24 Quick Christmas Hairstyles for Kids with Short Hair

Short hair can still look fun and festive for the holidays, especially when you focus on tiny details that add charm. Simple hairstyles work well for busy parents who want quick ideas that look cute in photos and hold up during school parties or family gatherings. These easy Christmas hairstyles help you style short hair fast using items you likely already have at home. Clips, ribbons, and gentle spritzes are often all you need. Let’s explore quick styles that bring cheerful sparkle without spending much money or time.

1. Mini Side Puff with Holiday Clip

A mini side puff works well for very short cuts because you only gather a small section. Brush the front part toward one side. Use a soft elastic or tiny clip to hold it. Pick a red or green clip for a festive touch. Try one with a small star or bell charm for added sparkle. This style stays in place during active play and takes less than a minute to do. If the hair is slippery, lightly mist it with water before shaping the puff. Parents love this trick because it gives a neat look with almost zero supplies. You can also switch the clip color depending on outfits. This small detail makes holiday photos look coordinated but still natural. Most dollar stores carry packs of seasonal clips, so you can collect a few without spending much. Have your child pick their favorite clip each morning to make them feel involved.
2. Tiny Front Twist Rows

Front twists add gentle texture without needing long hair. Part small horizontal sections at the front and twist each one toward the back. Secure with small elastics. Choose holiday colors like red, white, or gold. This style keeps hair away from the face and holds all day with very little product. It’s perfect for school events because it looks tidy but still playful. Parents with busy mornings often use this trick since twists handle messy hair easily. If the twists slip, apply a tiny bit of leave-in conditioner on the fingers before twisting. It helps hold shape without making hair sticky. You can finish with a small bow clip at the end of each twist for added charm. Twisted rows look great in pictures and don’t take long to redo.
3. Short Hair Half-Up Bow Tie

A half-up bow tie works even on chin-length cuts. Gather the top section of hair and secure with an elastic. Add a small ribbon bow right above it. Choose velvet or satin for a holiday look. This quick style adds instant sweetness without much effort. If hair slips through the elastic, use a silicone mini band for better grip. It’s a great way to highlight curls or natural waves too. Parents often use leftover gift ribbon for the bow, keeping the style budget-friendly. You can change bow colors to match dresses or sweaters. This is also a smart option when you’re in a rush but still want something that looks intentional.
4. Wrapped Holiday Headband Style

A wrapped headband is an instant fix on busy mornings. Choose a fabric headband that feels soft and stretchy. Slide it over the forehead and push it gently back into place. It keeps hair off the face and adds color without needing clips or elastics. Headbands come in holiday prints at most low-cost stores, making this style accessible. Try knot-style bands for extra texture. If your child dislikes tight bands, pick one with a wide, gentle fit. You can also fold a small scarf into a strip and use it as a DIY headband. This style works for straight, curly, or wavy short hair. It photographs nicely because the band adds contrast against the hair.
5. Mini Top Sprout with Ribbon

Kids with short hair often have just enough length at the crown for a tiny sprout ponytail. Gather the hair at the top and secure it with a small elastic. Tie a thin ribbon around it. This simple style adds playful height and looks adorable for holiday events. If you want extra hold, spray a little water before gathering the hair. Parents often reuse leftover craft ribbons to save money. Keep a few colors on hand so you can switch quickly. The sprout style keeps hair from falling into the eyes and stays put during active play.
6. Little Criss-Cross Clips

Criss-cross clips work well on any short style. Part a small section at the front and clip two barrettes in an X shape. Choose bright holiday shades like gold or red. This takes seconds but looks intentional and cute. Kids love picking clip colors, making the process fun. If hair is fine, use grip clips lined with fabric. You can find affordable multipacks at discount stores. Rotate clip placement each day to keep things interesting.
7. Side Sweep with Glitter Pin

A soft side sweep works wonders for quick styling. Brush the front toward one side and secure it with a glitter pin. Gold or silver pins look especially festive. This keeps hair neat during school parties or photos. Use a light spritz of water to help the sweep stay in place. If you’re short on supplies, wrap a small piece of ribbon around a plain pin for sparkle. It’s a budget-friendly trick that still looks cute.
8. Mini Double Puffs

Double puffs work great even on short hair because you only need small sections. Part the top into two sections and secure each with elastics. Add bows or mini clips for color. This style looks playful and works well for active kids. It’s easy to redo if one puff loosens. Use soft elastics to avoid pulling. You can match puff colors with outfits using inexpensive ribbon scraps.
9. Short Curl Accent with Sparkle Clip

If your child has natural curls, highlight one section at the front. Add a shimmer clip to bring attention to the curl pattern. This simple style takes less than a minute. You can refresh curls with a tiny bit of water and scrunch gently. Sparkle clips are easy to find during holiday sales. This soft style looks great in photos and feels comfortable for kids who don’t like tight styles.
10. Ribbon-Tied Mini Pony

A small ponytail at the back works even on shorter cuts. Gather the bottom or middle section and tie with an elastic. Wrap ribbon around it for a festive look. This is perfect when you’re rushing but still want something coordinated. If hair is too short, use a clip-in bow instead. Keep a small box of ribbons so you can pick colors quickly.
11. Baby Braids at the Front

Baby braids need very little length. Part two thin sections at the front and braid downward. Secure with small elastics. Add festive color by choosing holiday shades. Baby braids stay neat even after running around. If braids slip, dampen the hair slightly before styling. This is a great way to manage uneven lengths and still look polished.
12. Curly Crown Lift

If curls fall forward, use two pins to lift the crown area. Slide them in at an angle for a gentle hold. Pick small holiday pins with stars or bells. This simple trick keeps curls tidy without pulling. Parents often choose this for busy mornings because it takes seconds. It also highlights natural texture beautifully.
13. Soft Faux Hawk Puff

A soft faux hawk works great on short hair. Gather tiny sections down the middle and tie with mini elastics. This creates a playful ridge that looks fun for parties. You can decorate with tiny red elastics for a Christmas look. It’s easy, quick, and comfortable for kids. If hair is fine, add a mist of water for grip.
14. Little Side Braid Loop

Short hair can still hold a small braid loop. Make a tiny braid near the temple, then fold it upward and clip. Add a bow clip for a holiday twist. This takes about a minute and adds cute texture. If the braid slips, twist the hair a bit before braiding. Kids enjoy choosing the clip colors to match outfits.
15. Double Clip Sparkle Line

Two clips arranged in a diagonal line look stylish on short hair. Choose glitter versions for holiday shine. This works well when you’re short on time but want something festive. You can find affordable clip sets at discount stores. Switch the clip angle depending on the outfit.
16. Small Twisted Half-Up

Twist two small front sections toward the back and secure into a half-up style. You only need a tiny amount of length. Add a bow or small clip for color. Twists stay neat and take little effort. Try misting with water for slip control. This style keeps hair away from the face while looking cheerful.
17. Festive Snap Clip Row

Line up three mini snap clips above the ear. Pick holiday colors like red, green, and gold. This simple style adds playful detail without any pulling. Snap clips grip well on fine hair. You can mix patterns or solids to match clothing. Kids love picking their own clip row each day.
18. Tiny Back Twist Gather

Gather a small amount of hair from the sides and twist them toward the back. Secure with a bow clip. Even if hair is very short, twisting helps hold it together. This style looks sweet and works well for photos. Pick soft clips that won’t pinch. It stays neat during events and is quick to redo.
19. Small Curl Pin-Back

Pin back one or two curls from the front. Choose a bright clip for a holiday touch. This simple trick opens the face and keeps curls from tickling the eyes. Use small fabric-lined pins for comfort. Mist with water if curls need refreshing. Curl pin-backs are easy and gentle for sensitive scalps.
20. Festive Barrette Side Pull

Pull a small section on one side and secure with a barrette. Choose designs like stars or tiny bells. This style works well on rushed mornings. It adds holiday charm without effort. If hair is fine, twist slightly before clipping. You can find cute barrettes at dollar stores, making this easy on the budget.
21. Messy Mini Puff with Clip Accent

A messy puff looks cute and natural. Gather the top section loosely and secure with a soft elastic. Add a small clip at the base for holiday color. This works well on wavy or curly textures. It’s simple and takes seconds. Adjust the puff depending on length. You can recycle ribbon scraps to decorate clips.
22. One-Side Twist Pin

Twist a small section on one side and pin it. This helps manage uneven cuts and keeps hair tidy. Choose a shimmer pin for a festive touch. Mist with water for grip if hair is silky. Kids can choose pin colors to personalize the look. This style stays put during school or play.
23. Short Hair Mini Bun Illusion

Even short hair can create a tiny faux bun. Gather the top or back section and loop it halfway through an elastic. Add ribbon for color. This illusion looks adorable in photos and takes less than a minute. Parents often do this for holiday outings because it’s quick and comfortable.
24. Holiday Clip Cluster

Create a cluster of three or four mini clips. Arrange them close together like tiny ornaments. Use red, green, gold, or sparkle designs. This playful style takes seconds and looks festive without being complicated. It works for all textures and lengths. Kids love picking clip colors to match their outfits.
Conclusion
Short hair still offers plenty of playful options for the holidays. Each style takes only a few minutes, works well with simple supplies, and keeps your child comfortable. With a few clips, elastics, or bits of ribbon, you can create cheerful looks that fit school events, family photos, or festive outings. Try a few styles and see which ones your child enjoys most.