I always do long braids and pigtails is a cute way to keep your hair interesting, simple, and symmetrical (especially with the two front pieces). I think they look amazing with box braids and tbh never felt like I looked kiddy or anything like that. I guess it’s just a difference in perspective but it’s just a cute hairstyle imo. If you’re uncomfortable by it though then there’s not much you can do about that and it just is what it is
It gets associated with pedos because it’s incredibly common for the style to be used to make the wearer look younger as children and teenagers are the more common people to wear them in general. Like #5 said, waitresses tend to make more on tips when they wear certain hairstyles that make them seem younger. You can thank old creeps for warping the way it’s viewed.