The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative with festive fashion.
Transforming hair into a miniature masterpiece brings instant joy to any celebration.
Cones and tinsel provide the structural magic needed for these iconic looks.
Discover how to create 16 Christmas tree hairstyles for kids using cones and tinsel.
1. The Classic Foam Cone Pine
This style uses a lightweight craft foam cone as the central anchor for the hair. By gathering the hair into a high ponytail, you can slide the cone over the base and drape the strands downward to cover the surface.
Once the hair is pinned securely at the bottom of the cone, green tinsel is wrapped in a spiral from the base to the peak. This creates the traditional evergreen texture that defines a classic holiday tree.
Finish the look by tucking the ends of the tinsel under the hair and securing them with a bobby pin. This ensures the structure stays upright and sparkly throughout the entire school day or holiday party.
2. Double Tinsel Space Trees
Space buns get a festive upgrade by using two smaller cardboard cones as foundations. Positioned on either side of the head, these twin trees provide a whimsical and symmetrical silhouette that kids absolutely love.
Wrap each cone tightly with metallic green tinsel to give it a full, lush appearance. The tinsel acts as a camouflage, hiding the cones while providing a reflective surface that catches the holiday lights beautifully.
You can mix and match tinsel colors for a more modern look, perhaps using silver on one side and gold on the other. This variation is particularly sturdy for active children who enjoy running and playing.
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3. The Ribbon-Laced Tinsel Pillar
This design focuses on the contrast between soft tinsel and structured ribbon. After securing a tall cone at the crown, wrap a thick layer of tinsel around the hair to create a solid green base.
Once the tinsel is in place, use a red or gold ribbon to “lace” the tree in a crisscross pattern. This mimics the look of a professionally decorated tree found in a grand hotel lobby.
The ribbon helps hold the tinsel in place, adding an extra layer of security to the hairstyle. It provides a sophisticated touch that elevates the DIY craft aesthetic into something truly premium.
4. The Frosted Silver Tinsel Tree
Not all Christmas trees have to be green, and this frosted look proves it. By using silver or white tinsel over a cone, you create a winter wonderland effect that looks like fresh snow.
The silver tinsel reflects light brilliantly, making the hair glow from every angle. This style is especially effective for evening events where the shimmer can truly take center stage against the dark.
Pair this look with small blue or white hair jewels to enhance the icy theme. It is a refreshing departure from traditional colors while remaining completely on-theme for the winter season.
5. The Miniature Ornament Cone
This style treats the hair like a genuine canvas for decorations. Start with a standard tinsel-wrapped cone and then use tiny, lightweight plastic baubles to dot the surface of the “tree.”
The tinsel provides the perfect “hooks” for these mini ornaments to grab onto. You can secure the ornaments more permanently using small clear elastics or U-shaped hair pins hidden within the tinsel layers.
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Kids will enjoy selecting their favorite colors for the ornaments, making this a collaborative styling experience. It is a high-impact look that never fails to garner compliments and smiles.
6. The Zig-Zag Tinsel Wrap
Instead of a standard spiral, this technique involves winding the tinsel in a sharp zig-zag pattern up the cone. This creates a more geometric and modern aesthetic that stands out from more traditional styles.
The gaps between the tinsel allow the natural hair color to peek through, creating a layered depth. It works best when the hair is smoothed down with a light gel before the cone is applied.
This method requires a bit more pinning to keep the angles sharp, but the result is a very high-fashion holiday look. It is perfect for those who want a “cool” rather than just “cute” holiday style.
7. The Tinsel Waterfall Bun
This style combines a traditional donut bun at the base of the cone with cascading tinsel. The cone sits on top of the bun, and the tinsel flows from the peak down into the hair.
The tinsel is woven into the bun itself, making the transition between the cone and the natural hair seamless. It creates the illusion that the tree is growing directly out of a festive nest.
This is one of the more comfortable styles to wear because the weight is distributed across the bun. It provides a stable foundation that keeps the cone from wobbling during movement.
8. Multi-Tiered Tinsel Tower
For a more dramatic effect, use two different sized cones stacked or nested to create tiers. Each tier is wrapped in a different shade of tinsel to define the levels of the tree.
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This height-focused style is a showstopper at any holiday contest or parade. The use of tinsel between the layers helps to hide the seams where the cones meet, creating a unified structure.
Because this style is taller, it is important to use plenty of hairspray and extra-long bobby pins. The result is a majestic, architectural hairstyle that looks like a professional prop.
9. The Candy Cane Tinsel Spiral
Create a sweet theme by alternating red and white tinsel around your central cone. This creates a candy cane stripe effect that is instantly recognizable and very festive.
The stripes should be angled upward to mimic the classic peppermint treat. Using tinsel with a high tinsel-count ensures the colors are vibrant and the cone underneath is completely hidden.
To finish the look, place a small peppermint-shaped bow at the very top of the cone. It is a playful and sugary take on the traditional green tree theme.
10. The Star-Topped Pine Pillar
Focusing on the “topper,” this style uses a cone wrapped in deep forest green tinsel. The tinsel should be applied densely to create a thick, needle-like texture that looks very realistic.
The highlight is a large, lightweight gold star secured to a wire that is inserted into the top of the foam cone. This gives the star a slight “float” above the hair tree.
This style emphasizes the verticality of the look, making the child appear taller and more regal. It is a quintessential holiday look that captures the spirit of the season perfectly.
11. The Glittering Garland Wrap
This style uses extra-thick tinsel garland rather than thin tinsel strands. The bulkiness of the garland means you need fewer rotations around the cone to achieve full coverage.
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The thick garland provides a plush, soft look that is very tactile and fun. It also allows you to tuck small LED “fairy lights” into the folds of the tinsel for a glowing effect.
Ensure the battery pack for the lights is small and can be tucked into the base of the hair near the ponytail. A glowing tree is the ultimate way to stand out at a festive party.
12. The Tinsel Braid Integration
In this version, strands of tinsel are actually braided into the hair before the hair is wrapped around the cone. This creates a “built-in” sparkle that looks more integrated than a simple wrap.
Once the braids are wrapped around the cone, the tinsel pops out at regular intervals. This adds a beautiful texture that mimics the look of a tree naturally catching the light.
This is an excellent option for kids with very long hair, as it utilizes the hair’s length to build the tree’s volume. It is a very secure method that lasts for hours.
13. The Golden Goddess Tree
Ditch the green entirely and go for an all-gold aesthetic. Using gold tinsel and a gold-painted cone creates an elegant and high-end holiday look that feels very sophisticated.
The monochromatic gold palette is striking and works well with any hair color. It looks particularly stunning when paired with a festive gold dress or a simple white holiday sweater.
To keep the look refined, use thin, high-shine tinsel that lays flat against the cone. This produces a sleek, metallic finish that looks more like a sculpture than a craft project.
14. The Upside-Down Tinsel Cone
For a quirky and avant-garde twist, the cone can be placed with the wide base at the top and the point at the bottom. This “Whoville” inspired look is playful and creative.
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Tinsel is wrapped around the inverted cone, and the hair is gathered at the top to create a “pouf” of greenery. It challenges traditional gravity and always sparks conversation.
This style requires a very strong headband or a wire frame to keep the inverted cone stable. It is the perfect choice for “crazy hair day” at school during the holidays.
15. The Rainbow Tinsel Burst
Celebrate the holidays with a splash of color by using multi-colored tinsel. Instead of a single color, use a tinsel that features a gradient or a mix of rainbow hues.
Wrap the cone in a way that allows the different colors to spiral upward. This look is energetic, fun, and appeals to kids who love vibrant, expressive styles.
You can add matching multi-colored clips or small beads to the hair at the base of the cone. It is a joyful explosion of holiday cheer that works for any festive occasion.
16. The Tinsel Tassel Tree
This style uses tinsel to create “branches” that hang off the cone. Instead of wrapping it tight, loops of tinsel are pinned to the cone so they dangle slightly.
This adds movement to the hairstyle, as the tinsel tassels will sway when the child walks. It creates a dynamic look that feels alive and festive with every step.
Focus on using extra-shiny tinsel for this style to maximize the “twinkle” effect of the moving tassels. It is a unique take on the cone method that adds a lovely sense of motion.
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How do I secure the cone to the head?
The best way to secure a cone is by creating a very tight ponytail or bun at the crown of the head. You then place the cone over the hair and use long bobby pins or U-pins pushed through the base of the cone and into the hair elastic.
What kind of cones work best for hair?
Lightweight foam cones found in craft stores are the gold standard because they are easy to pin into and won’t weigh the head down. Cardboard cones also work well if you are looking for a more eco-friendly or DIY option that you can make at home.
Will the tinsel cause tangles in the hair?
Tinsel can occasionally catch on hair strands, so it is important to apply a smoothing serum or light gel before styling. When removing the look, cut the tinsel with scissors rather than trying to unwind it to avoid pulling on the hair.
How long do these hairstyles typically take to create?
Depending on the complexity and the number of ornaments added, you should set aside 20 to 40 minutes. Simple tinsel-wrapped cones are much faster, while tiered or braided designs require more precision and time to secure properly.
Can these styles be done on short hair?
As long as there is enough hair to form a small ponytail to act as an anchor, you can use a cone. For very short hair, you might need to attach the cone to a sturdy headband first and then blend the hair around the base.
Are these hairstyles heavy for children to wear?
If you use foam or thin cardboard, the styles are surprisingly lightweight. The most important factor for comfort is ensuring the weight is centered on the top of the head rather than leaning to one side, which can cause neck strain.