Little girls get their own moment at weddings, quinceañeras, first communions and dance recitals, and their hair has to survive hours of photos, dancing and running around the venue. A loose curl that looks perfect at two in the afternoon is usually gone by the time the cake comes out. That is why most moms who book us for a family event end up asking about updos for the girls as well. Below we share the styles we do most often in our Las Vegas salon, how to prepare different hair types, and a few tricks that keep a child’s updo in place from the ceremony to the last song.
Why updos work better for kids
Children usually have fine, slippery hair, and they don’t sit still. An updo keeps the hair off the face and neck, holds up under a veil or a flower crown, and still looks tidy in the last photo of the night. It is also more comfortable in the Las Vegas heat: with the hair off the neck, a little girl is far less likely to start pulling at her style halfway through an outdoor ceremony.
There is a practical side for parents too. A well-pinned updo can be done in the morning, at the salon or at home, and it will not need touch-ups during the day. Loose waves, on the other hand, often need a curling iron again before the reception, and nobody wants to chase a six-year-old with a hot tool.
Getting the hair ready
Preparation matters more than the style itself. Every head of hair is different, so here is how we approach the most common types:
- Fine, straight hair. Wash it the night before and skip conditioner on the roots. A light texturizing spray or a little dry shampoo gives the pins something to grip.
- Thick hair. Work in sections and secure each one before moving on. Thick hair can carry a bigger bun, but it needs more pins and sturdier elastics.
- Curly and coily hair. Keep it moisturized and avoid brushing it out dry. Curls look beautiful gathered into a high puff or a low bun with the texture left visible, and a few defined curls around the face soften the look.
- Short or layered hair. A full bun may not be possible, but twists, small braids along the hairline and a half-up style give the same polished effect.
Seven updos we do most often
1. Ballerina bun
A high, smooth bun is the classic choice for flower girls and recitals. We brush the hair into a ponytail at the crown, twist it around the base and pin it in place, then finish with a thin braid or a satin ribbon wrapped around the bun. It works on almost any length from the shoulders down and survives jumping, spinning and hugs.
2. Braided crown
Two Dutch braids start at the temples and travel around the head, then meet and get pinned at the back. This is our favorite for flower girls, because a wreath or a small floral headband sits right on top without slipping. It also looks great in photos from every angle.
3. Low side chignon with curls
For older girls, around nine to twelve, a soft chignon placed just behind one ear feels grown-up without being too much. We curl the ends first, gather them low and pin the curls into a loose shape. It pairs nicely with the bride’s style, or with the quinceañera’s look when a younger sister is part of the court.
4. Twisted half-up
Not a full updo, but a great option for short hair or for girls who don’t like the feeling of a bun. Two rope twists from the front are joined at the back of the head with a clear elastic and a small bow. The front stays secure all day while the rest of the hair moves freely.
5. Messy bun with baby’s breath
Relaxed, pretty and forgiving. We build a loose bun, pull out a few pieces around the face and tuck tiny sprigs of baby’s breath into it. If a strand falls after the first dance, it just adds to the look. Ideal for boho and outdoor weddings.
6. Double space buns
Two small buns on top of the head are a playful choice for birthday parties and less formal events. Kids love them, and they hold surprisingly well because each bun carries only half of the hair.
7. Braided low bun
A single French braid down the back, rolled into a low bun at the nape. It is neat enough for a first communion or a church ceremony and comfortable under a veil or a headpiece.
Choosing accessories
Accessories should be light. Heavy clips drag a child’s updo down within an hour. We prefer small floral pins, thin ribbons, pearl bobby pins and lightweight flower crowns. If a girl will wear a tiara as part of a quinceañera court, we build the style around it at the trial so it can be pinned in from underneath and stay put during the waltz.
How to make it last all day
- Wash the hair the night before, not the morning of the event. Second-day hair holds pins much better.
- Use small snag-free elastics and plenty of bobby pins instead of heavy hairspray on a child’s scalp.
- Book a short trial a week before, so your daughter knows what to expect and nobody is surprised on the big day.
- Bring a tablet or a favorite book to the appointment. A calm child means a cleaner style and a faster session.
- Pack a mini kit for the venue: a few pins, a fine comb, a couple of spare elastics and a travel-size spray.
Taking it down at the end of the night
Removing an updo gently is part of the job. Take out the pins one by one before touching the elastics, then loosen braids from the bottom up with your fingers. A little conditioner on dry hair helps release any knots, and a wide-tooth comb does the rest. Never pull a bun out in one go, especially on fine hair.
Looking for more ideas?
Many of the families we work with in Las Vegas speak Spanish at home, and grandmothers often show up with photos saved from Spanish-language hair sites. One gallery we like to pass along is this collection of peinados para niñas elegantes recogidos, with ten updos explained step by step. It is an easy way to pick a style together with your daughter before her appointment, and you can bring the photo to the trial so we can adapt it to her hair.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can a girl wear an updo?
Usually from around four years old, once the hair reaches the shoulders. For younger girls we suggest a simple half-up style with a bow.
How long does a children’s updo take?
Most styles take 20 to 40 minutes. Braided crowns and styles with lots of accessories take a little longer.
Can you style the whole bridal party or quinceañera court on site?
Yes. We travel anywhere in the Las Vegas valley, and we can schedule the girls first so they are ready before the photographer arrives.
Will the style hurt?
It shouldn’t. We avoid tight pulling at the hairline and use soft elastics. If something feels uncomfortable during the trial, we adjust it right away.
Book the girls together with the family
Planning a quinceañera? Take a look at our quinceañera hair and makeup service. For weddings, the whole bridal party, including the youngest guests, can be booked together with bridal hair and makeup. Stop by the salon for a free consultation and bring your inspiration photos.