20 Christmas Hairstyles for Holiday Parties and Family Photos
Hey friends, it’s Nadia! 🎄
December calendars fill up fast, work holiday parties, family dinners, Christmas Eve service, and the big photo op on Christmas morning, and your hair deserves to look just as festive as your outfit for every single one. I pulled together 20 Christmas hairstyles that cover the whole season, from elegant updos for a formal party to easy, cozy styles for a day of family photos.
Here are 20 Christmas hairstyles for every holiday event on your calendar.
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How to Prep Your Hair for Holiday Styling: A Quick Guide
Before we get into the styles, a few basics to keep in mind:
- Start with clean, product-light hair. Most holiday styles hold better on hair that’s freshly washed the day before, rather than same-day washed and still slippery.
- Prep with heat protectant. Between curling, straightening, and pinning, most of these styles involve at least a little heat.
- Use a light-hold spray for movement, a strong-hold spray for updos. Match your setting spray to how much you’ll be moving (dancing, hugging relatives, chasing kids for photos).
- Give yourself extra time for photos. Family photo styles especially benefit from a little extra polish since they’ll be looked at for years.
20 Christmas Hairstyles
1. Low Sleek Bun with a Velvet Bow
Shop On Amazon: Velvet Hair Bow
Why it works: A classic low bun feels instantly elegant, and a velvet bow at the base adds a festive, seasonal touch without any extra styling time.
- Best for: A formal holiday party or Christmas Eve dinner.
- Styling tip: Smooth hair fully back before securing the bun to avoid bumps at the crown.
- Finish: Sleek and polished.
Why you love this: It’s effortless elegance with a built-in holiday detail. You get a party-ready look in minutes.
2. Soft Curled Half-Up with Gold Clips
Shop On Amazon: Gold Hair Clips Set
Why it works: Loose curls paired with a simple half-up style and gold clips feel warm and festive without any complicated technique.
- Best for: A family gathering or casual holiday party.
- Styling tip: Curl the hair first, then pull back the top section once curls have cooled for the most lasting hold.
- Finish: Soft and glowing.
Why you love this: It photographs beautifully in warm holiday lighting. You get movement and shine with almost no effort.
3. Classic Christmas Morning Braid
Shop On Amazon: Small Hair Elastics
Why it works: A simple side braid is cozy, practical, and still looks intentional for gift-opening photos on Christmas morning.
- Best for: Christmas morning at home with family.
- Styling tip: Leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer, more relaxed finish.
- Finish: Casual and cozy.
Why you love this: It’s comfortable enough for a full day at home. You still look put-together in every photo.
4. Glam Waves with a Deep Side Part
Shop On Amazon: Curling Wand
Why it works: Old Hollywood-inspired waves paired with a deep side part feel glamorous and elevated for a night out.
- Best for: A formal holiday party or New Year’s crossover event.
- Styling tip: Use a wide-barrel curling wand and brush waves out gently for a softer, less defined curl.
- Finish: Glossy and glamorous.
Why you love this: It’s the kind of hair that photographs well from every angle. You get real drama without a complicated technique.
5. Low Ponytail with a Ribbon Wrap
Shop On Amazon: Silk Ribbon
Why it works: Wrapping a length of silk ribbon around a simple low ponytail adds a festive, gift-wrapped detail to an easy everyday style.
- Best for: A casual holiday party or family dinner.
- Styling tip: Choose a ribbon color that matches your outfit for a coordinated finish.
- Finish: Sleek with a decorative wrap.
Why you love this: It upgrades your go-to ponytail in seconds. You get a festive detail without learning anything new.
6. Cozy Fishtail Braid
Shop On Amazon: Wide Tooth Comb
Why it works: A fishtail braid feels a little more detailed than a classic braid while still being practical for a busy day of holiday activities.
- Best for: Ice skating, holiday markets, or a casual family gathering.
- Styling tip: Loosen the braid slightly after finishing for a fuller, more relaxed texture.
- Finish: Textured and cozy.
Why you love this: It holds up through a full day of activity. You get a detailed look that still feels low-maintenance.
7. Elegant Chignon with Pearl Pins
Shop On Amazon: Pearl Hair Pins Set
Why it works: A classic chignon accented with a few pearl pins feels timeless and elegant, perfect for a formal holiday event.
- Best for: A black-tie holiday party or a wedding-adjacent Christmas event.
- Styling tip: Cluster the pearl pins together near one side of the chignon rather than scattering them evenly.
- Finish: Polished and refined.
Why you love this: It’s quietly glamorous without trying too hard. You get a look that feels dressed-up and intentional.
8. Soft Curls with a Headband
Shop On Amazon: Velvet Headband
Why it works: Loose curls paired with a velvet headband feel festive and put-together while keeping hair out of your face through a busy day.
- Best for: Holiday shopping, family gatherings, or a casual party.
- Styling tip: Push the headband back slightly for volume at the crown before curling the rest of your hair.
- Finish: Soft and voluminous.
Why you love this: It’s practical and pretty at the same time. You get all-day comfort with a festive detail built right in.
9. Double Braided Crown
Shop On Amazon: Bobby Pins Set
Why it works: Two braids wrapped around the head like a crown feel whimsical and a little storybook, perfect for a festive holiday look.
- Best for: A holiday party with a whimsical or winter-wonderland theme.
- Styling tip: Pull small sections loose from the braids afterward for a softer, more romantic finish.
- Finish: Whimsical and detailed.
Why you love this: It feels like a fairytale without being over the top. You get real detail that still holds up through the whole event.
10. Sleek High Ponytail with Gold Cuff
Shop On Amazon: Gold Ponytail Cuff
Why it works: A sleek, high ponytail accented with a metallic gold cuff feels modern and glamorous for a holiday night out.
- Best for: A holiday party or New Year’s Eve event.
- Styling tip: Smooth hair fully back with gel before securing the ponytail for the sleekest finish.
- Finish: Sleek and modern.
Why you love this: It’s a fresh, elevated take on your everyday ponytail. You get glam with almost no extra time.
11. Loose Waves with a Berry Clip
Shop On Amazon: Decorative Hair Clip
Why it works: Soft, loose waves paired with a single decorative clip near the crown add a subtle festive detail without a full updo.
- Best for: A casual holiday gathering or family photos.
- Styling tip: Place the clip slightly off-center for a more natural, effortless look.
- Finish: Soft and romantic.
Why you love this: It’s simple enough to do in a few minutes. You still get a detail that photographs beautifully.
12. Classic Blowout with Face-Framing Curls
Shop On Amazon: Round Brush
Why it works: A smooth, voluminous blowout with soft curled pieces around the face gives a polished, camera-ready look for any holiday event.
- Best for: Family photos, holiday parties, or Christmas Eve dinner.
- Styling tip: Curl just the face-framing pieces after the blowout for the most natural-looking finish.
- Finish: Smooth and voluminous.
Why you love this: It’s the most versatile style on this list. You get a finished look that works for literally any holiday event.
13. Twisted Half-Up with Greenery Pin
Shop On Amazon: Faux Greenery Hair Pin
Why it works: A simple twisted half-up style gets a festive upgrade with a small faux greenery or holly pin tucked into the twist.
- Best for: A holiday party with a nature-inspired or rustic theme.
- Styling tip: Keep the twist loose rather than tight for the most natural, effortless look.
- Finish: Soft with a nature-inspired accent.
Why you love this: It’s a small detail that makes a big seasonal statement. You get a whimsical touch without much extra effort.
14. Sleek Low Bun with Statement Earrings
Shop On Amazon: Statement Drop Earrings
Why it works: Pulling hair back completely opens up your neck and ears, letting statement holiday earrings take center stage.
- Best for: A dressier holiday party where your jewelry is the main event.
- Styling tip: Keep the sides especially smooth to maximize the open, elegant neckline.
- Finish: Sleek and open.
Why you love this: It creates the perfect backdrop for festive jewelry. You get an elevated, elongated silhouette.
15. Cozy Space Buns
Shop On Amazon: Small Hair Elastics
Why it works: Playful space buns bring a fun, youthful energy to holiday styling, great for a more casual or family-friendly event.
- Best for: A casual family party or a day out at a holiday market.
- Styling tip: Tease the roots slightly before securing each bun for a fuller, more voluminous shape.
- Finish: Playful and voluminous.
Why you love this: It’s an easy way to feel festive without any formality. You get a fun look that still photographs well.
16. Elegant French Twist with Gold Pins
Shop On Amazon: Gold Hair Pins
Why it works: A classic French twist accented with a few gold pins feels timeless and formal, ideal for a black-tie holiday event.
- Best for: A formal Christmas or New Year’s Eve party.
- Styling tip: Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth flyaways before twisting for the cleanest finish.
- Finish: Polished and formal.
Why you love this: It’s classic elegance that never goes out of style. You get a timeless look for your most special holiday event.
17. Soft Curtain Bangs with Loose Waves
Shop On Amazon: Small Barrel Curling Iron
Why it works: Soft curtain bangs paired with loose waves through the rest of the hair feel current and effortlessly pretty for any holiday event.
- Best for: Any casual to semi-formal holiday gathering.
- Styling tip: Curl bangs away from the face first, then let them fall naturally for the softest frame.
- Finish: Soft and face-framing.
Why you love this: It’s a low-effort way to look instantly polished. You get a flattering frame for every holiday photo.
18. High Bun with Tinsel Strand Accent
Shop On Amazon: Hair Tinsel Strands
Why it works: A few strands of fine hair tinsel woven into a high bun catch the light beautifully, a playful and literal way to sparkle for the holidays.
- Best for: A festive holiday party or New Year’s Eve celebration.
- Styling tip: Add tinsel strands after the bun is secured, weaving them in near the front for the most visible sparkle.
- Finish: Sleek with subtle sparkle.
Why you love this: It’s a small, fun detail that photographs beautifully under holiday lights. You get sparkle without a single sequin.
19. Loose Bohemian Braid with Baby’s Breath
Shop On Amazon: Faux Baby’s Breath Stems
Why it works: A loose, textured braid with a few faux baby’s breath stems tucked in feels soft, romantic, and a little bit magical for the holidays.
- Best for: A holiday party with a soft, romantic, or winter-wonderland aesthetic.
- Styling tip: Pull small pieces loose from the braid before adding the flowers for the most natural, undone look.
- Finish: Soft and romantic.
Why you love this: It’s delicate and a little unexpected. You get a beautiful detail that feels made for the season.
20. Classic Smooth Ponytail with a Statement Bow
Shop On Amazon: Large Statement Hair Bow
Why it works: A sleek, smooth ponytail topped with an oversized statement bow feels playful, current, and unmistakably festive.
- Best for: A holiday party, especially for anyone who loves a bold, trend-forward accessory.
- Styling tip: Smooth the ponytail base thoroughly before attaching the bow so it sits cleanly at the base.
- Finish: Sleek with a bold accent.
Why you love this: It’s a simple style elevated entirely by one statement piece. You get a memorable, photo-ready look in minutes.
Nadia’s Editor Picks
- Most elegant: Elegant French Twist with Gold Pins
- Most festive: High Bun with Tinsel Strand Accent
- Best for family photos: Classic Blowout with Face-Framing Curls
- Most playful: Cozy Space Buns
- My personal favorite: Low Sleek Bun with a Velvet Bow, since it turns a five-minute style into something that feels like an occasion
Common Christmas Hairstyle Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping heat protectant. Between curling, straightening, and pinning, holiday styling often involves more heat than usual, so don’t skip this step.
- Choosing a style that won’t hold up. If you know you’ll be hugging relatives, dancing, or chasing kids around, pick a style with a stronger hold than you might normally use.
- Overdoing the sparkle. One festive detail, like tinsel strands or a statement bow, is usually plenty. Adding several at once can start to compete rather than complement.
- Not testing the style beforehand. If you’re trying something new for a big event, do a trial run a few days ahead so you’re not troubleshooting on the day itself.
FAQ
How do I make a holiday hairstyle last through a long event? A combination of a strong-hold elastic, well-placed bobby pins, and a finishing spray will help any style hold up through hours of dancing, hugging, and photos.
What’s the easiest style for Christmas morning at home? The Classic Christmas Morning Braid is designed specifically for comfort and ease, ideal for a relaxed day of gift-opening and family time.
Can I add festive accessories to any hairstyle on this list? Yes, most of these styles are flexible enough to add a bow, clip, or a few tinsel strands, even if the specific accessory listed isn’t the one you already own.
What hair length works best for these styles? Shoulder length or longer generally works best for the updos and braids, though shorter hair can achieve simplified versions with the help of a bit of texturizing product for grip.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a season full of gatherings, and each one deserves a hairstyle that matches the occasion, whether that’s a glamorous updo for a formal party or a cozy braid for a day at home. Pick whichever style matches your plans this year, and enjoy feeling just as festive as the season itself.
Looking for More Beauty Inspiration?
Don’t stop at just one holiday hair idea! My Low Sleek Bun Hairstyles for an Elegant Dinner Out guide has even more ways to wear a sleek bun for a dressier holiday event, and if you want your nails to match your hair this season, my 30 Christmas Nail Art Ideas roundup is the perfect next stop.
Visit the Nadia Daily Living homepage for our latest hairstyle trends, nail art collections, fashion guides, beauty tips, and lifestyle inspiration.
Happy styling! — Nadia James
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