Pigtails Costume
A playful, versatile hairstyle perfect for classic and pop-culture costumes.
Pigtails are one of the most versatile and recognizable hairstyles in costume history, worn by iconic characters ranging from Dorothy Gale to Harley Quinn. Choosing a pigtail-centric costume allows you to lean into playful, classic, or edgy aesthetics with minimal effort. This guide helps you style the perfect twin-tailed look using your own hair or a high-quality wig.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $10–45
Try it on
See yourself as Pigtails
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Pigtails costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Pigtails costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Pigtail Wig or Hair Ties
A synthetic wig with pre-styled high pigtails, or thick, snag-free elastic bands to style your natural hair.
DIY: Part your natural hair down the center and secure two high ponytails with elastic bands.
Hair Ribbons or Bows
Two matching satin ribbons or clip-on bows in a color that complements your chosen character theme.
DIY: Cut two equal lengths of fabric ribbon and tie them into neat bows around your hair bands.
Gingham Dress or Denim Overalls
A classic base outfit like a blue gingham dress for a Dorothy look, or denim overalls for a scarecrow or farmer aesthetic.
DIY: Wear a pair of denim overalls over a simple solid-colored t-shirt.
Mary Jane Shoes
Classic black, red, or pink patent leather Mary Jane shoes with a low heel or flat sole.
DIY: Use any simple flat shoes or sneakers you already own.
White Ruffled Socks
Ankle-high white socks with ruffled lace trim to complete the classic, youthful aesthetic.
DIY: Fold down plain white crew socks to create a neat cuff.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Pigtails costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Part your hair cleanly down the center from the forehead to the nape of your neck using a rat-tail comb.
- 2
Gather one side into a high ponytail above the ear and secure it tightly with an elastic hair band.
- 3
Repeat the process on the opposite side, ensuring both pigtails are symmetrical in height and volume.
- 4
Tie colorful satin ribbons or clip decorative bows directly over the elastic bands to conceal them.
- 5
Put on your chosen base outfit, such as a gingham dress or denim overalls, along with ruffled socks and Mary Janes.
- 6
Lightly brush or tease the pigtails to add volume and bounce to the finished look.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup fresh and youthful with rosy pink cheeks, a touch of lip gloss, and light mascara. For the hair, ensure the center part is perfectly straight, and use hairspray to smooth down any flyaways.
Pigtails for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair a classic Dorothy gingham look with a Scarecrow, or Harley Quinn with the Joker.
- group
- Go as a group of classic pigtail-wearing characters, including Wednesday Addams, Sailor Moon, and Pippy Longstocking.
- kids
- Perfect for children using soft scrunchies and a comfortable cotton overall set.
- Plus size
- A high-waisted skater skirt paired with a fitted top and high pigtails offers a flattering, classic silhouette.
- pet
- Put a matching pair of mini clip-on bows on your pet's collar or ears.
Tips
- If using a wig, secure it with a wig cap and bobby pins to keep the heavy pigtails from sliding backward.
- For a braided pigtail look, braid each ponytail tightly and secure the ends with clear mini elastics.
- Gently backcomb or tease the base of the pigtails to give them a fuller, more animated appearance.
Pigtails costume FAQ
- How do I make my pigtails stay high and voluminous?
- Use thick, sturdy hair ties and wrap them tightly. You can also insert a small bobby pin vertically upward through the underside of the hair tie to prop the ponytail up.
- What are some easy costumes that feature pigtails?
- Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, Harley Quinn, Wednesday Addams (braided), Boo from Monsters Inc., and a classic autumn scarecrow are all great options.
- Can I wear pigtails if I have short hair?
- Yes! You can create cute low pigtails, or use clip-in ponytail extensions matching your hair color for instant length and volume.
Did you know? Pigtails originally referred to twisted rolls of chewing tobacco in the 17th century before the term was adopted to describe braided hairstyles that resembled a pig's curly tail.