50+ beautiful African braids for kids: nice hairstyles to try
African braids for kids complement many outfits and suit almost all occasions. If a girl has braided hair, an adult will worry less about her natural hair becoming messy when she plays and does other things. Check out the latest kids hairstyles below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Young girls do not like wearing hairstyles that are common in their neighborhood or among their friends. They want to be unique but dread sitting down for long hours to braid complicated hairstyles.
Latest kids hairstyles with beads
African hairstyles for girls come in unique patterns. You can mix corn rows with hair extensions and add decorations like beads. Below are trendy girls braids that are less intricate, stylish, and practical.
Individual bead hair extensions are gentle on the hair but are less secure than tape hair, sew-in hair, keratin bonds, pull-thru method, and other hair attachments.
It is important to go to a salon/stylist who has experience working with hair loss. Attaching extensions needs careful attention on each area of the head.
Every link/bead must be closed correctly - not too much to break the hair, but enough to secure the hair extensions.
Some stylists discourage beads from toddlers' hair because they can go into the ears, and the child can swallow them when pulled from the hair. So, ensure the child is of the right age to wear beads to avoid such accidents.
Since there are a million different types of hair accessories, you can skip beads if your child is still too young to wear them. A parent/guardian has to ensure a child wears a safe hairstyle and accessories.
What makes African braids the ideal hairstyle for kids is that apart from sealing moisture in your daughter's natural hair, they prevent the sun's heat waves, wind, rain, and dust from destroying it.
Beads add beauty to the hair but can also be annoying to sleep on. They're hard, noisy, and fall on your face. The best way to help a child sleep with beads is to provide them with kid-sized bonnets.
Braids with beads are low-maintenance hairstyles. They give natural hair a break from straightening heat and chemicals. These hairstyles can last up to a month, and you can mix braids of different colors.
If your child is uncomfortable sleeping in a bonnet, gather the braids and hold them neatly behind her head. That way, they will not disturb your little one throughout the night.
Let your kid make a fashion statement with twin ponytails and beads over the holidays. The hairdo is simple and chic because it takes creativity to a new level.
What kids love about braids and beads is the unique patterns stylists make. They can use bands, pins, and other hair decorations instead of beads when necessary or on request.
Many girls rock purple and pink hairstyles. The style will always be in fashion because it combines art and beauty. All you need to achieve this look is to create a pattern when adding the beads to the extensions of the cornrows.
What is to love about this ponytail braid is that you can give it an edge by decorating it with colored beads because kids are not limited to what colors they can have on their hair.
Black hair is flattering to all skin tones, and the beads brighten those who think black braids are dull.
Buns, puffs, and braids are super cute when you add beads. If you're trying to grow your little one's hair, ensure they are not too tight because that can pull out your child's hair and cause breakage.
To make a hairstyle memorable for the kid, let her choose the colors and the size of beads she wants on her hair. She will look picture-perfect and enjoy her holiday season as stylishly as possible.
Braids can sometimes look monotonous if they are not styled properly. Let your child wear creative hairstyles to spark their creativity and love for fashion.
The good thing about beads is that you can reuse them as often as possible. Please keep them safe so your child will not play with or lose them.
Girls love ponytail hairstyles that pull hair away from the face. With these ponytail braids, your girl can run around and have fun without an adult worrying about her messing up the hairstyle.
Ponytail braids are popular kids hairstyles for schools in Africa. Remember to moisturize the hair to prevent breakage and accessorize it with colorful beads.
Twin ponytail braids are among the best hairstyles for kids that promote healthy hair growth. The best hair extensions for making this style are synthetic braids from your nearest beauty stores.
Pigtails and ponytail braids are super light, comfy, and ideal for kids. You can style the tails into buns to switch things up a bit. Use a few braids to prevent the hair from becoming too bulky and heavy on a kid's head.
Curly kids hairstyles for girls
If you want your kid to have the latest super comfortable hairstyle that takes less time to install, crotchet curls combined with cornrows are your best option.
You can get your daughter any type of curly crochet braids. Curls can make any girl look feminine and cute, whether they prefer curls at the ends of the braids or fully curled extensions.
Using hair extensions for kids early on can lead to severe damage. Wait until they are the toddler is older. Till then, let their natural hair breathe and grow.
Hair extensions could apply extra pressure to a toddler's natural hair and create hair breakage. All of this is too much for a child. So, wait until they are at least older than the toddler phase.
These side-swept African braids for kids look chic and classy. Cornrows come in different patterns and styles. For moms who love simplicity, these straight-braided hairstyles for black girls will be perfect.
Using many braids at once is one of many ways you can add volume to a girl's hair. You can use a few braid extensions and make curls to create a cute, voluptuous illusion.
If you do not want simple straight braids, opt for curly ends. This black braid hairstyle is easy to achieve. Coil straight braids on a pen and them on hot water to make the curls.
Plait cornrows and curl extensions in hot water achieve these styles. The more extensions, the more voluminous the curls will look.
Braids also do not restrict one to a particular color or length. Instead, you can opt to use more than three colors. If it is your kid's first time trying out colored braids, then it is best to stick to a few bold braid shades.
The curls at the end of the braids create a more feminine look. The hairstyle is ideal for kids who love curly braids but hate voluminous hairstyles. You can add colorful wooden, plastic, or metallic hair accessories to draw attention.
What makes a curly braided hairstyle great for a festive season is the fact that it enhances the hair's length or volume, regardless of someone's age.
Choosing the correct type of hair extension helps you achieve the perfect look. Therefore, consult a professional stylist to select the best extensions for your child's hair and desired style.
Gone are the days of being limited to hairstyles because of age or complexion. Whether she prefers haircuts, braids, hair extensions, or natural hair, all these styles look fabulous on girls.
Bold-colored hair extensions break the "age-appropriate" hair barriers, allowing girls to own their hair type and express their individuality.
Yarn kids braids hairstyles
Yarn braids can also be elegant and classy, even for kids. The trick is to go for a hairstyle length that is easy to manage and complements the kid's face shape. If your kid has fragile hair, make the yarn braids less tight. That way, you will not damage her hair.
Bantu knots kids braids hairstyles
Bantu knots are done using braid extensions and are flattering, even for adults. You can opt to make small or large Bantu knots. Either way, your kid will look like an African princess.
You can install Bantu knots on toddlers when they are asleep, playing, or relaxing with you on the bed or couch. Tying the knots while being gentle on her young scalp takes a few minutes.
Twin bun hairstyles for black kids/girls
Twin bun braids are popular kids hairstyles for school because they are age-appropriate. The braids are styled into two buns and worn on the sides of the head. The hairstyle is great for kids with short hair, as the braids add length and make the buns look voluminous.
Although double buns are popular kids hairstyles for school, not all institutes allow extremely creative styles. You should only dye the child's hair before plaiting or become more creative when creating a sweet style for the holiday season. There are many awesome colors like blonde and brown.
Be careful with chemicals in the hair dyes you use to make a hairstyle look unique. Some dyes are not recommended for children. If your child feels itchy the first time you try drying her hair, do not use that product on her again.
Double bun braids are a head-turner. Many girls love the hairstyle, and if you opt for multi-colored braids, keep the rest of the kid's outfit neutral to avoid overshadowing the hair.
The hairstyle is great for kids because it is easy to maintain and protects the brittle hair on the edges of the head. Undoing the style is quick, and the best thing about it is the natural hair on the front part will not tangle.
Most kids choose black hair because it is cute and complements any outfit. You can use bright accessories to make the twin-bun style stand out. Black hairstyles are versatile, meaning you can play around with the patterns of the cornrows.
No matter the hair type - thick hair, fine hair, curly hair, or synthetic hair - cornrows and beads have the potential to look gorgeous on any child.
Side-swept African braids for kids
Age should never be a determining factor in the hairstyles one chooses. Long hair, short hair, thick hair, fine hair, natural hair, synthetic hair - all of these options should be available to females of all ages, including children.
Hair extensions not only enhance the beauty of someone's hair but can also bring vibrancy, fullness, and color, adding a youthful touch, regardless of age.
The appropriate age to consider side-swept braids for girls depends on the child's maturity level and hair health. However, wait until your child is past the toddler age before introducing her to these hairstyles.
No matter how old your child is, if you are considering using hair extensions on her, ensure they are of good quality. Choose extensions that are incredibly lightweight, easy to install, and give a natural look.
There are plenty of protective styles that require minimal to no hair additions. These include flat twists, two-stand twists, cornrows, and so on. If you are installing hair extensions on a young child, keep the style lightweight and short or medium.
The side-swept cornrows and beads give the style a dramatic look perfect for the holidays. So, if you want a simple braid hairstyle to make a statement, go for these African-inspired braids.
Side-swept braids always never seem to be outdated. Kids have been rocking these hairstyles since the 90s. Let her experiment with curls and bold colors like blonde, blue, green, purple, and red.
Side-swept braids are easy African braids for kids. Your daughter will love these styles if she is a fashionista and wants to be a trendsetter. You can decorate the hair with colorless beads to create a uniform look.
The braids are plaited to sit on the side. The hairstyle can have minimal bead accessories to look stylish. It also looks great without them. The curls give the hairstyles a jaw-dropping effect.
If you prefer your kid to use crochet curls/extensions to create a natural look, add them to a cornrow or natural hair held at the center of the child's head. Add some bangs around the forehead, too.
Single-bun hairstyles pictures
Single-bun hairstyles are also the best kids hairstyles for school. They give the kids an elegant look while at school. The most satisfying thing about them is their simplicity.
These single-bun hairstyles will give your child much joy during the festive season. Get her hair done by the best hairstylist in your location. You only need three or four packets of braids and a handful of beads.
Short braids styles for kids
Whatever the occasion is, bob braids are stylish. The short or shoulder-length braids are ideal for kids as they can have fun without worrying about how to keep the braids away from the face.
This African braid style will give everyone who sees it hair envy. The best part about the styles is that they are easy to maintain. Your kid can go to the salon for repairs around the edges of the head and still look good.
Mohawk braids for kids
Fashion trends come and go, but the Mohawk always crops up yearly. If your kid still needs to braid a Mohawk, this holiday season is the perfect time to try the style.
Mohawk styles are simple, eye-catching, trendy, and beautiful, especially for kids. Unlike the punk Mohawk that requires shaved sides, this hairstyle allows your daughter to keep all her hair and promote its growth.
Kids hairstyles for school
These hairstyles are very common in the African culture. You may add extensions to the kids' hair to hold it firmly. The extensions are also helpful in maintaining healthy natural hair and preventing exposure to dryness and pollution.
All back cornrow styles are a-must-try this year. Most of them are kids hairstyles for school. Your child can go to school with them if you remove the beads and other decorations.
What's to love about all back cornrow styles is their unique patterns. Hair cuffs or beads are strategically placed on the hair ends and at different points of the hair to give the style an authentic look.
Protective hairstyles are suitable for school-going kids. Also, instead of beads, a child can use scrunchies with no metal parts and little rubber bands on their hair.
The cornrow-ponytails combo is one of the most beautiful simple hairstyles for school girls. Like any other hairstyle, the ponytail can have many variations to create unique designs that make kids stand out.
Most parents allow their kids to braid in common colors, such as black and brown. If the school allows, let your kid experiment with colors. She can have braids of the same color or mix different colors.
Natural hairstyles for kids
Natural hairdos are among the latest kids hairstyles. It takes less than an hour to make the most of these styles. Nonetheless, some may need the help of a professional stylist.
Allow your child to enjoy the beauty of hair extensions, as they blend seamlessly with natural hair, adding fullness, color, and volume.
Combing and brushing their hair for kids with dry scalps helps bring more oil to the surface. Let your child take a shot at brushing her hair and creating her one-of-a-kind hairstyle. Take turns, letting her go first — and you go last to smooth out the tangles.
Natural hair with decorations is one of the latest hairstyles for kids and adults. Make it look fun and creative. What makes it a must-try style this season is that you can experiment with hair extensions of different lengths and colors to create new styles.
You can avoid using decorations to create simple natural hairstyles for school girls. Also, the best strategy for dealing with troublesome tangles is to prevent them. So, tie back hair into a loose ponytail, pigtails, or braids, and use kid-friendly hair ties and elastics to protect the child's delicate hair.
The jet-black twist pigtails have a charm of their own. It is an affordable and protective hairstyle that makes girls look amazing. You can braid it on natural or relaxed hair.
If you decide to keep natural hair for your child, consult with a stylist or hairdresser for personalized hair care advice tailored to her hair type, age, and specific needs.
When making your child's natural hair, wet or spray it with warm water, but do not make it dump to avoid excess hair breakage. It's easier to detangle damp hair. So, spritz some detangling spray or dab on some detangling foam, and use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush.
Braids are used to create a cute ring hairstyle. The beads and ribbons are contrasting elements that make the hair beautiful. The style is ideal for kids with both long and short hair.
Only comb a child's simple natural hairstyle when the hair is wet. Avoid brushing when dry or damp, as the hair follicles may pull out easily from the scalp. Brushing hair too often can strain the scalp excessively, leading to more breakage and hair loss.
To maintain a child's natural hairstyle, keep her scalp clean and moisturized by regularly washing and conditioning it. Avoid over-styling, excessive heat, and tugging, as it can lead to breakage and hair loss.
Nourish your child's hair from the inside out by maintaining a balanced diet of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Additionally, regularly trim the ends of your natural hair to prevent split ends and breakage.
Regularly trim the ends of your child's hair to prevent split ends and breakage. Also, depending on her age, it would help if you only combed a child's hair a maximum of 3 times a day (or less). Limit brushing to once in the morning and once in the evening.
The hair is combed to the sides to highlight the girls' soft facial features. You can even tie the beaded strands with cute hairbands to give the hairstyles different looks.
How do you make kids braids last longer?
Shampoo the braids every two weeks to cleanse the sweat, dirt, and grime that builds up. Air dry the braids and apply light oil on her scalp.
How do you take care of Afro hair for kids?
Wash the hair every 7 to 10 days and moisturize the scalp with a specialist scalp oil. These things will soothe and keep your child's hair and scalp healthy.
How long do kids braids last?
Braids alone stay neat for around 2-6 weeks, while cornrows and braids combo usually last from 2-4 weeks.
How do you stop your daughter's hair from breaking?
Be gentle when brushing or combing her hair, especially wet ones. Also, give her hair a break from heat-styling tools like flat and curling irons.
Do braids help kids hair grow?
Buns, puffs, and braids grow out of one's hair but can pull it out and cause breakage if held too tight or when the style stays for long.
What is the best oil for braids?
Natural oils like tea tree, coconut, and jojoba oil moisturize and nourish the scalp. There are more options on the market for you to choose from.
What makes braids last longer?
A water-based leave-in conditioner or aloe vera gel can hydrate the scalp and soothe any irritation/itching. This prevents you from scratching the braided scalp with your fingers or objects, thus making your braids last longer.
If you want to try out natural hairstyles or African braids, there are many kids hairstyles to choose from. Apart from making your daughter look beautiful when done by a professional, these braids prevent hair breakage and seal in moisture.
Yen.com.gh also shared beautiful images of loose braids hairstyles to inspire your next hairdo.
The article shows the latest thin, thick, short, or long braids. The images will help you learn how to style your hair and mix colors.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Chris Ndetei (Lifestyle writer) Christopher Ndetei is a junior reporter writer who joined the Yen team in May 2021. He graduated from the Machakos Technical College in 2009 with a diploma in ICT. Chris has over two years of experience in content creation and more than ten working in the hospitality industry. He covers lifestyle/entertainment, focusing on biographies, life hacks, gaming and guides. In 2023, Christopher finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach him at chrisndetei@gmail.com
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Yen.com.gh in April 2022. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.