23 Gorgeous Holiday Hairstyles for Every Hair Type and Length

Are you ready to turn heads this holiday season with the perfect hairstyle? Whether you’re planning to dazzle with holiday hairstyles for long hair, rock a chic updo for your office party, or try something quick and fun for the kids, we’ve got all the inspiration you need! From braids to sleek styles, and everything in between, this guide covers festive holiday hairstyles for every hair type and occasion. Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive in!

Classic Hollywood Waves

Nothing says glam like Classic Hollywood Waves, perfect for any holiday occasion. These soft, voluminous waves, often worn by celebrities on the red carpet, are ideal for long hair or medium hair. This timeless look frames the face beautifully and is perfect for women with natural hair or those with curly hair looking to smooth out their locks. Best suited for formal holiday parties, this style adds an elegant touch to any outfit, especially for black women who want a glamorous finish.

For those wondering how to achieve this style, a curling wand is your best friend. Use a heat protectant spray like Tresemmé Thermal Creations to protect your locks, followed by Moroccanoil Treatment to add shine. Set your waves with a flexible hairspray such as L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray for long-lasting hold.

Sleek Low Bun

The Sleek Low Bun is the epitome of chic sophistication, making it a go-to for holiday parties where you want to look effortlessly put-together. This style is perfect for medium length hair and long hair alike. Women with straight hair will find this look especially easy to achieve, but it can also be a sleek option for those with natural hair, providing a polished finish for black women.

To create a smooth and sleek look, start with a smoothing cream like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse to tame flyaways. Use a boar bristle brush to gather your hair into a low bun at the nape of the neck, securing with an elastic. Finish with a shine spray, such as Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray, for that extra gloss.

Twisted Half-Up Half-Down

The Twisted Half-Up Half-Down hairstyle is perfect for creating a balance between casual and elegant. Ideal for medium length or long hair, this style involves twisting sections of hair from both sides and pinning them back, leaving the rest to flow freely. It’s a perfect look for those with curly hair or wavy hair, as it adds texture and volume. This look is particularly suitable for holiday hairstyles for black women, as it works beautifully with textured or natural hair.

To perfect this look, use a texturizing spray like Ouai Wave Spray to enhance your natural curls or waves. Secure the twists with decorative holiday pins or clips to add a festive touch, and finish with a light hairspray for hold, like Garnier Fructis Flexible Control Hairspray.

Glamorous High Ponytail

The Glamorous High Ponytail is a perfect blend of style and practicality, making it ideal for both formal and casual holiday events. This look works best for long hair, but it can be adapted for medium length hair with the help of extensions. Women with straight or wavy hair will find this style easiest to achieve, but it also works well for those with natural hair or curly hair who want to create a sleek, high-impact look.

To get the perfect high ponytail, start by smoothing your hair with a flat iron. Use a serum like Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil to add shine and control frizz. Secure the ponytail high on your head with an elastic, and wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic. Add volume by teasing the ponytail lightly, and set with a strong-hold hairspray such as Redken Triple Take 32 Hairspray.

Festive Braided Crown

A Festive Braided Crown is an ethereal look that gives off royal holiday vibes. Perfect for long hair or medium hair, this hairstyle involves braiding sections of hair and wrapping them around the crown of your head, creating a beautiful halo effect. It works well for curly hair or natural hair, making it a great choice for black women who want a regal, festive style. This look is ideal for winter holiday events and adds a touch of elegance to any festive outfit.

To achieve this style, start by applying a styling cream like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream to soften and define your hair. Braid two sections from either side of your head, secure with bobby pins, and add decorative holiday clips for extra flair. Finish with a light hold hairspray, such as Paul Mitchell Soft Style Spray Wax for a soft, touchable finish.

Messy Textured Lob

For those with medium length hair looking for a more relaxed, casual holiday look, the Messy Textured Lob is an excellent choice. This shoulder-length hairstyle is all about embracing texture and movement, making it perfect for women with wavy or curly hair. It’s especially suitable for holiday hairstyles for curly hair or those who want to add volume and life to straight hair.

Use a sea salt spray like Bumble and bumble Surf Spray to enhance texture, then scrunch and tousle your hair for a messy finish. For extra volume, use a dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo at the roots. This look is great for casual holiday outings and festive family gatherings.

Romantic Loose Curls

For an effortlessly romantic holiday look, Loose Curls are a go-to. This hairstyle works wonderfully for long hair or medium hair, especially for those with natural waves or curly hair. The soft, flowing curls create a dreamy and feminine appearance that pairs well with elegant dresses or even casual holiday outfits. This style can also be easily adapted for black women with textured hair by enhancing the natural curl pattern.

Start with a curl-enhancing mousse like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, then use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft curls. Finish with a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray to give your hair a radiant glow that will last all evening.

Elegant French Twist

The French Twist is a timeless, elegant style that works best for formal holiday events. Suitable for medium length or long hair, this sophisticated updo creates a sleek, polished look. Women with straight hair will find it easier to achieve the sleekness needed for this style, though it can be done with natural hair as well, making it a great option for black women who want to keep their hair off their shoulders during winter parties.

To get the look, use a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to prep the hair, then gather it into a twist at the back of the head and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with a firm-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus for all-night hold.

Embellished Side Sweep

The Embellished Side Sweep is a glamorous hairstyle that’s perfect for adding some sparkle to your holiday look. This style works well for medium length and long hair, especially for women with straight or wavy hair. The side-swept effect adds volume to one side while keeping the other sleek and polished, perfect for a winter holiday party.

Start by parting your hair deeply to one side and pinning it back with decorative hair clips or holiday-themed barrettes. Use a texturizing spray like Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 to add volume to the swept-over side. This look pairs beautifully with bold makeup and sparkling earrings.

Vintage Victory Rolls

Channel your inner retro diva with Vintage Victory Rolls, a fun and unique holiday hairstyle. This look is perfect for those with medium length hair or short hair who want to try something bold. The rolls add height and drama to your style, making it ideal for a holiday party with a vintage or retro theme. This style also works well for women with natural hair or curly hair looking for a playful twist on traditional updos.

Use a firm-hold gel like Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel to smooth the hair before rolling, and secure each roll with bobby pins. A spritz of Bed Head by Tigi Hard Head Hairspray will keep the rolls in place all night long.

Chic Sleek Bob

The Chic Sleek Bob is an elegant and sophisticated choice for those with short hair. This sleek, straight style is perfect for holiday events where you want to look polished but don’t have a lot of time to spend on your hair. It works best for women with straight hair but can also be achieved with wavy or curly hair by using a straightening iron.

Start with a smoothing shampoo like Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo, followed by a shine serum such as BioSilk Silk Therapy to achieve a sleek, smooth finish. Straighten the hair with a flat iron, and use a fine-tooth comb to perfect the look. A light spritz of L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray will keep it in place without weighing it down.

Glittered Top Knot

If you want to add a little extra sparkle to your holiday look, the Glittered Top Knot is a fun and festive hairstyle that works for all hair types, from long hair to medium length hair. This style is especially great for women with natural hair or curly hair, as it embraces volume and texture. The added glitter makes it perfect for a night of holiday celebrations, adding a touch of fun and glamour to your look.

Gather your hair into a high bun, then apply glitter gel like IGK Preparty Hair Strobing Glitter Spray to the knot for that extra sparkle. Secure the bun with bobby pins and finish with a shine spray for maximum gloss.

Faux Hawk Braid

The Faux Hawk Braid is an edgy and unique holiday hairstyle that’s perfect for women who want to stand out. It works particularly well for those with long hair or medium hair and is a great option for women with curly hair or natural hair who want to try something different. This braided style gives the illusion of a mohawk without the commitment, making it a fun and bold choice for holiday events.

Start by braiding the center section of your hair into a tight, raised braid, leaving the sides slicked back. Use a strong-hold gel like Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel to keep the sides smooth, and finish with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray for shine and hold.

Soft Tousled Waves

For a more relaxed holiday look, Soft Tousled Waves offer a simple yet elegant style. This look is perfect for medium length hair or long hair, and works especially well for women with wavy or curly hair. The tousled effect gives the appearance of effortless beauty, making it ideal for casual holiday gatherings or even formal events with the right accessories.

Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to enhance the natural waves, and scrunch the hair with your fingers for added texture. A light hold spray like Living Proof Flex Hairspray will keep the waves soft and touchable.

Braided Updo with Ribbons

The Braided Updo with Ribbons is a beautiful and playful holiday hairstyle perfect for formal or festive events. This style works well for long hair or medium length hair, and the addition of ribbons adds a festive and decorative touch. It’s a great option for women with curly hair or natural hair, as the braids can be customized to suit different textures.

Start by braiding sections of your hair into an updo, then weave festive ribbons through the braids for an extra touch of holiday cheer. Use a styling cream like Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie to keep the braids smooth and defined, and finish with a shine spray like Biosilk Silk Therapy Shine On Spray.

Pin Curled Pixie

For women with short hair, the Pin Curled Pixie is a vintage-inspired holiday hairstyle that exudes charm and sophistication. This look works well for women with curly or wavy hair, as the pin curls add volume and texture to a shorter cut. It’s ideal for formal holiday events or parties with a vintage theme.

Start by applying a curl-enhancing product like DevaCurl SuperCream to damp hair, then pin small sections into curls and allow them to set. Once set, remove the pins and gently tousle the curls for a soft, glamorous look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray like TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Shine Hairspray.

Double Dutch Braids

The Double Dutch Braids are a fun and playful holiday hairstyle that’s perfect for casual family gatherings or outdoor holiday events. This look works for long hair or medium hair and is ideal for women with curly hair or natural hair who want a stylish yet easy-to-manage style.

To achieve the look, part your hair down the middle and braid each section into tight Dutch braids. Use a lightweight gel like Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Don’t Shrink Curling Gel to keep the braids smooth and neat. Secure the braids with festive elastics or ribbons for a holiday twist.

Retro Beehive

The Retro Beehive is a classic holiday hairstyle that’s perfect for women looking to make a bold statement. This vintage-inspired updo works well for medium length hair or long hair, especially for women with thick or curly hair who can easily create the volume needed for this style.

Start by teasing the crown of your hair with a teasing comb, and use a volumizing powder like Big Sexy Hair Powder Play to add extra lift. Secure the teased hair into a beehive shape at the back of your head, and finish with a firm-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray 25.

Low Chignon with Accessories

The Low Chignon with Accessories is an elegant and timeless holiday hairstyle perfect for formal events. This look works best for long hair or medium length hair, and is especially suitable for women with straight or wavy hair who want a sophisticated updo.

Gather the hair into a low chignon at the nape of your neck, and secure with bobby pins. Add festive accessories like jeweled pins or barrettes to elevate the look. Use a smoothing serum like Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to keep the hair sleek, and finish with a light-hold hairspray like L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray.

Sleek Straight Hair with Metallic Clips

For a modern and chic holiday look, Sleek Straight Hair with Metallic Clips is an easy yet stylish choice. This hairstyle is perfect for long hair or medium length hair and works best for women with straight hair, though it can be achieved with curly hair using a flat iron.

Use a heat protectant like CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray before straightening the hair. Once the hair is sleek and smooth, add metallic clips or barrettes to one side for a trendy, holiday-ready look. Finish with a shine spray like Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray for a glossy finish.

Textured French Braid

The Textured French Braid is a versatile holiday hairstyle that works well for both formal and casual events. This look is perfect for medium hair or long hair, and is ideal for women with wavy or curly hair who want to add texture and volume to their braid.

Start by adding a texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Texture Spray to enhance the hair’s natural texture. Braid the hair loosely from the top of the head, allowing some pieces to fall naturally for a softer, more relaxed look. Secure the braid with a clear elastic and finish with a light-hold hairspray like Aveda Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray.

Side-Swept Glam Waves

For a glamorous holiday party, Side-Swept Glam Waves are a classic and elegant choice. This look works best for long hair or medium hair, especially for women with wavy or curly hair. The dramatic side-swept effect creates a red carpet-ready look that’s perfect for formal holiday events.

Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves, then part the hair deeply to one side and sweep it over the shoulder. Use a volumizing mousse like Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam to add lift at the roots, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray to keep the style in place.

Beachy Waves with a Twist

If you’re spending the holidays somewhere warm, Beachy Waves with a Twist is the perfect holiday hairstyle for a summer celebration. This look is ideal for long hair or medium length hair, and works particularly well for women with wavy or curly hair who want a relaxed, carefree vibe.

Use a sea salt spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to enhance your natural waves. Then, take a small section of hair from each side and twist them back, securing with a clip or bobby pin for a boho-chic finish. This style is great for both casual holiday outings and beachside parties.

Conclusion

This holiday season, don’t just settle for any hairstyle—choose a look that makes you feel fabulous and festive! Whether you’re drawn to classic Hollywood waves, a glittered top knot, or a playful braided crown, these holiday hairstyle ideas are designed to suit every hair type, length, and occasion. Share your favorite styles with us in the comments below and let us know how you plan to style your hair this holiday season!