Warm holiday greetings to all the queens getting ready to slay this festive season! As Christmas lights twinkle and holiday music fills the air, it’s the perfect time to embrace joyful vibes and show off your style with Christmas hairstyles for Black women. This season is all about celebration, and that includes honoring your natural beauty and the rich textures of Black hair.
Christmas Hairstyles for Black Women
Celebrate the season with stunning Christmas hairstyles for Black women that highlight natural beauty and cultural pride. From elegant updos to festive protective styles, there’s a perfect look for every holiday event.
Sleek Low Bun with Side Part
This one’s my go-to when I’m styling for a more formal Christmas dinner or a church event. Something about a clean side part and a tight low bun just says elegance. I did this style last year for my cousin’s Christmas Eve gala, and she looked so regal, even her grandma couldn’t stop commenting. Honestly, it doesn’t take much—just some good edge control, a rat-tail comb for that crisp part, and a soft-bristle brush. Smooth everything down, gather it low, twist, pin, done.
And listen—don’t forget the shine spray. That’s the secret weapon. You want it to reflect those Christmas lights, okay? I’ve found this style works especially well when you haven’t washed your hair in a few days (shh, don’t tell). Add a pair of sparkly earrings and you’re straight-up glowing. It’s the kind of style that whispers luxury, not screams it—and that’s what makes it hit.
Box Braids with Holiday Beads
Box braids are a December lifesaver, let’s be honest. They’re protective, stylish, and super customizable. One of my clients came in early December last year saying, “Give me something I won’t have to touch ‘til New Year’s,” and I said, girl, we’re doing box braids with red and gold beads. The way her eyes lit up! That’s when I knew we were on to something festive and low-maintenance.
Once the braids are in, the fun starts. You can mix in wooden beads, metallic cuffs, or even tiny bells (yes, actual bells—I’ve done it). I love to add the beads at the ends for that swing effect when you move. The key is balance—you don’t want to overdo it, but a pop of color here and there? Chef’s kiss. And when those braids click while you walk through a party, it’s like your hair’s singing carols too.
Bantu Knots with Gold Cuffs
Okay, real talk—Bantu knots are that bold, beautiful statement hairstyle that never fails to turn heads. I remember doing them on my niece for her school’s winter play. She was the snow queen, and we added tiny gold cuffs at the base of each knot. She looked like royalty. Everyone was asking, “Who did her hair?” And she proudly said, “My auntie.” I nearly cried.
The thing I love about Bantu knots is that they’re both functional and artistic. If you section the hair right, you can create patterns that look like a crown. Slick your edges with a little gel, place the knots neatly, and slide on those cuffs for a finish that’s festive and fly. It’s one of those styles where less is more, but the result feels extra. Trust me, you’ll walk into any Christmas party and folks will stop mid-sentence just to stare—in a good way.
Twist-Out with Sparkly Clips
Twist-outs are kind of a tradition for me during the holidays. I do them on myself and my models when we want that big, fluffy, soft look. But the real fun? Adding sparkly clips. One time I used tiny star-shaped barrettes for a winter wedding shoot and I swear, the camera fell in love. Those little details catch the light and add this twinkle effect that’s so magical.
To get that perfect twist-out, you’ve got to twist on damp hair with a little curl cream and mousse. Let it set overnight if possible, then unravel gently in the morning. Fluff it out like you mean it! Then, slide in some sparkly clips on one side or scatter them all around for a galaxy vibe. In my opinion, this style makes you feel like a curly Christmas angel—and it’s soft enough for family cuddles but glam enough for any holiday photo shoot.
High Puff with a Velvet Bow
This one is adorable, I’m not even going to lie. One year I was rushing to get ready for a Christmas brunch and had no time for anything elaborate. I threw my hair into a high puff and tied a red velvet bow around it—and boom! Everyone thought I spent hours on it. That’s the thing about a good puff: it does the most with the least effort.
You just need a stretchy band or shoelace, something gentle. Pull your curls upward, secure them high, fluff, and add the bow. The velvet gives it that soft, rich holiday feel. I’ve done this look for little girls too—especially for matching mommy-and-me shoots—and the photos come out precious. It’s festive, cute, and lets your natural texture shine without fuss. And if you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a style that’s cute and quick because life during the holidays? Whew. Busy.
Feed-In Braided Ponytail
Let me tell you, feed-in braids into a ponytail is the ultimate “I came to slay but keep it classy” holiday hairstyle. I did this look on a client for her office Christmas party, and she called me the next day like, “I got compliments all night.” It’s neat, sleek, and has this powerful, almost goddess-like vibe to it when done right.
Start with clean, stretched hair. Part the feed-in braids going back, gradually adding in hair for thickness, and gather them into a high or mid ponytail. Sometimes I wrap one braid around the base to hide the band—it’s those tiny details that elevate the whole thing. If you’re feeling fancy, add gold string or red ribbon through the braids. To be fair, it takes time, but the result? Worth every minute. And you get to enjoy your holidays without worrying about frizz or fuss.
Afro with Christmas Headband
Afros are timeless, and around Christmas, I love letting that natural volume be the star of the show. I styled a client for a cozy family holiday dinner once and she said, “Make me look festive but don’t touch my fro too much.” So we fluffed it to the heavens and added a Christmas-themed headband with little candy canes. Her nieces thought she was a fairy.
The magic here is in the accessory. Don’t overthink the hair—just shape it how you like, pick it out a little, maybe spritz some moisture mist to give it life. Then add the headband. You can go classy with a velvet one or fun with reindeer antlers—depends on your mood. In my opinion, it’s the kind of style that keeps your personality front and center. You show up, you sparkle, and your hair gets to live its best holiday life.
Cornrow Updo with Red Thread
Cornrow updos are elegant any time of year, but adding red thread around the braids? That’s my little Christmas hack. I once did this style for a holiday gala, and the red glinted under the chandelier lights like ribbons in a gift wrap. Everyone kept asking where she got her hair “decorated.” Decorated! Like a Christmas tree. I loved that.
You braid the hair upward toward the crown or nape, depending on your updo style. Then take a thin red thread—embroidery floss works great—and weave it through selected cornrows. It’s subtle but so festive. Add in a few beads or cuffs if you want more drama. In my opinion, it’s the perfect mix of traditional and seasonal. It’s protective, stays in place all night, and it absolutely stuns when paired with a bold red lip or sparkly dress. Trust me, this one’s a winner.
Faux Locs with Tinsel Accents
I’m obsessed with faux locs during winter. They’re cozy, protective, and they photograph beautifully in that golden holiday lighting. But for Christmas? I add a little tinsel. Yes—actual tinsel, like the kind you hang on trees. It sounds wild, but hear me out. I wrap a few strands around individual locs and secure them with tiny rubber bands or thread. It looks magical.
I first tried this on myself for a Christmas market date. My locs shimmered under the fairy lights, and I felt like a walking holiday movie. If you’re feeling playful, you can mix in green and gold tinsel too. Just don’t go overboard—five to seven accent locs are enough. It’s festive, yes, but still grown and stylish. In my experience, this one’s a conversation starter. People will stare, compliment, and probably ask if you do hair. (You should say yes, even if you don’t!)
Natural Curls with Pearl Pins
There’s something so soft and magical about pearl pins in curly hair. I’ve been doing this look a lot lately for holiday photoshoots, and every time I finish, I step back and go, “Wow.” The pearls just bring this understated elegance that feels very wintery and very Black girl luxury. You don’t need to do too much else. Let those curls live.
Wash-and-go or twist-out works fine—just fluff and shape your curls, then start placing pearl pins randomly or along one side. I love clustering them like a constellation, honestly. It feels a bit romantic and dreamy. One of my favorite models said it made her feel like a snow queen in a fairytale. And I mean, that’s kind of what the holidays are for—feeling extra special and extra seen. This style’s all about softness, sparkle, and letting your natural beauty shine through.
Haircare Tips for Holiday Styling
Before diving into the glitz and glam of Christmas hairstyles for Black women, it’s important to keep your hair healthy and strong throughout the season. Between heat tools, protective styles, and long nights of celebration, your hair deserves some extra love. Here are some simple yet essential haircare tips to keep your holiday look flawless and your strands protected:
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Moisturize before styling, especially with heat: Always prep your hair with a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream before using heat tools like flat irons or curlers to prevent dryness and breakage.
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Use satin/silk scarves to maintain styles overnight: Wrapping your hair in a satin or silk scarf helps reduce friction while sleeping, preserving your style and locking in moisture.
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Avoid heavy gels that flake under lights: Some gels can leave white residue or flakes, especially under bright holiday lights. Go for lightweight styling products that offer hold without buildup.
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Deep condition before switching styles: If you’re taking down one style and prepping for another, give your hair a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and elasticity.
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Give your hair a break after long-wear protective styles: After removing braids, twists, or wigs, let your scalp breathe and your natural hair relax with minimal manipulation before jumping into the next look.
Taking care of your hair ensures that you not only look fabulous this season but feel confident and comfortable, too!
FAQ
What are some easy Christmas hairstyles for Black women?
Easy Christmas hairstyles for Black women include a high puff with a festive bow, twist-outs with clips, Bantu knots, or sleek low buns. These are quick to do and look effortlessly beautiful.
Are protective styles good for the holiday season?
Yes! Protective styles like box braids, faux locs, and Senegalese twists are perfect for the holidays—they last long, require low maintenance, and protect your hair from winter dryness.
Can I add holiday accessories to my hairstyle?
Absolutely! Add fun accessories like gold cuffs, glittery clips, Christmas-themed headbands, or tinsel for a festive touch to any style.
How do I keep my hairstyle fresh for multiple holiday events?
Use satin or silk scarves at night, refresh with a light mist of water or leave-in conditioner, and avoid heavy products that can cause buildup or flakes.
Hi, I’m Kortnee Vancleave, a hairstylist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I’ve always had a passion for hair, which led me to pursue my education at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology, where I trained in cosmetology, barbering, styling, and nail instruction. As the proud owner of Top Knot Stylist, I’ve spent years perfecting my craft and sharing my love for hair with clients.
I created my website as a resource to inspire both women and men with fresh, creative hairstyle ideas. Whether you’re looking for classic cuts or bold transformations, I’m here to help you find your next look!