There’s something impossibly sweet about the sight of a tiny one heading into Valentine’s Day with hair that seems just as festive as the holiday. For 2026, kids’ Valentine looks are all about hearts, ribbons, precious details, and those whimsical braids that transform a regular morning into something truly enchanted. Whether you’re prepping for a school event or going out to play, these trend-ons will keep your kid both stylish and comfortable all day long. Think soft curls, heart-part hairstyles, simple braids, and hair inspiration to make any little one’s personality shine.
And don’t worry—these aren’t just pretty looks; they also make good practical sense. Thankfully, everyone’s go-to YouTube hair expert has once again broken down how to achieve eight stunning updos from the hit Netflix show that you can do in your own home—whether you have short or long hair. Let’s look at the sweetest Valentine’s hairstyles for kids in 2026 and warm up this February some more.
1. Twisted Heart Pull-Through Curls
This style is sweet enough to be directly out of a classroom Valentines eggs and cupcake party How cute are those? The top is twisted into loose pigtails that feed down the back into a pull-through braid, held in place with small red elastics that suggest a heart shape at the nape. The remainder of the hair cascades in loose, romantically curled waves for that storybook princess touch and remains entirely relaxed and playful for playing the day away.
For those with longer hair that is left down, this is a pretty style on kids with clean hair or with long-haired girls who have slightly wavy to curly styles, though a quick twist of the curling iron works well too if she has straight hair. It’s one of those school hairstyles that is simple but looks complex, when in reality you are doing the same thing over and over, which makes it easy to accomplish even on a hectic morning. The pull-through sections create the illusion of thick hair, which also results in fine hair appearing fuller and thicker hair being kept neat—even on Valentine’s Day.
2. Sparkly Heart Headband Style
This style is literally so much Valentine magic: underneath a braided heart, it’s like a final hot pink headband of sparkles is laid in-between the sections. It’s fun and undeniably extra in the best way, all too fitting either for a classroom party or for a fancy-schmancy family brunch. The bright ribbons and heart details transform basic waves into something that’s a party in its own right.
If you want to replicate it, create a gentle heart-part hairstyle part along the crown and work in easy braids across the top of your head, securing them with mini-elastics. Step 3: Add a headband and a few Valentine’s-themed hair bow pieces to complete the look. This looks adorable on long and medium hair; it works particularly well if your kid has naturally soft curls or a gentle wave that you can accentuate with a wand. A light spritz of hairspray will hold all those quick details and sparkles in place from morning drop-off until you say trick-or-treat for the last time.
3. Double Heart Pigtail Fun
If your child is all about whimsy, this double heart style is basically a wearable Valentine card. Two high sections are looped into sweetheart shapes on top, tied off with pastel elastics, and accented with a tiny braid that frames the face. It has that cute, animated feel that kids love, and it instantly makes any simple dress or T-shirt look special without needing extra accessories.
This is a great option for kids with long hair or mixed textures, because the hearts sit on top while the rest of the natural waves tumble down. Keep the base smooth by brushing through and using a little spray or serum to tame flyaways before you start the heart braid pattern. Since each piece is anchored with elastics, it’s surprisingly secure and practical for active kids who will be running, playing, and trading valentines all day.
4. Hot Pink Heart Braid Space Buns
This one is definitely designed for the little heartbreaker.” Sleek cornrows are threaded with neon pink extensions and gathered into ultra-chunky space buns, while a statement heart shapes the hairline. With a heart shape and the play with pink and black hair, it’s almost like wearing a mini piece of art to school for your Valentine’s event or for the weekend.
Heart braid black styles like this are stunning on Black natural hair, especially because the tight parting and neat braids draw all attention to every stroke of the design. The style keeps natural hair protected, which is why it’s one of those current 2026 hair ideas that are just as fun as they are clever. Have your stylist add beads at the ends for added movement, or leave off the beads for a more subdued, slightly simpler option that’s still plenty special.
5. Soft Heart Half-Up with Red Bow
This look is all the sugary parts of Valentine’s Day compressed into one hairstyle: a braided heart that rests on top of the head, bouncy curls flowing down the back… with a big, bold red bow to tie everything together. With a storybook quality, the top makes kids appear dressed up without getting too fancy in feeling and photographs gorgeously for those keepsake Valentine pictures.
It’s especially good for kids with long hair and some natural curl, because the half-up part keeps most strands off the face, yet leaves the ends soft and loose. With thinner hair, tease gently underneath your top section to create volume before shaping into the heart. A dab of curl cream or mousse will define your curls and cut down on frizziness, ensuring the heart and the bow remain the stars of this look all day.
6. Pink Elastic Heart Pigtails
Here’s a fun twist on pigtails that feels like it was made for Valentine’s Day. Small sections are secured together with pink hair elastics into the shape of a heart on top and spill into smooth pigtails adorned with fluffy accessories. It’s colorful, chipper, and a touch cheeky, which is to say that it happens to be the perfect chair for those pint-size gridders who love matching their locks to their favorite pink sweatshirt.
With this iteration, you’ll love how polished it feels compared with your typical pigtail, even though it’s just as kid-ready. The repeating elastic pattern adds traction, so even slippery straight hair won’t slip out from morning to bedtime. If you want easy school hairstyles that aren’t braided, this one is an awesome option for simple, easy braid styles, and once you practice it a few times, it’s really fast.
7. Side-Swept Heart Accent Braids
The way it’s side-swept makes you feel like you know a sweet little secret, Valentine. A curvy cornrow is formed into a heart around the outline of the head before turning down and into length for a smooth and loose effect. Simple bows in a pair of bold ribbons pull it all together, and the overall effect is youthful but still polished enough for school pictures or a special family dinner.
The beauty of this style is how detail-oriented and beautiful it is: the beautiful twists in the braid that give a heart-part hairstyle effect and how the ribbons mirror the theme of Valentine’s. It’s great for kids with straight or slightly wavy long hair, and it works well on short hair if your child has some length left near the front to create a small heart braid. Use a light styling cream or gel to separate the sections while you’re braiding so that your design pops without requiring intense hair tutorials.
8. Glitter Heart Detail Dutch Braid
This is all of the Valentine fairy-tale energy. One half-shaved side is shaped into a big heart, sprinkled with micro sparkles, and accompanied by a chunky Dutch braid (feeding into a long plait). It looks intricate and dreamy, the type of style that turns a kid into the protagonist for the day.
This version makes the entire look a statement—not just a standard single braid—for kiddos who are all about cool hair ideas. The heart is an attractive detail on long hair with medium to thick texture, which means that the pattern will hold and won’t expose any balding spots. You can substitute beads for the glitter if your child prefers, or keep it sparkly-free when it’s time to study and let the magic flow at a party. Either way, it’s a playful variation on simple braids that feels dressed-up without fuss.
9. Classic Braided Heart Half Pony
This is the quintessential Valentine look: two neat braids curve around to form a picture-perfect heart, meeting at the center with a pearl accessory and a simple half pony. It’s soft, sweet, and timeless, the kind of hairstyle that works just as well for classroom parties as it does for a family dinner or a little photoshoot at home.
The overall vibe is gentle and romantic, which makes it ideal for kids who like something special but not over the top. It’s a great match for straight or slightly wavy long hair, and it can even be adapted for short hair by shrinking the heart a bit higher on the head. The sections are easy to control, so you don’t need advanced hair tutorials to manage it; just part, braid, and secure with clear elastics for a polished finish that still feels effortless.
10. Valentine Buns with Front Braids and Glitter
How joyful is this look? Cassie came up with chunky buns with fluffy pom-poms, braided in front to frame the face, and a sprinkling of glitter through the parting. It’s the kind of Valentine hairstyle that turns boring Black braids into a party all by themselves, and kids absolutely light up when they see it in the mirror. The mix of textures and colors serves up major festive energy without feeling like it’s trying too hard to play suegro.
If you have been seeking Black easy styles that are still protective, this is an ideal option for natural hair. The braids keep everything in place as the buns stick up and out, with beads hanging from the ends for a little bounce. It’s a whimsical option for children to wear when they need some spiffy, not-too-fussy hair for school or day care, and after the base braids are in place, you can pack your buns with different sorts of accessories (a baby heat-free curling rod?!) on even more days of the week for quick refreshes without any effort.
11. Bubble Heart Chain Side Style
This sweet little side style looks like a chain of hearts floating down your child’s hair. Pink elastics connect each looped section so the hearts pop against the smooth, shiny strands, giving just enough Valentine flair without going over the top. It’s one of those hair ideas that feels extra special for a party but is still comfy enough for kids to wear all day.
Because the base is a simple pony that’s pulled through in sections, it’s surprisingly easy, even if you usually avoid complicated hair tutorials. It’s perfect for long hair or medium lengths with straight or slightly wavy texture, and it’s a great pick for easy school hairstyles when you want something quick that still looks thoughtful. A tiny bit of smoothing cream will help the loops hold their heart shape and keep everything frizz-free for kids who are always on the move.
12. Braided Crown with Valentine Bow
This hairstyle is like putting your child in a flower crown made out of their own hair. They’re wrapped around from the front, tied in back, and meet in one big colorful bow right at the center of her head like a little Valentine gift. Loose curls cascade down the back so that the whole look feels soft and romantic and very for kids without being too grown up.
It’s a pretty look for long hair with natural waves or curly hair because the braids manage to own the top while letting your ends do their bouncy thing. For fine or naturally slippery hair on your child, just add a bit of mousse beforehand before curling, as it will make the bend last throughout the day. The braids are basic hairline-following braids, and that makes this one of those easy but impressive Valentine’s Day hair bow styles—it’s perfect for class parties and yet also entirely suitable for a family dinner afterwards.
13. Side Braid Pony with Blush Bow
There’s just something so darling about a side braid melding into a long, low ponytail adorned with a soft pink bow. It’s nice enough for Valentine celebrations but still totally wearable on the daily, especially if your child is the type to wear bows as part of their signature attire. The braid forms what I like to think of as a little halo around the head that keeps everything tidy, while the loose pony shows off the length.
This is one of the best easy school hairstyles, which won’t take lots of time but will make it look like you tried to achieve a deliberate look. It suits long hair and works for straight as well as slightly curly hair because of the structure at the sides and the way a pony swishes freely. If mornings are rushed, you’ll love how speedily you can whip this up—once the side plait is mastered, it’ll quickly become one of those easy go-to kids’ hairstyles that’s perfect when all their tresses just need to be out and neat.
14. Heart Braid Pigtails with Butterfly Clips
This look is a little love letter written in braids. The top is shaped into a tidy heart braid that curves down into two sleek pigtails, finished with pretty clips that flutter like tiny wings. It feels playful and dreamy, perfect for a Valentine party, a school spirit day, or any time your child wants their hair to feel as fun as their outfit.
Because the style is built from neat sections and easy braids, it’s more approachable than it looks, especially if you’re comfortable parting hair down the center. It works beautifully on straight long hair or natural textures that have been gently stretched, and the pigtails make it comfortable for kids who like their hair off their face. This is one of those for-kids styles that sits securely all day, so once you’ve put in the effort in the morning, you don’t have to fuss with it again until bedtime.
15. Ribbon-Tied Heart Bow Pigtails
These pigtails are like cute little heart-shaped bows on either side of your child’s head, complete with a classic red ribbon. The style has such a cute, storybook vibe, especially when worn with a Valentine tee or polka dots. It’s playful without being silly, and it generates that immediate “special occasion” vibe even when all you’re about to do is pick up cupcakes after school.
What’s especially great about this for the daily grind is that once you secure the loops, it’s virtually maintenance-free. It works on a variety of textures, from fine straight hair to soft natural waves, and is perfect when you just want something simple but a bit interesting. The base style here is just pigtails and a couple of twists, so it’s one of those easy school hairstyles you’ll be able to do quickly in the morning—while still being complimented on how creative your hairstyling skills are.
16. Zigzag Mini Hearts and Red Bow
This style is such an edgy swipe on traditional Valentine hair. A zigzag section is pulled into baby ponies that suggest a heart-part hair effect before converging upon—where else?—a pretend ponytail, secured with an electric-red bow. It’s playful and modern and great for girls who want a touch of interest at the top while letting the rest of their hair flow free.
This is a clever way to add some intrigue if your child has short or mid-length hair and doesn’t have long lengths to braid. The little elastics help to hold everything in place, so you can imagine that it works just great for active kids during school or daycare days. A bit of leave-in conditioner will help the sections stay smooth, and since there’s no complicated braiding to fumble with, this is one of those easy hair ideas that you can easily master while still building your styling confidence.
17. Braided Heart with Soft Curls and Pink Bow
This hairstyle is so perfect I can imagine this being something styled for Valentine photos and twirly dresses. A sweetheart braid behind the head, making a lovely little bow, with soft curls throughout. It has a dreamy, storybook charm that makes children feel instantly dressed up, even if the rest of the outfit is just sweatpants and a beloved sweater.
The beauty of this cut is that it strikes a perfect balance of structure and movement: the heart braid gives it some grounding, while the curls ensure it’s all light and airy. It goes great with long, wavy hair—but if your hair is straight, you can just curl it with a wand and take the same look. With a dash of heat protectant and a light misting of hairspray, your child can rock this Valentine-appropriate look from school crafts to post-dinner dessert without any touch-ups.
18. Classic Braided Heart with Flower Clip
This one is just Valentine’s perfection. Two braids come down from the crown, make a perfect heart shape, collect passing through the nape, and clip with a small flower. It’s timeless and soft, the type of hairstyle that looks just as pretty in a quick phone snap as it does in the framed images hanging on your wall.
Unlike a few intricate heart braid designs, this one’s still rather simple, and that’s a positive if you’re just diving into learning about heart part hairstyles for kids. It’s great on long hair or medium lengths with a little weight so the braids lay flat. With a fine-toothed comb and some smoothing serum, your sections will keep tight, and once you’ve pinned everything in place, it’s snug enough to last all day without tugging or slipping.
19. Sleek Double Braid Heart Half-Up
This glossy half-up look creates a long and elegant heart across the back of your head with two fine braids. The hair that’s left hanging is long and sleek, and it leaves the overall look feeling slicked up rather than overdone. If pretty, happy, simple lines and clean shapes are more your child’s thing than big bows or glitter—a fabulous choice.
This looks especially flattering on long straight hair or natural hair that’s been loosely stretched. This look is faster to create than more complex heart braid looks, making use of simple braids and thoughtful placement rather than lots of tiny sections. If you want hair inspiration that seems a little more adult but is still darling for kids, this one strikes just the right balance.
20. Soft Double Heart Crown Waves
I mean, this is basically a Valentine’s Day fairy tale right here. Two dainty plaits bloom into a connected double heart in the back and fade away into loose, shiny waves. It has a soft, romantic quality that’s ideal for school parties, family photos, or any occasion when you want your kid to feel just a little extra fancy.
The vibe is chill yet dreamy; it’s a great look for kids with curly hair or naturally long, wavy hair that you want to let down. The braids keep the front neat whilst the lengths remain loose and flowy, and also it has this heart detail, which is a lovely nod to the Valentine’s hairstyles for kids 2026 theme. A little light mousse or curl cream will boost the waves without dragging them down, so the style remains buoyant and comfortable from morning drop-off to bedtime stories.
21. Double Braid Halo with Hidden Heart Pony
This style looks like a love note tucked into a ponytail. Two chunky braids sweep around the head to frame a perfectly sculpted heart in the center, then everything gathers into a smooth low pony. It has that “I really tried” effect without feeling too formal, which makes it perfect for Valentine’s hairstyles for kids in 2026 when you want something special for a party, church, or a family dinner. The layered heart braid detail gives just enough drama while still letting your child feel comfortable and playful.
This is a gorgeous pick for long hair with medium to thick texture, because the braids need a bit of fullness to really show off the heart shape. If your child has straight or natural hair, add a touch of light mousse before braiding to help the sections grip. Start with a clean center part, map out a heart-part hairstyle guide with the comb, and then work in easy braids along the edges. Once you’ve secured the pony, wrap a small strand of hair around the base for a simple, polished finish that looks like it came straight out of a hair tutorial video but is totally doable at home.
22. Cascading Heart Ponytail Chain
If your little one is all about big Valentine energy, this cascading heart ponytail will be their jam. A slicked-back high pony is transformed into a chain of heart braids that trail down the spine, individually punctuated by bright pastel elastic pops of color. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it’s a little bit “extra” in the best way, adding an instant layer of cool to even the most basic T-shirt-and-jeans moment. Each time you turn your head, another little heart gets the spotlight, so it’s like a wearable string of valentines.
The braids look complex, but they’re actually super simple once you’ve mastered the first heart braid, since it’s just a repeated pattern down into the ponytail. It’s most effective on long, straight, or slightly wavy hair, although you can also smooth out curly hair first for ease of use. Just a touch of gel at the base helps to tamp down flyaways and ensure that the base pony stays sleek—which is perfect for those busy mornings when you still want something quick but not too polished. This is a hair idea you will return to every February—because it holds up for an endless day of school, making crafts, and playing candy-fueled games if you have kids.
There really is something special about Valentine’s Day hairstyles. So whether it’s hearts, ribbons, braids, or just a little twisty, your child is off to their day getting what every kid deserves: to be seen, celebrated, and really quite adorable. A part, a braid, and an elastic—all for that one little spark of joy they’re about to bring you. Cheers to creating memories as sweet as the holiday itself—and hairstyles they might remember long after the candy is gone.
