The holiday season is a whirlwind of gift-wrapping, cookie-baking, and endless social gatherings. While we all want to show up to the Christmas party looking like we just stepped out of a high-end salon, the reality is that most of us are lucky if we have twenty minutes to spare between basting the turkey and zipping up a cocktail dress.
The secret to holiday hair isn’t complexity; it’s strategy. By using the right accessories, a few clever braiding hacks, and the power of high-shine finishes, you can achieve “red carpet” results in your own bathroom. Here are 20 stunning, easy-to-achieve Christmas hairstyles that will leave everyone wondering how you found the time for a professional blowout.
1. Velvet Bow
Nothing says Christmas quite like velvet. The beauty of this look lies in its simplicity. To achieve it, gather the top section of your hair into a half-up, half-down style and secure it with a clear elastic. Then, simply tie a long length of velvet ribbon over the elastic. For a more “expensive” look, slightly curl the ends of your hair with a wide-barrel wand to create soft, romantic waves. The contrast between the rich fabric and the texture of the hair creates an instant festive vibe.
2. Bubble Braid
The bubble braid is the ultimate “cheat code” for people who find French braiding difficult. Start with a high, sleek ponytail. About two inches down, add another clear elastic. Gently pull at the hair between the two elastics to create a rounded, “bubble” effect. Repeat this process all the way down the ponytail. It looks intricate and modern, but it actually takes less than five minutes. Use decorative elastics or hide the rubber bands with small sprigs of decorative greenery for an extra holiday touch.
3. Sleek Pony
A sleek low ponytail is the epitome of sophisticated minimalism. The key here is the finish. Use a boar bristle brush and a bit of pomade or hairspray to smooth down every flyaway. Secure the hair at the very nape of your neck. To make it look like a pro did it, take a small sliver of hair from the bottom of the pony, wrap it around the elastic until it’s hidden, and tuck it in with a bobby pin. This look pairs perfectly with statement earrings.
4. Braided Crown
The milkmaid or braided crown look is deceptively simple. If you can do two basic three-strand braids, you can do this. Part your hair down the middle and create two low pigtail braids. Cross them over the top of your head and pin them securely behind the opposite ears. It’s a regal, ethereal look that stays put all night—even through the most vigorous secret Santa exchanges.
5. Pearled Bun
Take a standard ballerina bun and elevate it by scattering pearl pins throughout the style. You can buy pre-made pearl hairpins or simply slide a pearl bead onto a standard U-shaped pin. The haphazard placement of the pearls gives the hair a “snow-dusted” appearance that is perfect for a winter wonderland theme. It’s elegant, classic, and hides a multitude of sins if your hair is a day or two past its last wash.
6. Messy Chignon
The chignon is the “cool girl” of holiday hairstyles. Instead of aiming for perfection, embrace the texture. Pull your hair into a low, loose ponytail, but on the last loop of the elastic, don’t pull the hair all the way through. This creates a loop. Wrap the remaining tail around the base and pin it loosely. Pull out a few wisps around your ears and forehead to soften the face. It’s romantic, effortless, and looks incredible with a high-neck sweater.
7. Glitter Roots
If you’re heading to a New Year’s Eve-style Christmas bash, glitter roots are the way to go. Mix some clear hair gel with chunky cosmetic-grade glitter and apply it to your part with a foundation brush. This hides any regrowth and adds a high-fashion, festive sparkle to an otherwise simple style. Whether your hair is down and straight or up in space buns, the glitter adds an undeniable “wow” factor.
8. Hollywood Waves
This is the gold standard of glamour. To get the look at home, curl all of your hair in the same direction using a one-inch wand. Once the curls have cooled completely, brush them out thoroughly with a flat brush. The curls will merge into one continuous, glossy wave. Use a shine spray to finish the look. It’s a timeless style that screams “Old Hollywood” luxury.
9. Twisted Halo
For those who prefer to keep their hair down, the twisted halo offers a bit of structure without the fuss of a full updo. Take a section of hair from above each ear, twist it tightly toward the back, and secure the two ends together at the back of your head. You can tuck the ends under each other to hide the pins, or use a festive clip to anchor the look. It’s feminine and keeps your hair out of your face while you’re enjoying holiday dinner.
10. Wrapped Braid
Elevate a standard side braid by incorporating a ribbon. Attach a ribbon to a bobby pin and anchor it at the base of your ponytail before you start braiding. Treat the ribbon as one of the three strands. As you braid, the ribbon will weave in and out, creating a candy-cane effect or a sophisticated pop of color. Secure the end with another small bow for a cohesive look.
11. Top Knot
The top knot is the ultimate “I have five minutes” hairstyle. To make it look professional, flip your head upside down to gather all your hair at the very top of your head. Use a “donut” hair former if you have thin hair to add volume. The key for Christmas is the accessory—a metallic scrunchie or a jeweled wrap around the base turns a gym look into a party look instantly.
12. Scarf Pony
Silk scarves aren’t just for your neck. A holiday-themed scarf tied around a ponytail adds instant volume and a touch of Parisian chic. Let the ends of the scarf hang down as long as your hair for a dramatic, flowing effect. This works best with a slightly teased ponytail to give it that “expensive” fullness.
13. Bobby Pin Art
Sometimes the tool is the decoration. Use metallic bobby pins (silver, gold, or rose gold) to create shapes on the side of your head. You can arrange them in a starburst, a series of triangles, or a “V” shape. This works exceptionally well on short hair or bobs that might be difficult to braid or put into an updo. It’s modern, edgy, and very festive.
14. Double Braids
Also known as boxer braids, this look can be made festive by adding hair rings or small charms throughout the braid. It’s a great choice if you know you’ll be active—perhaps ice skating or playing games with the family. It keeps every hair in place and looks incredibly intricate, though it only requires a basic understanding of the under-over Dutch braid technique.
15. Low Loop
The low loop is for the minimalist who wants to look “editorial.” Pull your hair into a low pony, but on the final pass of the hair tie, only pull it halfway through to create a loop. Leave the ends hanging down straight. Use a flat iron on the ends to make them pin-straight for a sharp, modern contrast to the soft loop. It’s a 30-second hairstyle that looks like it belongs on a runway.
16. Puffed Headband
Headbands are the ultimate holiday “lazy girl” hack. A padded, velvet, or jeweled headband does all the work for you. Simply style your hair in its natural texture—whether that’s straight, curly, or wavy—and slide the headband on. It draws the eye upward, adds height, and makes any outfit look intentional.
17. Side Sweep
The side sweep is a great way to show off your collarbone and a great pair of earrings. Brush all your hair to one side and use three or four decorative “statement” clips to pin it firmly behind one ear. This creates an asymmetrical silhouette that is very flattering in photos. Ensure the “free” side has plenty of volume to balance the look.
18. Dutch Braids
Dutch braids (where the strands go under instead of over) are wonderful because the braid sits on top of the hair, making it look much thicker. To get that “salon” look, “pancake” the braid: once it’s finished, gently pull at the outer edges of each loop to widen it. This creates a massive, voluminous braid that looks like you have twice as much hair as you actually do.
19. Tinsel Extensions
For a literal interpretation of Christmas hair, try hair tinsel. These are thin, glittery strands that you can tie onto individual hairs or clip in. They catch the light every time you move, creating a “fairy hair” effect. It’s a playful, festive addition that requires zero styling skill but offers a high visual impact under Christmas tree lights.
20. Braided Bun
If you want the security of a bun but the detail of a braid, combine them. Put your hair in a high ponytail and braid the length of it. Then, wrap that braid around the base of the ponytail and pin it down. The texture of the braid makes the bun look much more complex and professional than a standard twisted bun. It’s the perfect polished finish for a formal Christmas Eve dinner.
No matter which style you choose, the key to holiday hair success is preparation. Start with a good dry shampoo for volume, use a shine spray for that “just-out-of-the-chair” glow, and don’t be afraid to use accessories to hide any imperfections. This Christmas, spend less time in front of the mirror and more time making memories—while looking absolutely stunning, of course.
