The holiday season is here, filled with joy, sparkle, and endless events — and that means it’s the perfect time to explore Christmas Hairstyles for Long Hair. Whether you’re heading to a festive dinner, an office party, or just enjoying a cozy night in with loved ones, your hairstyle can make all the difference in how you feel and shine.
Christmas Hairstyles for Long Hair
Christmas Hairstyles for Long Hair are all about adding festive flair to your natural length with elegance and ease. From soft curls to glamorous updos, long hair offers endless styling options for every holiday occasion.
Soft Curls with Rhinestone Clips
Soft curls are my absolute go-to when I want that effortless glam vibe, especially around Christmas. I’ve done this on one of my redhead models last year—she had this naturally bouncy hair that just came alive with some subtle curling wand action. I used a 1.25-inch barrel for loose curls, then brushed them out gently for that soft, romantic feel. The trick? Don’t overdo the hairspray. Let them move.
Then I clipped in a few rhinestone hairpins—nothing too flashy, just that tiny bit of sparkle near the temples. Honestly, it was stunning. She wore it to a holiday cocktail event and said she felt like a modern-day snow queen. I love how rhinestones pick up fairy lights at parties. They look especially good on deep brunettes, too. If you’re shooting in low light, those clips catch the light so beautifully. It’s one of those styles that always gets compliments.
Braided Crown with Red Ribbon
Okay, I’ll be real—this one takes a little more time, but oh my goodness, it’s worth every second. I did this braided crown look on a model with thick chestnut hair for a Christmas-themed photoshoot in the snow (yes, actual snow!). I braided two sections from each side and wrapped them across the top of her head, pinning them in place like a halo.
But the ribbon made all the difference. I wove a red satin ribbon into one of the braids before wrapping it. So festive, so feminine, and just pure holiday charm. It gave serious Little Women vibes, in the best way. The ribbon can slip sometimes, so secure it with bobby pins tucked in underneath. Every time she moved, the ribbon peeked out from the braid and caught the light. Everyone kept asking where she got it done. I was just like, “Right here, baby!”
Sleek Low Bun with Side Part
Now this one’s for the elegant types—the ones who like their hair looking polished without trying too hard. I created a sleek low bun on my model for a formal Christmas dinner party. Her dress had this off-shoulder neckline, and we needed something that wouldn’t compete with it. So, we parted her hair deeply to one side, used a bit of shine serum, and slicked it back into a tight bun at the nape.
Honestly, I was obsessed. It looked so grown-up, so refined. We used a toothbrush (yep, an actual toothbrush!) to smooth down any flyaways. She added pearl earrings, and the whole look was pure Audrey Hepburn meets winter chic. I’ve found that a spritz of shine spray right at the end gives that mirror finish. And the best part? It stayed put all night—no touch-ups needed. That bun didn’t budge even during dancing!
Half-Up Twisted Knot
This style is perfect when you want something pretty but still casual enough to wear with a cozy knit sweater. I did this one just last week on a model who was shooting holiday content in front of a fireplace, and it looked so soft and romantic. I took two sections from above her ears, twisted them back, and knotted them together in the center.
No complicated braiding, no fuss—just twist, knot, and pin. We left the rest of her hair in light waves (hello, curling wand), and it looked like something straight out of a Hallmark movie. She said it made her feel like she was the main character, and honestly, I could see it. The trick is to keep the twists loose, almost messy. Don’t aim for perfection—it’s that slight imperfection that makes it magical.
Glamorous Hollywood Waves
Ah, the drama! If there’s one style that screams “I’m here to sleigh,” it’s Hollywood waves. I did this on a blonde model wearing a red sequined gown for a Christmas gala, and I swear, heads turned. We started with a deep side part, curled everything in the same direction, and used duckbill clips to set those curves while they cooled.
Then came the brushing—slow and smooth until the waves lined up like a dream. It takes patience, I’m not gonna lie, but the payoff is red carpet-level glam. We finished with some shine gloss and a tiny mist of hairspray. She looked like a 1940s movie star. Everyone kept saying she looked like old-school Christmas glamour personified. In my opinion, this one’s unbeatable when you’re trying to make a statement.
Bubble Braid with Velvet Scrunchies
So fun, so playful, and surprisingly easy—bubble braids are a holiday favorite of mine, especially for younger models or more laid-back shoots. I did this on a model with waist-length hair, and it looked adorable. We tied her hair into a high ponytail, then added velvet scrunchies about every 3–4 inches down the pony.
Each “bubble” got gently tugged for volume, and boom—instant festive flair. I used deep green and wine-colored scrunchies to match her outfit, and it was such a cute touch. She wore it to a Secret Santa party, and people kept taking pics of her hair. It’s one of those styles that’s super comfy, but still feels dressed up. If you’re in a rush or just not into hot tools, this is the move.
Loose Waves with a Festive Headband
This one has cozy holiday vibes written all over it. I did loose waves on a model for a Christmas brunch shoot in this warm cabin setting—twinkling lights, mugs of cocoa, the works. Her hair was down, soft, wavy, and topped with a chunky knit headband in cranberry red.
I always start with some light mousse before blow drying, then run a big barrel curling iron through in random sections. No tight curls—just that loose, lived-in texture. Then, slide on a festive headband, and boom—it looks like she woke up glamorous. I love how it frames the face and adds just enough detail without being over-the-top. Honestly, she looked like she belonged in a winter catalog. It’s comfy, pretty, and ideal for all-day wear.
Side-Swept Braid with Mini Ornaments
Okay, I’ll admit—this one’s extra, but in the best way. I did it for a holiday hair campaign and let’s just say it was a moment. We swept all her hair to one side and did a chunky side braid. Then, I carefully wired in some tiny Christmas ornaments—gold, red, even little pinecones.
It sounds wild, but trust me, it was gorgeous. Like, Pinterest-goals gorgeous. I used floral wire to attach the mini ornaments and tucked them into the braid as I went. She wore it to a charity gala and told me she felt like a Christmas tree in the best possible way. If you want hair that’s a total conversation starter—this is it. It’s bold, festive, and honestly, just so much fun.
Twisted High Ponytail with Glitter Spray
This one’s for the bold girls, the party starters. I pulled this look together on a model who was dancing at a rooftop Christmas event. We twisted sections from each side, secured them into a high ponytail, then wrapped a piece of hair around the base for polish.
Then came the magic—glitter spray. Just a light mist of gold shimmer down the ponytail made it catch the light like crazy. She was flipping it all night, and people kept asking if it was extensions (nope—just volume and magic!). I’ve found that using a little dry shampoo before starting adds extra grip and height. And if you’re not into glitter, even a metallic hair tie can do the trick.
Classic French Braid with Holiday Beads
I love a good French braid—it’s timeless, elegant, and easy to dress up. I worked this look on a brunette model heading to a family Christmas Eve dinner. We went with a classic French braid down the back, but added tiny pearl and red beads throughout for a festive twist.
I threaded them in with a small crochet hook (yes, it takes patience) and it was so worth it. It looked like little snowflakes caught in her braid. She told me her grandmother cried when she saw her—said it reminded her of when she used to braid her own daughter’s hair for the holidays. It’s those little emotional moments that stick with me. In my opinion, this look brings tradition and sparkle together perfectly.
Haircare Tips for Long Holiday Hairstyles
Before you dive into festive styling, it’s important to give your long hair the care it deserves. Holiday events often mean more heat styling, tight updos, and added accessories — all of which can put stress on your strands. With the right prep and protection, you can enjoy gorgeous Christmas hairstyles while keeping your hair healthy and strong throughout the season.
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Prep your hair with deep conditioning
Moisturized hair is easier to style and less prone to breakage. Use a deep conditioner or hair mask a day or two before styling to boost hydration. -
Avoid overusing heat — use protectant sprays
Flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can dry out long hair. Always apply a heat protectant spray before using hot tools. -
Use accessories that don’t tug or break strands
Go for soft velvet scrunchies, fabric-covered clips, or spiral hair ties that won’t pull or damage your hair. -
Secure styles with light-hold hairspray to avoid stiffness
Choose a flexible-hold hairspray that keeps your style in place without making your hair crunchy or stiff. -
Give your hair a break after heavy styling
After a few days of glam, let your hair rest in loose braids or buns. Skip heat and tight styles to help it recover and stay strong.
FAQ
What are the best Christmas hairstyles for long hair?
Some popular options include soft curls with festive clips, braided crowns with ribbon, sleek low buns, half-up styles, and glamorous Hollywood waves. These styles are elegant, festive, and easy to create.
How can I make my Christmas hairstyle last all night?
Start with clean, well-conditioned hair, use a heat protectant before styling, and finish with a light-hold hairspray. Bobby pins and strong hair ties can also help keep everything secure.
Are there easy Christmas hairstyles for long hair I can do at home?
Yes! Simple styles like half-up twists, bubble braids, or adding a velvet headband to loose waves can give you a festive look without much effort.
What accessories work best for holiday hairstyles?
Try sparkly clips, red or green ribbons, pearl pins, velvet scrunchies, or holiday-themed hairbands. These add instant charm to any long hairstyle.
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!