16 Adorable Thanksgiving Hairstyles for Kids | Easy & Festive Ideas
Thanksgiving is all about family gatherings, delicious food, and making cherished memories—and of course, looking your best for the big day.
While parents often plan their outfits weeks in advance, kids also deserve to shine with festive and adorable hairstyles that match the holiday spirit.
From simple braids and buns to playful curls and themed accessories, the right hairstyle can make your child feel extra special at the Thanksgiving table.
In this article, we’ve gathered 16 creative and easy Thanksgiving hairstyles for kids that are not only cute but also comfortable, so they can enjoy the celebration in style.
1- Turkey Bun with Colorful Feathers
Transform your little one’s hair bun into an adorable turkey masterpiece. This charming style uses a simple hair donut as the base, decorated with googly eyes and a felt orange beak. Colorful paper or fabric feathers in red, orange, yellow, pink, and brown create the turkey’s magnificent plumage.
Secure the bun tightly with bobby pins and hair ties. Add the turkey face elements using craft glue or double-sided tape for temporary wear. The red wattle dangles playfully beneath the beak, completing the turkey transformation.
This playful hairstyle works wonderfully for Thanksgiving school events, family gatherings, or harvest festivals. Kids absolutely love the whimsical character sitting atop their heads, making them the center of attention at any autumn celebration.
2- Feathered Turkey Top Knot
Create a stunning turkey-inspired updo using natural and painted feathers. Start with a high messy bun, then insert colorful feathers in blues, oranges, whites, and natural tones around the base. Googly eyes and an orange felt beak transform the bun into a turkey face.
The feathers should be secured with small bobby pins or hair clips hidden within the bun. Orange pipe cleaner pieces serve as the turkey’s feet, dangling adorably from the hairstyle. This design works best on medium to long hair lengths.
Children feel like they’re wearing a beautiful headdress with this nature-inspired look. The combination of real and artificial feathers creates texture and movement, making this hairstyle truly special for Thanksgiving celebrations and autumn photoshoots.
3- Pipe Cleaner Turkey Crown
Bright pipe cleaners bent into petal shapes create a vibrant turkey crown around a low bun. Red, green, yellow, orange, and blue pipe cleaners form the colorful tail feathers, while googly eyes and an orange pom-pom nose complete the turkey face.
Small orange pipe cleaner pieces twisted into foot shapes dangle from the bun, adding extra turkey charm. The pipe cleaners hold their shape well and won’t damage delicate children’s hair when properly positioned with bobby pins.
This budget-friendly hairstyle requires minimal materials but delivers maximum impact. The rainbow of colors makes it appealing to kids who love bright, cheerful accessories. Parents appreciate how easy this style is to recreate at home with basic craft supplies.
4- Thanksgiving Harvest Hair Art
Intricate braiding techniques create a stunning harvest-themed design across the scalp. Small sections of hair are braided and twisted into decorative patterns, secured with tiny orange pumpkin clips and autumn-colored beads. Black hair ties create striking contrast elements.
The geometric pattern resembles traditional harvest symbols and thanksgiving motifs. Each small braid is carefully positioned to create an overall artistic design that celebrates the season. Glittery autumn leaves and small decorative elements add sparkle and festive flair.
This sophisticated style requires more time and skill but results in a true work of art. The intricate braiding keeps hair neat and tidy throughout long Thanksgiving celebrations while showcasing beautiful autumn-inspired patterns that photograph wonderfully.
5- Pumpkin Patch Braided Design
Elaborate braiding creates swirling patterns that mimic pumpkin vines across the back of the head. Orange and brown ribbon weaves through the braids, while small decorative pumpkins and autumn leaves are clipped strategically throughout the design.
The braids start from multiple points and curve organically, creating movement and visual interest. Each section is secured with clear elastics before adding the seasonal decorations. The overall effect resembles a miniature pumpkin patch growing in the hair.
This artistic approach combines advanced braiding skills with creative seasonal styling. Children feel like they’re carrying a piece of the harvest with them, making it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving performances, school programs, or family portrait sessions.
6- Sparkly Autumn Pigtails
Two high pigtails decorated with colorful autumn glitter create a festive and sparkly look. The hair is styled with a center part, and each pigtail features orange and cream colored bows with sequined accents. Biodegradable glitter in gold, orange, and green tones is sprinkled throughout the hair for extra shimmer.
The glitter application requires hair spray or gel to help it adhere properly to the strands. Orange hair ties secure the pigtails at the base, while the decorative bows add a sophisticated touch to this playful style. Small pumpkin-shaped clips accent the look.
This hairstyle captures the magic of autumn celebrations while keeping hair manageable for active children. The sparkly elements catch light beautifully in photos, making it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving family portraits or school holiday performances.
7- Twin Space Buns with Side Curls
Two sisters showcase matching space buns positioned high on their heads, with curly side sections left loose for movement. The buns are created by twisting hair into tight coils and securing them with elastic bands. Natural curl patterns add texture and volume to the remaining hair.
Each bun sits symmetrically on either side of a center part, creating a balanced and youthful appearance. The loose curls frame their faces naturally, softening the structured look of the top knots. This style works exceptionally well for children with naturally curly or textured hair.
The matching hairstyles create a cohesive sibling look that photographs beautifully. Parents appreciate how this style keeps hair out of faces during holiday meals while still looking polished and put-together for special occasions.
8- Thanksgiving Turkey Tail Design
Hair is sectioned into multiple small ponytails arranged in a circular pattern to mimic a turkey’s fanned tail feathers. Orange and red elastic bands secure each section, creating a vibrant crown effect. The symmetrical design radiates outward from a central point at the back of the head.
Each ponytail represents an individual feather in the turkey’s plumage display. The sectioning technique requires precision to achieve the even spacing and balanced appearance. Hair gel helps smooth any flyaways and keeps the style looking neat throughout the day.
This creative interpretation of turkey feathers transforms ordinary ponytails into holiday art. Children enjoy the unique pattern while parents appreciate the practical aspect of keeping hair organized and tangle-free during Thanksgiving festivities.
9- Holiday Tree Braid Crown
Intricate braiding creates a tree-like pattern on top of the head, with multiple small braids converging into a twisted bun. The braids start from different points around the hairline and weave together to form branches of a holiday tree design.
Each braid is carefully positioned to create the illusion of tree branches growing upward and inward. The technique requires advanced braiding skills and patience to achieve the detailed pattern. Hair accessories in autumn colors can be added as ornaments to complete the tree theme.
This sophisticated style works well for older children attending formal Thanksgiving dinners or holiday concerts. The intricate braiding stays secure for hours, making it practical for long celebrations while serving as a conversation starter at family gatherings.
10- Geometric Section Style
Hair is divided into precise geometric sections using colorful elastics in white, yellow, and orange. Small ponytails are positioned strategically across the scalp to create a modern, artistic pattern. A decorative braid borders the design along the hairline.
The systematic sectioning creates clean lines and organized compartments throughout the hairstyle. Each small ponytail is secured at the same height, maintaining consistency across the entire design. The contrasting elastic colors highlight the geometric nature of the pattern.
This contemporary approach to children’s hairstyling combines function with artistic expression. The multiple small sections prevent tangling while creating an eye-catching display that works well for both casual and formal Thanksgiving celebrations.
11- Rainbow Turkey Feather Crown
Colorful pipe cleaners bent into loops create a vibrant turkey crown around a perfectly styled bun. Orange, red, green, white, and brown pipe cleaners form dimensional feathers that stand upright like a majestic plumage display. Gold sparkly clips accent the base of the bun, representing turkey feet.
Each pipe cleaner is carefully shaped and secured with bobby pins hidden within the hair. The circular arrangement mimics a turkey’s tail feathers when they fan out during their display. The bun itself is smoothed and sprayed to maintain its neat appearance throughout the day.
This budget-friendly style brings maximum visual impact with minimal materials. Children love the bouncy movement of the pipe cleaner feathers, making them feel like they’re wearing a real turkey crown during Thanksgiving celebrations and autumn festivities.
12- Leafy Turkey Bun Creation
Vibrant fall leaves in red, orange, and yellow create authentic turkey plumage around a messy bun. Real or artificial leaves are attached with small clips, while googly eyes and an orange felt beak transform the bun into a turkey face. Orange pipe cleaner feet dangle playfully below.
The leaves are layered to create depth and movement, resembling actual turkey feathers. Each leaf is secured individually to prevent them from falling during active play. The turkey face elements are positioned strategically to create the most realistic appearance possible.
This nature-inspired hairstyle celebrates the autumn season while keeping hair neat and organized. Kids enjoy the realistic turkey transformation, making it an excellent choice for school Thanksgiving programs or family holiday gatherings.
13- Dutch Braid Double Style
Two thick Dutch braids frame the face and curve around toward the back of the head, creating an elegant and structured look. The braids are woven tightly to prevent loose strands and maintain their shape throughout long celebrations. Clear elastics secure the ends invisibly.
Each braid starts from the hairline and incorporates hair as it moves backward, creating the distinctive raised appearance of Dutch braiding. The symmetrical design requires precision and practice to achieve the balanced look. Hair gel helps smooth any flyaways.
This sophisticated braiding technique works well for older children attending formal Thanksgiving dinners. The style keeps hair completely off the face while creating an elegant appearance that photographs beautifully for holiday portraits and special occasions.
14- Colorful Feather Mohawk
Bright craft feathers in purple, yellow, red, and green create a playful mohawk effect around a twisted bun. Each feather is individually secured with bobby pins and positioned to create maximum height and drama. Googly eyes and an orange triangle beak complete the turkey transformation.
The feathers are arranged in rainbow order, creating a vibrant and cheerful appearance. The bun serves as the turkey’s body while the feathers represent its magnificent plumage. This style requires careful positioning to ensure the feathers stay secure during movement.
Children absolutely love this bold and colorful interpretation of turkey feathers. The dramatic height and rainbow colors make it an attention-grabbing style that works wonderfully for costume parties, school events, and creative Thanksgiving celebrations.
15- Autumn Flower Crown Braids
Intricate zigzag parts create sections decorated with small autumn-colored flowers and beads. Each section is carefully braided or twisted, then adorned with seasonal decorations in orange, yellow, and brown tones. Blue hair accessories add contrast to the warm color palette.
The geometric parting pattern requires precision and patience to achieve the clean lines. Small rubber bands in coordinating colors secure each section while maintaining the overall design integrity. The flower decorations are positioned strategically throughout the style.
This artistic approach combines advanced sectioning techniques with seasonal styling elements. The intricate pattern showcases skill while celebrating autumn themes, making it suitable for children who enjoy elaborate hairstyles and detailed accessories.
16- Classic Bow Puff Style
Simple puff sections created with precise parts showcase large white bows that create a clean, classic look. Each puff is secured with elastic bands and positioned symmetrically across the head. The white bows add elegance and sophistication to this timeless style.
The sectioning creates even puffs that maintain their shape throughout the day. Each section is smoothed and secured before adding the decorative bows. This style works particularly well for children with shorter hair lengths or those preferring understated elegance.
This versatile hairstyle transitions easily from casual family gatherings to more formal Thanksgiving celebrations. Parents appreciate the neat appearance and easy maintenance, while children enjoy the classic bow decorations that never go out of style.
