The holiday season is a whirlwind of celebrations, glimmering lights, and, of course, countless party invitations. With each festive gathering comes the delightful dilemma of what to wear, but equally important is how to style your hair. Your hairstyle is the ultimate accessory, capable of transforming your entire look from everyday chic to dazzling party glam. Whether you’re attending a sophisticated gala, a cozy family dinner, or a lively New Year’s Eve bash, the right hairstyle can make you feel confident, radiant, and ready to sparkle.
Forget the stress of last-minute hair woes. This guide is your ultimate companion to unlocking over 24 trendy holiday hairstyles, meticulously curated for every length, texture, and party vibe. We’ll delve into elegant updos, glamorous down styles, playful braids, and quick fixes, ensuring you have a show-stopping look for every occasion. Get ready to turn heads and celebrate in style!
Elegant Updos for Sophisticated Evenings
Updos exude timeless elegance, making them a perfect choice for formal holiday events. They keep hair neatly off your face, allowing your festive makeup and outfit to shine.
Sleek High Bun
A classic for a reason, the sleek high bun offers an air of refined sophistication. This style works beautifully with minimalist jewelry and high-necked gowns. To achieve it, gather your hair into a high ponytail, smooth any flyaways with gel or hairspray, then twist and wrap the ponytail into a tight bun, securing with pins. Finish with a strong-hold spray for a polished, glossy finish.
Romantic Low Chignon
For a softer, more romantic appeal, the low chignon is unparalleled. It can be worn sleek and polished or with a few delicate face-framing tendrils for a softer touch. Create a low ponytail, then twist and loop sections of hair around the base, pinning as you go. A texturizing spray before styling can add a beautiful, voluminous texture. Consider adding a delicate jeweled clip for extra sparkle.
Braided Crown Updo
This regal style involves braiding sections of hair around your head to create a crown-like effect, culminating in an elegant bun or tucked-in style at the nape. It’s intricate yet incredibly beautiful, perfect for making a grand entrance. Start with French or Dutch braids along your hairline, then gather the remaining hair into a low bun, incorporating the braid ends. A subtle shimmer spray will enhance its festive appeal.
Textured French Twist
The French twist gets a modern update with added texture. Instead of a super-sleek look, embrace volume and gentle waves before twisting your hair vertically and pinning it securely. This style offers a sophisticated yet slightly undone charm, making it versatile for various holiday parties. Use a dry shampoo or texturizing spray at the roots for lift before twisting.
Sparkling Ponytail Updo
Elevate a simple ponytail into a chic updo. This can involve a high, voluminous ponytail that’s then curled and pinned strategically to create an illusion of a more complex updo, often adorned with sparkling hair ties or cuffs. It’s a fantastic option for showcasing beautiful hair accessories and works well with both straight and wavy hair textures.
Glamorous Down Styles with a Festive Twist
Sometimes, letting your hair down is the ultimate statement. These styles combine volume, shine, and festive accents for a truly glamorous look.
Hollywood Waves
Nothing says old-school glamour quite like perfectly sculpted Hollywood waves. This timeless style involves creating deep, uniform waves that flow seamlessly. Use a large-barrel curling iron and pin each curl to cool, then brush them out gently with a wide-tooth comb for that iconic, glossy ripple effect. A shine serum is crucial for achieving that red-carpet luster.
Voluminous Curls with Side Part
Big, bouncy curls with a dramatic side part create an instant party-ready look. This style adds incredible volume and movement. After curling your hair with a medium to large barrel iron, flip your hair to one side, tease the roots for maximum lift, and set with a flexible-hold hairspray. This look is fantastic for showcasing statement earrings.
Sleek Straight Hair with Bling
For a modern, edgy vibe, super sleek, straight hair can be incredibly glamorous, especially when paired with a bold outfit. The festive twist comes from adding subtle yet striking hair accessories, such as a delicate hair chain or jeweled bobby pins strategically placed behind an ear. Use a heat protectant and a flat iron for a glass-like finish, followed by an anti-frizz serum.
Half-Up Half-Down with Volume
This versatile style offers the best of both worlds—hair off your face but still showcasing length and movement. Create volume at the crown by teasing, then gather the top section of your hair, twisting or braiding it back, and securing it with a festive clip or elastic. Curl the remaining down sections for added elegance. This look is perfect for medium to long hair.
Accessorized Loose Waves
Effortless loose waves get a holiday upgrade with the right accessories. Achieve soft waves using a curling wand or by braiding damp hair overnight. Once dry, shake them out gently. Then, adorn your hair with sparkling headbands, jewel-encrusted clips, or velvet ribbons to instantly elevate the casual waves into a festive masterpiece.
Playful Braids and Twists for a Chic Vibe
Braids and twists offer a beautiful blend of intricate detail and playful charm, perfect for adding a unique touch to your holiday ensemble.
Fishtail Braid Ponytail
A fishtail braid woven into a low or high ponytail adds a bohemian yet sophisticated touch. This braid creates a delicate, intricate pattern that’s surprisingly easy to learn. Once braided, gently pull apart sections of the braid for a fuller, more relaxed look. A metallic hair cuff at the base of the ponytail can beautifully finish this style.
Dutch Braids into a Low Bun
Start with two Dutch braids on either side of your head, beginning near your temples. As you braid down, gather more hair. Once you reach the nape of your neck, combine the ends of the braids with the remaining hair and twist it into a stylish low bun. This creates an elegant, textured updo that’s both secure and chic, especially beautiful with highlights.
Bubble Braid Accent
The bubble braid is a fun, modern take on a traditional ponytail. Create a high or low ponytail, then place small elastics down the length of the ponytail, creating ‘bubbles’ by gently pulling out sections between each elastic. This playful style can be adorned with tiny bows or festive elastic bands for a whimsical holiday look.
Twisted Half-Up Style
For a simpler yet equally elegant look, take two sections of hair from either side of your head and twist them back, securing them at the back with an ornate clip or pins. You can leave the rest of your hair straight, wavy, or curled. This style is quick, easy, and adds a lovely detail without much effort, highlighting your facial features.
Braided Headband
No need for a physical headband when your hair can create one! Braid a section of hair from one side of your head across the top to the other, securing it discreetly. This works wonderfully with a messy bun or loose waves, adding a touch of intricate detail that frames your face beautifully. A small amount of hair wax can help keep the braid neat.
Quick and Easy Styles for Last-Minute Sparkle
Sometimes, time is of the essence, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. These quick looks are perfect for when you need to get party-ready in a flash.
High Ponytail with a Wrap
A sleek, high ponytail is effortlessly chic. To elevate it for the holidays, take a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic, securing it with a bobby pin. This hides the elastic and gives a more polished finish. Add some volume at the crown by teasing before gathering your hair. A high-shine spray will complete the look.
Messy Bun with Face-Framing Strands
The messy bun is a go-to for casual elegance, but it can absolutely be holiday-ready. Pull your hair into a loose, high bun, leaving a few wispy strands to frame your face. Gently curl these strands for a softer, more romantic feel. Add a sparkling hair tie or a few jeweled pins around the base of the bun for a festive touch. Texturizing spray is your best friend here.
Hair Clip Embellishment
Sometimes, all it takes is the right accessory. Even simple, straightened, or softly waved hair can become holiday-ready with a strategically placed, ornate hair clip. Think pearl-encrusted barrettes, crystal-studded slides, or a cluster of delicate pins. Place one above your ear, or use several to hold back a side section of hair for instant glam.
Headband Chic
A stylish headband can transform any basic hairstyle into a festive look in seconds. Choose headbands adorned with velvet, pearls, crystals, or metallic details. Wear it with loose hair, a low ponytail, or even a simple bun. It’s an instant upgrade that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.
Textured Ponytail
A textured ponytail adds interest and volume without much fuss. Apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to your roots and mid-lengths for grip and volume. Gather your hair into a mid-height or low ponytail, leaving it slightly loose. You can gently tug at sections of the ponytail and around the crown to create a softer, more voluminous shape. A velvet scrunchie or a metallic hair tie can add a festive touch.
Accessorize Your Holiday Hair Like a Pro
Hair accessories are the unsung heroes of holiday styling. They can elevate even the simplest hairstyle into something extraordinary.
Jeweled Hairpins and Clips
These are perfect for adding subtle sparkle to updos, half-up styles, or even just pinning back a side section of hair. Look for pearls, crystals, or intricate metallic designs. A cluster of small pins can be just as impactful as one large clip.
Velvet or Satin Ribbons
For a touch of classic elegance or a whimsical vibe, velvet or satin ribbons in festive colors (deep red, emerald green, gold, silver) can be woven into braids, tied around ponytails, or used as headbands. They add texture and a luxurious feel.
Headbands and Hair Wraps
From embellished headbands to chic silk scarves wrapped around a bun or ponytail, these accessories offer versatility and can make a bold statement. Choose materials and designs that complement your outfit and the formality of the event.
Sparkling Hair Chains
For a truly unique and glamorous look, consider a delicate hair chain that drapes across your part or around a bun. These are perfect for adding an ethereal, high-fashion touch to longer hair or intricate updos.
Holiday Hair Dos and Don’ts
To ensure your holiday hair truly shines, keep these tips in mind:
The Dos
- Do Prep Your Hair: Start with clean, dry hair, or use dry shampoo for added texture and volume on second-day hair.
- Do Use Heat Protectant: Always protect your strands from styling tools to maintain hair health and shine.
- Do Experiment Ahead of Time: Don’t try a brand-new, complex style five minutes before you need to leave. Practice makes perfect!
- Do Choose Comfort: A beautiful hairstyle shouldn’t give you a headache. Ensure your pins aren’t too tight and the style feels secure yet comfortable.
- Do Consider Your Outfit: Match your hairstyle to your neckline and overall ensemble. An intricate updo complements a high neck, while glamorous waves pair well with an open neckline.
The Don’ts
- Don’t Over-Accessorize: Sometimes less is more. Choose one or two key accessories to make a statement, rather than cluttering your hair.
- Don’t Forget Hold: Holiday parties often involve dancing and mingling. Use appropriate hairsprays and setting lotions to ensure your style lasts all night.
- Don’t Overuse Products: Too much product can weigh hair down or make it look greasy. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
- Don’t Try to Be Someone Else: Embrace your natural hair texture and length. The best holiday hairstyle is one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Conclusion
As the holiday season unfolds, let your hair be another dazzling expression of your festive spirit. With over 24 trendy holiday hairstyles at your fingertips, you have an abundance of choices to perfectly complement every party night on your calendar. From the timeless elegance of a sleek updo to the playful charm of a bubble braid, and the undeniable glamour of Hollywood waves, there’s a perfect look waiting for you.
Remember to experiment, have fun with accessories, and most importantly, choose a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful. This holiday season, step out with hair that sparkles just as brightly as you do. Which festive hairstyle will you try first? Share your favorite looks and get ready to celebrate in style!
