22 Christmas Party Hairstyles for a Glamorous Holiday Look
Christmas party hairstyles should feel as special as the season itself. Whether your party is a black-tie dinner or a cozy office gathering, the right hairstyle adds instant glamour and polish. This year the looks range from old Hollywood waves to sparkling accessories that catch the light beautifully.
Inside you will find 22 ideas for every hair length and texture, each one party-tested and photo ready. WebMD shares hair secrets from the pros that help styles stay shiny and smooth all night. Pick your favorite Christmas party hairstyles below and plan your glam moment.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Hairstyles for Women, Chic Hairstyles, and Haircut Ideas collections.
Glamorous Hollywood Waves
Glamorous Hollywood waves are the definition of party elegance. Deep, uniform waves sweep to one side with a glossy finish that looks stunning in photos. This style suits medium and long hair best and pairs beautifully with red lipstick and a dark dress. It is the hairstyle most associated with golden-age movie stars.
Use a large-barrel iron and brush the curls out gently into smooth waves. A shine spray at the end gives that polished, red-carpet glow. Set each wave with a light mist as you go. It is the most timeless of all Christmas party hairstyles.
Sleek High Ponytail
- Brush hair up high for a lifted, snatched look.
- Wrap a strand around the band to hide it.
- Smooth flyaways with a light gel.
The sleek high ponytail is modern glamour at its simplest. Pulled up high and smoothed to a shine, it shows off your makeup and earrings while the tail swings with movement. It works on long hair and with extensions for extra length. Chic, confident, and dance-floor proof.
Elegant Low Bun
Quick Tip:
Leave two soft strands loose at the front. They keep a low bun romantic instead of severe, and they frame the face in photos.
The elegant low bun sits at the nape with a smooth, twisted finish. It is the hairstyle that never fails a formal invitation. Add a sparkly pin on one side and the whole look turns festive in seconds.
Sparkling Hair Bow
BEFORE: A plain half-up style that blends into the crowd.
AFTER: The same style finished with a sparkling bow that catches every light in the room.
A sparkling hair bow is the fastest festive upgrade there is. Clip it over a half-up style, a ponytail, or a bun and your hair instantly reads holiday glamour. Velvet, satin, and crystal bows are all trending this season.
Twisted Half-Up Style
- Take two front sections and twist each one back.
- Pin them together at the back of the crown.
- Curl the loose lengths in soft waves.
- Finish with a light-hold spray.
The twisted half-up style keeps hair off your face while the lengths stay loose and romantic. The twists add detail that plain half-up styles lack. It suits every hair type and takes under fifteen minutes.
Voluminous Blowout Curls
| Feature | Blowout Curls | Tight Curls |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Big and bouncy | Small and defined |
| Finish | Smooth, glossy | Textured, springy |
| Best for | Classic glam | Bold volume |
| Lasts | One evening | Several days |
Voluminous blowout curls bring big, bouncy glamour to any party. The curls are large, smooth, and full of movement, like a salon blowout on its best day. This style flatters medium and long hair and photographs beautifully.
Braided Crown Updo
DO:
- Braid along the hairline for a true crown shape.
- Pin the ends neatly under the braid.
- Loosen the braid slightly for softness.
DON’T:
- Do not braid too tightly at the temples.
- Do not leave the back unstyled.
- Do not skip hairspray on the crown.
The braided crown updo wraps a braid around the head like a halo. It looks intricate and regal, yet it stays secure through dinner and dancing. Add tiny pearl pins along the braid for a festive finish.
Side-Swept Curls
Best For: One-shoulder dresses | Time: 25 minutes | Skill Level: Medium | Holds: All evening
Side-swept curls gather all the hair over one shoulder for a dramatic, glamorous sweep. The deep side part adds mystery, and the curls look lush piled to one side. Pin the lighter side back with a sparkly clip.
Chic Chignon Twist
The chic chignon twist is French elegance in hairstyle form. Hair is twisted and coiled low at the back with a smooth, sculpted shape. It pairs perfectly with statement earrings and a bare neckline. This updo reads expensive without trying hard. It has been a red-carpet favorite for decades.
Secure it with strong pins and finish with a gloss spray. A chignon suits formal dinners and black-tie parties best. Among classic Christmas party hairstyles, this one always looks refined in photos. It also travels well, holding its shape from the first toast to the last dance.
Pearl Pin Accents
- Scatter pearl pins along one side of the hair.
- Mix sizes for a natural, luxe effect.
- Use them to pin back one side of loose waves.
Pearl pin accents turn any simple style into a party look. A cluster of pearls at one side adds softness and shine that suits the season perfectly. They work on loose hair, buns, and braids alike. Keep the rest of the styling simple so the pearls shine.
Velvet Glam Waves
Quick Tip:
Brush velvet waves with a soft bristle brush, never a comb. Brushing blends the waves into one smooth, expensive-looking sheet of shine.
Velvet glam waves are softer and looser than Hollywood waves, with a brushed-out, touchable finish. They look rich and romantic, especially on long hair. A deep side part makes them even more glamorous.
High Gloss Topknot
BEFORE: A messy everyday bun with flyaways everywhere.
AFTER: A high gloss topknot, smoothed and polished to a mirror shine.
The high gloss topknot sits right on top of the head with a sleek, shiny finish. It lifts the face, shows off your neckline, and stays put through the whole party. Smooth every side with gel for that wet-shine look.
Ribbon-Tied Ponytail
- Gather hair into a low or mid ponytail.
- Secure with a plain band first.
- Tie a velvet ribbon in a bow over the band.
- Curl the tail in loose waves.
The ribbon-tied ponytail is sweet, festive, and incredibly easy. A black or red velvet ribbon makes a simple ponytail look planned and pretty. It is a favorite for office parties and family dinners alike.
Vintage Finger Waves
| Feature | Finger Waves | Hollywood Waves |
|---|---|---|
| Era | 1920s vintage | 1940s glamour |
| Shape | Flat S-waves | Full, flowing waves |
| Best length | Short to medium | Medium to long |
| Finish | Glossy, sculpted | Soft, brushed |
Vintage finger waves bring 1920s glamour to a modern party. The sculpted S-waves hug the head in glossy ridges that look like art. They are especially striking on short and medium hair. Pair with a dark lip for full vintage effect.
Loose Party Braid
DO:
- Pull the braid apart gently for fullness.
- Leave soft strands out at the front.
- Weave in a thin ribbon for a festive touch.
DON’T:
- Do not braid wet hair for a party style.
- Do not make it too tight and school-like.
- Do not forget spray to hold the looseness.
The loose party braid is romantic and relaxed, worn over one shoulder with soft pieces around the face. It suits long hair and looks beautiful with sparkly earrings. The undone finish keeps it modern, not formal.
Sleek Bob Glam
Best For: Bob and lob lengths | Time: 15 minutes | Skill Level: Easy | Holds: All night
Sleek bob glam proves short hair parties just as hard. The bob is straightened smooth with tucked-under ends and a glass-like shine. A center part keeps it modern, while a jeweled clip adds the festive note.
Twinkling Star Clips
Twinkling star clips are pure holiday fun. Small gold or silver stars scattered through your hair catch the light like tree decorations. Wear them along a side part, through a braid, or clustered above one ear for the prettiest effect. Gold suits warm outfits, while silver suits cool tones best.
They suit every length, from pixies to long waves, and take seconds to place. Mix them with loose curls for a soft finish. Of all the playful Christmas party hairstyles, this one gets the most compliments. They also make a sweet gift for a friend who loves hair accessories.
Romantic Low Ponytail
- Part hair in the center for a soft, modern feel.
- Keep volume loose at the crown.
- Wave the tail and brush it out gently.
The romantic low ponytail gathers soft waves at the nape with loose pieces framing the face. It is gentle, pretty, and perfect with delicate jewelry. The style takes ten minutes yet looks carefully planned. A satin ribbon or a pearl band finishes it sweetly for the holidays.
Curly Party Updo
Quick Tip:
Pin curls up one by one instead of gathering them all at once. Piece-by-piece pinning keeps the volume balanced and the shape soft.
The curly party updo piles natural curls high with a few tendrils left loose at the front. It celebrates texture instead of fighting it, and the volume looks festive on its own. Add a sparkly pin for extra holiday shine.
Jeweled Headband Look
BEFORE: Loose hair that falls flat by the second hour of the party.
AFTER: The same hair crowned with a jeweled headband that holds the front back and adds instant glamour.
A jeweled headband does the styling work for you. Push it over loose waves or a smooth blowout and your hair looks dressed up instantly. Crystal and pearl designs suit the Christmas season best.
Braided Bun Elegance
- Braid a low ponytail in a simple three-strand braid.
- Coil the braid around its base into a bun.
- Pin all the way around to secure.
- Add a small sparkly accessory at the side.
Braided bun elegance combines two classics into one secure updo. The braid texture shows through the bun, giving it detail a plain bun lacks. It survives a full night of dancing without slipping.
Glossy Mermaid Waves
| Feature | Mermaid Waves | Beach Waves |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth, uniform | Tousled, matte |
| Finish | High gloss | Natural, dry |
| Best for | Glam parties | Casual days |
| Length | Long hair shines | Any length |
Glossy mermaid waves flow in long, smooth ripples down the back. The uniform wave pattern and mirror shine make them pure glamour. They need long hair or extensions to reach full effect, and they reward the effort in every photo.
Styling Tips for These Christmas Party Hairstyles
Great party hair starts before the styling does. Wash and condition the day before, since freshly washed hair can be too slippery for updos to hold. Prep with a heat protectant before any hot tool, and finish every style with a light shine spray rather than heavy oils. Christmas party hairstyles last longer when you set curls and let them cool fully before brushing out. Finally, pack two spare pins and a mini spray in your bag, and your glamour will survive to the last song.
Conclusion
The best Christmas party hairstyles make you feel as joyful as the season itself. From glossy waves to jeweled accessories, there is a glamorous option here for every length, texture, and party on your calendar. In my experience, the style you choose early and practice once is the one that looks best on the night, because confidence is half the glamour. Pick your favorite, give it a trial run this week, and walk into your party shining. Merry Christmas, and enjoy every compliment that comes your way. Now go enjoy the party you have been looking forward to all season.
