10 Holiday Hairstyles for Every Festive Occasion

Discover the most festive and easy holiday hairstyles for every party look this season.

By Medha deb
Created on

The holiday season is all about celebration, sparkle, and style. Whether you’re attending a cozy family dinner, a glamorous soirée, or a festive office party, your hair can be the perfect finishing touch to your look. From elegant braids to playful pigtails, there’s a holiday hairstyle for every occasion and hair type. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 stunning holiday hairstyles that are easy to recreate and guaranteed to turn heads at every gathering.

Braid With a Bow

One of the most festive and versatile holiday hairstyles is the classic braid with a bow. This look combines elegance with a playful twist, making it perfect for everything from tree-trimming parties to formal galas. Start with a simple braid—either a French braid, Dutch braid, or a classic three-strand braid—then secure the end with a festive bow. You can use a ribbon, a velvet hair tie, or even a sparkly accessory to add a touch of holiday cheer. Pair this style with soft waves or sleek strands for a polished finish that feels both relaxed and special.

  • Great for all hair lengths and textures
  • Easy to customize with different bow styles
  • Perfect for both casual and formal events

Crimped to Perfection

Bring a retro vibe to your holiday look with crimped hair. This style is all about texture and playful volume, making it ideal for parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Use a crimping iron or a curling wand to create soft waves throughout your hair, then finish with a light hairspray for hold. The crimped effect adds a subtle nod to vintage glam, while the soft waves keep the look modern and effortless. Pair this style with shimmering makeup and statement accessories for a truly festive vibe.

  • Adds texture and volume to any hair type
  • Perfect for playful, retro-inspired looks
  • Works well with both short and long hair

A Little Twisted

For a chic and timeless holiday look, try a twisted chignon. This elegant updo is perfect for formal events and holiday galas. Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail, then twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. For extra flair, add a few sparkling hairpins or a bold red lip to complete the look. The twisted chignon exudes sophistication and pairs beautifully with luxurious velvet dresses or classic winter whites.

  • Timeless and elegant for formal occasions
  • Easy to accessorize with hairpins or clips
  • Works well with medium to long hair

Glam Pony

The glam ponytail is a holiday classic that combines drama and ease. Create a high ponytail with soft waves, then add a sparkling headband or a rhinestone hair accessory for extra sparkle. The lifted, dramatic effect of the ponytail makes it perfect for parties and celebrations, while the shimmering headband adds a touch of playful elegance. Pair this look with statement earrings or a bold lip to enhance the festive vibe.

  • Dramatic and glamorous for any party
  • Easy to style with a headband or accessory
  • Works well with all hair lengths

Voluminous Pony

For a bold and festive look, try a voluminous ponytail. This style features sleek roots and dramatic, cascading waves that create a lifted, statement-making silhouette. Use a curling iron to add volume and texture to your ponytail, then finish with a light hairspray for hold. The voluminous ponytail brings undeniable sophistication to any outfit and is perfect for both casual and formal events.

  • Creates a bold, lifted silhouette
  • Works well with both straight and wavy hair
  • Perfect for making a statement at parties

Braided Bow Pigtails

Add a playful and whimsical touch to your holiday look with braided bow pigtails. This style is perfect for cozy gatherings and family celebrations. Start by creating two braids, then tie each braid with a festive bow. The symmetrical pigtails keep the look youthful and fresh, while the bows add a sense of creativity and fun. Pair this style with soft waves or straight strands for a polished finish.

  • Playful and youthful for family events
  • Easy to customize with different bow styles
  • Works well with all hair lengths

Loose Waves With Deep Side-Part

For a relaxed yet glamorous holiday look, try loose waves with a deep side-part. This style adds volume and texture to your hair, while the dramatic side part gives it a sophisticated edge. Use a curling wand to create soft waves, then part your hair deeply to one side. This timeless look pairs beautifully with everything from cozy knits to elegant holiday dresses and is perfect for any celebration.

  • Effortlessly chic for any occasion
  • Adds volume and texture to your hair
  • Works well with all hair lengths and textures

Pearl-Studded Bun

For a low-effort, high-impact look, try a pearl-studded bun. This relaxed, tousled bun is perfect for holiday parties and chic dinner gatherings. Gather your hair into a low bun, then add a few pearl studs or hairpins for a touch of elegance. The pearl accents make this style feel special and festive, while the tousled finish keeps it easy and comfortable.

  • Chic and elegant for any event
  • Easy to accessorize with pearls or studs
  • Perfect for a low-maintenance holiday look

A Dressed-Up Braided Bun

For a dramatic and polished holiday hairstyle, try a dressed-up braided bun. This look combines the texture of braids with the elegance of a bun for a truly stunning effect. Start by creating a braid, then twist it into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Add a few sparkly accessories to showcase your favorite holiday clip. The braided bun is perfect for formal events and parties, and it’s a great way to show off your favorite hair accessories.

  • Dramatic and polished for formal events
  • Perfect for showcasing hair accessories
  • Works well with medium to long hair

Messy Bun With Face-Framing Pieces

For a relaxed yet chic holiday look, try a messy bun with face-framing pieces. This style is perfect for casual gatherings and cozy celebrations. Gather your hair into a loose bun, then leave a few soft strands framing your face for a romantic touch. The undone, textured bun feels laid-back and easy, while the face-framing pieces highlight your features and add a soft, romantic vibe. This style pairs beautifully with everything from cozy sweaters to party dresses.

  • Relaxed and chic for casual events
  • Highlights your features with face-framing pieces
  • Perfect for a low-maintenance holiday look

FAQs About Holiday Hairstyles

What are the best holiday hairstyles for short hair?

Short hair can be styled in many festive ways, including braided buns, twisted chignons, and voluminous ponytails. Accessories like bows, pearls, and sparkly clips can add extra holiday flair.

How can I make my holiday hairstyle last all night?

Use a light hairspray to set your style, and consider using bobby pins or hair ties to secure any loose pieces. Texturizing sprays can also help maintain volume and texture throughout the night.

What accessories work best for holiday hairstyles?

Popular holiday accessories include bows, pearls, rhinestones, sparkly clips, and festive headbands. These can be added to braids, buns, and ponytails for extra sparkle.

Can I recreate these holiday hairstyles at home?

Yes! Most of these holiday hairstyles are easy to recreate at home with basic styling tools like curling irons, bobby pins, and hair ties. Tutorials and step-by-step guides are widely available online.

Final Tips for Holiday Hair Success

When choosing a holiday hairstyle, consider the occasion, your outfit, and your hair type. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and accessories to find the perfect look for your celebration. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can achieve a stunning holiday hairstyle that’s both festive and memorable.

HairstyleBest ForDifficulty Level
Braid With a BowAll occasionsEasy
Crimped to PerfectionParties, New Year’s EveMedium
A Little TwistedFormal eventsEasy
Glam PonyParties, celebrationsEasy
Voluminous PonyStatement-making eventsMedium
Braided Bow PigtailsFamily gatheringsEasy
Loose Waves With Deep Side-PartAll occasionsEasy
Pearl-Studded BunChic dinner partiesEasy
A Dressed-Up Braided BunFormal eventsMedium
Messy Bun With Face-Framing PiecesCasual gatheringsEasy

With these 10 holiday hairstyles, you’ll be ready to shine at every festive occasion this season. Whether you prefer elegant updos or playful braids, there’s a look for everyone. Happy styling!

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