As a new parent, styling your baby’s hair can be both fun and a bit challenging. Whether your baby has straight hair, curly locks, or something in between, it’s important to find gentle ways to style their hair without using heat. Heatless hair styling not only keeps your baby’s delicate hair healthy but also prevents damage that can come from using heat-based tools.
Here’s a guide for new parents on how to style their baby’s hair—both straight and curly—without heat, while keeping it soft, cute, and manageable.
1. Soft Baby Braids for Straight and Curly Hair
Braids are a great heatless option for babies with both straight and curly hair. They keep the hair neat and out of the face, making them perfect for everyday wear.
For straight-haired babies, try creating two loose pigtail braids, secured with soft, baby-friendly elastics. If your baby has curly hair, you can braid their curls into loose French braids to avoid tangles while preserving the natural bounce of their curls.
Pro Tip:
Use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before braiding to make the process easier and gentler on your baby’s scalp.
2. Twists for Curly-Haired Babies
If your baby has curly hair, twists are a wonderful heatless styling option that helps define their curls while keeping the hair tangle-free. You can part the hair into small sections and twist two strands of hair together, securing them with tiny soft clips or elastics at the ends.
Twists work well for both formal and casual looks, giving your baby’s hair a cute and polished appearance.
Pro Tip:
Use a light oil or curl cream when creating the twists to keep them moisturized and smooth.
3. Simple Top Knot for Straight or Curly Hair
A top knot is a quick and stylish option for both straight and curly-haired babies. Simply gather the hair at the crown of your baby’s head and secure it with a soft, non-damaging elastic. It’s a great option for hot days when you want to keep your baby’s hair up and away from their face and neck.
For babies with straight hair, a top knot keeps the hair tidy, while for curly-haired babies, it creates a cute puff of curls that adds volume to the hairstyle.
Pro Tip:
Make sure the top knot is loose to avoid pulling on your baby’s scalp, which can be sensitive.
4. Pineapple Style for Curly Hair
The "pineapple" is a popular hairstyle for curly-haired babies and toddlers. It involves gathering all the curls into a high ponytail at the top of the head, leaving the curls free to cascade down. This style is especially useful for preserving curls overnight or when you want to keep the hair out of your baby’s face.
It’s called the pineapple because of the way the curls bunch up at the top, resembling the spiky leaves of a pineapple. This heatless style keeps your baby’s curls intact while allowing their natural texture to shine.
Pro Tip:
Use a satin or silk pillowcase or crib sheet to prevent frizz while your baby sleeps.
5. Low Ponytails for Straight-Haired Babies
For straight-haired babies, low ponytails are a classic, no-heat hairstyle that’s both simple and cute. Gather your baby’s hair at the nape of the neck and secure it with a soft hair tie. This style is ideal for everyday wear and keeps the hair smooth and manageable without needing any heat tools.
You can add a decorative bow or clip to the ponytail for a more polished look, making it perfect for special occasions.
Pro Tip:
Avoid tying the ponytail too tightly to prevent breakage and pulling on the hair.
6. Headbands for Easy Styling
For both straight and curly-haired babies, headbands are an excellent accessory for styling without heat. A soft, stretchy headband can help keep the hair out of your baby’s face while adding a fun pop of color or design.
Headbands work especially well for days when you don’t have time to do a full hairstyle but still want your baby’s hair to look cute and neat.
Pro Tip:
Choose headbands made of soft, breathable fabrics to ensure your baby stays comfortable throughout the day.
7. Natural Curls and Waves for Curly-Haired Babies
If your baby has natural curls or waves, sometimes the best option is to let them be! Curly hair is beautiful in its natural state, and there’s no need to over-style it. Simply keep the curls moisturized with a baby-friendly leave-in conditioner or curl cream, and let those natural curls bounce.
For straight-haired babies, you can create soft waves without heat by braiding their hair before bedtime. When you take the braids out in the morning, your baby will have soft, gentle waves.
Pro Tip:
To enhance curls without heat, try scrunching your baby’s hair with your hands while it's still damp, encouraging the natural curl pattern to form.
8. Sectioned Ponytails for All Hair Types
Sectioned ponytails are a playful and functional hairstyle for both straight and curly-haired babies. Divide the hair into small sections, and secure each section with small, soft elastics. This style keeps the hair organized and is especially useful for babies with thick hair that tends to tangle.
For babies with straight hair, this style helps create structure and volume. For curly-haired babies, it allows the curls to stay defined while keeping the hair out of their face.
Pro Tip:
Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to keep the hair smooth and hydrated throughout the day.