Christmas Hairstyles: 7 Festive Party Looks

Christmas hair should feel festive without feeling like a costume. These seven looks bring the sparkle while staying completely wearable, from office parties to Christmas morning.

Glam Curls: The Go-To Christmas Party Hairstyle

Big, bouncy curls never miss at a Christmas party. Curl medium sections with a one-inch iron, always away from your face, then let them cool completely before touching. Once cool, brush through gently for that soft, glamorous finish.

Volume is everything here. A root-lifting spray before you dry makes a real difference. Finish with a flexible hairspray so the curls move naturally instead of crunching. These curls look especially rich in a warm honey brown hair color, which catches party lights beautifully.

Give yourself a little extra time with this one. Rushed curls fall flat, but patient curls last until the last dance.

High Ponytail with a Ribbon for Christmas

A high ponytail plus a ribbon is instant Christmas energy. Pull your hair up high, smooth the top, and tie a red or green ribbon around the base in a bow. It is playful, pretty, and takes about five minutes.

For a fuller ponytail, tease the crown lightly before you gather everything up. Wrap a strand of hair over the elastic first, then add the ribbon on top. The bow should sit right at the base where it is clearly visible.

This style works hard at casual gatherings and family photos alike. It also keeps your hair completely out of your face while you are mingling.

Braided Updo for a Festive Christmas Look

A braided updo feels special without being stiff. Start with a loose French braid from the crown, then coil the remaining length into a low bun and pin it. Pull a few pieces loose for softness.

The braid adds texture and interest that a plain bun cannot match. Tuck in a couple of pearl or gold pins for a subtle festive detail. If your hair is layered, a little texture spray on each section helps the braid hold together.

This is a wonderful choice for Christmas dinner when you want to look dressed up but still feel comfortable. It stays secure for hours, even through hugs and dancing.

Sleek, Straight Hair with Holiday Shine

Sometimes the most striking Christmas hairstyle is simply perfect, shiny, straight hair. The key is the finish: a smoothing serum, a flat iron in slow passes, and a final gloss spray. The result looks expensive and intentional.

Shine matters more than anything with this look. Dull straight hair falls flat, but glassy straight hair turns heads. A weekly shine treatment in the lead-up to the holidays pays off here, and our glass hair routine walks through exactly how to get that mirror finish.

Keep the part clean, either dead center or deeply swept to one side. Tuck one side behind your ear to show off earrings.

Messy Bun with Sparkle Pins for Christmas

The messy bun gets a holiday upgrade with sparkle pins. Gather your hair into a loose high bun, pull out face-framing pieces, then scatter a few crystal or gold pins through it. Festive in under ten minutes.

Placement is what makes it look chic rather than random. Cluster two or three pins on one side instead of spreading them evenly. Let a few ends poke out naturally for that effortless texture.

This is the perfect Christmas morning hairstyle too. It looks intentional in photos but feels completely relaxed, which is exactly the vibe you want while opening presents.

Vintage Waves: A Timeless Christmas Hairstyle

Vintage waves bring old-school glamour to any Christmas event. Create a deep side part, curl everything in uniform sections, then brush through with a soft bristle brush to form smooth, sculpted waves. Pin each wave briefly as it cools to set the shape.

This style demands patience but rewards it. The waves photograph incredibly well and look stunning with a red lip. A strong but brushable hairspray keeps the sculpted shape without stiffness.

Shorter hair wears this look beautifully. If you have a bob or lob, vintage waves might be your best Christmas option of all.

Half-Up Bow: A Sweet Christmas Hair Look

A half-up style finished with a velvet bow is pure Christmas charm. Pull the top half of your hair back smoothly, secure it, and clip a velvet bow over the elastic. Soft curls through the loose hair complete the look.

Choose a bow that matches your outfit: black velvet for elegance, deep red for classic Christmas, or forest green for something a little different. The bow should be proportional to your hair, not oversized.

For more seasonal party inspiration, this salon guide to Christmas party hair has lovely ideas for accessorizing these looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good Christmas hairstyle for short hair?

Vintage waves are made for shorter lengths, and sparkle pins turn even a simple style into something festive. A sleek straight bob with a deep side part also looks polished. Add one statement accessory, like a crystal clip, and you are party-ready.

How do I add festive touches without overdoing it?

Pick one accent and stop there. A single velvet bow, a few sparkle pins, or one ribbon is enough. When your hair itself looks polished, you do not need much decoration. Let the style do most of the talking.

Will these hairstyles hold up through a long party?

Yes, with the right prep. Start with mousse or texture spray for grip, set curls by letting them cool completely, and finish with a flexible hairspray. Updos pinned with proper bobby pins (wavy side down, crisscrossed) will survive a full evening of celebrating.

Can I wear these looks on fine hair?

Definitely. Fine hair actually holds curls and updos well with the right products. Use a volumizing mousse at the roots, avoid heavy serums that weigh hair down, and try the high ponytail or braided updo, which create the illusion of fullness.