How to Style Pigtails on a Child

Between the wiggling, the tangles and the short attention span, trying out any style on a young girl is tough! However, you can get a cute pigtailed look done quickly (and get it to stay put) with these few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Thin Hair Elastics
• Hair Gel
• Fine-Toothed Comb
• Leave-In Hair Conditioner
• Barrettes or Bobby Pins

Instructions

How to Style Pigtails on a Child

1. Decide on the type of pigtails you want to create. There's plenty of styles--set high on the side of the head or braids. Deciding before you start will save a lot of tears and squirming. Low pigtails are best for short hair that is fine and often difficult to pull into a ponytail, while pigtails set higher on the sides of the head are best for long hair and hair that doesn't easily slide out of hair elastics.

2. Make sure the child's hair is damp. When you begin the styling with damp hair, it retains the style more effectively with very little hair product. Spray or spread a little leave-in conditioner onto your hands and run it through the child's hair. This will eliminate tangles and make for a happier styling experience.

3. Make sure the hair is clean and tangle-free. Then it's time to part the hair. Use the fine-toothed comb to "draw" a part first. This is done by lightly dragging the comb from forehead to the nape of the neck. Once you draw this "line," comb the hair on each side of it towards its respective side to create two distinct sides.

4. The hair should now be on the correct side for the pigtails, so you wont have to move it extensively anymore. That means now is the time to add on a styling product. Gel seems to work well, but it's simply a matter of preference. Run a small amount through the child's hair so that it will stay when banded together. Hairspray is not recommended - no child's hair should look like a helmet!

5. Now you should be ready to pull the pigtails apart. Start by banding each section together in a loose bundle. These don't have to be perfect--they are just to get the hair out of the way.

6. Take the first bundle and gather the hair in your hands. Pull the tail up to the point you'd like it, while smoothing the hair around it with both your hands. If the hair looks relatively smooth, you can go ahead and tie it with a hair elastic. If not, hold the tail with one hand while you use the comb the pull the hair smoothly into your pigtail.

7. Repeat this step with the other pigtail, paying careful attention that they are even. If you have stray ends, you can clip these up with cute barrettes or bobby pins. Finish off the look by braiding the pigtails or adding some ribbons. Once the hair dries, the child's hair will be super-sleek and well-styled!

Tips & Warnings

• If your child is one who usually pulls out any hairstyle halfway through the day, braided pigtails are a good option. If your child has bangs, wait until the hair is dry and the gently pull them front the front of the hair. If this doesn't work for her, adding a headband will pull back the bangs and keep them out of her eyes.

• This isn't a style you can sleep on and have it still look well done. Only start this style shortly before you're ready to start your day.