The holiday season is the perfect time to sparkle, and if you’re rocking a cropped cut, you’re in the right place! This post is all about Christmas Hairstyles for Short Hair, filled with festive flair and merry styling ideas. Whether you’re attending a cozy family dinner or a glamorous holiday party, short hair can absolutely shine with the right touch of creativity.
Christmas Hairstyles for Short Hair
Sleek Side Part Bob
I’ve done this look on my model Jenna last December, and let me tell you—it ate. A deep side part instantly adds drama, even to the simplest bob. You just need a flat iron, a shine serum, and a bit of patience. Honestly, it looks like you tried way harder than you did. I use a fine-tooth comb while blow-drying the part flat and sleek. Add a tiny bit of serum or oil (not too much or it’ll look greasy—trust me, been there), and finish with a light hairspray.
One thing I love? How this cut frames the cheekbones so perfectly, especially with a touch of highlighter. Jenna wore it with bold red lips and a velvet dress and I swear, people kept stopping her at the party asking who did her hair. It’s minimal effort but super high payoff, and it works on every face shape I’ve styled so far.
Textured Holiday Waves
If you’re craving that “I woke up fabulous” look, textured waves on short hair are my absolute favorite. I did this on Priya last Christmas Eve and we were running late but still managed to pull it off in like 10 minutes. I used a small barrel wand, curled random sections, and tousled them with my fingers—nothing too precise. The trick is to leave the ends out a little, it gives more edge than a polished curl.
I remember we added a light spritz of texturizing spray and I fluffed it up with my hands—super casual but chef’s kiss. We pinned one side behind her ear with a tiny gold clip and wow, it looked like a magazine shoot. In my opinion, it’s that imperfect finish that makes it so beautiful. Plus, you can still throw on a beanie or Santa hat and not ruin the vibe.
Curled Pixie with Sparkle Clips
Oh, curled pixies are such a vibe—and when you throw in some sparkle, it’s pure holiday magic. My model Misha has the cutest pixie cut and last Christmas, we curled it with a flat iron (yes, you can totally curl short hair with one, you just need to get the wrist flick right). I curled tiny sections and then separated them with my fingertips for a soft texture.
Then I added a couple of rhinestone clips on one side—honestly, it looked like she was on her way to a winter gala, not a family dinner. She told me later that her little niece thought she was a fairy. It’s those little reactions that remind me why I love what I do. It’s playful, easy to pull off, and those sparkly clips are always a hit—especially under twinkling Christmas lights.
Half-Up Twisted Crown
This one always makes me think of snow queens and holiday fairy tales. I did it on my short-haired model Zoe and we were both a little skeptical at first. But trust me—it works, even on bobs. Just take two small sections from each side, twist them loosely, and pin them at the back. That’s it. It looks way more elaborate than it really is.
I remember Zoe wore a silver sequin top and the whole look felt so ethereal. We added a little baby’s breath tucked into the twists—don’t judge me, it looked SO cute—and she said she felt like she was in a Christmas romance movie. In my opinion, it’s the easiest way to dress up short hair without heat tools or stress. It’s one of those styles that earns compliments every single time.
Mini Low Bun with Ribbon
Okay, so this one’s underrated. Everyone thinks you need long hair for buns, but that’s not true at all. On short hair, you can totally gather the nape section into a mini low bun and tie it off with a velvet ribbon. I did this for Lara last year and it gave serious “ballet-core meets holiday chic” energy.
She had barely shoulder-length hair and we still pulled it off. We smoothed everything down with a little gel and wrapped the bun tight—then the bow did the rest. People were obsessed with the ribbon. We went with emerald green, but honestly, cranberry or gold would be just as pretty. It’s simple, sweet, and super festive without trying too hard. And it stays in place all night, which, let’s be honest, is always a bonus.
Flipped-Out Bob with Volume
This one’s giving vintage holiday Barbie, and I’m here for it. The flipped-out ends add this cheeky retro vibe that’s so fun. I used a round brush and blow-dried the ends outwards, then gave them a quick flip with a straightener. It took like 8 minutes flat.
I did this on Alina, who wore a fuzzy pink Christmas sweater and red lipstick—it was an entire mood. We teased the crown a little for extra volume and secured it with a light mist of hairspray. It held up surprisingly well through dinner, carols, and dancing. In my opinion, if you’re not afraid of a little throwback glamour, this one’s a winner. It’s bold, bouncy, and looks amazing in photos.
Wavy Bob with Glitter Headband
This is the easiest way to go from “just washed my hair” to “holiday ready” in minutes. When I did this on my model Sasha, we literally only had a curling wand and five minutes. Just curl the hair loosely, run your fingers through to break up the waves, and then… add the glitter headband. Boom. Done.
Sasha wore a deep plum lipstick and a faux fur shrug, and the whole look screamed elegant but festive. She said she felt like a modern-day Clara from the Nutcracker. I’ve found that glitter headbands are such a game-changer—they catch the light and make everything feel more magical. Plus, they hide day-two hair like a charm. Zero effort, max sparkle. What more could you want?
Slicked Back Short Cut
Now this is for the bold girls—the ones who walk in and own the room. I remember doing this on my model Ananya, and we both gasped when she looked in the mirror. I used a generous amount of wet-look gel, combed everything back super tight, and set it with a dryer on low heat.
We kept her makeup dramatic—winged liner, glossy lips—and it balanced out the slicked style beautifully. She looked like she was headed to a fashion week party, not a Christmas dinner. Honestly, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re confident, it’s an absolute power move. In my opinion, there’s something really sexy and unexpected about a short, sleek look at a holiday party full of curls and waves.
Side-Swept Curls with Barrettes
This one’s so romantic and soft—it’s like a Hallmark movie hairstyle, but better. I curled the hair first, then swept it all to one side and secured it with two sparkly barrettes. On my model Lila, it brought out this vintage-glam vibe that worked so well with her velvet green dress.
We used a little mousse before curling to hold the shape, and I pinned the barrettes just above the ear. To be fair, this style does best on hair that’s not too short—like a lob or a grown-out bob. But even on shorter cuts, it still creates this elegant, intentional feel. I love how it brings out your neckline too—it’s subtle but makes a big difference. It’s always a favorite when I do holiday shoots.
Festive Faux Hawk
This one? Pure edge. I’ve done it a few times now but the most memorable was for Taylor, one of my edgiest models. She had a pixie with some length up top, and we went all in. I used volumizing mousse, blow-dried it straight up, and then pinned the sides in with bobby pins to fake that mohawk structure.
We added a little shimmer spray just for fun (because Christmas!) and paired it with metallic eye makeup. It was such a moment. In my opinion, this is one of those looks that lets your personality shine. It’s fierce, dramatic, and actually easier to pull off than it looks. If you want to show up and stand out, this one’s got your name all over it.
Short Hair Styling Tips for Christmas
Short hair is fun, bold, and incredibly chic—especially during the festive season! Whether you’re going for sleek and elegant or fun and playful, a few smart styling tricks can take your look to the next level. Here are some quick and easy tips to make your short hairstyle stand out this Christmas:
Add volume with mousse or texture spray
For fuller-looking short hair, start by applying a lightweight mousse or texture spray to damp strands before blow-drying. This adds body and lift, making your style appear more festive and lively. Tousle your hair with your fingers for a natural, effortless finish.
Use shine spray for a party-ready glow
A shine spray is your best friend for holiday events. After styling, lightly mist your hair with a shine-enhancing spray to give it a healthy, glossy finish. It instantly makes your hair look polished and camera-ready under twinkling Christmas lights.
How to keep short styles in place all night
To make sure your hairstyle lasts through dinner, dancing, and late-night fun, use a strong-hold hairspray or styling gel. Pin any loose strands in place with festive clips or bobby pins. If you’re wearing a hat or headband, apply product first and let your hair set before adding accessories.
Matching makeup with hairstyle for a complete look
Your hair and makeup should complement each other for a balanced holiday look. If your hairstyle is bold and edgy, go for a softer makeup palette. For sleek or simple styles, feel free to glam it up with a bold red lip or sparkly eyeshadow. Coordinating your overall look helps you shine with confidence.
FAQ
Can I still create festive styles with very short hair like a pixie cut?
Yes! Pixie cuts can be styled with accessories like glitter clips, festive headbands, or a bit of sparkle gel. You can also slick it back for a sleek, chic holiday look.
What are the easiest Christmas Hairstyles for Short Hair?
Some easy Christmas Hairstyles for Short Hair options include textured waves, side-parted bob, half-up twists, or simply adding a holiday-themed clip or barrette. These styles are quick to do and look festive.
How can I add volume to Christmas Hairstyles for Short Hair for a party?
Use a volumizing mousse or texture spray on damp hair before blow-drying. You can also use a round brush or tease the roots slightly for extra lift.
What accessories look best with short hair for Christmas?
Headbands, pearl clips, rhinestone pins, mini Santa hats, or velvet bows all look great with short hair. They add instant holiday charm without much effort.
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!