminous curls nods to iconic looks from the 1960s and 70s while maintaining a fresh, current feel. The bold bangs create a strong focal point that frames the eyes beautifully, while the curls add movement and personality that's perfect for young girls who want to make a statement.
Practically speaking, this hairstyle offers several advantages for young girls. The blunt bangs help keep hair out of the eyes during concentrated activities like homework. The curls, while requiring some styling time, actually help disguise any imperfections on days when hair doesn't cooperate perfectly. The voluminous styling also makes fine hair appear thicker and fuller.
For this look, use a volumizing mousse on damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush, then use a large-barrel curling iron to create the bouncy curls. The bangs should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks to maintain their sharp line, and a light-hold hairspray will help the curls maintain their shape throughout the day.
6: Side-Swept Waves
This hairstyle showcases elegant waves that are swept dramatically to one side. The look features perfectly sculpted waves that cascade over one shoulder, creating an appearance that's both glamorous and age-appropriate. The rich chocolate brown hair color provides a luxurious base for the wave pattern, while the deep side part adds sophistication to the overall style.
This hairstyle is at the forefront of current hair fashion, drawing inspiration from vintage glamour while maintaining a fresh, contemporary appeal. This look has been popularized by young actresses and singers, making it highly sought-after for school dances, recitals, and other special occasions where young girls want to feel elegant and grown-up.
While this style appears complex, it's surprisingly practical for special events and can be adapted for everyday wear with slight modifications. The side-swept design keeps hair away from one side of the face, which is particularly helpful during meals or when playing musical instruments. The waves, once set properly, can last for multiple days, making it an excellent choice for multi-day events.
To achieve this look, use a heat protectant before curling hair in large sections with a medium-barrel curling iron, then brush out the curls gently to create waves. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain the shape while allowing natural movement. For sleeping, loosely pin the waves up and cover with a silk scarf to preserve the style.
7: Silver Headband
This polished hairstyle features sleek hair styled with an elegant metallic headband that adds a touch of glamour to an otherwise simple look. The hair is perfectly smooth and glossy, falling in straight lines that showcase the hair's healthy condition and beautiful brunette color. The silver headband creates a striking contrast against the dark hair while adding an element that elevates the entire look.
Fashion-wise, this style perfectly captures the current trend toward minimalist accessories that make maximum impact. The metallic headband trend has been gaining momentum, representing a return to classic hair accessories with a modern twist. The clean lines and polished finish align with current preferences for sleek styling that appears effortless but refined.
This hairstyle is incredibly user-friendly for busy young girls and their parents. The headband serves the dual purpose of being both decorative and functional, helping to keep hair away from the face during activities. The straight hair is relatively low-maintenance once styled, and the headband can instantly dress up the look for special occasions.
The style works well with various hair textures. Naturally straight hair can be enhanced with a smoothing serum, while wavy or curly hair can be straightened with a flat iron. Use a heat protectant before straightening, and choose headbands with smooth, finished edges to prevent hair breakage.
8: Half-Up Style
This dreamy hairstyle combines the best of both worlds with a half-up, half-down design that features loose waves and face-framing pieces. The upper portion of the hair is pulled back and secured, while the lower half flows in soft, natural-looking waves.
This style perfectly embodies the trend toward romantic looks that celebrate natural texture and movement. The half-up style has become increasingly popular among young fashion enthusiasts who want a look that's both practical and pretty. The loose, undone waves align with current preferences for hair that looks effortlessly beautiful rather than overly manipulated.
The practical benefits of this hairstyle make it ideal for young girls with active lifestyles. The half-up styling keeps hair away from the face during activities while still allowing the beauty of longer hair to show. This style is particularly beneficial for girls who find full updos too severe but need some hair control for school or sports.
The style can be created quickly in the morning and refreshed easily if needed. To achieve this look, apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair, scrunch gently, and allow to air dry or use a diffuser. Then, loosely gather the top section and secure with an elastic or decorative hair tie, allowing some pieces to fall naturally around the face.
9: Updo with Vintage Flair
This stunning updo showcases a beautiful style that combines vintage-inspired elements with modern execution. The beautiful auburn hair is arranged in a complex pattern of curls that create incredible volume and dimension at the crown, while delicate tendrils frame the face softly. The rich copper tones catch the light beautifully, adding warmth and vibrancy to the overall look.
While this style appears complex, it offers several practical advantages for special events and formal occasions. The updo completely contains the hair, preventing any interference with clothing, jewelry, or activities throughout the day. The style is designed to last for hours without significant touch-ups, making it ideal for long events like recitals, weddings, or formal dinners.
The volume at the crown helps create the appearance of thicker, fuller hair, which is particularly beneficial for girls with fine hair. However, this hairstyle does require professional styling and is best reserved for special occasions rather than daily wear. To maintain the look, use a strong-hold hairspray and avoid touching or manipulating the hair once styled.
10: Dutch Braid
This sophisticated hairstyle combines the timeless appeal of a Dutch braid with modern styling, creating a look that's both polished and playful. The hairstyle features a sleek side-swept front section that transitions into a beautifully woven braid cascading over one shoulder. What makes it particularly striking is how the braiding incorporates hair from the crown, creating visual interest and preventing a flat-looking top of the head that can sometimes plague traditional braids.
From a fashion perspective, this hairstyle bridges the gap between casual and formal effortlessly. It's refined enough for special occasions, yet relaxed enough for everyday wear. The asymmetrical nature of the style adds a contemporary edge that feels fresh and current, while the classic braiding technique ensures it won't look dated in photos years from now.
This is a dream hairstyle for active young girls. The braiding keeps hair completely out of the face during sports or playground activities, while the side-swept front section frames the face beautifully. The style typically holds up well throughout a full day of activities, requiring minimal touch-ups. For parents, it's a time-saver too. Once you master the technique, it can be created in about 10-15 minutes and will last for hours without needing adjustment.
11: Long Bob with Bangs
This shoulder-length bob features a cutting line that sits just at the collarbone, paired with precisely cut bangs that create a frame around the face. The style has been given a modern update with subtle layering that adds movement and prevents the hair from looking too heavy or severe.
Fashion-wise, this cut is incredibly versatile and works beautifully with a wide range of personal styles. It has a subtle retro feel that nods to 1960s mod fashion, making it perfect for young girls who want to stand out from the typical long-hair crowd. The blunt bangs create a strong focal point that draws attention to the eyes, while the bob photographs beautifully.
The practical benefits of this hairstyle are numerous. The shorter length means less time spent on daily maintenance. The blunt bangs eliminate the need for headbands or hair accessories to keep hair out of the face during activities.
This cut works particularly well for girls with thick, straight to slightly wavy hair, as it showcases the hair's natural texture while maintaining a neat appearance. The style grows out gracefully too, making it budget-friendly for families who prefer fewer salon visits.
See also: Hairstyles for children