Ten is a weird age. One minute they’re playing with dolls and the next they’re asking for a 12-step skincare routine and curtain bangs because they saw a "get ready with me" video on TikTok. It’s that bridge between childhood and the teen years where cute hairstyles 10 year olds used to wear—like giant JoJo Siwa bows—suddenly feel "babyish." Finding the middle ground is basically a parenting olympic sport. You want them to look neat for school, but they want to look like they’ve spent three hours on their hair, even though they only have five minutes before the bus arrives.
I’ve spent years watching trends shift from the classic tight ballerina bun to the messy, lived-in looks that dominate 2026. The shift is real. It’s less about being "perfect" and more about "aesthetic."
The bubble braid obsession and why it works
If you haven't mastered the bubble braid yet, you're missing out on the easiest win of the decade. It looks incredibly complex, like something out of a high-end salon, but it’s literally just a series of hair ties. You start with a basic ponytail. High, low, or pigtails—it doesn’t really matter. Then, you place another elastic a couple of inches down and tug the hair between the two ties to create a "bubble" effect.
Repeat this until you run out of hair.
Honestly, the reason this is one of the most popular cute hairstyles 10 year olds are asking for is because it stays put. Whether they’re in PE class or just leaning over a desk, those bubbles don’t budge. Use clear elastics for a seamless look, or grab those tiny neon bands if they’re still into a bit of color popping. It’s the ultimate "cool girl" look that requires zero actual braiding skills. Just elastics. Lots of them.
Space buns but make them 2026
Space buns aren't new, obviously. We've seen them since Princess Leia, but the way 10-year-olds wear them now has changed. Forget the slicked-back, tight-to-the-skull look that gives everyone a headache. The current trend is "half-up space buns." You take the top section of the hair, split it down the middle, and twist those into two small buns on top of the head. The rest of the hair stays down.
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It’s messy. It’s intentional. It’s great for hiding the fact that they didn't brush the back of their head very well.
Dealing with the "I want to dye my hair" phase
Let’s be real: most 10-year-olds are begging for color. If you aren't ready to commit to permanent bleach and the damage that comes with it, hair tinsel or clip-in extensions are your best friends. "Fairy hair" is what some stylists call it. You tie thin, shimmering threads of tinsel to individual strands of hair. It lasts a few weeks, survives washing, and gives them that "main character" energy they’re looking for without a single drop of chemical dye.
Another move is the "money piece" look but with temporary wax or chalk. You just color the two front strands that frame the face. It’s a huge trend in lifestyle and fashion circles right now.
Dutch braids are the new baseline
If your kid has long hair, the Dutch braid (or "inside-out" French braid) is the gold standard. It sits on top of the hair like a crown. It’s durable. It lasts through sleep. It looks awesome.
But here’s the secret: don’t make them too tight. A 10-year-old’s scalp is still sensitive, and traction alopecia is a real thing if you're pulling back their hairline too hard every single day. Braids should be firm but comfortable. If they have flyaways, use a tiny bit of clear brow gel or a dedicated "hair slicking stick" to tame them down. It’s way better than dousing their head in crunchy 90s-style hairspray.
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Short hair doesn't mean fewer options
We often focus on long hair, but the "wolf cut" and the "shullet" (shag-mullet) have made a massive comeback for younger kids. If your 10-year-old has a bob or shoulder-length hair, the "butterfly clip" look is the easiest way to add style. You take small sections of hair along the hairline and clip them back with those tiny plastic butterflies.
It’s a throwback, but it’s vintage to them.
For kids with textured or curly hair, the "pineapple" method is still king for keeping curls defined and frizz-free. You gather the hair at the very top of the head—almost on the forehead—and secure it loosely. It lets the curls cascade down without getting crushed while they sleep or play.
The logic behind the "pancake" technique
Whatever style you choose, if it involves a braid, you need to "pancake" it. This is a term stylists use for gently pulling at the edges of the braid loops to make them look wider and fuller. It’s the difference between a thin, wimpy braid and a thick, professional-looking style. It takes three seconds and changes the entire vibe.
- Braid the hair as usual.
- Secure the end.
- Starting from the bottom, gently tug the outer edges of each loop.
- Watch it double in size.
Heatless curls: The viral phenomenon
Every 10-year-old with an internet connection is obsessed with heatless curls. They’re using the "legging method" or the silk robe tie. Basically, you wrap damp hair around a soft fabric tube before bed and wake up with Shirley Temple-level curls or soft waves.
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It’s actually a great habit to start. Using curling irons on young, developing hair can lead to serious breakage. If they start using heatless methods now, their hair will stay much healthier as they get older. Plus, it’s a fun nighttime ritual. It feels like a spa day.
Choosing the right accessories
Ditch the old-school metal barrettes that snag and pull. Look for:
- Seamless nylon elastics (they don't break the hair).
- Silk or satin scrunchies (less friction).
- Matte "claw" clips (very trendy right now).
- Headbands with "teeth" for a slicked-back look without the gel.
Practical next steps for a stress-free morning
To actually make these cute hairstyles 10 year olds love a reality, you need a kit. Stop hunting for a brush every morning. Get a dedicated "hair station" near the door or in the bathroom.
- Invest in a high-quality detangling spray. Something like The Honest Company or Fairy Tales (which also helps repel lice—a huge plus for school-age kids).
- Get a wet brush. These have flexible bristles that won't snap the hair when it's damp and vulnerable.
- Practice on the weekend. Don't try to learn a four-strand braid on a Tuesday at 7:00 AM.
- Let them choose. Give them two or three options the night before so there's no "I hate this" meltdown right before the carpool arrives.
The goal isn't just a "cute" look. It's about giving them a bit of autonomy over how they present themselves to the world. At ten, that's everything. Stick to styles that emphasize their natural texture and keep the maintenance low, and you'll both have a much better morning.