This post shows you Elegant Christmas Hairstyles
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The holiday season brings so much pressure to look picture-perfect, and honestly, hair is usually the thing that gets figured out last minute. Between wrapping gifts, baking cookies, and trying to find that one string of lights that actually works, who has time to plan elaborate hairstyles? But here’s the thing – Christmas hair doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to look absolutely stunning.
Why Christmas Hairstyles Matter More Than You Think
Holiday parties and family gatherings mean tons of photos. Those pictures end up on social media, holiday cards, and in frames that’ll sit on mantels for years. Bad hair in a Christmas photo? That’s forever. The good news is that festive hairstyles can actually be pretty simple once you know a few tricks that work.
Most people make the mistake of thinking Christmas hairstyles need to be fancy or super intricate. That’s just not true. Some of the best holiday party hair comes from taking a basic style and adding one festive element – maybe some sparkly clips, red ribbon, or even just curling the ends differently than usual.
5-Minute Christmas Hairstyles
Time is usually running short on Christmas morning or right before a party. These quick styles have saved countless holiday mornings when sleeping in seemed more important than waking up early to do hair.
The Ribbon Half-Up:
This classic style takes about three minutes max. Pull the top section of hair back, secure it with a clear elastic, then tie a velvet ribbon around it. Red and green are obvious choices, but gold and silver ribbon look incredible too. For medium hair, this style works particularly well because the length is just right to show off the ribbon without it getting lost.
Low Messy Bun with Sparkles:
Create a simple low bun and added her Viènne messy braid + the Infinity Glitters. A perfect party look created in a few minutes!
Celestial Twist:
Start with textured or day-old hair (add dry texture spray if needed), then take a small section from each temple and twist it back to the center of your head, securing with a clear elastic. Immediately cover the elastic by sliding 5-7 star clips around that area in a clustered pattern, pull out a few face-framing pieces for a softer look, and you’re done—the key is not overthinking it since the messy, effortless vibe is what makes this style work!
Christmas Party Hairstyles for Long Hair
Long hair offers so many possibilities during the holidays, but it can also be overwhelming. These styles utilize that length without requiring three hours in front of a mirror.
Romantic Pearl Bun
Start by curling your hair in loose sections, then gather it into a low, messy bun or twisted updo at the back of your head, leaving face-framing pieces and tendrils loose around the nape and sides. Secure the bun with bobby pins, gently pulling and loosening sections to create texture and volume, then strategically place pearl hair pins of varying sizes throughout the style, concentrating them around the bun and along the crown. This effortlessly elegant style is perfect for weddings, formal events, or any occasion where you want to look polished yet romantic.
Bow-Tied Bubble Pony:
To create this bubble ponytail with ribbons, start by brushing your hair into a low ponytail, then place clear elastics down the length of the ponytail spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Gently pull and fluff the hair between each elastic to create rounded “bubble” sections, then tie red satin ribbon bows around each elastic to cover them. The key is making the bubbles roughly equal in size and ensuring the ribbons are tied securely but not too tight, creating this romantic, playful look that’s perfect for any occasion.
Braided Half Crown:
French braid small sections on each side starting at the temples, bring them back, and secure where they meet. Leave the rest of the hair down in loose waves. This style photographs incredibly well and stays put through hours of dancing and eating. For Christmas party hairstyles long hair options, this one consistently gets compliments.
Cascading Curls with Pearl Pins:
Use a 1.5-inch curling iron to create loose waves throughout. The trick here is to curl away from the face on both sides – it opens everything up and looks more polished. Once the curls cool (this is important, don’t skip it), run fingers through them gently to break them up. Then place pearl-topped pins randomly on one side. This works beautifully for Christmas ball hairstyles because it’s elegant without trying too hard.
The Glam Ponytail:
Sometimes a high ponytail with lots of volume is all that’s needed. Tease the crown section before pulling everything back, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it, and add a statement hair accessory. Velvet scrunchies in jewel tones look amazing and add that festive touch without being too “Christmas sweater” about it.
Holiday Party Hair for Medium Length
Medium hair is actually the sweet spot for holiday hairstyles. It’s long enough to do interesting things with but short enough that styles don’t take forever.
Tucked and Pinned Waves:
Curl medium-length hair with a curling wand, then tuck one side behind the ear and secure with decorative pins. Leave the other side loose and flowing. This asymmetrical look is very now and works great for Christmas party hairstyles medium length hair. The key is using enough pins that it actually stays – usually three or four bobby pins hidden underneath work better than one decorative pin alone.
Half-Up Bow:
Pull the top section back and create a bow using the hair itself. There are tons of Christmas hair tutorials online for this, but basically you create a loop with the ponytail, split it in half, and wrap the end piece around the middle. It sounds complicated but after doing it twice, the muscle memory kicks in. This is one of those cute Christmas hair ideas that looks way harder than it actually is.
Twisted Low Updo:
Divide hair into two sections, twist each section, then pin them together at the nape of the neck in a loose, messy way. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness. This style screams “effortless elegance” and works perfectly for fancy Christmas hairstyles without being too formal.
Easy Christmas Hairstyles Anyone Can Do
Not everyone is comfortable with complicated hair techniques. These styles require basically zero skill but still look festive and intentional.
Accessorized Straight Hair:
Sometimes the best move is to embrace naturally straight hair, make it super sleek with a flat iron, and add festive accessories. A sparkly headband, clip, or even fresh flowers tucked behind one ear completely transforms a simple look. This approach is especially great for Christmas hairstyles for straight hair because fighting natural texture during the holidays just adds unnecessary stress.
Simple Side Braid:
A loose side braid with a few pieces pulled out for texture is classic for a reason. Secure it with a festive hair tie or weave ribbon through the braid sections. This works for literally any hair type and length, making it one of those reliable hairstyles for Christmas pictures that won’t disappoint.
Top Knot with Ribbons:
Pull hair into a high ponytail, twist into a bun, and secure. Add sparkly clips or a festive scrunchie. That’s it. This has saved more rushed Christmas mornings than can be counted. It’s casual enough for opening presents but looks polished enough for photos.
Making Your Christmas Hairstyle Last All Day
The worst thing is spending time on holiday hair only to have it fall apart before dinner. Here’s what actually helps styles stay put:
Texture spray is a game-changer. It gives hair grip so pins and elastics have something to hold onto. Using it before styling (not after) makes a huge difference in longevity. Another trick is to slightly dampen hair with water or heat protectant before curling – the curls set better and last longer.
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Bobby pins should always be inserted with the wavy side down. This creates more tension and grip. Also, crossing two bobby pins in an X shape holds better than one pin alone. These small technical details matter when a hairstyle needs to survive from afternoon through midnight.
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Hairspray gets applied wrong by most people. Instead of spraying directly onto the finished style, spray it on a brush and then smooth over the hair. This prevents that crunchy, stiff look while still providing hold. For extra security, spray before pinning sections into place.
Christmassy Hairstyles with Accessories
The right accessories transform basic styles into festive masterpieces. The market is flooded with options, but here’s what actually works:
Velvet ribbons in traditional Christmas colors never go out of style. They can be woven through braids, tied around ponytails, or used as headbands. The texture of velvet automatically reads as luxurious and holiday-appropriate.
Pearl accessories have made a huge comeback and they’re perfect for Christmas aesthetics. Pearl-topped pins, pearl headbands, or pearl hair clips add elegance without being too theme-specific. They work for Christmas hairstyles aesthetic looks that photograph beautifully.
Sparkly clips and pins are everywhere right now, and honestly, they should be. A few well-placed sparkly bobby pins can make even the simplest hairstyle feel special. Gold and silver are safe bets, but emerald green and deep red rhinestone clips look incredible too.
Focus on one festive element – whether that’s sparkle, ribbons, braids, or curls – and build the style around that. Trying to incorporate too many trends or techniques usually just ends up looking busy and overwhelming. The goal is to look polished and festive while actually enjoying the holidays instead of spending hours in front of a mirror.
Practice any new style at least once before the actual event. Nothing’s worse than attempting a cute Christmas Eve hairstyle for the first time when everyone’s waiting to take family photos. Give yourself the trial run, figure out what works with your specific hair texture and length, and then the actual day will be so much smoother.
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