18 Festive Holiday Hairstyles Full of Seasonal Cheer

BySienna Blake

December calls for hair that matches the magic of the season. These festive holiday hairstyles mix braids, buns, bows and sparkle so every gathering on your calendar gets a look of its own.

Each idea below pairs a real photo with simple steps you can copy at home, whether you have five minutes or a full styling session.

Velvet Bow Waves

Rear view of long dark wavy hair with a red velvet bow clipped at the crown, beside a lit Christmas tree.
Image credit: @braids_by_madeline

A big velvet bow is the fastest way to make long waves feel party ready. Clip it over a half-up twist or right at the crown.

Snowflake Twisted Updo

Blonde twisted updo with a sparkling snowflake hairpin, worn with a red sequin dress.
Image credit: @nikki.hair2019

Quick Tip: build this updo on day-old hair for extra grip. Twist sections loosely toward the back and finish with one statement pin.

Bauble Decorated Updo

Brunette updo decorated with red baubles, gold ornaments, berries and evergreen sprigs.
Image credit: @theladyofthegoldrings

  • Gather hair into a low bun and pin it securely.
  • Tuck wired ornament picks or berry sprigs directly into the bun.
  • Keep decorations lightweight so the style lasts through dinner.

Pearl Embellished Braid

Blonde fishtail braid woven with small pearl beads and tied with a large red velvet bow.
Image credit: @omibynaomi

DO: thread pearl beads onto bobby pins before you braid. DON’T: overload the braid, a few pearls make a stronger statement.

Messy High Bun

Voluminous textured high bun with loose face-framing strands, photographed near a Christmas tree.
Image credit: @hairwith.ror

  1. Flip your head forward and gather hair into a high ponytail.
  2. Twist the ponytail loosely and coil it around the base.
  3. Set with texture spray for that perfectly undone finish.

Mini Bow Braid

Blonde side braid dotted with tiny burgundy velvet bows, flowing into a wavy low ponytail.
Image credit: @all_the_christmas_love

Tiny bows scattered along a braid look like presents lined up down your hair. Stitch them in with bobby pins every few inches.

Ornament Woven Curls

Long blonde curls decorated with holly sprigs, red berries, gold stars and glowing fairy lights.
Image credit: @all_the_christmas_love

Quick Tip: weave fairy lights or ornament picks through curls AFTER styling, not before.

Glitter Bow Ponytail

Sleek wavy low ponytail secured with an oversized glittery red bow, against a blurred Christmas tree.
Image credit: @beauteseoultv

  • Smooth hair back with a shine serum before gathering it.
  • Curl the ponytail ends for extra movement.

Sparkling Hair Tinsel

Overhead view of long brown hair spread on grass with pink and silver tinsel strands woven through.
Image credit: @tinsselbymadisson

Hair tinsel adds instant shimmer with zero damage and zero commitment. Strands are tied near the roots and last for weeks.

Jewel Topped Ponytail

High brown ponytail topped with a red velvet bow featuring a sparkling jewel centerpiece.
Image credit: @redribbonboutique

DO: pick a bow with a jeweled center for a built-in focal point. DON’T: use an oversized bow on fine hair.

Christmas Tree Braid

Teal-dyed hair styled into layered bubble sections resembling a Christmas tree with green bands.
Image credit: @sofa_the_hairdresser

  1. Divide the hair into sections down the back of the head.
  2. Create stacked bubble ponytails, pulling each one wide and flat.
  3. Finish with star or bauble accents at each band.

Sleek Wrapped Bun

Smooth blonde wrapped bun photographed from the side in a salon setting.
Image credit: @hairbylisax

The wrapped bun is proof that simple can be striking. Smooth everything back, twist the length around itself, and tuck the ends underneath.

Pearl Vine Chignon

Low textured chignon with a delicate pearl and crystal vine hair accessory.
Image credit: @bloheartsyou

Quick Tip: place the vine accessory after the chignon is fully pinned. Slide it in diagonally so it looks woven through the hair.

Twisted High Bun

Dramatic twisted high bun on dark brown hair with face-framing pieces, in a salon.
Image credit: @gracieleighfriar.hair

  • Start with a high ponytail for maximum drama.
  • Coil the twist into a bun and pin from underneath.

Golden Tiara Half Up

Half-up curly brown hair with a glittering golden tiara and shimmering makeup, against gold bokeh.
Image credit: @purelycelebrations

A glittering tiara turns half-up curls into a celebration. Tease the crown lightly before pulling the top section back.

Star Clip Braid Pony

Twisted blonde braid with scattered crystals and a silver star clip, ending in a wavy ponytail.
Image credit: @the_braid_bar

DO: anchor the braid with a hidden elastic before adding the star clip. DON’T: brush out the waves after braiding.

Sweet Bow Braid

Child's neat low braid topped with a large red-and-white Santa-style bow.
Image credit: @littlelocksbymum

Little ones get the sweetest holiday hair of all. A neat low braid keeps things tidy through parties and photos, while an oversized Santa-style bow adds pure cheer.

Blush Ribbon Braid

Multi-strand braided updo finished with blush-pink satin ribbons and a dusting of glitter.
Image credit: @purelycelebrations

Before: a plain braided updo that feels a little flat. After: blush satin ribbons woven through each section add softness and movement.

Conclusion

With 18 festive holiday hairstyles to choose from, you have a look for every party, photo and quiet night in.

For more inspiration, explore these related guides: winter party hairstyles and holiday braid ideas.

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  2. Pingback: 15 Sparkly Christmas Hairstyles Full of Glam

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