14 Hairstyle Ideas for Christmas
Christmas hair should feel special but still easy to pull off between cooking, church, photos, and late-night cocoa. This list gives you 14 festive styles for straight, wavy, and curly hair across short, medium, and long lengths, with notes on parts that flatter round, oval, heart, and long faces. You’ll need basics: brush or comb, elastics, bobby pins, and a light-hold hairspray; add a ribbon, bow, or pearly pin to make any look feel holiday-ready. Prep by detangling, smoothing the hairline, and misting heat protectant if you’re using tools. For winter frizz, rub a drop of serum between palms and skim the surface only. Choose one look for daytime gifting, another for evening sparkle—and enjoy your celebrations.
Quick List
- Velvet Bow Half-Up
- Pearly Low Chignon
- Soft Hollywood Waves
- Sleek Side-Part Pony
- Twinkling Ribbon Bubble Pony
- Braided Crown with Sparkle Pins
- Mistletoe Top Knot
- Cozy Twist-Back
- Fishtail Over One Shoulder
- Mini French Twist with Clip
- Glossy Tucked Bun
- Dutch Braids into Low Bun
- Side-Swept Barrette Waves
- Ribbon-Wrapped Low Pony
Velvet Bow Half Up
A half-up with a velvet bow reads festive without fuss and stays comfortable through dinner and games. The height at the crown adds gentle lift for round and heart faces, while loose lengths keep movement for photos. It pairs well with knit dresses and soft makeup, and the bow photographs beautifully from the back. If hair is fine, backcomb the half-up section lightly for grip so the bow sits proudly instead of sliding. Pro tip: angle the half-up just above the occipital bone; it keeps the silhouette balanced and prevents the bow from drooping when you take your coat on and off.
How To Style
Part center or slightly off. Gather from temples to crown, secure with a small elastic. Tie a velvet ribbon over the elastic and fluff.
Best For
Round, heart; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
Small elastic, velvet ribbon, tail comb, light hairspray.
Pearly Low Chignon
A low chignon dotted with pearl pins looks elegant for church services or a dressy dinner. It sits at the nape so scarves and collars won’t disturb it. A clean middle part feels modern; a soft side part adds romance and balances longer faces. Build volume with a small twist before tucking ends under so the bun appears fuller. Pro tip: split hair into two low ponytails, knot once, tuck ends, and pin—then slide pearl pins around the knot in a crescent for a refined, intentional glow.
How To Style
Create your part. Make two low ponytails, knot once, tuck ends under to form a bun, pin. Add pearl pins along one side.
Best For
Oval, long; straight, wavy, or stretched curls.
Tools & Products
Elastics, bobby pins, smoothing cream, pearl pins, flexible hairspray.
Soft Hollywood Waves
Glamorous but soft, these waves bring mirror-like shine and vintage charm to Christmas photos. Keep the curl pattern consistent and brush through for that smooth “S” finish. A deep side part flatters round and heart faces and frames sparkly earrings. The look elevates even a simple sweater dress. Pro tip: curl all sections away from the face on the heavy side and slightly downward on the light side; after brushing, clamp with flat clips at each ridge for five minutes to set the wave.
How To Style
Prep with heat protectant. Create a deep side part, curl uniform sections, let cool, brush through, set ridges with clips, then release and mist.
Best For
Round, heart; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
Curling iron, heat protectant, boar/nylon brush, flat clips, shine spray.
Sleek Side Part Pony
Clean and polished, a low side-part pony complements structured coats and satin blouses. The strong part creates face-framing lines that slim and sharpen. Wrap a small strand around the elastic for a ribbon-like finish. This style survives car rides and scarf friction with minimal touch-ups. Pro tip: smooth hairline with a tiny swipe of cream on a toothbrush, then press gently with the palm for a glassy crown without weighing down the tail.
How To Style
Create a deep side part. Brush hair low to the nape, secure. Wrap a thin strand around the elastic, pin underneath. Mist to set.
Best For
Oval, round; straight or relaxed waves.
Tools & Products
Elastic, brush, smoothing cream, bobby pin, flexible hairspray.
Twinkling Ribbon Bubble Pony
Add slim, sparkling ribbons between elastics for a festive bubble pony that looks playful and photo-ready. The “bubble” creates fullness even on fine hair, while the ribbon catches holiday lights. Stop at mid-length for subtlety or go down to the ends for drama. It’s comfy for gift wrapping and dancing alike. Pro tip: after placing each elastic, pinch the section outward and snug the ribbon just above the band—this shapes round, even bubbles that won’t collapse.
How To Style
Make a mid pony. Place elastics every 2–3 inches. Tie short ribbon bits above each band. Puff each section to round out.
Best For
Round, oval; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
Multiple elastics, slim ribbons, brush, light hairspray, serum for ends.
Braided Crown with Sparkle Pins
A braided crown feels storybook-perfect for Christmas markets or carols. It keeps hair away from scarves and coats, and the lifted shape elongates round faces while soft pieces by the ear keep things gentle. Add a few sparkle pins at the back where the braids meet for a starry finish. Pro tip: braid two loose Dutch or regular braids, flip them over the head, and pin; then pancake the outer edges for airy fullness that reads festive, not stiff.
How To Style
Part center. Braid two low pigtails, bring each over the crown, pin ends behind the opposite ear. Add sparkle pins where they meet.
Best For
Round, heart; wavy or curly.
Tools & Products
Elastics, bobby pins, texture spray, sparkle pins, light hairspray.
Mistletoe Top Knot
High and light, the top knot shows off statement earrings and keeps you cool while cooking. The height visually lengthens round faces, and a few wispy pieces at the temples add softness. Dress it up with a single tiny ribbon tail or a greenery sprig tucked near the base. Pro tip: secure a pony first, twist loosely, and let a couple of loops peek out—pin them where they land to create an intentional, cloudlike shape that holds through hugs and hats.
How To Style
Gather hair high, secure a pony. Twist into a knot, pin ends. Pull a few soft pieces free; add a tiny ribbon if you like.
Best For
Round, heart; wavy, curly, or straight.
Tools & Products
Elastic, bobby pins, dry shampoo, texture spray, flexible hairspray.
Cozy Twist Back
Two small twists pinned at the back feel relaxed and sweet for cookie swaps or a quiet movie night. They clear your face without committing to a full half-up, and the subtle lift at the temples flatters heart and oval faces. This is great for naturally wavy or curly hair because it respects texture. Pro tip: twist each side backward while holding tension up and slightly outward; when you pin, the twist sits higher and creates the most flattering arc.
How To Style
Part off-center. Take a small front section on each side, twist back, pin at mid-head. Tug gently for softness.
Best For
Heart, oval; wavy or curly.
Tools & Products
Bobby pins, tail comb, light styling cream, hairspray.
Fishtail Over One Shoulder
A loose fishtail braid draped over one shoulder looks romantic and sweater-friendly. It won’t tangle under coats and shows off texture in every lighting. Pancake the braid for width, then leave a few face pieces for movement. A side placement narrows broader jawlines and suits photos taken from your “good side.” Pro tip: start the braid at mid-length, not the crown—this keeps volume at the top and prevents a flat root under hats.
How To Style
Create a side part. Sweep hair over one shoulder, split in two, fishtail to the ends, secure. Tug outer edges for fullness.
Best For
Oval, long; wavy or straight.
Tools & Products
Elastic, small brush, texture spray, serum for ends.
Mini French Twist with Clip
A compact twist secured with a slim clip is chic but quick between events. It sits at mid-back of the head so collars don’t push it loose. Leave soft tendrils around the ears for balance. This pairs with turtlenecks and pearls and transitions easily from day to candlelit dinner. Pro tip: spritz dry shampoo at the roots for grip, then twist upward and clip with the prongs angled slightly downward for a lock-tight hold.
How To Style
Gather hair at mid-back, twist upward, fold ends inside, clamp with a slim clip. Loosen crown a touch.
Best For
Oval, long; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
Slim claw clip, dry shampoo, tail comb, flexible hairspray.
Glossy Tucked Bun
This sleek bun hides flyaways and looks refined in every setting—from services to late-night cocoa. The shine reflects tree lights and elevates simple outfits. A center part reads classic; switch to a soft side part to soften strong features. Keep tension even and tuck ends under for a clean finish. Pro tip: smooth a pea of cream between palms and glide only over the surface; comb underneath to avoid greasing roots while keeping the shell glossy.
How To Style
Part hair, make a low pony. Roll ends under to form a bun and pin. Smooth the crown and mist.
Best For
Oval, long; straight or relaxed waves.
Tools & Products
Elastic, bobby pins, smoothing cream, light hairspray.
Dutch Braids into Low Bun
Two Dutch braids feeding into a low bun blend cute and polished. The braids anchor hats and keep hairline tidy in wind, while the bun keeps ends protected. This style gives structure to soft textures and highlights cheekbones. Pro tip: stop braiding at the nape, combine tails into a small bun, and pin; pancake the braid edges just at the crown to create lift without loosening the base.
How To Style
Create a center part. Dutch braid each side to the nape, secure together, twist into a bun, pin. Gently widen the braids.
Best For
Round, heart; wavy or curly.
Tools & Products
Elastics, bobby pins, tail comb, texture spray, hairspray.
Side Swept Barrette Waves
Soft waves gathered with a single barrette above the ear feel classic and festive. The asymmetry slims round faces and shows off earrings. Keep the clip small and metallic for a hint of sparkle that doesn’t compete with your outfit. Pro tip: push hair forward slightly before clipping so the section curves and frames the eye—then spray a light veil to hold without stiffness.
How To Style
Create a deep side part. Wave mid-lengths to ends, brush through. Clip the smaller side above the ear; tuck the other side back.
Best For
Round, heart; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
Curling wand, barrette, heat protectant, brush, flexible hairspray.
Ribbon Wrapped Low Pony
A low pony wrapped in a satin or velvet ribbon feels instantly festive and works with any neckline. The ribbon disguises the elastic and adds color without fuss. Keep the base sleek and the tail brushed for a neat finish in photos. Choose red, forest, or champagne to match your outfit. Pro tip: tie the ribbon once, then wrap the ends around the base and knot underneath so it sits flat and doesn’t spin.
How To Style
Brush hair into a low pony and secure. Wrap ribbon around the base and knot beneath. Smooth flyaways and tame the ends.
Best For
Oval, long; straight, wavy, or curly.
Tools & Products
Elastic, satin/velvet ribbon, brush, smoothing serum, light hairspray.
Conclusion
Pick one daytime look and one evening look, then practice each once before the big day so your hands know the steps. Keep a small kit—pins, elastics, mini brush, and travel hairspray—in your bag for quick fixes after coats and hats. Add a ribbon or one pearly pin and you’ll look festive in every photo without extra effort.
CTA
Want a printable checklist and 5-minute practice plan for these looks? Reply “Christmas Pack” and I’ll send a clean one-page guide.
FAQs
1) How do I keep curls from falling in cold weather?
Start with fully dry hair and a light mousse before heat. Pin curls while they cool, then mist flexible hairspray so they set without crunch.
2) What accessories feel festive without going overboard?
Try slim velvet bows, pearly pins, or thin metallic barrettes. Keep pieces small and place them near the ear or at the pony base for subtle shine.
3) Can I wear these under a hat or hood?
Yes. Choose low buns, low ponies, or braids at the nape. Tuck ends and carry a mini brush to smooth once you’re indoors.
4) Any heatless options for busy mornings?
Yes—overnight braids for waves, a heatless curler, or a twisted low bun to set bends. Release, rake with fingers, and finish with a drop of serum.
5) How do I make styles look dressy for dinner?
Switch to a side part, add a ribbon or pearls, and smooth the crown. A wrapped elastic or a single sparkly clip instantly elevates the look.
