The holidays are the perfect time to play with festive hair. From sparkling accessories to soft curls and elegant braids, these Christmas hairstyles are simple, stylish, and party ready.
Whether you are hosting dinner, taking family photos, or dancing at a work event, you will find ideas for every mood. Many styles use ribbons, bows, and clips you already own, so prep stays easy.
Choose glossy waves, cozy braids, or playful updos, then add shine spray and a seasonal accessory. These looks suit short, medium, or long hair and work with straight, wavy, or curly textures. Pick your favorite, pour cocoa, and feel instantly more festive.
1. Sparkling Snowflake Braid
Long hair is braided loosely, then dotted with tiny snowflake clips for a frosty sparkle. Leave some face-framing pieces soft for romance. Mist with light hairspray so the braid holds without stiffness.
This style looks magical under Christmas lights and photographs beautifully. It suits wavy or thick hair best, yet fine hair works with texture spray and gentle teasing at the crown for volume.
2. Sleek Bow Half-Up
Keep things polished with a smooth half-up and a velvet bow. Flat-iron the top for shine, gather the crown, and secure with an elastic before tying the bow. Tuck flyaways using a touch of serum.
This minimal look matches sequins, sweaters, and statement earrings. It is fast, elegant, and stays neat through church services, office parties, and long family photo sessions.
3. Ornament Waves
Create glossy waves with a large barrel curler, brush to blend, then pin in a few lightweight ornaments using bobby pins. Choose tiny red, gold, or green accents so hair stays comfortable. A flexible hairspray holds movement without crunch.
The result feels playful and bold, perfect for parties, photo booths, and New Year countdowns. Remove ornaments gently to avoid snagging delicate strands afterward.
4. Braided Velvet Bow
Make a loose over-the-shoulder braid and finish with a wide velvet bow. Pull the braid’s edges slightly to add fullness and romance. Leave soft tendrils around the face for balance.
This style dresses up knit dresses and sparkly tops without effort. Pack mini pins to keep the bow centered. It is charming for cookie exchanges, concerts, and candlelight services all season.
5. Festive Half-Up Bun with Lights
Twist a small topknot at the crown and wrap a lightweight battery LED strand around it. Keep the lengths smooth and glossy for contrast. Hide the battery pack under the bun with pins.
Use micro lights only, never heated bulbs. This cheerful idea shines at evening gatherings and tree-lighting events, adding sparkle while keeping hair tidy and out of the way.
6. Classic Fishtail Braid
Spritz texturizing spray, then create a fishtail over one shoulder. Pancake the braid gently for a thick, relaxed finish. Tie with a clear elastic and cover it using a ribbon.
This braid lasts through shopping trips, potlucks, and snowy walks. It pairs easily with beanies and earmuffs, resisting hat hair. Add a few pearls or crystal pins to elevate for evening plans.
7. Twinkling Holly Curls
Curl hair in soft, touchable waves, then clip in tiny holly sprigs or faux berries above one ear. Choose lightweight accessories that will not pull. Part hair deeply for a glamorous frame and mist with shine spray.
This romantic look flatters velvet dresses and cable-knit sweaters alike. It reads festive without fuss and glows beautifully beside fireplaces or twinkle lights.
8. Oversized Bow Half-Up
Create loose waves, gather the top section, and secure with an oversized bow clip. Keep ends brushed and bouncy. The dramatic bow becomes your statement accessory, so keep jewelry simple.
Choose satin, velvet, or tartan depending on your outfit. This fast hairstyle photographs beautifully and stays comfortable at brunch, classroom performances, or gift exchanges. Pack one spare clip, just in case.
9. Mini Tree Braid
Form a central braid at the back, then feed small side sections into it to shape “branches.” Finish with a satin bow “tree stand” at the base. Add tiny star or crystal pins for sparkle.
The design shows best on straight or slightly wavy lengths. It is whimsical for school celebrations, skating meetups, and Santa photos, yet easy to brush out later.
10. Candy Cane Pigtails
Part hair down the middle and secure two high pigtails. Wrap red and white ribbons around each tail, finishing with petite bows. Smooth baby hairs with a touch of gel.
The style is playful, quick, and perfect for mornings filled with presents or themed pajamas. Teens and grown-ups can make it chic by lowering placement and choosing satin ribbons for shine.
11. Satin Ribbon Braids
Braid each side while weaving a satin ribbon through the strands. Tie bows at the ends and tuck flyaways with a light wax. Use matching or contrasting ribbon to complement outfits.
This gentle style keeps hair neat for baking, crafting, and travel days. It suits fine or medium hair and looks sweet with earmuffs, beanies, and festive headbands layered on top.
12. Hollywood Glam Waves
Set hair with a large barrel, clip to cool, then brush into sculpted S-waves. Part deeply, add a glossy serum, and tuck one side behind the ear with a sparkly clip. Red lipstick completes the vintage mood.
The finish is polished yet soft, ideal for formal dinners, choir performances, and black-tie events. Spray lightly so movement remains graceful all evening.
13. Holly Berry Half-Up
Curl ends softly, then twist two small side sections and pin them together at the back. Tuck a sprig of faux holly or red beads near the join. Aim for balance, keeping the front airy.
This pretty half-up suits medium or long hair and dresses up cozy knits instantly. It is comfortable for caroling, classroom parties, and long winter drives between visits.
14. Soft Twist with Velvet Bow
Backcomb the crown for gentle lift, then twist side sections toward the back and pin beneath a velvet bow. Keep lengths softly waved for movement. This understated style shines at brunch, gift exchanges, and candlelit dinners.
It feels feminine without taking over your outfit. Choose deep red, forest green, or champagne velvet to coordinate. Finish with shine spray instead of heavy lacquer.
15. Double Fun Ribbons
Blow-dry smooth, create a center part, and clip matching bows near the temples. Add loose curls through the lengths for bounce. The symmetrical placement reads sweet and playful on medium hair.
Swap colors to match pajamas, jumpers, or party dresses. This look gets camera-ready in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute invites, quick school programs, and casual cocoa dates afterward.
16. Christmas Tree Updo
Gather hair into a high ponytail, then stack sections downward, expanding each with pins to resemble a tree. Add tiny ornaments and finish with a star clip on top.
Use flexible hold so texture remains soft. This sculptural updo turns heads at themed parties and performances. It works best on thick hair or with a bun insert for extra structure.
17. Cozy Ornament Half-Up
Create a soft half-up and pin a couple of featherlight ornaments near the clip, balancing weight evenly. Pair with a knitted headband or beanie for warmth outside.
Keep lengths wavy for a relaxed finish. This cheerful style is perfect for tree decorating, market strolls, and cocoa runs. Choose shatterproof accessories and remove gently so strands stay smooth after celebrations.
18. Holly Crown Braids
Braid each side from the hairline, then cross and pin them at the back like a crown. Tuck in small faux holly pieces for a woodland vibe. The look is secure, elegant, and hat friendly.
It survives shopping, skating, and long dinners. Add a few pearls for evening sparkle. Works beautifully on straight, wavy, or stretched curls with light edge control.
19. Festive Bubble Braids
Tie a low ponytail, then place elastics every few inches down the length. Gently tug each section to form bubbles. Wrap thin red or gold ribbon around the elastics.
This playful, secure style keeps hair tidy for baking, bowling, and game nights. It is quick on long hair and shows well in photos. Finish with flexible spray so bubbles stay rounded.
20. Ribboned Side Braid
Sweep hair to one side and braid loosely, threading a long ribbon through as you go. Tie the tail in a bow and soften face pieces with a curling wand.
The ribbon adds instant color and movement. This romantic look pairs nicely with cardigans, velvet dresses, and fuzzy coats. It stays comfortable for hours, perfect for concerts, services, and late suppers.
21. Whimsical High Bow Updo
Curl the lengths, gather hair high, and pin into a soft mound. Secure a bold satin bow at the base. Pull a few tendrils forward for softness.
The height elongates the face and lifts outfits with zero effort. It is flirty, festive, and party proof. Choose jewel tones for drama and finish with shine mist so curls look plush, not crunchy.
22. Chic Ribboned Half-Up
Create airy curls, then tie a patterned ribbon around a small half-up ponytail. Let ribbon tails hang long for movement. The pattern adds personality without heavy accessories.
This five-minute favorite works for busy mornings, mall trips, and open-house parties. Swap ribbons to match plaids, fair-isle knits, or metallic tops. Keep roots smooth and ends fluffy for balanced texture everywhere.
23. Gingerbread Dutch Braid
Work a Dutch braid from crown to nape, adding hair underneath for lift. Dust with a light shimmer powder for gingerbread glow and finish with a cinnamon-colored ribbon.
The inside-out plait shows great definition in photos. It holds under hats and earmuffs, making it perfect for outdoor markets and parades. A tiny candy-cane pin near the tail feels delightfully festive.
24. Cranberry Low Chignon
Create a low, tucked chignon at the nape and pin securely. Add a cluster of cranberry-colored pearls or beads on one side. Smooth flyaways with cream for a satin finish.
This elegant classic complements satin blouses, velvet suits, and simple knit dresses. It is comfortable for long dinners and easy to refresh between events with two fresh pins and spray.
25. Snow Kissed French Twist
Tease the crown, sweep hair into a classic French twist, and secure with combs. Tap a hint of silver shimmer spray over the surface for a “snow dust” finish.
Add a delicate crystal pin at the seam. The look is timeless, graceful, and perfect for candlelit gatherings. Pair with soft makeup and pearl studs. It lasts beautifully through dancing and travel.
26. Mistletoe Messy Bun
Twist hair into a relaxed bun at the crown, leaving soft strands loose. Tuck a small faux mistletoe sprig above one ear. Balance texture with a touch of gloss on ends.
This sweet, playful style moves easily from cookie swaps to movie marathons. It flatters every hair type, needs only three pins, and refreshes quickly with a spritz of water.
27. Tinsel Wrapped Ponytail
Secure a mid-height pony, smooth the base, and wrap a thin strand of tinsel cord around the elastic. Add a ribbon tail if you like. Keep the lengths straight for shine or add soft bends.
The subtle sparkle catches light without feeling heavy. It is gym to gathering friendly, hat resistant, and perfect when you need quick glam between errands.
28. Nordic Rope Braids
Divide hair into two ponytails and twist each tightly in one direction. Wrap them around each other the opposite way to form rope braids. Tie with velvet ribbons.
The style is sturdy, cozy, and snow-day ready. It fits under beanies, keeps hair tangle free, and releases into perfect waves later. Add tiny clips for a hint of holiday shimmer.
29. Fireside Headband Curls
Curl hair loosely and place a padded or braided headband over the crown. Tuck small sections under the band at the sides to frame the face. Choose knit, velvet, or jewel-tone bands for seasonal texture.
This look feels comfortable for long evenings by the fire, board games, and carols. It is beginner friendly and refreshes with one quick brush-through.
30. Poinsettia Pin-Up
Roll sections upward at the sides and pin into a soft mid-updo. Add a single poinsettia clip or fabric flower slightly off center. Keep makeup warm and glowy to match the floral vibe.
This vintage-leaning look feels romantic yet cheerful, ideal for recitals, services, and date nights. Use flexible hold and a few hidden anchors so the flower sits confidently.
31. Winter Tiara Topknot
Brush hair into a high, sleek topknot and secure firmly. Place a delicate crystal headband or tiara slightly forward so it crowns the bun. Smooth edges with gel and a fine brush.
The style reads modern princess and pairs with satin, tulle, or simple knits. It is lightweight, stable, and photographs beautifully beneath fairy lights and sparkling ornaments everywhere.
Conclusion
Festive hair should feel joyful, comfortable, and true to you. These Christmas hairstyles mix easy techniques with ribbons, bows, and gentle sparkle, so getting ready stays stress free. Choose waves, braids, or updos that suit your texture, then add one thoughtful accessory for instant holiday magic. With a few pins, light spray, and shine, you will look polished, cozy, and perfectly ready to celebrate.
