Holiday Hairstyles: Get Festive with These Christmas Hairdo

Time flies by so fast! Before we know it, the Holiday season has already arrived. Possibly the busiest few months of the year when it comes to social gatherings and special occasions. Whether you’re going to a fancy holiday party or just spending time with your loved ones, the perfect thing to add to your outfit is a timeless holiday hairstyle.

Holiday hairstyles add just the perfect touch of festive spirit and glam to any look whether you’re going for casual or done up. The season for Christmas parties, family reunions, New Year’s Eve celebrations, Thanksgiving, and many more is always a time when you want to make an impression and look your best. Not to mention, it’s just plain fun! Nothing like getting into the holiday spirit like choosing your best festive outfits, makeup looks, and hairstyles.

If you’re looking for ideas, we’ve made this comprehensive guide on holiday hairstyles that’s sure to help you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Holiday hairstyles for different hair lengths

When choosing your holiday hairstyles, it’s important to consider your hair length. Not everything will work for every hair length or even hair texture. It’s best to choose something that you can conveniently do on your hair length and your hair type.

Holiday Hairstyles for Short Hair

Add a festive hair pin

One surefire way to add some holiday vibes to any hairstyle is to add a festive pin or hairpiece to it. Pins with designs like snowflakes, stars, and other festive imagery are super cute and easy to use. You can pin a small section on one side of your hair and you’re done! But of course, that’s not the end of it. You can add a festive pin to just about any hairstyle in this list and it’ll turn out amazing.

Holiday Vintage curls

Vintage curls have never gone out of style when it comes to short hair. These types of curls go amazing with short hair and give an elegant, feminine look. You can do vintage curls by using a curling iron or rollers. Once you’ve curled your hair, the key to the vintage look is to brush out the curls. This will blend the hair and give you those cohesive elegant waves.

Twisted half up

An easy but still beautiful way to style the hair for the holidays is to add some twists. This is an incredibly versatile hairstyle and you can do one twist on either side of your face and connect them at the back or add even more twists!

Holiday hairstyles for medium-length hair

Classic curls

Of course, the vintage style also suited medium-length hair beautifully! Channel old Hollywood glam by donning some classic curls this holiday season. This will give any look a sophisticated and sexy glamour.

Sleek and straight

Who says simple is boring? Sometimes all you need is a straight ‘do to complement your whole look. Especially if you’re already wearing something super extra and flamboyant, a sleek hairstyle will complete your look without competing with your statement outfit.

French braid

One of the best things about having medium-length hair is that it is long enough to do a proper French braid but not too long to make it too hard or time-consuming to do so. A french braid is another versatile hairstyle that you can do if you want an updo, half up style, or even with your hair down.

To do a french braid, simply take three pieces of hair and braid them normally one time. After the first pass, start taking pieces of hair from each side and add them into your braid. It takes a bit of practice but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s one of the easiest go-to styles.

Holiday hairstyles for long hair

Faux bow

The fun thing about super long hair is that you can use that length to play around! What says festive more than having yourself be the gift? Use your long hair to make a faux bow on top of your head!

It may look complicated but it’s quite easy to do. You can start by taking your hair and doing a normal pony tail and then at the last loop, don’t pull your hair all the way through. This will create a sort of “bun”. Divide that bun into two and you’ve got the beginnings of a bow! Now, you can take the hair that was left hanging out of the ponytail and wrap it in the middle of your bow. Pin things into place and you’re done!

Top knot

A top knot is another fun style to do when you’ve got long hair. It gives the hair a lot of fullness and looks so effortless but still cute.

You can do a top knot by gathering all your hair at the very top of your head and creating a bun. Pin things into place and the pick a few tendrils to mess things up a bit and frame your face.

Holiday hairstyles for black hair

Bantu knots

Bantu knots are a great protective hairstyle but it’s also super cute and versatile! You can do a full updo with bantu knots or do little sections to do a half up style. You can even do space bun bantu knots for a fun and futuristic festive look.

To do a bantu knot, section the pieces that you want to turn into the Bantu knots. Take that section and divide it into two. Take those two sections and twist them together. Finally, take that twisted section and twist it into a bun. Pin things into place.

Festive scarf or hairband

You can never go wrong with a festive scarf or hairband. No matter if you’re rocking locs, braids, or just your natural texture, a colorful scarf or hairband can take your hairstyle and inject some festive vibes into it. Bonus, using fabric like silk will also protect your hair from friction!

Sleek bun

Sometimes, all you need is an understated hairstyle to complete your ensemble. A sleek bun is perfect for that. It’s also a protective hairstyle that can last if you do it right.

For natural hair, it’s important to prep your locks to do a sleek bun. Apply gel and hairspray to smooth things down and keep things in place. Then pull your hair into a tight sleek bun and secure with elastics and bobby pins.

Holiday hairstyles for different occasions

Holiday party hairstyles

Half up braid

A half up braid can put a bit of intricacy and detail into your hairstyle as well as just get the hair out of your face without going with a complete updo.

To do a half up braid, you can either do two braids at either side of your head and tie them together at the back or take two sections from your left and right side and braid them together at the back.

One-sided with festive hair embellishment

Show off your best side by putting one side of your hair up with a beautiful festive pin. This is an easy but stunning look you can wear at any Christmas party or holiday gathering.

To make it look better, twist the section of your hair that you are pinning up. This will give it more volume and depth.

Pixie flicks

Curls or straight are not the only styles you can make! What about some sassy pixie flicks? This looks incredible on short hair and gives such a festive vibe.

You can create pixie flicks by taking your flat iron and running it through the hair normally. Right before you get to the end, turn your iron upwards and do a upward flick motion. Do this multiple times throughout sections of your hair.

Holiday updo hairstyles

Sleek ponytail

The sleek ponytail has truly made a big comeback. This gives a chic, futuristic look that’s perfect for year end shindigs.

Make your ponytail sleek and secure by prepping your hair with mousse or gel to tame baby hairs and flyaways. Then tie your hair with a hair tie securely and use some bobby pins to keep things in place for longer.

Milkmaid braid

A milkmaid braid can look like an incredibly intricate hairstyle that takes a lot of time and effort. However, it’s one of the easiest to do! It’s a great fake-out style if you want to look put-together without putting in a lot of effort.

To do a milkmaid braid, just put your hair in two low pigtails and braid normally. Then, take those braids and lay them on top of your head like a headband pin things into place and you’re done!

Holiday hairstyles for work

Low pony tail

A low ponytail is a very simple hairstyle but it can look professional and stylish if done right. Workplace hairstyles can be hard to nail because you want to look fashionable but you also still want to look professional and want people to take you seriously. A low ponytail is safe and quick bet.

To spice up your pony, curl your hair and take a few tendrils out to frame your face. Wrap a piece of your hair around your ponytail so that your hair tie is not showing.

French twist

A french twist is a bit more advanced but definitely worth learning because of its timeless elegance. While it does take a bit of finicking to learn, once you get the hang of it, this hairstyle can be quick and convenient.

To do a french twist, gather your hair and twist it. Hold the ends of your hair pointing up and carefully slide your hair down. Because you’ve twisted your hair, it should wrap around itself as your slide your hair down. Once you’re happy with the position, start pinning things down until everything is secure.

Chestnut bun

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… or chestnuts on your hair! Chestnuts are one of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season. Why not incorporate it into your hair? This hairstyle is called the chestnut bun because the hairstyle looks like a chestnut once you’re done.

To do a chestnut bun, put your hair into a high ponytail. Twist that ponytail into itself by tucking the ends of your hair into the area above your hair tie. Pull it all the way through. Once you’ve done this, you can do a bit of teasing to add more volume to your chestnut bun. Take the end of your pony, tie it as well, and tuck it under to create the “chestnut”. Pin into place.

Holiday hairstyles for a casual holiday gathering

Messy bun

You can’t go wrong with a messy bun. If you want chill vibes but still a bit of character in your hair, a messy bun is the perfect choice especially for casual occasions.

A messy bun is easy! Just twist your hair into a bun and pull out a few pieces to frame your face.

Casual ponytail

A casual ponytail is different from a high pony and low ponytail. It’s perfect for chill occasions because it’s a perky, athletic style that will give your hair life but still look super casual.

To do this type of ponytail, gather your hair in the middle of your head. Not too high and not too low. Tie your hair and pull out some tendrils.

Cute headband

You wanna go casual but still want a bit of pizzaz. Just add a headband to the mix! Channel your inner Blair Waldorf and don a classy headband with festive designs to spice up your casual look.

Holiday hairstyles for a holiday date night

Textured half up

A textured half up hairstyle is a great balance of sexy but sophisticated. You don’t have to be too neat with it but it also still gives a polished vibe for date night.

To do a textured half up hairstyle, curl your hair and use some texturizing spray first. Then take the top section of your hair and tie it. Take out some face framing pieces and you’re finished!

Curls

You can never go wrong with just some good old curls! You can dress up any outfit with some neatly curled locks.

No fancy processes needed! Simply use your best curling iron and set with some light hold hairspray.

Fishtail braid

Channel your inner mermaid with this hairstyle. A fishtail braid is a step up from your normal braids. It’s sexy and textured and perfect for a holiday date night!

To do a fishtail braid, divide two sections of hair. From the outer part of one section, take a piece of hair and cross it to the middle of the two sections. Take another piece of hair from the other section of your hair and do the same. Keep doing this until you get to the end of your hair and you have a fishtail braid!

Sexy holiday hairstyles

Loose curls

Loose curls are the epitome of sexy and sultry.

To achieve this, take a one inch curling iron and curl your hair. Brush it out with your fingers (not with a brush!) and set it with some hairspray. Add some dry shampoo to your roots and texturizing spray for more volume.

Textured hair

We’ve talked about Blair Waldorf, now let’s give Serena Van Der Woodsen her recognition as well! Textured, messy hair can be super sexy if done right just like Ms. Serena.

To achieve this, scrunch the hair with mousse and use lots of sea salt spray and texturizing spray. If you have super straight hair, it will help to curl the hair first with loose curls and then brush it out with your fingers. Mess it up a little to achieve that messy, bedhead look that’s perfect for a scandalous holiday party.

Blowout

When you think sexy, it’s unavoidable to associate it with the gorgeous Victoria’s Secret angels. They have hair that’s full of volume and bounce and it’s stunning!

You can also achieve this by doing a voluminous blowout. That just means taking your blowdryer and going to town on your hair with a big round brush. Concentrate your brush and blowdryer on the roots for maximum volume. As you get to the end, do some flicks to get that blowout effect. Don’t forget the hairspray and lots of texturizing spray!

Tips for styling your hair for the holidays:

How to choose the right hairstyle for your face shape

There can be a lot that goes into choosing the right style for your face shape. The short version of it is to always choose a hairstyle that will give the illusion of an oval face. For long faces, go with lots of volume and avoid sleeker styles. For fuller cheeks and jaw, volume at specific places such as the roots and temples are key. For heart shaped faces, volume at the chin or even shorter haircuts can be beneficial.

How to achieve voluminous holiday hair

Holiday hair isn’t complete without the preparations! Make sure to use a sulfate-free, volumizing, cleansing shampoo like the Mayraki Ultra Repairing & Weightless Moisture Shampoo.

Make sure to also regularly pamper your hair with a nourishing treatment such as the Mayraki Silky Smooth Proactive Hair Repairing Treatment to heal damaged hair and keep it strong and voluminous.

How to keep your holiday hairstyle in place all night long

A few things you will need to be able to style your hair and keep it in place: hairspray, texturizing spray, bobby pins, boar bristle brush, round brush, curling iron, flat iron, and rat tail comb. You will also need a finishing oil like the Mayraki Ultimate Botanical Moisturizing Hair Oil to keep the hair shiny and soft.

It’s Time to Celebrate in Style

The holiday season is upon us! It’s time for celebration and fun. Lots of social gatherings are sure to come so plan your looks early to avoid the stress of deciding and finding last minute. We’ve made this comprehensive guide to give you a bit of an idea on how to style your hair for the holidays. Of course, it’s up to you to experiment and go with what makes you feel confident and beautiful.