23 Christmas Hairstyles for a Gorgeous Festive Look
Christmas is the season of sparkle, and your hair deserves to shine too. These christmas hairstyles bring festive magic to every party, dinner, and photo moment. This collection of 23 looks ranges from elegant updos to playful braids.
Each style is photographed and explained with tips for holiday styling. I have included ideas for every hair length and texture, plus advice on accessories that make Christmas hair special. Scroll through, save your favorites, and get ready to glow.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Hairstyles for Women, Elegant Hairstyles, and Chic Hairstyles collections.
The Festive High Bun
The festive high bun is Christmas elegance at its peak. A polished bun dressed with holly sprigs that catches every light in the room. It is the look that says holiday host with the most, and it works for every formal event.
Secure with pins, not just elastic, for all-night hold, and smooth the top with a light serum. These christmas hairstyles start with a classic that never disappoints. Festive and fabulous. A spritz of shine spray is the final touch. This bun holds its shape from dinner to midnight.
Christmas Braided Crown
- Braid two sections from each side of your head.
- Cross them over the crown and pin securely.
- Weave in tiny battery fairy lights.
- Tuck the ends under and pin.
- Mist with hairspray for hold.
The Christmas braided crown is pure holiday magic. A halo of braids with twinkling lights woven through. It photographs beautifully. Crown yourself merry.
Velvet Ribbon Ponytail
Quick Tip:
Choose a wide velvet ribbon in deep red or forest green for the richest Christmas look. Tie it in a full bow at the base of a high ponytail, letting the ends trail down. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic first for a polished finish.
The velvet ribbon ponytail is simple luxury. One ribbon transforms an everyday ponytail into Christmas perfection. Ribbon rules.
The Holly Updo
BEFORE: Your holiday updo looks plain and forgettable. It could be any Tuesday.
AFTER: The holly updo is unmistakably Christmas. An elegant twist dressed with holly berries and green sprigs. Festive in every detail.
Use real or high-quality faux holly for the most natural look. Holiday hair, perfected.
Sparkly Low Bun
- Create a smooth low bun at the nape.
- Secure with pins and hairspray.
- Add gold glitter hairpins around the bun.
- Finish with a shimmer spray.
The sparkly low bun is understated glamour. Classic shape, festive sparkle. It works for every Christmas event on your calendar. Sparkle softly.
Christmas Tree Braid
| Feature | Regular Braid | Christmas Tree Braid |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Straight | Triangular |
| Decor | None | Mini ornaments |
| Time | 5 min | 15 min |
| Wow factor | Low | Maximum |
The Christmas tree braid is the showstopper. A braid shaped and decorated like a Christmas tree. It is playful, creative, and unforgettable. Tree-mendous.
The Candy Cane Twists
DO:
- Do use red and white ribbons for the candy cane effect.
- Do twist, not braid, for the swirl look.
- Do keep the twists tight so the ribbon shows.
- Do pair with a simple outfit; the hair is the star.
DON’T:
- Don’t use cheap ribbon that frays.
- Don’t make the twists too loose.
- Don’t skip the hairspray.
The candy cane twists are sweet and spirited. Red and white ribbons swirled through twisted hair. They are as fun to wear as they are to look at. Sweet style.
Glittery Waves
Best For: Medium to long hair | Time: 20 minutes | Skill Level: Beginner | Holds: Evening
Glittery waves are holiday hair at its most romantic. Soft waves dusted with gold glitter that catches the light. For healthy hair under all that styling, the WebMD hair care tips slideshow is worth a look. Glitter and glow.
The Mistletoe Updo
The mistletoe updo is romance under the mistletoe. A soft, romantic updo with a sprig of mistletoe tucked in, full of old-fashioned charm. It is made for Christmas Eve kisses and candlelit dinners.
Keep the updo soft and loose for the most romantic effect, with tendrils framing the face. These christmas hairstyles love a little whimsy and a lot of sparkle. Kissable hair. It is the updo people remember. Add a touch of shimmer powder on the shoulders for extra glow. Romance is in the details here. A sprig of baby’s breath softens the whole look.
Festive French Twist
- Smooth hair into a low ponytail.
- Twist upward and tuck the ends.
- Secure with French pins, not bobby pins.
- Add pearl pins along the twist.
- Finish with strong-hold spray.
The festive French twist is timeless Christmas elegance. The classic twist dressed with pearls for the season. It never fails at formal events. Twist and shout.
Christmas Bow Bun
Quick Tip:
Choose a bow that matches your outfit’s accent color for a coordinated look. Pin it securely at the top or side of the bun, not the back where no one sees it. A wire-edged bow holds its shape best all evening.
The Christmas bow bun is adorable and chic. A neat bun topped with a festive bow. It is the hairstyle equivalent of a wrapped present. Bow-tiful.
The Winter Star Hairpin Style
BEFORE: Your down hairstyle looks nice but plain. It needs something.
AFTER: The winter star hairpin style adds celestial sparkle. Gold star pins scattered through sleek hair like a winter night sky.
Place pins asymmetrically for a modern look. Stars in your hair.
Starry Side Braid
- Create a loose side braid.
- Pancake the edges for fullness.
- Add tiny star clips along the braid.
- Secure the end with a clear elastic.
The starry side braid is whimsical Christmas charm. A relaxed braid dotted with stars. It is youthful, fun, and photo-ready. Star light, star bright.
The Gingerbread Updo
| Feature | Classic Updo | Gingerbread Updo |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Neutral | Warm cinnamon |
| Accessory | Pearls | Gingerbread clip |
| Vibe | Formal | Playful |
| Best for | Gala | Family party |
The gingerbread updo is cozy Christmas fun. Warm tones and a gingerbread accent that makes everyone smile. It is the updo with a sense of humor. Sweet and spicy.
Twinkling Half Up
DO:
- Do use battery fairy lights made for hair.
- Do secure the lights with tiny clips.
- Do keep the rest of the hair soft and loose.
- Do test the lights before the event.
DON’T:
- Don’t use plug-in lights, ever.
- Don’t let the battery pack show.
- Don’t wear near open flames.
The twinkling half up is Christmas magic, literally. Fairy lights woven through a half-up style. You will be the most photographed person at the party. Lit from within.
The Ornament Bun
Best For: Long hair | Time: 15 minutes | Skill Level: Beginner | Holds: All evening
The ornament bun turns your hair into a Christmas tree topper. A sleek bun decorated with mini baubles. It is bold, glamorous, and unforgettable. Deck the hair.
Frosty Loose Waves
Frosty loose waves are winter wonderland hair. Icy blonde waves with a silver shimmer that looks like fresh snow, catching light with every movement. It is cool, literally and figuratively.
Add silver shimmer spray for the frosty effect, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. These christmas hairstyles prove winter hair is the prettiest hair. Ice queen energy. Pair it with a bold red lip for contrast. The icy tones make blue eyes pop beautifully. This is winter hair at its absolute finest. Cool tones, warm compliments, all season long here.
The Reindeer Antler Braids
- Create two Dutch braids.
- Secure with clear elastics.
- Add a reindeer antler headband.
- Wrap ribbon around the headband base.
- Pancake the braids for fullness.
The reindeer antler braids are pure Christmas fun. Playful braids with antlers on top. Perfect for ugly sweater parties and family photos. Dasher and dancer.
Golden Holiday Curls
Quick Tip:
Curl in large sections for soft, bouncy holiday curls, and brush through gently for that golden glow. A shine spray adds the luminous finish. Pin one side back with a festive clip for asymmetry. Golden curls, golden hour.
Golden holiday curls are warmth and luxury. Voluminous curls glowing like candlelight. They are made for Christmas morning photos. Glow getter.
The Peppermint Swirl Bun
BEFORE: Your bun is boring. It is the same bun you wear to work.
AFTER: The peppermint swirl bun is Christmas in a hairstyle. A swirled bun wrapped with red and white ribbon like a peppermint candy.
Twist the ribbon with the hair as you form the bun. Sweet swirls.
Snowy Messy Bun
- Create a high messy bun.
- Pull out face-framing pieces.
- Dust with faux snow sparkle spray.
- Add a few pearl pins.
The snowy messy bun is cozy Christmas charm. A relaxed bun with a dusting of snow sparkle. It is the hairstyle for fireside evenings. Snow beautiful.
The Tinsel Braid
| Feature | Plain Braid | Tinsel Braid |
|---|---|---|
| Shine | Natural | Metallic |
| Festive level | Low | Maximum |
| Time | 5 min | 10 min |
| Best for | Everyday | Parties |
The tinsel braid is disco Christmas. Silver tinsel woven through a long braid for maximum shine. It catches every light in the room. Shine bright.
Elegant Holiday Chignon
DO:
- Do keep the chignon low and smooth.
- Do use crystal pins for the holiday touch.
- Do smooth flyaways with a light serum.
- Do pair with statement earrings.
DON’T:
- Don’t make it too tight; softness is key.
- Don’t over-accessorize.
- Don’t skip the hairspray.
The elegant holiday chignon is refined Christmas beauty. A low chignon with crystal pins that whispers luxury. It is the quiet showstopper. Elegance, always.
Styling Tips for These Christmas Hairstyles
A few rules make holiday hair easy. Always do a trial run before the big event, keep extra pins and a travel hairspray in your bag, and choose accessories that match your outfit’s metal tones. Festive hair should feel fun, not fussy. Once the basics click, these christmas hairstyles become your favorite part of getting ready.
Conclusion
From the festive high bun to the elegant chignon, these 23 christmas hairstyles bring the magic of the season to your hair. Each look sparkles with holiday spirit: glitter, ribbons, lights, and bows that make every moment feel special. Save this post to your Pinterest board, pick your favorite, and shine at every Christmas gathering. I have seen how the right holiday hairstyle can make someone feel like the star of the season. Your most festive hair days are ahead. Share it with a friend who loves Christmas; she will adore this collection.
