Festive Christmas Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Welcome to the ultimate guide on Christmas Hairstyles for Curly Hair—where festive meets fabulous! This joyful season is the perfect time to embrace your beautiful natural curls and let them shine. Whether you’re heading to a cozy family dinner, a glamorous Christmas party, or just snapping holiday photos by the tree, curly hair offers endless styling possibilities. From soft, romantic ringlets to bold and playful updos, your curls can be the highlight of every festive moment. So let’s celebrate your natural texture and make this holiday season your most stylish one yet!

Christmas Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Celebrate the festive season with gorgeous Christmas hairstyles for curly hair that highlight your natural texture. From cozy family dinners to holiday parties, your curls can shine in every joyful moment.

Curly High Puff with Headband

This one is my go-to when I’m running low on time but still want my model to look like she’s stepping out of a holiday photoshoot. Honestly, there’s something about the high puff that just screams confidence. It lifts the curls, frames the face, and adding a sparkly headband instantly gives it that Christmas charm. I used this look on one of my models last year for a family party-themed shoot, and everyone kept asking how long it took—would you believe me if I said under ten minutes?

To get that perfect puff, I gently stretch the curls with my fingers and secure them high with a soft scrunchie. The headband? I like the velvety red ones, but gold works too. It’s simple, it’s festive, and it lets the curls shine. If you’ve got volume, this one’s for you—no need to over-style, just fluff and accessorize.

Half-Up Curly Bun with Bow

I don’t know what it is, but bows just feel right around Christmas. This half-up curly bun with a velvet bow is one of those styles I fall back on when I want playful and polished in one. One of my clients wore this for her niece’s Christmas pageant, and she looked like she stepped right out of a holiday movie. I used a red satin bow and let her curls go wild in the back.

It’s easy—gather the top section of curls, twist them into a loose bun, pin it, and plop that bow right underneath. I like to leave a few tendrils loose around the face for that soft, romantic vibe. No need to fuss with perfect partings; the messier it looks, the better it works. I’ve even done this on second-day curls, and trust me, it still slays.

Side-Swept Curls with Sparkle Clips

Okay, so this one’s for the drama queens—and I mean that in the best way possible. I remember prepping a lookbook and using this on one of my models with really tight spirals. I pinned one side with three rhinestone clips, and the entire team gasped. It gave total red-carpet energy. Something about exposing one side while letting the curls cascade just… works.

I always tell people—don’t overthink the clips. Stack a few, make it uneven, play with shapes. You want it to feel like glitter falling across your hairline. I personally love using sparkle clips that catch the light during a party. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser. It’s also great for when your curls are already poppin’ and you just want a fast glam upgrade.

Defined Wash-and-Go with Flower Crown

I know flower crowns are more “spring,” but hear me out—white and red mini blooms for Christmas? Stunning. I once did this on a bride for her Christmas wedding and honestly, it might be one of my favorite holiday styles ever. The key, though, is the curls. You can’t skip the definition step. I spend extra time finger-coiling where needed and using a light gel to lock it in.

Once that’s done, pop on the crown and boom—angelic. I like flower crowns that sit more like a headband than a halo, just to keep it grounded. It turns a regular wash-and-go into something soft, romantic, and totally seasonal. Plus, my models always feel so graceful in it—like they’re starring in a snowy fairytale.

Curly Space Buns with Ribbons

Ohhh space buns. They are playful, a little quirky, and when you add holiday ribbon? Adorable. I once did this style on a younger model for a Christmas market shoot and everyone at the venue kept stopping her for pictures. That’s when I knew—space buns are here to stay for the holidays.

What I do is part the hair down the middle, twist each side into a fluffy bun, and tie a ribbon around the base. Not too tight—you want the curls to puff out and bounce a little. Sometimes I even weave thin ribbon through a few curls for extra detail. In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated festive styles. It’s full of personality, and it’s surprisingly easy.

Pineapple Updo with Holiday Scrunchie

Now, this one’s a lifesaver when you’re low on time or trying to stretch a wash. The pineapple updo is basically a high loose pony, but when you throw on a holiday scrunchie? Magic. I’ve used plaid, glitter, even faux fur scrunchies—and they all make the look feel Christmas-ready. It’s great for parties where you know you’ll be dancing and need your curls off your neck.

I like to fluff the ends a bit to make them fan out like a curly fountain. Sometimes I’ll even pull down a curl or two around the ears for softness. Honestly, I’ve done this one in under 3 minutes backstage and it always photographs well. So simple, yet so cute.

Twisted Crown with Loose Curls

This one has such a soft elegance to it—I love it for more formal Christmas events. One of my favorite memories was styling a mother and daughter duo in this for a holiday concert, and they looked so sweet with their matching twisted crowns. I usually create two twists from the front, then pin them across the back like a headband, letting the rest of the curls flow free.

What makes it special is the contrast—the neatness of the twist with the wild beauty of the curls. I sometimes tuck in a small sprig of faux holly or gold thread through the twist to really tie in the festive vibe. It’s subtle, it’s elegant, and it flatters every face shape, in my opinion.

Curly Mohawk with Gold Pins

Alright, this one’s bold—and I love it. If your curls are extra voluminous, the curly mohawk is a statement. I once styled this on a model for a Christmas Eve club event and let me tell you, her entrance turned heads. I slick down the sides with edge control, gather the curls into three stacked puffs down the center, and finish with gold pins or cuffs.

The key is volume down the middle and neatness on the sides. You don’t need to go full punk rock—just a festive take on edgy glam. It’s empowering, honestly. And it’s one of those styles that looks way harder than it is. You feel like a star in it, and isn’t that what Christmas glam is all about?

Braided Front with Voluminous Curls

This is what I call the “effortlessly festive” look. Just one or two small braids at the front to frame the face, and the rest? Big, bouncy curls doing their thing. I styled this on a model for a cozy Christmas dinner shoot with fairy lights in the background, and it felt so relaxed yet special. The braids gave it a little edge, while the curls added softness.

I usually do a center or side part, braid a section or two, then pin them back loosely. Sometimes I’ll sneak in a mini clip with a pearl or gem. It’s perfect if you’re wearing a chunky sweater and want a hairstyle that complements it without going over the top. It says “I tried,” without saying “I spent two hours on this.”

Messy Curly Bun with Glitter Spray

This one’s all about the sparkle. It’s like throwing a mini New Year’s party on your head. I did this for a Christmas-themed dance shoot and used silver glitter spray—my model’s hair shimmered under the lights like snowflakes. It was magical. I start by scooping all the curls into a loose bun, not too high, not too low—just that perfect in-between.

Once the bun is pinned (don’t overthink it—messy is good!), I mist with glitter spray. You can do gold, silver, or even a red-green combo if you’re feeling bold. It catches the light beautifully, and it’s a fun surprise when you turn your head. Just be warned: you will leave a trail of sparkle wherever you go—but hey, that’s kind of the point, right?

Quick Tips for Styling Curly Hair on Christmas Morning

Christmas morning can be busy and exciting, but that doesn’t mean your curls have to miss out on looking their best! With a little planning and the right techniques, you can style your curly hair quickly while still keeping it festive and fabulous. Here are a few quick tips to help you get holiday-ready in minutes:

• Prep the night before with twists or braids
  Set your curls overnight by doing a few loose twists or braids to keep them defined and tangle-free.

• Use a satin bonnet to protect curl shape
  Sleeping in a satin bonnet helps reduce frizz and keeps your curls looking fresh and bouncy.

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• Refresh curls quickly with water and leave-in mix
  In the morning, spritz your hair with a mix of water and leave-in conditioner to revive and reshape curls instantly.

• Style in 10 minutes or less with puff or ponytail
  If you’re short on time, go for a high puff or curly ponytail—both are fast, easy, and look effortlessly festive.

FAQ

What are the best Christmas hairstyles for curly hair?

Some great Christmas hairstyles for curly hair options include curly high puffs, half-up buns with bows, side-swept curls with sparkly clips, curly space buns, and defined wash-and-go styles with festive accessories.

How can I make my curly hairstyle last all day during Christmas events?

Use curl-defining products, avoid touching your hair too much, and set your style with a light-hold hairspray or gel. A satin scrunchie or scarf can help keep your style intact if needed.

How do I keep my curls from getting frizzy during winter parties?

Moisturize well before styling, apply anti-frizz serum or cream, and avoid dry heat. A satin-lined hat or scarf also helps protect curls from winter air.

Can I straighten my curly hair for Christmas safely?

Yes, but use a heat protectant spray and keep the heat setting moderate. Limit straightening to special occasions to prevent damage and keep your natural curls healthy.