The holiday season brings celebration, gatherings, and moments worth remembering. Your hairstyle sets the tone for how you feel and how others perceive you. Whether you’re attending a formal dinner, casual brunch, or festive party, the right hair elevates your entire look.
This guide presents 16 distinct hairstyles for different occasions and hair types. Some are sleek and polished, others relaxed and romantic, a few bold and dramatic. Each is designed to help you feel confident during the holidays.
Most styles can be created at home with basic products and practice. The key is choosing a look matching your personality and event. Read on to find your next holiday hairstyle.
Twisted Crown Braid with Loose Waves
Crown braids add texture and visual interest while keeping some hair off your face. This style balances structure with softness, making it versatile for casual and semi-formal events.
Create a twisted braid wrapping around the crown of your head. Leave the rest of your hair down in loose waves. The contrast between the braided section and flowing waves creates movement and dimension. This look works especially well with naturally wavy hair or curled texture.
Sophisticated Curly Updo
Curly updos bring elegance and volume to formal occasions. Soft curls pinned at the crown create a romantic yet polished appearance, suiting those with naturally curly hair or anyone willing to set curls before pinning.
Curl hair in sections using a curling iron or by setting pin curls overnight. Once set, gather curls loosely at the crown and secure with bobby pins. Leave a few face-framing curls loose for softness. Add decorative hairpins or jeweled clips for extra sparkle. This style keeps hair secure throughout the evening while maintaining an effortless, elegant feel.
Voluminous Bouncy Curls
Big, bouncy curls make a statement for anyone wanting to feel bold and glamorous. The volume and movement catch light beautifully, especially in photos.
Use a large barrel curling iron or blow dryer with a round brush to create curls throughout your hair. Work in sections and curl away from your face for a flattering frame. Once set, gently brush through curls with your fingers to create soft waves rather than tight ringlets. Finish with flexible hold hairspray that allows movement without losing shape.
Polished Low Bun with Shine
A refined low bun offers understated elegance, emphasizing shine and smoothness for a luxurious appearance. It’s ideal for formal dinners and upscale holiday events.
Apply a smoothing serum or light oil to damp hair before blow drying to enhance shine. Blow dry hair straight, then gather it into a low ponytail. Twist and wrap the ponytail into a bun, securing tightly with bobby pins. Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth any bumps. A light mist of hairspray keeps everything in place without stiffness. This timeless look works with any outfit or jewelry.
Bold Voluminous Curls
For those who love drama, voluminous curls deliver impact. This style creates a full, rounded silhouette that commands attention without appearing costume-like.
Use a medium to large barrel curling iron to create curls throughout your entire head, focusing on roots for maximum volume. Once curled, flip your head upside down and gently shake to distribute curls and add lift at the crown. Brush through lightly with your fingers to soften the curl pattern. Finish with strong hold hairspray to maintain volume throughout the event.
Loose Curls with Sparkling Headband
A sparkling headband elevates simple loose curls instantly, adding glamour without complicated styling. It’s a quick way to transform everyday curls into something special.
Create loose curls using a curling iron or by braiding damp hair overnight. Once set, run your fingers through curls to create soft waves. Place a delicate sparkling headband across the crown or slightly back from your hairline. This style works for casual holiday parties, brunches, or any event where you want to look festive without appearing overly formal.
Side Swept Curls with Glittering Pin
Side-swept curls create an asymmetrical, flattering frame. Adding a glittering pin introduces sparkle and sophistication, working for various face shapes and hair types.
Curl your hair using a medium barrel curling iron, focusing on curls that sweep to one side. Once curled, brush gently to soften waves. Sweep all hair to one side and secure with bobby pins at the back of your head. Insert a sparkling hair pin or clip where hair is secured to add visual interest. This style keeps hair off one side of your face while maintaining movement and volume.
Relaxed Messy Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids look intricate but are easier to create than they appear. A messy version feels casual and approachable, suitable for informal gatherings.
Divide your hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outside of one section and cross it over to the other section. Repeat, alternating sides, until you reach the end. Pull gently on braid strands to loosen and widen them, creating a fuller, more relaxed appearance. Secure the end with a clear elastic. This style works well for casual holiday parties and family dinners.
Wrapped Twisted Braid
A twisted braid wrapping around the head creates an ethereal, romantic appearance. This more intricate style suits those with medium to long hair.
Begin at one side of your head near the ear. Create a twisted braid by taking two sections of hair and twisting them around each other while incorporating new hair as you move. Continue wrapping this braid around the back of your head toward the opposite ear. Secure the end with bobby pins hidden beneath the braid. Leave some face-framing pieces loose for softness. This style works beautifully for semi-formal events and holiday parties.
Vintage Hollywood Curls
Hollywood curls evoke old-school glamour and sophistication. This style features defined, shiny curls that frame the face beautifully, making it ideal for formal events and photos.
Set your hair in pin curls or use a large barrel curling iron to create defined curls. The key is creating waves rather than ringlets. Once curled, brush gently to blend curls into soft waves. Apply a smoothing serum to enhance shine. Style waves to frame your face and flow over your shoulders. Finish with flexible hold hairspray. This look pairs well with vintage-inspired makeup and clothing.
Bohemian Curly Waves
Bohemian waves feel natural and effortless while remaining intentional. This style celebrates texture and movement, suiting those who prefer a relaxed aesthetic without sacrificing elegance.
Create loose waves using a curling iron, braiding method, or salt spray on damp hair. The goal is soft, undone-looking waves rather than tight curls. Once set, run your fingers through them to separate and soften. You can add a delicate hair accessory like a thin headband or small clip if desired. This style works for casual holiday gatherings and outdoor events.
High Volume Curly Puff
A high-volume curly puff celebrates natural texture and makes a bold statement. This confident, striking style works beautifully for those with naturally curly or coily hair.
Start with clean, moisturized curls. Apply a curl-defining cream or gel to damp hair. Blow dry using a diffuser attachment to enhance curl pattern and volume. Once dry, gather your curls into a high ponytail at the crown. The curls will naturally puff outward, creating volume and dimension. This style celebrates your natural hair texture and requires minimal manipulation.
Hair with Subtle Glitter
Adding glitter to your hair brings instant festive energy. Subtle glitter application looks sophisticated rather than costume-like and works with any hairstyle.
Choose a hair-safe glitter product or use glitter mixed with light hairspray. Apply glitter to specific sections such as the crown, sides, or ends. You can also apply it to braids or curls for concentrated sparkle. The key is restraint—a little glitter creates a magical effect without overwhelming your look. This technique is especially striking in photos and under indoor lighting.
Soft Curly Ponytail
A curly ponytail combines the practicality of an updo with the softness of loose curls. This style keeps hair off your face while maintaining movement and volume, working for casual and semi-formal events.
Curl your hair using a curling iron or by setting it in pin curls. Once set, gather your hair into a ponytail at the crown or mid-back. Don’t brush the curls smooth; instead, gently gather them to maintain texture and volume. Secure with a hair tie matching your hair color. Wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic. Leave a few face-framing curls loose for softness.
Braided Hair with Jeweled Clips
Braids adorned with jeweled clips create an intricate, exotic appearance. This style combines texture with sparkle, suitable for those who enjoy detailed styling.
Create one or more braids throughout your hair, depending on your desired look. French braids, Dutch braids, or simple three-strand braids all work well. Once complete, insert jeweled clips at intervals along the braids. The clips catch light and add glamour. You can braid all your hair or leave some sections loose for contrast. This style works beautifully for formal events and holiday parties.
Spiral Curls for Drama
Spiral curls create defined, bouncy texture that’s impossible to ignore. This bold, glamorous style suits those wanting their hair to be the focal point.
Use a curling iron with a smaller barrel to create tight, defined curls. Work through your hair section by section, curling away from your face. Once set, you can leave them as tight spirals or gently brush through for softer waves. Finish with strong hold hairspray to maintain definition. This style photographs beautifully and maintains its shape throughout the evening.
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