If you’re looking for something fun to do with your child’s hair in the run-up to Halloween — or a style to complement their costume — you’ll love these ideas. Better still, they’re quick, easy, and need no special hairdressing skills.
Try these Halloween hairstyles for kids to spook, scare and delight. And if they don’t quite go to plan? Back-comb it to epic proportions and tell her she’s going as a witch, or the bride of Frankenstein!
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Watch our quick video below for some spooky hair inspiration, then scroll down for the full list of styles.
Fun Halloween Hairstyles
I am not one of those mothers who can do wrap-around Heidi-style braids, or the kind that effortlessly twist and turn around a child’s head. No — we are a simple plait kind of house, maybe a French plait if there’s time, patience, and a child willing to sit still long enough. So when my daughter came home asking for a spider bun like her friend’s, I panicked!
Having come out the other side of the Halloween hair drama, here are some of the fun Halloween hairstyles kids will love — and that parents can actually manage.
1. Spider Mania
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Princess Piggies used little plastic spider rings, threaded through plaits, to create a spooky Halloween hairstyle that will thrill little kids.
This works well with normal plaits (or French plaits) — a long-handled comb helps to pull the hair through the spider rings.
2. Pumpkin Spice
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A little coloured hairspray can transform a bun into a little pumpkin. Follow the step-by-step instructions over on Infarrantly Creative.
3. Mini Spider Web
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Brown Haired Bliss created a pretty Halloween hairstyle that works for long or short hair alike. It’s subtle enough to wear as a fun daytime style too, making it a good pick for school.
4. Mysterious Mummy
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Create your own mummy-inspired Halloween hairstyle with this step-by-step from Princess Piggies. This would be the perfect look to go with a wicked witch or ghoulish ghost costume.
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5. Eyeball Bun
Dodie702‘s scary eyeball bun is a brilliant way to add a little Halloween spook.
6. Silly Spider Bun
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This spider bun from Simple As That is fantastic, and was the original request from my daughter!
Using just pipe cleaners, hair clips, a black pom pom and some googly eyes, this is a really effective — and fun — look, and one of our favourite Halloween hairstyles.
7. Braided Cat Ears
Skip the expensive shop-bought costumes and hair accessories — you can create this fun cat ear hairstyle at home.
Cute Girls Hairstyles uses black pipe cleaners as the third strand of a normal plait. Check out the full instructions, plus the top tip to swap in red pipe cleaners for a devil’s horn alternative.
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8. Hair Horns
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A fun step-by-step tutorial shows just how to make little hair horns — great for zombies, demons, little devils and more.
9. Mini Spider Buns
The spider bun above has a cute little sister in this space buns version that’s perfect for younger children. Instead of craft eyes, this look uses chunky plastic eye rings — the kind that always seem to turn up in party bags.
You could leave out the pipe cleaners and just use the eyes for a monster look too.
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10. Snakes on the Loose
Keep it simple, particularly for toddlers, and clip in a toy snake to a straightforward plait — effective, quick and fun.
11. Medusa Snake Braids
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Give some serious Medusa vibes with this epic Halloween hairstyle idea from Pretty Hair is Fun.
A coiled braid style, which itself reflects the idea of a snake, makes a great base for this look. Then incorporate toy snakes to complete the effect.
12. Skeleton Bones
This is simple enough to actually do, but cool enough to wear for Halloween. The spacing of the loops on the plait creates a ribcage effect that looks brilliant.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special hairdressing skills for these Halloween hairstyles?
Not at all. Most of these looks are built on a basic plait, French plait or bun — the spooky effect comes from simple add-ons like pipe cleaners, hair clips, toy spiders and snakes, or coloured hairspray, rather than fancy braiding techniques.
What tools or extras do I need?
It varies by style, but common extras include plastic spider rings, pipe cleaners, googly eyes or chunky plastic eye rings, a black pom pom, toy snakes, and a long-handled comb for pulling hair through accessories.
Will these styles work on short hair?
Yes — several styles, like the elastic spiderweb half-up look, work well for both long and short hair, so you don’t need waist-length locks to join in the fun.
Are any of these hairstyles suitable for school?
Some are subtle enough for daytime wear, such as the spiderweb half-up style. Others, like the full spider bun or hair horns, are bolder and better suited to a Halloween party or trick-or-treating.
How long does it take to create one of these styles?
Most can be done in five to fifteen minutes once you have the extras to hand — they’re designed to be quick wins for busy Halloween mornings, not salon-level projects.
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- How to Host a Really Spooktacular Halloween Party!
Loved These Halloween Hairstyles?
Save this article now so you have it handy when Halloween morning rolls around, and browse our other Halloween ideas for costumes, nails, food and party games to round out the day.
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