12 December Wedding Hairstyles for Winter
A December wedding calls for shine, structure, and styles that stay beautiful in chilly air and heated rooms. This list gives you 12 winter-ready hairstyles—soft waves, polished twists, pearl-studded buns, and veil-friendly half-ups—that hold up through outdoor photos and cozy receptions. You’ll see options for straight, wavy, and curly hair, with quick tweaks for fine, thick, and frizz-prone textures. Round and heart faces glow with side parts and face-framers; oval and long faces love balanced volume and crown lift. Prep smart: dry completely, protect with heat spray, and finish with flexible hold instead of stiff lacquer. Keep static down with a pea of leave-in and a drop of light oil on ends. Whether your venue is a candlelit hall or a snowy garden, these styles deliver timeless romance with winter-proof polish.
Quick List
- Velvet-Bowed Sleek Low Chignon
- Old Hollywood Side-Part S-Waves
- Pearl-Studded Low Twisted Bun
- Half-Up Fishtail Crown (Veil-Ready)
- Romantic Face-Framing Updo
- Polished High Pony Wrap
- Braided Ribbon Low Bun
- Side-Swept Luxe Curls with Comb
- Classic French Twist with Sparkle Pins
- Textured Low Curly Bun
- Half-Up Curtain Fringe Waves
- Glossy Straight with Tucked Sides
Velvet Bowed Sleek Low Chignon
Minimal and elegant, this low chignon sits at the nape with a velvet bow for a winter touch. The sleek surface reflects candlelight and pairs beautifully with high necklines or long sleeves. Because it’s anchored at the base, it stays comfortable under wraps and coats. Ask for a clean center or soft off-center part to suit your face shape. Pro tip: wrap the pony with a thin strand before coiling the bun so the bow clips to hair—not directly to the elastic—for better hold.
How To Style
Create a low pony; smooth with a comb; twist into a coil; pin in a cross pattern; clip a small velvet bow above the seam.
Best For
Oval, long; straight or smoothed wavy.
Tools & Products
Tail comb; elastics; bobby/U-pins; heat protectant; shine spray.
Old Hollywood Side Part S Waves
Glossy S-waves bring instant glamour to winter ceremonies. The deep side part elongates and defines, while the polished brush-out reads luxurious in photographs and warm indoor light. It complements off-the-shoulder dresses and fur or faux-fur wraps. Pro tip: curl in uniform directions on each side, clip to cool, then brush with a paddle brush and set the front ridge with a clip for 10 minutes before final mist.
How To Style
Blow smooth; curl horizontally; clip set; cool fully; brush into one wave pattern; set with flexible spray.
Best For
Oval, square; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
1–1.25″ curling iron; clips; paddle brush; heat protectant; flexible hairspray.
Pearl Studded Low Twisted Bun
A soft, twisted bun dotted with tiny pearls feels wintery without being fussy. It’s veil-friendly and secure for long days. Keep the texture refined with a subtle bevel at the hairline and a smooth twist through the nape. Pro tip: place pearls along the twist seam rather than on top—this looks cleaner and keeps pins anchored in structure.
How To Style
Create a low twist from a pony; pin; place small pearl pins along the seam; gloss flyaways.
Best For
Heart, oval; straight, wavy, or curly.
Tools & Products
Elastics; U-pins; pearl pins; smoothing cream; shine spray.
Half Up Fishtail Crown (Veil Ready)
A slim fishtail crown secures the veil while leaving lengths flowing for movement in photos. It adds intricate detail that reads beautifully in winter light. Keep the braid fine so it sits flat under a comb. Pro tip: start each side with a tiny elastic, braid tightly, then gently widen just the edges after securing to keep the pattern crisp.
How To Style
Part as desired; fishtail each side; meet at the back; elastic; widen edges; place veil comb above the seam.
Best For
Round, long; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
Clear elastics; tail comb; texturizing spray; flexible hairspray.
Romantic Face Framing Updo
Soft tendrils at the cheeks and a low, airy bun give effortless romance that suits lace sleeves and winter bouquets. The style is comfortable under shawls and holds shape during hugs and dancing. Pro tip: curl face-framers away from the face and pin them to cool while you finish the bun; release last for a gentle halo.
How To Style
Curl; leave slim face pieces out; gather a low bun with loose twists; pin; release face-framers; mist lightly.
Best For
Heart, round; wavy or straight.
Tools & Products
1″ iron; elastics; pins; light oil; flexible hairspray.
Polished High Pony Wrap
A high pony with a wrapped base looks sleek, modern, and dressy. It lifts the face and clears high collars without losing elegance. Pair with a clean part and glassy ends for a winter-glam finish. Pro tip: anchor a small base pony first, then feed the rest in so the height lasts through photos and the first dance.
How To Style
Smooth hair; make a base pony at crown; add remaining hair; wrap a thin strand around the elastic; polish ends.
Best For
Round, oval; straight or wavy, medium to thick.
Tools & Products
Boar brush; elastics; bobby pins; smoothing cream; shine spray.
Braided Ribbon Low Bun
Weave a satin or velvet ribbon through a loose three-strand braid, then coil into a bun for subtle color that nods to the season. It’s beautiful with jewel-tone palettes and bridesmaid ribbons. Pro tip: tie the ribbon to the base first so it stays centered; keep the braid loose for a plush look, then coil and pin.
How To Style
Low pony; add ribbon; braid loosely; coil into a bun; pin; soften the crown slightly.
Best For
Oval, long; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
Ribbon; elastic; pins; tail comb; light serum.
Side Swept Luxe Curls with Comb
Gather all the hair to one shoulder with a decorative comb above the ear. The asymmetry frames the neckline and photographs beautifully against winter coats. Keep curls glossy and brush only the ends for bounce. Pro tip: anchor the sweep with one hidden pin behind the ear, then slide the decorative comb in above it for security.
How To Style
Deep side part; curl from mid-shaft; sweep to one side; pin behind ear; add comb; smooth.
Best For
Round, heart; wavy or straight.
Tools & Products
Curling iron; decorative comb; pins; shine spray.
Classic French Twist with Sparkle Pins
A polished French twist is timeless and perfect for candlelit halls. Add three small sparkle pins along the seam for a snow-kissed finish. The twist sits below wrap height and stays neat all night. Pro tip: use U-pins inserted toward the twist’s center in an X pattern so the structure locks without tightness.
How To Style
Gather low; roll upward into a twist; tuck ends; pin; place sparkle pins; mist lightly.
Best For
Square, oval; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
U-pins; tail comb; sparkle pins; smoothing cream; hairspray.
Textured Low Curly Bun
Let natural curls shine in a low bun that highlights defined coils at the perimeter. The shape is soft yet secure, ideal for outdoor portraits. Add a few pearls or a thin ribbon if you want detail. Pro tip: style curls to 100% dry, then form the bun with gentle tension so the curl pattern stays intact.
How To Style
Define curls; part softly; gather low; pin in sections, leaving a few coils out; add optional pearls.
Best For
Oval, heart; curly or coily.
Tools & Products
Curl cream/gel; diffuser; pins; light oil; flexible hairspray.
Half Up Curtain Fringe Waves
Curtain bangs and soft waves meet in a half-up that’s ceremony-to-reception ready. The top anchors accessories, while lengths feel romantic and warm. Works beautifully with capes and shawls. Pro tip: over-direct the crown slightly when securing the half-up so height stays even after photos outside.
How To Style
Wave lengths; blow style the fringe; take temple-to-crown section; elastic; wrap a strand to hide it; brush waves.
Best For
Heart, round, oval; straight or wavy.
Tools & Products
Curling wand; clear elastic; pins; heat protectant; shine spray.
Glossy Straight with Tucked Sides
Simple, modern, and striking against winter fabrics. Keep hair glassy-straight with a sharp part, then tuck each side behind the ear to showcase earrings and neckline. Add a tiny comb above one ear for subtle sparkle. Pro tip: apply the smallest drop of oil to mids and ends—never the roots—so it stays sleek, not flat.
How To Style
Blow smooth; flat-iron in slow passes; part cleanly; tuck sides; add a small comb; mist light shine.
Best For
Oval, heart; straight or smoothed wavy.
Tools & Products
Heat protectant; flat iron; paddle brush; light oil; small comb slide.
Conclusion
Winter weddings reward styles that balance shine and structure. Decide where your focal point lives—hairline, crown, or nape—then choose accessories that add grip without weight. Build hold in light layers, let hair cool fully before heading outside, and keep static down with a touch of leave-in and oil on ends. Do one timed trial with your veil or wrap so placement is second nature on the day. You’ll stay polished through snowflakes, toasts, and dancing.
CTA — Pick two favorites from the list, save this page, and book a 15-minute trial to test veil placement and staying power before your big day.
FAQs
1) What makes a hairstyle “winter-proof” for weddings?
Secure bases (elastic + pins), smooth surface work, and flexible hold that resists static and humidity swings. Velvet, satin, and pearl accessories add grip without bulk.
2) How do I place a veil with an updo?
Anchor the veil comb just above the strongest seam (twist, bun, or half-up pony). Add two crossing pins under the seam so the veil’s weight sits on structure—not loose hair.
3) Will soft waves collapse in the cold?
Not if you set them well. Curl, clip to cool, brush into shape, and mist a light setting spray. Let hair fully cool before going outdoors or putting on a wrap.
4) Can curly hair skip heat styling?
Yes. Define curls with cream or gel, diffuse fully, then choose styles that respect the pattern (low buns, side-swept, half-up crowns). Add pins and pearls on the surface.
5) How early should I prep accessories?
Lay out bows, pins, combs, and a backup elastic the night before. If using a ribbon or headpiece, test placement during your trial so it fits with veil and jewelry.
