Festive & Fabulous Christmas Hairstyles Ideas

Looking for the perfect finishing touch to your festive look? These Christmas Hairstyles Ideas are fun, stylish, and perfect for parties, family photos, or cozy celebrations at home.

Sleek Low Bun with Red Ribbon

Every time I do a sleek low bun on one of my models, I fall in love with it all over again. There’s something so polished and timeless about it—especially when you add a bold red ribbon. Honestly, it’s such a small touch but it makes the whole style feel so “Christmas card ready.” I remember one shoot where we tied the ribbon in a floppy bow, and the model’s little niece squealed, “She looks like a Christmas present!” Still cracks me up.

The trick is getting that parting super clean and the bun as smooth as glass. I usually spritz a light mist of shine spray before twisting it down low. A bit of hairspray, pin everything snug, and that ribbon just ties it all together—literally. If you’re going to any holiday dinners or work parties, this one’s a classy win. I’ve never seen it not turn heads.

Loose Curls with Glitter Clips

Loose curls feel like Christmas magic, don’t they? Especially when you pop in some glitter clips—oh my gosh, they sparkle like fairy lights in your hair. I once styled this look on a model for a winter wedding shoot, and I swear, even the photographer couldn’t stop complimenting it. It’s one of those effortless styles that still says you showed up with some holiday spirit.

I usually curl sections away from the face, and once they cool, I gently break them up with my fingers—not a brush, never a brush! Then I pop in a few glittery star or snowflake clips, not in a pattern, just wherever feels fun. It’s playful, a little chaotic, but totally festive. In my opinion, this one’s perfect if you’re not into super “done” styles but still want something glam for Christmas Eve dinners or casual get-togethers.

Braided Crown with Holly Pins

Okay, this one might be my personal favorite. The braided crown with holly pins just screams holiday magic, like something out of a storybook. One of my models wore it for a Christmas market promo shoot, and people literally stopped her to ask if she was in a parade or something. It gives total winter princess vibes without being too over-the-top.

I braid two sections from each side of the head and wrap them over the top like a headband, pinning them down with clear grips. Then come the cute holly pins—I use these faux ones with tiny red berries, and they look so adorable nestled into the braid. You don’t need a full head of flowers or accessories; just three or four give it the perfect touch. Honestly, it’s the kind of style that’ll get you compliments from strangers. It’s that good.

Twisted Half-Updo with Sparkly Barrettes

So, twisted half-up styles are my go-to when I want that balance between effort and “I just threw this together.” Add sparkly barrettes and it’s an instant festive look. I did this one recently on a model for a cozy cabin shoot, and it looked so cute with her chunky knit sweater and rosy cheeks from the cold.

The key here is twisting small sections from the front toward the back, securing them with bobby pins first, and then clipping on the barrettes right over them. I always pick ones that have a bit of shimmer—silver stars, crystal-studded ones, you name it. I’ve found that this style looks best on slightly wavy hair, so I usually add a few soft curls before I start. It’s sweet, unfussy, and honestly, a little flirty in the best way.

High Ponytail with Velvet Bow

Ah, the high pony. I feel like this one’s a classic for a reason—it’s fun, bouncy, and full of attitude. When I throw in a velvet bow, especially deep red or forest green, it’s like holiday cheer on your head. I remember doing this look for a model who was headed to a casual office holiday party, and she said it made her feel ten times more festive without being too “done.”

I pull the ponytail up high, like right where the crown curves. Tease the base a bit for volume, secure it with a thick band, then wrap a piece of hair around to hide it. The velvet bow goes right on top, and bam—it’s a whole vibe. In my opinion, it’s perfect if you love playful hairstyles that still feel polished. And honestly, it photographs like a dream.

Side Braid with Snowflake Accessories

This one’s so charming it hurts. Side braids are already cute, but when I add little snowflake accessories, it takes on this fairy-tale look that’s just so Christmassy. One of my clients wore this to a tree-lighting ceremony last year, and everyone kept asking if she had it done professionally. (Spoiler: she did. I did it.)

I start by parting the hair deeply on one side, then do a loose side braid, keeping it slightly messy and soft. Before tying it off, I tug at the loops a bit to give it that relaxed, full look. Then come the snowflake pins—I like sliding them in randomly along the braid so it looks like they just landed there like real snow. It’s understated but so pretty. If you’re doing any outdoor festivities, I highly recommend this one.

Messy Bun with Christmas Scrunchie

I’ll admit it—messy buns are my weakness. They’re easy, quick, and you can dress them up in seconds. I once threw one together on a model during a shoot break just to get her hair out of the way, and the photographer ended up loving it so much he kept it for the final look. We just tossed in a Christmas scrunchie, and voilà—instant holiday charm.

The messier the better, honestly. I pull the hair into a loose bun (top, mid, wherever it falls naturally), then gently tug at random bits to make it fluffy and soft. Add a scrunchie—velvet, plaid, maybe one with little bells if you’re feeling bold—and suddenly you’ve got a festive, Instagram-ready hairstyle with zero stress. This is my “I’m running late but still cute” go-to.

Classic French Twist with Gold Accents

I feel like the French twist doesn’t get enough love these days. It’s elegant, timeless, and when you sneak in a few gold accents—wow, it transforms. I did this on one of my older models who wanted something graceful for a formal Christmas gala, and it just radiated old-Hollywood glam.

It’s a bit of a technical style, I’ll be honest. You sweep the hair to one side, roll it inwards, and pin like crazy. But once you’ve got the structure, decorating it is where the fun begins. I like adding a row of delicate gold hairpins or a tiny comb right at the seam. It catches the light so beautifully. It’s definitely not a casual look, but for those dressed-up holiday events, this one is stunning and gets compliments every time.

Double Dutch Braids with Tinsel Strands

Double Dutch braids bring out everyone’s inner kid—especially when you weave in a bit of tinsel. I did this style for a teen model during a holiday fair campaign, and the sparkle in her hair literally matched the lights on the Christmas tree behind her. It was so fun I ended up doing it on three more models that same day.

I section the hair cleanly down the middle, do two tight Dutch braids, and then feed in thin tinsel strands as I go. Silver, gold, even iridescent pink works beautifully. The braids hold the tinsel in place without needing glue or clips, which I love. In my opinion, this style is perfect for kids, teens, or anyone who wants a festive look that’s a little quirky. And yes—it gets tons of compliments.

Wavy Hair with Reindeer Antler Headband

This one is just pure fun. Wavy hair paired with a cute reindeer antler headband is an instant crowd-pleaser. I once styled it for a charity Christmas brunch, and everyone from toddlers to grandmas kept pointing at the antlers and smiling. It’s impossible not to grin when you see it.

I curl the hair in alternating directions so the waves look more natural, tousle them with a bit of texture spray, and let them fall loose. Then I just pop on the antler headband—preferably one with glitter or little jingle bells. I’ve found that this is such a great “last-minute but festive” hairstyle. If you’ve got plans where you want to look cute but still a bit silly (in the best way), this is the one. Reindeer chic, as I call it.

Tips to Make Your Hairstyle Last All Day

When you’re getting ready for Christmas parties, family dinners, or festive photo sessions, you want your hair to stay just as flawless by evening as it was in the morning. No one wants their curls to fall flat or their bun to unravel halfway through the celebration! Here are some simple tips to help your Christmas hairstyle hold up all day long:

• Prep your hair properly
  Start with clean, dry hair and use the right products—volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, or heat protectant depending on the style. Using a good quality curling iron or flat iron can also make a big difference in how long your look lasts.

• Use setting sprays and secure pins
  After styling, lock everything in place with a strong-hold hairspray. Add festive-friendly hairpins or clips not just for decoration but also to give your hairstyle extra grip and hold.

• Protect your hair from humidity or snow
  If you’re stepping outside, shield your hairstyle with a satin scarf or hood. Humidity and snow can ruin hours of effort, so try anti-humidity spray or serums to help your hair stay smooth and frizz-free.

With these tips, your Christmas hairstyle will stay picture-perfect from the first hug to the last dance!