21 Holiday Hairstyles for Every Celebration

The holiday calendar fills up fast. One weekend it’s a family dinner, the next it’s an office party, and then comes the big New Year’s Eve countdown. Your outfit might already be sorted, but your hair can pull the whole look together, or leave you scrambling ten minutes before you walk out the door.

This guide gives you 21 holiday hairstyles that suit different events, hair lengths, and skill levels. Some take five minutes. Others are worth setting aside an evening for. Every style includes a quick how-to and a tip from the styling-chair side of things, so you can try it at home without a stylist on speed dial.

How to Choose the Right Holiday Hairstyle

Before you scroll, a few questions will narrow things down:

• What’s the occasion? A relaxed brunch calls for something softer than a black-tie gala.
• How long will you wear it? Long dinners and dance floors need styles that hold up for hours.
• What’s your outfit’s neckline? Updos show off earrings and collars, while loose waves frame a high neckline well.
• How much time do you have? Be honest. A simple style done well beats an ambitious one done in a rush.

Quick prep tips for any style:

1. Start with clean, fully dry hair. Second-day hair often holds pins and curls better.
2. Use a heat protectant before any hot tool.
3. Keep a small kit nearby: bobby pins in your hair color, clear elastics, a light-hold hairspray, and a texturizing spray.
4. Practice complicated styles a few days ahead, so the event isn’t your first attempt.

1. Soft Hollywood Waves

Few looks say “holiday party” like polished waves that ripple down one shoulder. The key is a deep side part and curls brushed out into a single smooth wave pattern.

Best for: Evening parties, formal dinners, New Year’s Eve

How to do it:

1. Apply heat protectant and curl 2-inch sections away from your face with a medium barrel iron.
2. Pin each curl flat while it cools to set the shape.
3. Release the pins, then gently brush through with a soft bristle brush.
4. Sweep the hair over your shoulder and finish with a shine spray.

Styling tip: Let curls cool completely before brushing. Brushing warm curls is the most common reason waves fall flat.

2. Sleek Low Bun with a Velvet Ribbon

This one is the little black dress of holiday hair. It’s neat and quick, and the ribbon makes it feel festive instead of formal.

Best for: Office parties, church services, family dinners

How to do it:

1. Smooth hair back with a touch of styling cream.
2. Gather it into a low ponytail at the nape and secure it with a clear elastic.
3. Twist the tail into a coil and wrap it around the base, pinning it as you go.
4. Tie a ribbon around the bun, or leave long tails trailing down your back.

Styling tip: Use a toothbrush with a dab of hairspray to tame flyaways around the hairline.

3. Braided Crown

A braided crown looks storybook-pretty but is easier than it appears. It works well for people who want their hair completely off their neck and shoulders.

Best for: Daytime gatherings, tree-trimming parties, holiday markets

How to do it:

1. Part your hair down the middle and create two low pigtails.
2. Braid each pigtail loosely and secure the ends.
3. Lift one braid across the top of your head and pin it behind the opposite ear.
4. Repeat with the second braid, tucking the ends out of sight.
5. Gently tug the braid edges to add fullness.

Styling tip: Pull each braid’s outer loops slightly wider for a fuller, romantic crown, especially on fine hair.

4. Half-Up Half-Down with a Statement Bow

If you love your hair down but need it out of your face, this is the answer. The bow does all the decorating for you.

Best for: Casual parties, gift exchanges, brunches

How to do it:

1. Add loose waves to your hair with a curling wand.
2. Gather the top section from temple to temple.
3. Secure it at the crown with an elastic and cover it with a bow clip.
4. Pull a few face-framing strands out for softness.

Styling tip: Pick a bow in a fabric that matches your outfit’s texture, such as velvet with wool, or satin with silk.

5. High Ponytail with Sparkle Clips

This is the energetic option. It’s perfect when you plan to dance, and a few clips turn an everyday ponytail into party hair.

Best for: New Year’s Eve, dance parties, concerts

How to do it:

1. Brush hair upward and secure it tightly at the crown with a strong elastic.
2. Wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic, and pin it underneath.
3. Smooth the ponytail with a flat iron or add loose curls at the ends.
4. Clip small sparkling accessories along one side.

Styling tip: For extra length, clip a matching hair extension under the ponytail’s base.

6. Wet-Look Slick Back

For a bold, modern choice, a wet-look style makes a statement without needing a single accessory. It looks fashion-week fresh and takes minutes.

Best for: Cocktail parties, New Year’s Eve, nights out

How to do it:

1. Apply a styling gel or wet-look cream to damp hair, working it in from roots to ends.
2. Comb everything straight back, or into a deep side part.
3. Tuck it behind your ears or tie it into a low ponytail.
4. Lock in the look with a flexible hold spray.

Styling tip: Use a lightweight gel. Heavy products leave hair crunchy and can look flaky under bright lights.

7. Pearl-Pinned Side Sweep

Pearls bring understated luxury to hair. A simple side sweep with a few pins looks refined without feeling overdone.

Best for: Formal dinners, holiday weddings, elegant receptions

How to do it:

1. Create a deep side part and add soft, loose curls.
2. Sweep the heavier side behind your ear and secure it with two or three pearl pins in a diagonal line.
3. Let the rest of your hair fall naturally over the opposite shoulder.

Styling tip: Slide pins in at an angle, going against the direction of the hair, so they stay put all night.

8. Classic French Twist

The French twist has stayed popular for decades because it shows off a neckline and looks timelessly elegant.

Best for: Formal events, galas, black-tie parties

How to do it:

1. Brush your hair back and gather it into a loose ponytail held at the nape.
2. Twist the ponytail upward along the back of your head.
3. Tuck the ends inside the twist and pin them securely along the seam.
4. Pull out a few strands at the front and smooth the top.

Styling tip: Spray the pins lightly with hairspray before inserting them. It gives them extra grip.

9. Fishtail Braid with Ribbons

A fishtail braid looks intricate, but it’s simply a pattern of small sections crossed over. Weaving in ribbons adds a festive touch.

Best for: Cozy gatherings, holiday photos, daytime events

How to do it:

1. Divide your hair into two sections after brushing out tangles.
2. Take a thin strand from the outside of one section and cross it over to the inside of the other.
3. Repeat on alternating sides until you reach the ends.
4. Tie off with a ribbon and gently pull the braid apart for width.

Styling tip: A little texturizing spray at the start gives you grip, making small sections much easier to handle.

10. Pinned-Back Short Bob with Barrettes

Short hair has plenty of holiday options, and barrettes are a quick way to elevate a bob in under two minutes.

Best for: Office parties, shopping outings, casual dinners

How to do it:

1. Blow-dry your bob smooth with a round brush, turning the ends slightly under.
2. Create a side part and tuck one side behind your ear.
3. Attach two jeweled barrettes side by side, or stagger them diagonally.

Styling tip: Choose barrettes with a strong spring. Thick hair will slip right out of weak ones.

11. Textured Low Pony with Face-Framing Strands

A low ponytail can be understated yet stylish when it has a little movement. This looks effortless, which is exactly the point.

Best for: Relaxed dinners, family get-togethers, last-minute plans

How to do it:

1. Add loose waves through your lengths with a curling iron.
2. Rake your fingers through the curls to break them up.
3. Gather hair into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic.
4. Pull a few strands loose around your face and finish with a light texturizing spray.

Styling tip: Pull the ponytail slightly looser than you think it needs, then adjust. It should feel airy, not tight.

12. Voluminous Bouncy Blowout

A bouncy blowout gives you a “fresh from the salon” look without much effort. It works with almost any outfit and photographs beautifully.

Best for: Office parties, family photos, dinner reservations

How to do it:

1. Towel-dry hair and apply a volumizing mousse at the roots.
2. Blow-dry in sections, pulling a large round brush from root to end.
3. Roll warm sections onto Velcro rollers and let them cool for ten minutes.
4. Remove the rollers and brush gently for a smooth, full finish.

Styling tip: Lift the roots as you dry them. That’s where most of the volume comes from.

13. Defined Curls with a Gold Headband

If your hair is naturally curly, the holidays are the perfect time to show it off. A slim headband adds polish and keeps curls out of your face.

Best for: Brunches, casual parties, family celebrations

How to do it:

1. Refresh curls with a spray bottle of water mixed with a little leave-in conditioner.
2. Scrunch in a curl cream, working from the ends up.
3. Diffuse on low heat until almost dry, then let air finish the job.
4. Fluff at the roots with your fingers and slide on the headband.

Styling tip: Don’t touch curls while they dry. Touching them causes frizz and breaks the curl pattern.

14. Messy Chignon with Loose Tendrils

For a style that looks gorgeous even when it isn’t perfect, the messy chignon is hard to beat. The loose strands are meant to be there.

Best for: Dinners, holiday weddings, date nights

How to do it:

1. Curl hair loosely, then spray with a texturizing product for grip.
2. Gather all your hair into a low ponytail, but pull it halfway through on the last turn to make a loop.
3. Fold the loop and ends into a loose bundle and pin it in place.
4. Tug the edges outward and release a few face-framing pieces.

Styling tip: Dry shampoo on clean hair provides the grit that makes updos last.

15. Textured Pixie with Metallic Pins

Short cuts shine at the holidays, and a little accessory goes a long way. A pixie with a bit of shine looks edgy and festive at once.

Best for: Cocktail events, New Year’s Eve, galas

How to do it:

1. Work a pea-sized amount of styling paste through damp hair.
2. Blow-dry upward and back with your fingers to create height.
3. Define the top with a bit of pomade, twisting small pieces.
4. Clip two metallic pins just above one ear.

Styling tip: Warm the product between your palms first. It spreads evenly and avoids clumps.

16. Playful Space Buns

Space buns are a good choice for ice skating, holiday markets, and any event where you want a bit of fun. They’re quick, too.

Best for: Casual outings, skating, holiday light tours

How to do it:

1. Part your hair down the middle.
2. Gather each side into a high ponytail at the crown.
3. Twist each ponytail around its base and pin it in place.
4. Pull the bun edges apart slightly for a relaxed, fluffy shape.

Styling tip: Keep the buns level with each other by checking them in the mirror from the front before you pin.

17. Twisted Updo with Gold Cuffs

Twists are a beautiful way to show off textured hair, and they hold well for long events. Gold cuffs add a refined, celebratory finish.

Best for: Formal dinners, holiday parties, performances

How to do it:

1. Moisturize hair and divide it into medium sections.
2. Two-strand twist each section, from root to tip.
3. Gather the twists at the crown and shape them into a coil or knot, pinning as needed.
4. Slide gold cuffs onto select twists for shine.

Styling tip: Twist hair when it’s damp and moisturized. It keeps the pattern defined and helps prevent dryness.

18. Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail looks fun and creative, but the technique is just elastics and a little patience. It’s an eye-catching choice for a night out.

Best for: New Year’s Eve, dance floors, friend gatherings

How to do it:

1. Secure a high or mid ponytail.
2. Place an elastic a few inches below the first one.
3. Gently pull the hair between the elastics outward to form a round “bubble.”
4. Repeat down the length, finishing with an elastic at the end.

Styling tip: Use small clear elastics so they disappear into your hair.

19. Silk Scarf Wrap

Silk scarves feel retro and unexpected, and they bring pattern and color to a simple ponytail. They also work on days when your hair just doesn’t cooperate.

Best for: Holiday shopping, brunch, travel days

How to do it:

1. Pull your hair into a low ponytail or bun.
2. Fold a small silk scarf into a long strip.
3. Wrap it around the elastic, tying a knot or bow.
4. Let the tails hang freely, or tuck them into the style.

Styling tip: Silk is slippery, so tie a firm double knot and pin the scarf in place if needed.

20. Vintage Pin Curls

Pin curls bring old-fashioned charm to the party. They take time but reward patience with long-lasting, sculpted curls.

Best for: Themed parties, vintage-inspired events, special dinners

How to do it:

1. Start with damp hair and apply setting lotion.
2. Roll small sections around your finger into flat coils and pin each against your head.
3. Let hair dry completely, or use a hooded dryer.
4. Remove the pins, then brush the curls into soft, polished waves.

Styling tip: Sleep in a silk scarf if you set your curls overnight. It prevents flattening and frizz.

21. Glitter Roots and Loose Waves

For the final look, you can’t go wrong with a touch of shimmer. Glitter along the part brings sparkle without any complicated styling.

Best for: New Year’s Eve, concerts, glam parties

How to do it:

1. Create soft waves with a large-barrel curling iron.
2. Part your hair where you like it.
3. Apply a light, clear hair gel along the part and press on cosmetic-grade glitter with a small brush.
4. Seal it with a light mist of hairspray.

Styling tip: Use only cosmetic or hair-safe glitter. Craft glitter can irritate your scalp and eyes.

How to Keep Your Hair Healthy Through the Holiday Season

Frequent styling, cold air, and indoor heating can leave hair feeling dry and tired. A few simple habits help:

• Deep condition weekly. A mask once a week restores moisture lost to heat tools and winter air.
• Limit heat. Alternate hot-tool days with heatless styles like braids, twists, or pin curls.
• Protect your ends. A few drops of lightweight oil on the ends reduces breakage.
• Sleep smart. A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction while you sleep.
• Remove pins gently. Take out accessories one by one instead of pulling, to avoid snags.
• Trim before the season. A fresh trim makes every style look sharper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest holiday hairstyle for beginners?

A low ponytail with a ribbon or a half-up style with a bow clip. Both take only a few minutes and need basic tools.

How can I make my holiday hairstyle last all night?

Start with second-day hair, use a light-hold spray between steps, and anchor pins at an angle. Finish with a flexible hold spray instead of a stiff one, so the style moves naturally.

What holiday hairstyles work for short hair?

Pinned-back bobs, textured pixies, and wet-look styles all work well. Barrettes, clips, and shine products give short hair its festive touch.

Which styles suit textured or curly hair?

Defined curls with a headband, twisted updos, and bubble ponytails all celebrate natural texture. Keep hair moisturized for the best definition.

Can I do these hairstyles without heat?

Yes. Braided crowns, space buns, pin curls, and scarf wraps all work without heat tools.

Final Thoughts

The best holiday hairstyle is the one that fits your event, your hair, and your mood. Try a few of these ahead of time, keep a small kit of pins, ribbons, and spray close at hand, and take care of your hair as the season goes on. A little planning makes every celebration easier and a lot more fun.