How to Do Pigtails for a Baby

Tiny hair accessories make small pigtails possible.

For a baby, you can make a pigtail as a braid hanging from the back of the head or hair that is separated into two gatherings and secured on the left and right side of the head. Since babies typically have shorter, finer hair than older children, gathering sections of hair on either side of the head usually works best. You can leave these bunches of hair loose or braid them and secure their ends to avoid unraveling.

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Comb
• Pigtail holders or other hair accessories.

Instructions

1. Use a comb to gently part your baby's hair down the middle. Brush the hair back away from your baby's forehead, then use the comb as if you were tracing an invisible line to separate the hair in a straight line. Extend the line from the start of the hair at the forehead to the hairline at the top of the neck. Many babies don't want to sit still for this part, and it may prove easier to make the part while the baby is sleeping.

2. Brush the section of hair on the left side of the head to make it smooth, then create the pigtail by placing a small, fabric-covered rubber band or pigtail holder at the bottom of the section of hair you have created. Position this as close to the scalp as possible without pulling too tight and hurting your baby's scalp.

3. Brush and secure the section of hair on the right side of your baby's head with a pigtail holder or fabric-covered band.

4. Braid the hair you've pulled into a pigtail if you wish or allow the hair to flow loosely from the pigtail holders. If you braid it, secure the end of each braid with a barrette or pigtail holder. If you leave the hair loose, brush or comb it gently to make the hair look smooth and get rid of tangles.

Tips & Warnings

• If your baby won't sit still for a part or the parting hurts her, gently grab the sections of hair and secure them with ponytail holders without making parts. This may not look as neat as parted pigtails but can still translate into a cute hairstyle.

• Some babies are uncomfortable with hair accessories that feel too restrictive. If your baby seems uncomfortable, position the pigtail holder further away from the scalp and create a looser pigtail.

• If your baby's hair seems unruly and difficult to get into a pigtail holder, spray a little water on it before you brush it. This can help tame stubborn locks.

• If some of your baby's hair is too short to pull into a pigtail, allow that part to remain loose. Create the pigtails out of the longer sections of hair.

• Never put loose pigtail holders on a baby, as they may slip off and create a choking hazard.

• Remove pigtail holders from your baby's hair before you put her down for a nap. If she pulls them off while unattended, she may put them in her mouth and choke.

References

• Hair Boutique: Baby Hair Care

Resources

• Princess Hairstyles: Baby Hairstyles - 4 Connecting Ponytails
• Parenting.com: 31 Reasons We Love Pigtails