10 Spooky-Cute Halloween Hairstyles for Kids Short Hair Ideas for Every Costume
Halloween is just around the corner, and if you're anything like me, you're already knee-deep in planning the perfect costumes for your kids. But let’s not forget one small (yet super important) detail—the hair! Yes, even kids with short hair can have fun, festive hairstyles that elevate their Halloween look.
As a hairstylist turned content writer (and a mom of two), I’ve spent many Halloweens trying to figure out fun ways to style short hair that don’t involve a wig or hours of prep time. Trust me, it can be done. Whether your little one is rocking a curly bob, a cropped pixie, or a shoulder-length chop, there are so many Halloween hairstyles for kids short hair ideas that are equal parts spooky and adorable.
Today, I’m sharing 10 of my absolute favorite short hair Halloween styles. They're toddler-friendly, school-appropriate, and most importantly—easy for parents like us to pull off before a party, parade, or trick-or-treating night.
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Quick Tips Before You Style
Before we dive into the styles, here are a few things that will make the process smoother:
- Work with clean or lightly damp hair for easier styling.
- Use non-toxic, kid-safe hair products—especially glitter or color sprays.
- Mini clips, ribbons, and themed hair accessories are your best friend.
- Keep it simple. Short hair doesn’t need a complicated updo to make a statement.
1. Mini Witch Buns with Glitter
Let’s kick things off with a classic—the witch. Even if your little one has barely-there hair, you can create tiny space buns using mini elastics. Add a sprinkle of black and purple glitter spray and top with a cute witch hat headband.
Best for: Toddlers and school-aged kids
Perfect match: Witch costumes, spooky fairies
2. Curly Pumpkin Puff
If your child has naturally curly or textured short hair, this pumpkin puff is SO cute and easy. Just gather their curls into a soft puff at the crown and secure with an orange scrunchie. Add a green ribbon "stem" for the pumpkin top.
Bonus tip: Use a wide-tooth comb and curl cream to define texture before styling.
Perfect match: Pumpkin onesies, toddler trick-or-treaters
3. Spider Crown Braids
This one is a personal favorite because I did it for my daughter last year, and it was a hit at her school Halloween parade. Create a simple crown braid around the head and tuck in small plastic spiders with bobby pins. Add black hair chalk or spray for an eerie finish.
Best for: Kids with slightly longer short hair (bob or chin-length)
Perfect match: Spider costumes, haunted princesses
4. Ghostly Slick-Back
This style is super simple but so effective. Just slick back the hair using a lightweight gel and attach a sheer white tulle bow shaped like a ghost. For extra flair, use white hair chalk to give a ghostly glow.
Easy win: Great for school days when you’re short on time.
Perfect match: Ghosts, floating spirits, white-costume themes
5. Skeleton Side-Parted Spikes
Got a cool kid with an edgy haircut? Slick their hair to the side and spike it up using strong-hold gel. Add mini bone clips or skeleton hands to one side. Temporary silver or white color spray makes this look pop.
Kid-approved cool: Great for more "mature" Halloween vibes.
Perfect match: Skeleton, punk vampire, rocker costumes
Amazon Product Picks to Make Styling a Breeze
While creating these hairstyles over the years, I’ve discovered a few must-haves that make Halloween styling so much easier. Here are three Amazon favorites I personally swear by:
1. L'Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray (Silver or Purple)
This kid-friendly color spray works on light and dark hair and washes out in one shampoo. It’s perfect for creating spider-web vibes, ghostly ghouls, or vibrant witch buns. It doesn’t leave a sticky residue and smells pleasant.
Why I love it: No commitment, easy to apply, and doesn’t stain.
Try it for: Styles like Spider Crown Braids, Witch Buns, or Ghost Slick-Back.
2. Halloween Hair Clips – Spiders, Bats & Skulls (12-pack)
These themed mini clips add instant Halloween flair without needing much styling skill. My favorite thing is how they hold well even in baby-fine hair and don’t tug.
Why I love it: Budget-friendly, reusable, and totally spooky-cute.
Try it for: Skeleton styles, Spider Braids, or Bat Wing Pixies.
3. SoCozy Kids Sensitive Styling Gel – Medium Hold
This gel is amazing for toddlers and kids with sensitive skin. It holds well without that crunchy finish and doesn’t flake like others do. Plus, it’s made with clean ingredients.
Why I love it: Safe, effective, and toddler-tested in my own house.
Try it for: Vampire Slick-Back, Ghost Styles, or any spiked look.
6. Bat Wing Pixie
Short pixie cuts are perfect for sculpting "wings" with a little mousse or gel. Use your fingers to shape bat-wing-style swoops on either side of the head and top it off with bat-ear clips or a bat headband.
Low-effort, high-impact: Works even on very short cuts.
Perfect match: Bat costumes, vampires, or gothic themes
7. Easy Vampire Swoop
For kids with a side-part haircut, slick one side back and use a red temporary spray at the roots. Add a widow’s peak sticker or create one with eyeliner. If you’re daring, a small dot of red face paint by the corner of the mouth gives the illusion of fangs!
Smooth and spooky: Great for older kids or themed school dress-up days.
Perfect match: Vampires, Dracula, or elegant monsters
8. Clown Curls
This one’s perfect for curly-haired kids. Fluff their curls out with a bit of mousse and add bright-colored pom-pom clips or bows. You can also use color chalk to add streaks of blue, red, or green.
Fun and fabulous: It’s messy on purpose—so no need to stress!
Perfect match: Clowns, circus themes, or silly costumes
9. Black Cat Mini Buns
Two mini buns at the crown of the head become "ears" with a little imagination. Add felt triangles (you can hot-glue them onto a clip or headband) and draw on a nose and whiskers with face paint.
Fast & feline: Great for toddlers with short hair or school parties.
Perfect match: Cats, panthers, or animal-themed costumes
10. Simple Boo Braids
If your kid’s short hair is long enough for two little braids, tie them off with ghost-face ribbons or mini Halloween elastics. This works well for very active kids who don’t want hair in their face during parties.
Practical and pretty: Holds all day and easy for school events.
Perfect match: Ghost costumes, pumpkin jumpsuits, or low-maintenance looks
Tips for Long-Lasting Halloween Hair
After years of styling kids' hair for Halloween, here are a few tricks I’ve learned:
- Prep the night before by laying out accessories and testing any new products.
- Secure with hairspray (kid-friendly, of course) if the event is long or outdoors.
- Pack a few extra clips or bobby pins in your purse—trust me on this.
- Bring a comb if your child is heading to school with their Halloween hairdo.
Final Thoughts
As a mom and hairstylist, I know how stressful the Halloween rush can get. That’s why I focused this list on easy, doable, and short-hair-friendly styles that work for toddlers and school-age kids alike. Whether you're working with curls, cowlicks, or a fresh pixie cut, these spooky-cute looks are designed to spark smiles without breaking your back (or budget).
So go ahead and pick your favorite from these Halloween hairstyles for kids short hair ideas, grab a few fun accessories, and enjoy the magic of spooky season with your little ones!
And hey—if you try any of these looks, tag me or share your pics in the comments. I’d LOVE to see your ghost buns, vampire swoops, or mini witch buns in action!