Is your little girl complaining about the same straight style or simple ponytail she has every day? Sure, it's easy to do the identical thing each morning before school and just get her out the door, but maybe it's time to up your braiding game, Mom.
These braid styles are a simple and quick way to have her looking spiffy. They blow the basic pony out of the water, and they help prevent lice. That's right, moms. Did you know that braids help keep lice far, far away from your kid? Those bugs love loose hair, so the tighter the braid, the less likely they are to stick around.
So to make you a braiding master, we've rounded up some of our favorite (and cutest) hair braiding ideas for little girls. Your little girl will thank you.
Number 5 is so easy! Think you could do it?
Images via Girly Do Hairstyles© iStock.com/ideabug
Letter X Braid
Having alphabet day in school, perhaps? This criss-crossed X braid peters out into two cute pigtails, but it's a complete surprise in the back. If you have some serious French braiding skills, give this baby a go.
Crown of Braids
Is your daughter not satisfied being a princess only on Halloween? Finish off her look properly with a very fitting crown of braids! All this look takes is a few rubber bands and some bobby pins with the tutorial from The Road to 31.
Braids Squared
Perfect for a dance or cheerleading competition or for a day of school if you have some extra time in the morning (although, surprisingly, it takes less than 10 minutes). The braids squared hairstyle splits the part into four, then joins them all in the center. Tie it with a pretty bow, and off she goes!
Waterfall Braids
Isn't the name completely fitting? The waterfall braid looks exactly like a cascading waterfall of hair. This one would work exceptionally well if your daughter has some Rapunzel-style tresses.
French Waterfall Braid
Another variation of the waterfall braid is this waterfall French one-sided 'do. The tight braids at the top help keep the hair out of your little girl's eyes, but the side braid still keeps it classy.
Ladder Pinwheel Braid
This amazing updo, aptly named the ladder pinwheel braid, is intense. Like, really, really intense. It's really several braids that join up to make one mega-braid, but everyone will be impressed. You'll need three elastic bands and a few pins, but if you have the patience and swift finger work, you can make it happen.
Waffle Cone Braid
Don't be intimidated by this finished product! The waffle cone braid is actually very easy to do and, believe it or not, is just a sequence of neatly placed ponytails. Who would have guessed? If your little girl has long or medium hair, the step-by-step video guide will help you get it done in no time.
Bang Braid
For your little ladies, try out this easy bang braid to keep the hair out of their eyes. That wispy hair may be tough to gather, so Brandy at Heart & Habit recommends doing it right after their bath. That way, the hair will be easier to group and maneuver — even while your little one is squirming around.
Side Knots
For a time when your girl wants to keep her hair down but wants some of that extra flair, try the side knot braids that'll keep the hair in place. They're not quite French braids, but not entirely cornrows either. Make the partitions as wide or narrow as you like, and it'll keep the hair down.
Triple Braided 'Do
Seriously, this one is so much easier than it looks. No one will know that it's really three separate braids wrapped around one another to make this triple braid that will make you look like a master mom.
4 Strand Braid
It's a side-pony with some extra oomph! Head on over to Babes in Hairland for the step-by-step tutorial and instructional video for the 4 strand braid. You'll need a claw clip and ponyholder, but not much else!
Fish Bone Braid
Keep the hair out of her eyes, off her shoulders, and just out of the way of everything. The fish bone braid is "easier than a French braid," according to its creator, so we'll be sure to give it a shot.
Cage Braids
The cage braid (get it? See it?) is a popular one. It looks like a normal French braid pigtail, but the individual sections make it much more unique.
Upside-Down French Braid
Bring that hair up. Like, way, way up! The upside down French braid tutorial merges two of the best hairstyles: French braids and top knots. Win and win.
Twisted Ballerina Bun
It's definitely the messiest of the bunch (don't worry, it's supposed to look like that!), but helps to keep the hair away. The twisted ballerina bun is great for, yes, ballet classes, but also holidays and even school. Try the alternate ballerina crown idea (also in the tutorial) if your girl has extra long or thick hair.
