15 Halloween Hairstyles for Kids That Are Cute, Easy and School-Friendly

Halloween hair is one of the easiest ways to make your little one’s costume feel complete. Even a simple outfit looks extra special with a ghost bun, cat ears, or a ponytail covered in tiny spiders.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pro stylist. Every idea here uses basic hair ties, bobby pins, and a few cheap clips. Most are quick enough for a busy school morning and sturdy enough to last through a whole night of trick-or-treating.

You’ll find fun themes like spiders, pumpkins, ghosts, bats, and witches, plus easy styles for short hair, curly hair, and natural hair.

Collage of four kids with Halloween hairstyles including a spider bubble ponytail, pumpkin puffs, a ghost bun and glitter cat ear buns

Grab the hair ties and a few spooky clips, because these Halloween hairstyles for kids are as fun to make as they are to wear.

1. Spider Bubble Ponytail

Girl with a high bubble ponytail decorated with small black spider clips

The bubble ponytail is a classic kids’ style, and a few plastic spider clips turn it into instant Halloween hair. It’s quick, it holds well, and kids love seeing the spiders crawl down their ponytail.

Make a high ponytail, then add a hair tie every two inches down the length. Gently pull out each section to make the bubbles, and clip a small spider onto each one.

2. Spider Web Cornrows

Girl with natural hair braided into spider web cornrows with two small puffs

Spider web cornrows are a showstopper for natural hair, and they also work as a protective style that lasts all week. They’re one of the most searched Halloween styles for Black kids, and it’s easy to see why.

Braid thin cornrows outward from one point on top of the head, then braid curved lines that connect them into a web. Add a small spider bead in the center, and leave the ends in two puffs or simple braids.

3. Glitter Cat Ear Buns

Girl with two glitter cat ear buns on top of her head

Cat ear buns are perfect for a black cat costume, and they take less than ten minutes. A little glitter makes them extra fun for parties.

Make two high pigtails, twist each into a bun, and pinch the top into a pointed triangle before pinning. Spray lightly with hairspray, then sprinkle on cosmetic glitter while it’s still tacky.

4. Easy Ghost Bun

Little girl with a top bun styled as a cute ghost with felt eyes

The ghost bun is the easiest Halloween hairstyle on this list, and it’s always a hit. It works great for school because it’s neat, comfy, and doesn’t get in the way.

Make a high bun, wrap it in a big white scrunchie or a piece of white tulle, and stick on two black felt eyes and a little mouth. That’s it. A cute ghost in five minutes.

5. Skeleton Fishbone Braid

Girl with a fishbone braid woven with white ribbon to look like a skeleton spine

A fishbone braid already looks like a spine, so it’s the perfect match for a skeleton costume. Weaving in a thin white ribbon makes the bone pattern really stand out.

Tie the ribbon at the top of the braid and include it in every crossover as you go. Finish with a white elastic, and pair it with a skeleton shirt for an easy, clever costume.

6. Pumpkin Puffs

Girl with natural hair styled into two round pumpkin puffs with green felt stems

Pumpkin puffs are adorable on natural hair and super simple to make. Two round puffs with a little green stem on top instantly say Halloween.

Moisturize the hair, make two high puffs, and wrap the base of each in an orange band or ribbon. Pin a small green felt stem or leaf on top of each puff. It’s protective, comfy, and very cute.

7. Bat Bow Half-Up

Girl with a half-up hairstyle and a big black bat-shaped bow

A bat bow is the easiest way to add Halloween to any hairstyle. This half-up look keeps hair out of the face while showing off the bow.

Pull the top half of the hair back and secure it with a small elastic. Clip a black bat-shaped bow over the elastic. You can find these bows at craft stores, or make one from black felt.

8. Witch Hat Pigtail Braids

Girl with two braided pigtails and a mini witch hat headband

Two braided pigtails and a mini witch hat headband make the cutest little witch. It’s much easier than keeping a full-size hat on all night.

Part the hair down the middle, braid two pigtails, and tie them with purple or green ribbons. Slide on the witch hat headband and you’re done.

9. Little Vampire Half-Up with Red Ribbon

Girl with a sleek half-up hairstyle and a red satin bow for a vampire costume

This little vampire look is spooky but sweet. A sleek half-up with a red ribbon goes perfectly with a black dress and a pretend cape.

Brush the hair smooth, pull the top half back, and tie it with a red satin bow. A little gel keeps everything sleek and polished all night.

10. Clown Rainbow Pom-Pom Pigtails

Child with two small curly pigtails tied with rainbow pom-pom hair ties for a clown costume

Clown hair is all about bright color and fun. Rainbow pom-pom ties make it easy for any child to join in, even with shorter or curly hair.

Make two small high pigtails or puffs and wrap each one with a bright pom-pom hair tie. For extra fun, add a little rainbow color spray to the ends.

11. Candy Corn Ponytail

Girl with a high ponytail tied with orange, yellow and white elastics like candy corn

This is the easiest festive look for a busy morning. Stacked orange, yellow, and white elastics look just like candy corn.

Make a high ponytail, then add three more elastics down the length in yellow, orange, and white. It takes two minutes and works with any costume or a regular school outfit.

12. Halloween Box Braids with Bat Beads

 Girl with long box braids decorated with black bat beads and orange cuffs

If your child already wears braids, Halloween beads are a quick way to make them festive. Bat beads and orange cuffs look amazing on box braids.

Slide the bat beads onto the ends of a few braids and secure them with small elastics. Add orange cuffs higher up for more color. You can remove them easily after Halloween.

13. School-Friendly Spider Clip Half-Up

Girl with a half-up twist hairstyle held with small black spider clips at school

Need something festive that still follows the school dress code? This simple half-up is neat, comfortable, and just spooky enough.

Twist the front sections back on each side and meet them in the middle. Secure with three small spider clips in a row. It stays tidy all day and looks cute in class photos.

14. Short Hair Mini Space Buns with Bat Clips

Girl with a short bob styled into two mini space buns with small bat clips

Short hair can be festive too. Mini space buns work on chin-length bobs and look extra cute with little bat clips.

Take a small section from each side of the top of the head and twist each into a tiny bun. Pin them in place, leave the rest of the hair loose, and add a bat clip next to each bun.

15. Short Curly Hair with Spider Web Headband

 Little girl with short curly hair and a black glitter spider web headband

Short curly hair already has so much personality, so let it shine. A spider web headband adds Halloween fun with zero styling.

Refresh the curls with a little water and curl cream, then slide on the headband. It’s quick, comfortable, and perfect for little ones who don’t like sitting still.

Final Thoughts

Halloween is the perfect excuse to have a little fun with your kids’ hair. Whether you go for a spider bubble ponytail, pumpkin puffs, or a super quick ghost bun, these Halloween hairstyles for kids make any costume feel complete.

Most of these take just a few minutes and use things you already have at home. Pick a favorite, grab some spooky clips, and get ready for lots of compliments on the school parade and the trick-or-treat trail.

Sophia Rose
Sophia Rose

Hi, I am Sophia. I created Hairopal because I know what it feels like to struggle with your hair and not find the right answers. I spent years researching, testing, and learning until I found what truly works. Now I share everything I know right here on this blog. My goal is simple. I want every woman who visits Hairopal to leave feeling more confident and more informed about her hair.

Articles: 71