17 Curly Hairstyles for Kids | Cute & Easy Hair Ideas for Curly Hair
Curly hair on kids is full of bounce, personality, and playful charm that deserves to shine every day.
From soft ringlets to tight coils, the right hairstyle can keep curls neat while letting their natural texture steal the show.
In this article, we’ve gathered 17 curly hairstyles for kids that are cute, comfortable, and easy to manage.
Whether it’s for school, playdates, or special occasions, these ideas make styling curly hair fun and stress-free.
1. Bouncy Spiral Curls with Side Part
These delightfully defined spiral curls frame the face beautifully with a deep side part creating natural volume.
The curls cascade around the shoulders in perfectly formed ringlets that have plenty of movement.
This effortless style works wonderfully for everyday wear while still looking polished enough for special occasions.
A light curl-defining cream helps maintain the shape throughout the day, and the low-maintenance approach means less fussing in the morning routine.
2. Textured Curly Crop
This short, voluminous style celebrates natural curl patterns with dimension and bounce.
The curls are allowed to spring freely in all directions, creating an adorable halo effect that’s both playful and practical.
Perfect for active kids who don’t want hair in their face, this cut keeps things manageable while showcasing those gorgeous natural coils.
The varying curl sizes add visual interest and personality to this carefree look.
3. Side-Swept Natural Ringlets
Soft, well-moisturized curls swept to one side create an elegant yet youthful appearance.
The curls maintain their natural texture while being gently directed for a polished finish.
This style demonstrates how beautiful curly hair looks when properly hydrated and cared for.
The side placement keeps hair off the face during activities while maintaining a stylish silhouette that works from playground to family gatherings.
4. Full Volume Shoulder-Length Curls
These gorgeous medium-length curls offer maximum volume and body, creating a stunning cloud of texture.
The hair flows freely around the shoulders with curls that vary slightly in size, giving a natural, unforced appearance.
This length is ideal for showcasing curl definition while remaining manageable for younger children.
The fullness throughout gives the style impressive presence without requiring elaborate styling techniques.
5. Front Twist-Out with Defined Curls
Several twisted sections at the front create an interesting textural contrast against loose curls elsewhere.
The deliberate twists add structure and keep hair organized while the remaining curls flow freely.
This combination offers both style and functionality, making it perfect for school days or active play.
The defined sections require minimal effort to maintain while looking intentionally designed and fashionable.
6. High Curly Bun with Sleek Sides
A voluminous curly bun sits atop smoothed-back sides in this sophisticated updo.
The contrast between the slicked sections and abundant curls creates visual drama and keeps the style interesting.
This practical option keeps curls secure during sports or outdoor activities while maintaining an adorable aesthetic.
The high placement elongates the appearance and shows off those beautiful natural textures.
7. Half-Up Curly Puff
Combining the best of both worlds, this style pulls the top section into a voluminous puff while leaving the remaining curls to cascade down.
The elevated portion adds height and keeps hair away from the face during activities.
Meanwhile, the loose curls maintain movement and softness around the shoulders.
This versatile look transitions easily from casual daytime wear to dressier evening events.
8. Cornrows with Twist-Out Ends
Several neat cornrows lead into beautifully twisted sections that finish with defined curls at the ends.
This protective style offers longevity while still showcasing natural texture where it matters.
The braided portions reduce daily manipulation while the curly ends maintain softness and femininity.
It’s an excellent choice for busy families wanting a style that lasts several days without constant restyling.
9. Side-Swept High Bun with Face-Framing Curls
A sleek high bun provides structure while deliberately left-out ringlets frame the face with softness.
The combination creates balance between polished and playful, making it suitable for various occasions.
The face-framing curls add dimension and prevent the style from appearing too severe.
This elegant option works beautifully for dance recitals, parties, or any event requiring a more refined appearance.
10. High Puff with Decorative Band
A gathered high puff showcases curls in their full glory while a colorful beaded band adds personality and flair.
This simple yet effective style celebrates natural volume and texture without complicated techniques.
The elevated placement keeps hair secure and comfortable during active play.
The accessory transforms a basic puff into something special without requiring advanced styling skills.
11. Side-Swept Puff with Twist Detail
A voluminous side puff combines with decorative twists for added visual interest and structure.
The asymmetrical placement creates a dynamic silhouette that’s both modern and youthful.
Loose curls cascade down alongside the puff, maintaining movement and softness.
This creative interpretation of a classic style offers something fresh while remaining age-appropriate and manageable.
12. Cornrow Crown with Flowing Curls
Multiple cornrows follow the natural hairline, creating a crown effect while the bulk of the hair flows freely in defined ringlets.
This partial braiding style offers the best of both protective styling and natural curl display.
The braided sections add artistic detail and help manage the front portion, while the loose curls maintain volume and personality throughout the rest.
13. Ombre Spiral Curls with Side Clip
Beautiful spiral curls showcase a subtle ombre effect transitioning from darker roots to lighter ends.
A simple decorative clip adds a touch of sparkle without overwhelming the natural beauty of the curls.
This style emphasizes curl health and definition with each ringlet forming perfectly uniform spirals.
The dimensional color adds depth and interest to the already stunning texture.
14. Pin Curls and Twist-Out Combination
Sections of hair are twisted and pinned against the scalp in decorative patterns while other areas feature loose twist-outs.
This creative styling approach showcases versatility and offers extended wearability.
The pinned sections create interesting geometric patterns while the loose portions maintain softness.
It’s an artistic take on protective styling that doesn’t sacrifice visual appeal.
15. Half-Up Style with Pearl Clip
Curls are partially gathered at the crown with an elegant pearl-decorated clip while the remaining hair flows freely.
This sweet, romantic style works wonderfully for special occasions while remaining comfortable enough for all-day wear.
The balance between secured and loose sections creates a youthful sophistication.
The subtle accessory adds just enough embellishment without competing with the natural curl beauty.
16. Moisturized Ringlets with Deep Part
Well-hydrated, defined ringlets with a distinct side part create a polished everyday look.
The emphasis here is on curl health, with each spiral maintaining its shape without frizz or dryness.
This straightforward style proves that sometimes the simplest approaches yield the most beautiful results.
Proper moisture and minimal manipulation allow the natural curl pattern to shine.
17. Twisted Bantu Knots with Hanging Curls
Multiple Bantu knots arranged across the crown transition into loose curls at the ends, creating a playful, dimensional style.
This protective technique offers longevity while maintaining personality and flair.
The knots provide structure and keep the top section secure, while the hanging curls preserve movement and softness.
It’s a fun, creative option that celebrates natural texture in multiple forms.
Conclusion
Curly hairstyles for kids are all about celebrating natural beauty while keeping things practical and adorable.
With the right style, curls stay protected, manageable, and ready for every little adventure.
From quick everyday looks to picture-perfect styles, these 17 curly hairstyles offer something for every child.
Pick a favorite, add a little creativity, and let those gorgeous curls shine with confidence and joy.
