October half term is nearly here. For Leeds City Council community schools it runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026, and children go back on Monday 2 November. Academies and other schools can set their own dates, so check with your child's school.
A week off is a good time for a protective style. Braids or a crochet style put in at the start of the week can rest the hair and still look neat on the first day back. This guide covers what to buy, how many packs to get, and how to keep the style tidy all week.
Kids' braiding hair: what to look for
Children's braiding hair is usually shorter and lighter than adult hair. That keeps styles comfortable and stops them looking too grown-up or feeling heavy on the scalp.
- Length: shorter lengths are lighter and quicker to put in.
- Weight: lighter hair puts less pull on the edges and the scalp.
- Colour: pick a shade close to your child's own hair, or a soft ombré for a little fun.
- Method: check whether the hair is for crochet, braiding or both.
Two kids' styles we stock that work well for a week off:
- Cherish Junior Kids 3X Spiral French Curl 14" (£6.99). The pack is marked for crochet and latch hook and as flame retardant. In stock in shades 1, 1B, 2, 4, T27, T30, T350 and T530.
- Outre X-Pression Lil Looks Bounce Rod 6" (£5.99). Short, pre-looped crochet hair cut to kid-friendly lengths. 20 strands per pack, 25g. It is not heat resistant. In stock in 1, 1B, 2, 4, 2T1B/27 and 21TB/30.
See the full range in our children's braiding hair collection.
How many packs do you need?
There is no single answer. It depends on your child's head size, the length you want, and how big or small the parts are. Smaller parts and longer hair use more packs.
- Outre Lil Looks Bounce Rod 6": four to five packs for a full head.
- Cherish Junior Spiral French Curl 14": ask your braider how many they plan to use, as it changes with the size and fullness of the style.
Our simple rule: buy one extra pack. Running out halfway through a style means a second trip, and shades can sell out in the holidays. If you're not sure, call us on 0113 249 5562 or ask in store.
Before the style goes in
- Wash and condition your child's hair, then detangle gently while it is damp.
- Make sure the hair is fully dry before braiding.
- Ask for braids that are not too tight, especially around the edges. Tight styles can pull on the hairline.
- If your child says a braid hurts, or you see bumps or redness, take it out.
Keeping braids neat through half term
A few small habits help a style last the week and still look tidy for school.
- Light spray on the scalp. African Pride Dream Kids Olive Miracle Soothing Moisturising Braid Spray (£3.49, 12oz) is made for children's braids, twists and locs, with olive oil and herbal extracts. Spray lightly after styling and as needed. Don't overdo it, as too much can leave hair greasy and sticky.
- Cover hair at night. A satin bonnet helps cut down frizz and keeps braids neater for longer. The Magic Collection Kids Satin Bonnet is £2.99.
- Keep products light. Heavy creams and gels can build up between braids. Little and often is better.
- Smooth the edges for school. On Sunday night or Monday morning, a little African Pride Dream Kids Olive Miracle Smooth Edges (£4.99) and a soft brush will tidy the hairline.
Using products safely on children
- Read the label and follow the directions on every product.
- If your child has sensitive skin or allergies, try a small amount on a patch of skin first and wait to check for a reaction.
- Stop using a product if it causes itching, redness or soreness.
- Keep sprays away from the eyes and keep products out of reach of young children.
- Synthetic braiding hair is not usually heat resistant, so keep it away from straighteners, curling tongs and open flames.
After half term
When the style comes out, take it down gently and give the hair a wash, condition and rest before the next style. Our kids' braid care, kids' styling and kids' hair accessories collections have everything for wash day and school mornings.
Shopping list
- Kids' braiding or crochet hair, plus one spare pack
- A light braid spray
- A satin bonnet
- Kids' edge control and a soft brush
- Bobbles or hair beads for school
Where to buy in Leeds
Everything in this guide is on our Half Term Hair for Kids page, along with the other Leeds school holiday dates for 2026/27. Order online with UK delivery, free on orders over £75, or pick up from our stores in Chapeltown, Roundhay or Leeds City Centre. To check a shade is in stock, call 0113 249 5562.
