Double ponytails have been a beloved hairstyle choice for kids for good reason—they’re playful, practical, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re getting your child ready for school, a birthday party, or just a regular day at home, double ponytails offer the perfect balance of fun and functionality. They keep hair off the face and neck, prevent tangles, and give kids that adorable, youthful look that works for toddlers and older children alike.
The beauty of double ponytails is that they work with virtually any hair type and texture. From stick-straight hair to curly coils, thick strands to fine hair, there’s a double ponytail style that’ll look amazing. These styles are also low-stress to maintain throughout the day—your child can play freely without worrying about hair falling in their eyes or getting messy. Plus, they’re fast to create, which means less bathroom time in the morning rush and more time for breakfast.
Beyond the practical side, kids genuinely love the aesthetic appeal of double ponytails. There’s something inherently fun and youthful about the look that makes children feel a little bit special. Many kids enjoy seeing themselves in the mirror with a new hairstyle, and double ponytails offer that instant confidence boost. Parents also appreciate that these styles are age-appropriate, adorable for photos, and easy enough to recreate at home without expensive salon visits.
Let’s explore twelve fantastic double ponytail styles that work beautifully for kids, each with its own charm and personality.
1. Classic High Double Ponytails
The classic high double ponytail is the gold standard of kids’ hairstyles, and for good reason—it’s timeless, cheerful, and works for virtually every occasion. This style sits high on the head with two separate ponytails positioned symmetrically, usually on either side of the crown. The placement creates a youthful, playful look that’s been beloved by kids and parents for generations.
Why Kids Absolutely Love This Style
High double ponytails hit that sweet spot between fun and practical. The elevated placement gives kids a sense of personality and pizzazz without being over-the-top. It’s the kind of hairstyle that makes a child feel dressed up without actually requiring much effort. The symmetry is also visually satisfying for kids—there’s something about the balanced look that appeals to their sense of order and fun simultaneously.
How to Create Perfect High Double Ponytails
Start with dry or slightly damp hair for the easiest handling. Use a fine-tooth comb to brush through any tangles, working from the ends up toward the roots. Divide the hair into two equal sections by drawing an imaginary line from the center of the forehead straight back to the nape of the neck. Clip one side out of the way so you can focus on the other.
Take the first section and gather it at the crown, about two inches back from the hairline. Use an elastic hair tie to secure it firmly but not so tight that it pulls uncomfortably. Repeat the process on the other side, making sure both ponytails are at the same height and tightness. If any baby hairs are escaping, smooth them down with a small dab of gel or hairspray.
Best For and Pro Tips
This style works beautifully for every hair type and texture. For finer hair, don’t pull the ponytails too tight, as this can create tension on the scalp and look sparse. Thicker or curlier hair benefits from using thicker elastics or even small claw clips for extra hold. You can enhance the look with colorful ribbon, beads, or cute clips tied around each elastic for extra personality.
2. Double Side Ponytails
Double side ponytails sit lower than their classic cousins, positioned toward the sides of the head rather than the crown. This placement creates a softer, more whimsical silhouette that’s particularly charming on younger kids. The lower positioning also means less tension on the scalp, making this a comfortable choice for all-day wear.
Why This Style Is Perfect for Everyday Wear
Side ponytails have a gentler aesthetic than high ones, which appeals to kids who want something pretty without feeling too dressed up. The placement allows more hair to frame the face naturally, creating a softer overall look. This style also tends to hold up well throughout the day without becoming too messy or loose, even during active play and outdoor activities.
How to Create Balanced Side Ponytails
Part the hair down the middle using a fine-tooth comb, creating two equal sections. Work with one side at a time. Gather the hair from one side at about ear level, roughly where a side ponytail would naturally sit. The exact position depends on your child’s preference—some kids like them slightly higher, others prefer them lower. Secure with an elastic, making sure to match the height on both sides for symmetry.
Smooth down any loose strands with your fingers or a small brush. If you want extra hold, apply a tiny bit of gel to any flyaways. The beauty of side ponytails is that they look slightly more relaxed and forgiving of imperfection, so don’t stress about making them absolutely pristine.
Styling Ideas and Variations
Try curling the ends of the ponytails with a curling iron for a more polished look, or leave them straight for a casual vibe. Adding colorful ribbons threaded through the elastics elevates the style instantly. You can also tease the base of each ponytail slightly to add volume and create a fuller appearance, which works especially well for finer hair textures.
3. Half-Up Double Ponytails
Half-up double ponytails combine the beauty of down hair with the practicality of pulled-back hair. Only the top section of hair is gathered into two ponytails, while the rest flows freely down the back. This style is perfect for kids who love their hair down but need it partially secured, especially during activities like sports or school.
Why Kids Choose This Hybrid Style
Half-up styles offer the best of both worlds—kids get to feel like their hair is down, which many prefer, while parents get the security of knowing it won’t fall in their child’s face. The style also looks more sophisticated and interesting than a simple ponytail, giving kids a slightly more grown-up appearance without any actual complexity.
How to Create Half-Up Double Ponytails
Part the hair down the middle, creating two equal sections. From the top section (roughly the top quarter of the head), gather the hair into two ponytails, one on each side, positioning them where you’d place a half-up style. Secure each with an elastic. Leave the bottom three-quarters of the hair down and loose.
You can leave the lower section completely straight, or curl it for added texture and interest. Some kids love adding a small decorative clip or bow where the half-up meets the loose hair for extra visual impact.
Perfect Occasions and Styling Tips
This style is ideal for birthday parties, dance recitals, or any event where you want something special but not overly formal. It works beautifully with straight hair, wavy hair, and curly hair alike. For kids with very thick hair, this style helps manage the volume by pulling up just enough to prevent the overall look from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.
4. Sleek Double Low Ponytails
Low double ponytails positioned at the nape of the neck create an elegant, polished look that’s particularly flattering on kids with longer hair. This style requires more precision than higher placements but creates a more refined appearance perfect for special occasions. The lower positioning also tends to feel less babyish than high ponytails, which appeals to older kids wanting a more mature look.
Why This Style Feels More Sophisticated
Low ponytails automatically read as more put-together and formal than their higher counterparts. They’re the kind of hairstyle you’d choose for a school event, wedding, or portrait session. Despite being lower, they still completely clear the hair from the face and keep everything secure and off the neck—essential for comfort during active play.
How to Create Sleek Low Double Ponytails
Begin with hair that’s been brushed thoroughly to remove any tangles. Part down the middle, creating two equal sections. Lower on the head than you would for classic high ponytails—aim for roughly ear level or slightly below. Gather each section and secure with a hair elastic.
For that sleek, polished look, use a fine-tooth comb or brush dipped in gel to smooth down any flyaways. Work the gel gently through each ponytail, creating a smooth, shiny finish. You can also use a small flat iron on low heat to add extra polish and shine to the ponytails themselves, though this is optional and works best for kids with thicker hair.
Elevated Options and Embellishments
Wrap a thin ribbon or decorative elastic around the base of each ponytail to cover the hair tie and add visual interest. You can also try adding small braids at the base of each ponytail, starting from the part line and braiding down before it becomes the ponytail. This layered approach looks intricate but is actually quite simple to execute.
5. Braided Double Ponytails
Braided double ponytails combine two hairstyling techniques for an instantly more polished and intricate appearance. Instead of simple hair ties gathering straight sections, braids form the foundation of each ponytail. This style works beautifully for kids with longer hair and provides excellent hold and all-day staying power.
Why Kids Love the Braided Version
Braids automatically look more sophisticated and special than straight ponytails, even though they’re not significantly more difficult to create. Kids feel like they have a fancier, more thoughtfully styled look. The braids also help distribute the weight of the hair more evenly across the scalp, reducing tension and discomfort compared to pulling hair straight back. Plus, braided ponytails hold up remarkably well to running, playing, and general daily activity.
How to Create Braided Double Ponytails
Part the hair down the middle. On one side, take a section of hair near the part and create a three-strand braid. Braid loosely down toward where you want the ponytail base to sit—typically at ear level or slightly below. Secure the braid with a small elastic. Continue braiding down the rest of that side and secure the ends with another elastic.
Repeat on the other side, making sure both braids start at the same height and are equally tight. The braids themselves become the ponytails, or you can gather the braided sections plus any remaining loose hair below the braids into ponytails for a fuller effect.
Variations to Try
Create thin French braids that run from the crown down to the ponytails for a more intricate look. Try fishtail braids instead of traditional three-strand braids for a more textured, interesting appearance. You can also braid just partway down and then gather the remaining hair into ponytails, creating a hybrid style that’s less time-intensive than fully braided ends.
6. Curled Double Ponytails
Adding curls or waves to double ponytails transforms the entire aesthetic, taking them from casual to celebratory instantly. Curled double ponytails are perfect for special occasions, birthdays, or whenever you want your child to feel extra special. The curls add volume, visual interest, and an undeniable sense of occasion to what might otherwise be a simple style.
Why Curls Make Everything Special
Kids notice when their hair is curled, and it genuinely makes them feel more dressed up and celebrated. Curls add movement and dimension that straight ponytails lack. The texture also tends to hold better throughout the day compared to straight hair, so the ponytails stay looking fresh longer. There’s something inherently celebratory and festive about curled hair that feels perfect for kids on their special days.
How to Create Curled Double Ponytails
Create your double ponytails first—either high, low, or side ponytails depending on your preference. Once the ponytails are secure, use a curling iron on medium heat to curl each section. Wrap small sections of the ponytail around the curling iron barrel, holding for 8-10 seconds, then release.
Work through each ponytail in sections, curling as much as you want. You can curl the entire length for full, bouncy curls, or just curl the ends for a softer wave. Allow the curls to cool completely before running your fingers through them—this helps them hold their shape longer. A light spritz of hairspray keeps everything in place throughout the day.
Prep and Protection Tips
For kids with straight or wavy hair, curls generally hold quite well. For kids with very fine hair, use a lower heat setting to avoid damage. Always ask your child if they’re comfortable with heat styling before using any heated tools. If heat styling feels risky or if your child has very young, delicate hair, try curling the hair the night before by creating braids or twists while damp—the hair will naturally wave as it dries.
7. Double Dutch Braided Ponytails
Double Dutch braids running parallel down the back of the head create a striking, intricate look that’s perfect for kids who love their hair to look extra special. Each braid then becomes a ponytail at the base, combining two techniques into one stunning style. This is a more advanced technique but absolutely achievable with practice and patience.
Why This Style Turns Heads
Double Dutch braids are immediately recognizable as more sophisticated and carefully styled than simple ponytails. They create beautiful visual interest and texture that photographs beautifully. Kids feel genuinely proud when they look in the mirror and see this intricately braided style—it looks like real effort and care went into their appearance. The symmetry and precision of parallel braids also appeals to kids’ natural sense of order and balance.
How to Create Double Dutch Braided Ponytails
Part the hair down the middle, dividing it into two equal sections. Starting on one side, take a section of hair at the crown and create a Dutch braid (braid that goes underneath rather than over the top, creating a more three-dimensional, raised effect). Braid down the side of the head toward the ear, incorporating hair as you go.
Continue braiding all the way down to the nape of the neck. Gather the end of the braid plus any loose hair below it into a ponytail and secure with an elastic. Repeat on the other side, mirroring the first braid as closely as possible. Both braids should look similar in tightness, style, and positioning.
Difficulty Level and Troubleshooting
This style requires some practice to get the Dutch braiding technique down. If you’re new to Dutch braids, try practicing on your own hair or a friend’s before attempting it on your child. Go slowly and don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect—kids don’t notice imperfections the way adults do. The overall effect is still beautiful even if the braids aren’t absolutely identical.
8. Double Bubble Ponytails
Bubble ponytails create adorable, segmented sections throughout the length of the hair, giving a bubbly, fun appearance that kids absolutely adore. Creating double bubble ponytails means making two of these fun, segmented styles side-by-side. This playful option is perfect for kids who want something that looks extra special and different from ordinary ponytails.
Why Kids Go Crazy for Bubble Ponytails
The bubble effect is visually unique and undeniably cute. Kids love the way bubble ponytails look because they’re fun, colorful (especially if you use colored elastics), and distinctly different from what other kids might be wearing. The segmented look adds texture and visual interest that feels less babyish than a basic ponytail but more playful than a sophisticated braid.
How to Create Bubble Ponytails
Start with your basic double ponytails, either high or low. Once the initial ponytails are in place, create the bubble effect by placing additional elastics down the length of each ponytail, spacing them roughly 2-3 inches apart. The spacing determines how many bubbles you’ll have—closer spacing creates more bubbles, wider spacing creates fewer, larger bubbles.
After placing each elastic, gently tease the hair section just above each elastic to make the bubble puff out and become more pronounced. This teasing creates that distinctive bubbly appearance. You can stop here for a subtle bubble effect, or continue working through each ponytail creating uniform bubbles throughout.
Creative Customization Ideas
Use elastics in different colors—alternating hot pink, purple, and blue, for example—to create a rainbow bubble effect that kids love. You can also try color-coordinated ribbon threaded through each elastic for extra visual pop. Some kids love adding tiny clips or charms to each elastic for an even more personalized, playful look.
9. Double Space Buns
Double space buns transform the classic bun style into a fun, youthful look that sits on either side of the head. Rather than gathering ponytails at the base, the hair is twisted or braided and then wrapped into buns, creating a more three-dimensional, textured style. This look is particularly popular with younger kids and appeals to those who want something distinctly different and playful.
Why Space Buns Feel Like a Special Treat
Space buns have a distinctly fun, almost costume-like quality that kids find delightful. They feel special and different—like the kind of hairstyle you’d wear to a party or celebration rather than a regular day. The buns also create an interesting silhouette that frames the face differently than ponytails do, giving kids a sense of wearing something truly unique.
How to Create Double Space Buns
Part the hair down the middle, dividing it into two equal sections. Gather the first section into a ponytail at the crown or midway up the head, depending on how high you want the buns positioned. Twist or braid the ponytail loosely. Wrap the twisted/braided section around the base of the ponytail, securing it into a bun shape with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side.
Make sure both buns are equally tight and positioned symmetrically. Leave some face-framing sections loose if desired, or keep everything pulled back for a complete, polished look. You can also create space buns lower on the head toward the nape for a different aesthetic.
Enhancement Ideas
Wrap ribbon around each bun, or tuck small flowers or decorative clips into the bun for embellishment. Create looser, messier buns for a more casual vibe, or pull everything tight for a neater appearance. Try starting with braids instead of twists for an even more textured, intricate look that holds up beautifully throughout the day.
10. Twisted Double Ponytails
Twisted double ponytails replace traditional parting and gathering with elegant twists that spiral from the crown down to the ponytail bases. This creates a sophisticated, more refined version of standard double ponytails that works beautifully for special occasions while still being relatively simple to execute.
Why Twists Feel More Grown-Up
Twists have an inherent elegance that makes any hairstyle feel more polished and intentional. They’re more visually interesting than straight sections while being faster and easier to create than braids. Kids feel like their hair has been properly styled rather than just quickly pulled back, and parents appreciate that the technique is manageable even in the morning rush.
How to Create Twisted Ponytails
Part the hair down the middle. Take the first section and divide it into two subsections. Twist these subsections together as they spiral down the side of the head toward your chosen ponytail position (high, low, or side). Once you reach your desired ponytail position, secure the twist with an elastic.
The twisted section itself becomes part of or all of the ponytail, depending on how much hair you included in the twist. Repeat on the other side, making sure both twists are equally tight and start from the same position. The result looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to create.
Variations on the Twist Theme
Try rope twists where you wind a single section of hair around itself, creating a slightly different texture. Create multiple smaller twists on each side and then gather them all into one ponytail for extra visual interest. You can also combine twists with braids—twist partway down, then transition into a braid for variety.
11. Double Lace Braided Ponytails
Lace braids create a delicate, intricate appearance by picking up only small sections of hair from the outer edge rather than incorporating large sections throughout. When created on both sides and ending in ponytails, lace braided double ponytails look fancy and sophisticated. This style is perfect for kids with longer hair who want something that looks especially special.
Why Lace Braids Look So Elegant
Lace braids have a distinctive, refined appearance that reads as more advanced and carefully done than standard braids. The technique creates a delicate, lacy visual effect against the hair, adding dimension and sophistication. Kids feel genuinely proud of this hairstyle—it looks like real skill and time went into creating it, even if you’ve gotten fast at executing it.
How to Create Lace Braided Ponytails
Start with one side of the hair. Create a thin braid starting at the temple or just above the ear. Rather than incorporating large sections as you go, pick up tiny, delicate strands from the outer edge of the braid line. This creates the distinctive lacy appearance. Braid down the side of the head toward where you want the ponytail to sit.
Once you reach the ponytail position, gather the end of the lace braid plus any remaining loose hair into a ponytail. Secure with an elastic. The lace braid should look delicate and create a pretty frame around the side of the face. Repeat on the other side, mirroring the first braid as closely as possible.
Difficulty Level and Learning Curve
Lace braiding requires a bit of practice to get right—the picking-up of small sections needs to be intentional and consistent. Try practicing on yourself in the mirror first to get the feel for how much hair you should be picking up with each pass. Once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes much faster and more intuitive. Kids don’t notice if your first few attempts aren’t absolutely perfect, and every attempt gets you closer to mastery.
12. Messy Textured Double Ponytails
Messy, textured double ponytails embrace imperfection and intentional looseness for a relaxed, effortless-looking style that’s perfect for casual days. Rather than aiming for sleek, polished ponytails, you’re purposely creating a slightly undone, tousled appearance that feels fun and youthful.
Why Messy Is Perfect for Everyday Kids
Not every day calls for perfect, polished hair—sometimes messy is exactly right. Textured, slightly loose double ponytails are easier to maintain throughout a busy day, more forgiving of flyaways and imperfections, and feel less formal. Kids can play hard without worrying about their hair looking perfect. This style also works beautifully for kids with naturally curly or textured hair that resists being perfectly smoothed down.
How to Create Messy Ponytails
Don’t worry about brushing the hair completely smooth. Instead, use your fingers to loosely divide the hair into two sections. Gather each section into a ponytail, but don’t pull the elastic so tight that it’s straining. Leave baby hairs and pieces loose around the hairline and face. The goal is an undone, lived-in appearance rather than a carefully constructed style.
You can add texture by curling sections loosely with a curling iron, or by gently teasing the ponytails to add volume and dimension. Spritz lightly with texture spray or sea salt spray to enhance the tousled, beachy texture. The result should look like your child just came in from playing and their hair naturally fell into this cute arrangement.
Styling Tips for Natural Texture
This style actually looks better when you don’t overthink it. Let some of your child’s natural texture and movement show through rather than fighting against it. Curly or wavy hair looks amazing in messy textured ponytails—the natural texture adds to the intentionally undone aesthetic. Don’t stress about perfect symmetry or every hair being exactly in place. Some of the charm of this style comes from its casual, carefree nature.
Final Thoughts
Double ponytails remain a favorite hairstyle option for kids because they deliver on every front—they’re practical, adorable, easy to create, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re reaching for the simplicity of classic high ponytails or trying something more intricate like lace braids, there’s a double ponytail style perfect for every occasion and hair type.
The beauty of these styles lies in their versatility. The same basic technique can look completely different depending on where you position the ponytails, what embellishments you add, or whether you enhance them with braids, twists, or curls. This means you don’t need to master a dozen completely different techniques—you can build your skills gradually while offering your child variety.
Start with whatever style feels most comfortable and achievable for you. As you practice, you’ll naturally develop the skills to attempt more intricate options. Most importantly, your child will love that you’re taking time to style their hair thoughtfully. Whether it’s a simple classic ponytail or an elaborate braided creation, the effort and care matter more than perfect execution. Have fun experimenting with these styles and let your child’s preferences guide you toward their personal favorites.
