2 of 5

Write now Article Tools

There are two things to think about when deciding on a hair style for your daughter. Firstly, does she herself like it, and secondly, is it practical?

Your little girl has to like the style you are choosing for her, for the benefit of her own self-esteem. The style she might choose depends very much on her age

Very small children, up to three won't care about hair styles much, except that it doesn't hurt when it is washed or brushed, and doesn't bother them when they are playing

Girls from three upwards will start to think about how they look. They will be into princesses and fairies at this age, and will probably want long, flowing locks. They will start responding to people who coo and say "don't you look beautiful today?". This is the age that you need to start thinking about their personal preference when you are choosing a style.

Little girls from five upwards will have a great deal to say about their hair, and may ask for particular cuts, styles, colors or embellishments. They will want to be like their favourite pop star, and also like their friends. They will probably want to look pretty' all the time except, of course, if they are a tom-boy and just want it all cut short!

Your common sense will have to prevail when deciding which style to choose. We all want our children to look beautiful, but the horrors of hair-washing and hair-brushing have to be taken into consideration.

Babies look cute with little bows in their hair, but I think they are probably uncomfortable for a baby certainly if it is lying down. Try a soft headband instead.

Toddlers also look cute with their hair tied up, but often won't stand still to have it brushed and styled. Two great styles are a short bob cut, which is easy to brush and dry, or a slightly longer cut which can be tied back out of her face. This is a good idea if she like to paint or play in the dirt.

Three-to-fives often want long hair, so let them have a shoulder-length cut. This can be plaited or tied back for school, and during playtime, but let down for parties and other times. It can be dressed up with ribbons, headbands, clips, etc. Lengths of elastic with feathers, sparkles, dangly sparkly bits, faux hair extensions, fur fabric, bobbles, tiny figures etc all add to the fun, while being easy to put in and take out again.

Girls that are older than five may ask for more elaborate styles. They may not realise the trouble the take, and the amount of time they will need to stand still while you do it for them. They may not appreciate that you don't have the time to do it every day, either, and they may not realise the harm over-processing can do to hair.

If your daughter wants an elaborate hair style, try to point her towards a plain style with some coloring to bring life to it, or a radical cut that can be tied back when necessary.

A young girl is still very impressionable, and will like to look nice'. However, they are still young enough to want to get on with life as it comes to them, and a small tantrum over not being allowed curled hair will soon be forgotten when their friends come round to play in the sand pit!

I recommend a very plain style for young girls, that can be tied back when necessary. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't take into account the shape of her face. Use the same rules you would apply to yourself to decide whether to have a fringe (bangs) or not, and the length of the hair. Don't let the hair stop at chin-length for a child with a very round or square face, for instance, and don't let a child with a long face go without a fringe.

At the end of the day, all little girls look lovely. Avoid letting her fall into the trap of thinking that looks are all-important, and you will have done well.

Learn more about this author, Susan Hibberd.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Little girls hair styles?
We want to hear your view. Write now!