Hi, I’m Lena, a salon stylist with over a decade of experience creating holiday looks. In this post I’ve curated 24 Christmas hairstyles for women — from quick polished ponytails and festive braids to glamorous vintage waves and elegant updos — each paired with an image for visual guidance. These styles suit a range of hair types and lengths: loose waves and soft curls flatter medium to long hair, braids and textured buns work beautifully on layered or thick hair, and sleek styles are perfect for fine hair when boosted with the right products. I’ll share practical salon-tested tips throughout: prep with a lightweight mousse for hold, protect hair from heat, use texturizing spray for grip, and accessorize thoughtfully—ribbon, clips, or holiday pins instantly elevate any look. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending an office party, or ringing in the New Year, you’ll find inspiring, achievable options among these 24 festive ideas.
Textured Crown Braid Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
Salon-tested textured crown braid updo tailored for medium–thick and long hair; fine hair will benefit from pre-teasing or a lightweight padding piece to build volume. Best on naturally wavy or relaxed curly textures, but straight hair works after texturizing. Technique: section the front into two or one Dutch/French braid(s) along the hairline, pancake the braids for width, then wrap and pin them into a low crown chignon. Pull 1–2 face-framing tendrils and define with a small-barrel curling iron for a soft finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, medium/small barrel curling iron, and a brush. Products required: texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, lightweight mousse for body, heat protectant, flexible-hold hairspray, and a touch of shine serum on ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and precise pinning. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, retuck loose pieces with discreet pins, quickly re-curl tendrils as needed, avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve hold, sleep with a silk scarf to reduce friction, and remove pins nightly to prevent breakage. Add decorative pins for special occasions.
Ornamental Vintage Victory Rolls Updo with Festive Berry Accents
This sculpted, vintage-inspired updo suits medium to long hair with medium–thick density; fine hair benefits from clip‑in padding or extensions to achieve the volume. Work on washed, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then blow-dry with a round brush to create a smooth base. Create 1
Retro Pin-Curl Updo for Red Hair with Holiday Holly Accent
This vintage pin-curl updo suits medium to thick hair and shoulder-length to long cuts; fine hair can wear it with light padding or volumizing mousse. On towel-dried, detangled hair apply heat protectant and a setting lotion or mousse. Create a deep side part, then form tight barrel curls with a 3/4–1 curling iron or hot rollers, or use finger-waves and clips for an authentic ridge. Pin each curl flat, shaping them into a low chignon and sculpting visible wave patterns across the crown. Use long bobby pins, duckbill clips and a soft-bristle brush to smooth and blend, then finish with a medium- to strong-hold hairspray and a small amount of shine serum or pomade to define gloss. Add a decorative holly sprig or comb as a final accent. Tools: curling iron or rollers, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, pins, soft brush. Products: heat protectant, setting lotion/mousse, hairspray, shine serum, dry shampoo. Difficulty: moderate (45–75 minutes) — precise pinning and wave shaping required. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with low heat or finger re-shaping, reapply hairspray and avoid humidity.
Textured Double Fishtail Braids with Soft Face‑Framing Curls
Perfect for medium-to-long hair with natural wave or for straight hair pre-texturized, this romantic holiday look combines loose double fishtail braids, a soft teased crown and face‑framing curled tendrils. Start on dry hair with 1–2 days of texture or add sea‑salt/texturizing spray; apply heat protectant for any hot tools. Create a center or slightly off‑center part, curl 1‑inch sections with a medium barrel wand, then gather sides into two low fishtail braids, securing with small elastics. Pancake the braids gently to widen them, pull out a few pieces around the face and crown for softness, and pin a small crown section to add lift. Tools: 1
Textured Romantic Updo with Berry Accents — Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitability: Best for medium to long hair; fine hair benefits from volume-boosting products, while medium-to-thick hair holds the shape naturally. Works well on straight or slightly wavy textures; curly hair can be smoothed and styled similarly. Styling technique: Start on second-day or towel-dried hair. Apply heat protectant, then a light mousse or sea-salt spray. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron, alternating directions to build texture. Lightly tease the crown for lift, gather hair into a low, loosely twisted bun and pin individual sections with bobby and U-pins to form a soft, messy silhouette. Pull out a few face-framing tendrils and finger-style them for a romantic finish. Add berry sprigs or seasonal greenery last and anchor with extra pins. Tools needed: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins/U-pins, small elastics, soft brush. Products required: heat protectant, light mousse or sea-salt spray, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray, small amount of shine serum. Difficulty & maintenance: Intermediate (25–40 minutes). Prep with dry shampoo for grip, refresh with texturizer between wears, re-pin loose pieces as needed, remove accessories before sleeping and avoid heavy brushing to maintain the shape.
Vintage Sculpted Finger-Wave Holiday Updo with Festive Ornament Crown
A structured, vintage-inspired finger-wave updo finished with a festive ornament crown — ideal for editorial shoots, weddings, or holiday events. Suitability: Best on short-to-mid length hair (chin to shoulder) and medium-to-thick textures that hold shape; fine hair will benefit from discreet padding, wefts or volumizing products; long hair can be wrapped and pinned to mimic the silhouette. Styling technique: Section and apply setting lotion, create deep S-shaped waves using finger-waving techniques or a small-barrel curling iron/hot rollers, clip each wave to cool, then sculpt and pin waves flat to the head. Build lift at the crown with gentle backcombing and secure decorative pieces using comb bases or millinery wire. Tools needed: tail comb, fine-tooth comb, duckbill clips, small-barrel curling iron or hot rollers, bobby pins, hairpins, millinery wire and a blow dryer. Products required: heat protectant, setting lotion or firm-hold gel, pomade or shine serum for smoothness, and a strong-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: Advanced (requires precision and practice). Maintenance tips: wrap with a silk scarf overnight, avoid humidity, carry spare pins and travel hairspray, and refresh individual waves with a curling iron and light pomade as needed.
Sculpted Festive Updo with Berry & Pine Accents
This sculpted festive updo is ideal for medium to thick, long hair; fine hair will benefit from extensions or padding to build volume, and textured or curly hair can be smoothed or loosely shaped for the same structured look. Technique: section the hair, create lift at the crown with backcombing and root-lifting, form defined swoops and rolls by molding sections over padding or loosely twisted loops, and pin each piece into a balanced shape. Finish by tucking and securing decorative berry and pine elements with wire-wrapped picks or millinery pins. Tools needed: tail comb, medium round brush, teasing brush, blow dryer, curling iron or hot rollers, sectioning clips, assorted bobby pins and U-pins, padding/donut forms, and floral wiring tools for accessories. Products required: volumizing mousse or spray, heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, smoothing cream or serum for flyaways, and a firm-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate–advanced (45–75 minutes in a salon). Maintenance tips: avoid moisture, carry spare pins and mini hairspray for touch-ups, remove accessories gently, and use a hydrating mask 48 hours after styling to restore hair health.
Textured Twisted Low Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Curls
This textured twisted low updo works best on medium to long hair and suits fine, medium or thick densities—wavy and straight hair take the style most easily; very curly hair can be smoothed first or embraced for a more boho finish. Start on second‑day hair or use dry shampoo to add grip. Section the hair into top and side panels, create loose twists or rope braids from the crown, then twist and pin each section into a low segmented bun, pancaking for shape and volume. Leave a few face‑framing pieces and softly curl them for a romantic finish. Tools: 1
Voluminous Loose Bubble Braid with Face‑Framing Waves
Suitability: Best for medium to long hair with at least shoulder length; works particularly well on fine-to-medium hair when built up with texture or on naturally thick hair for fullness. Styling technique: Prep hair with a root-lifting mousse and heat protectant, then blow-dry for volume. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand to add body, then section from crown to nape. Secure each section with small clear elastics and gently “pancake” each bubble by tugging the sides to create rounded volume; wrap small pieces of hair around elastics to conceal them and pin discreetly. Finish by loosening front face-framing pieces for softness. Tools needed: tail comb, paddle brush, 1–1.25” curling wand, small clear elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products required: volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing powder/spray, heat protectant, flexible-hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum for ends. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires sectioning and pancaking technique but no advanced braiding skills. Maintenance tips: Refresh shape with dry shampoo and a quick re-pancake, resecure any loose elastics or pins, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap to preserve texture.
Textured Romantic Side Braid Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Waves
This textured romantic side braid updo is ideal for medium-to-long hair with natural wave or loose curls; medium to thick density gives the best volume. Fine hair benefits from a volumizing mousse and root-lift blow-dry, while very curly hair should be smoothed into large-barrel waves before styling. Technique: apply heat protectant, create loose 1–1.25 barrel waves, then mist in texturizing spray. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, begin a Dutch/rope-style braid at the crown sweeping to one side, and incorporate sections to build fullness. Pancake each braid segment for a soft, voluminous finish, secure with a clear elastic and bobby pins, and pull out a few face-framing tendrils. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling wand, teasing brush, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics and plenty of bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root spray, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake or re-pin loose sections, touch up tendrils with a curling iron, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid to preserve shape.
Textured Curly Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for wavy to naturally curly mid-length or long hair; fine hair can use light padding or clip-in pieces for volume while coarse hair will hold texture well. Begin on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and volumizing mousse, then rough-dry with a diffuser to enhance natural body. For straighter hair, create loose curls with a ¾–1 curling iron, alternating directions for a lived-in look. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then gather sections into a low-to-mid messy chignon, securing with U-pins and bobby pins and intentionally leaving several face-framing tendrils soft. Finish by tugging small pieces for softness and adding decorative accessories if desired. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, hair elastics, assorted bobby/U-pins, diffuser. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, medium-hold hairspray, light finishing oil or serum. Difficulty: moderate — needs basic curling and pinning skills; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re-curl stray tendrils, sleep on silk or loosen pins overnight, and avoid heavy oils at the roots.
Romantic Braided Low Bun with Festive Berry Crown
This romantic braided low bun works best on medium to thick shoulder‑length or long hair; fine hair can achieve the same look with light teasing, volumizing powder or clip‑in extensions. Technique: create two loose crown braids (French or Dutch) that feed into a low, textured twisted bun at the nape. Pull soft face‑framing tendrils and gently pancake the braids for fullness. Secure a berry or floral crown with U‑pins across the crown and anchor ends with bobby pins. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins and U‑pins, curling iron or wand (1–1.25”), and a teasing brush. Products required: heat protectant, light mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or sea‑salt spray, medium‑hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes in a salon setting. Maintenance tips: reinforce pins after travel, refresh texture with dry shampoo or a few spritzes of texturizing spray, avoid heavy oils near the crown, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or remove accessories before bed to preserve shape.
Voluminous Textured Romantic Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Salon-ready soft romantic updo designed for medium to thick hair; fine hair works well with padding or light extensions. Begin on clean, towel-dried hair — apply a leave-in heat protectant and a root-lifting mousse. Blow-dry with a round brush to build height at the crown, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron for texture. Section the crown, lightly backcomb to add volume, and gather hair into a loose high bun, twisting and pinning sections with long bobby pins to form a deliberately textured shape. Leave two to four face-framing tendrils; soften them with a quick curl and finger-comb for a natural finish. Tools: round brush, blow dryer, curling iron, teasing comb, long bobby pins, small elastics. Products: heat protectant, light mousse or volumizer, texturizing spray, light-to-medium hold hairspray, anti-frizz serum. Difficulty: medium — suitable for stylists and confident home stylists (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: refresh roots with dry shampoo, re-spray texture and re-pin any loosened pieces, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a silk scarf to preserve shape for 1–2 nights.
Sculpted Finger Waves and Pin‑Curled Rosettes — Polished Editorial Updo
This polished editorial updo pairs tight finger waves with sculpted pin‑curled rosettes for a high‑gloss, statement finish. Best suited to short to medium lengths (ear to shoulder) and works well on straight to lightly wavy hair; thicker or coarser hair can also hold the shape but may require stronger products or pre‑smoothing. Technique: create defined finger waves across the crown using a setting lotion or gel and a fine tail comb, clip in place with wave clips, then form small vertical pin curls/rosettes at the perimeter, securing each with long pins and a hair net for shaping. For longer hair, coil into smaller sections and pin to mimic rosette shapes. Tools needed: tail comb, wave clips/duckbill clips, fine‑barrel curling iron (optional), bobby pins, long hairpins, setting clips, and a silk scarf. Products required: setting lotion or mousse, medium‑firm gel, heat protectant (if using hot tools), high‑hold hairspray, and a light shine serum. Difficulty: Advanced — salon professional recommended; allow 1.5–3 hours. Maintenance: avoid humidity, sleep with a silk wrap, refresh shape with targeted pins and light hairspray, and remove decorative elements gently to prevent breakage.
Romantic Messy Braided Low Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium to long hair and most textures (fine to thick with layering), this romantic messy braided low updo works best on hair with some natural wave or added texture. Technique: prep damp hair with a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray, blow-dry while rough-drying with fingers for volume. Create a loose braid or two along the crown (French or Dutch), gently pancake the braid for width, then gather hair into a low, loosely pinned bun. Leave a few face‑framing strands and softly curl them with a 1 curling wand for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: sectioning clips, tail comb, 1 curling wand, bobby pins (various sizes), small elastic bands, and a teasing brush. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texture spray, light mousse, medium-hold hairspray, and a tiny dab of shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap the style to preserve shape, re-pin loosened areas with fresh bobby pins, refresh texture with dry shampoo or light mist of salt spray, and avoid heavy oils that flatten the style.
Romantic Boho Braided Crown with Loose Fishtail Braids and Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and best on medium to thick textures or naturally wavy hair, this romantic boho look uses a braided crown and two loose fishtail/rope braids to create volume and movement. Begin by applying heat protectant and a light texturizing spray to dry hair. Create soft waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand for texture, then part and section the top into a crown band. Braid that band into a loose three-strand or Dutch braid, pancake it for width, and pin across the crown. Braid the remaining hair into two loose fishtail or rope braids, gently pulling edges to widen them and tuck ends under the crown, securing with pins. Leave face‑framing tendrils intact and gently curl them for softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, curling wand. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, anti-frizz serum or shine spray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires braiding technique and pinning. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap with a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin any loosened pieces, and avoid heavy oils that weigh braids down.
Voluminous Romantic Curly Half‑Up Updo with Loose Tendrils
This voluminous, romantic curly half‑up updo flatters medium-to-long lengths and is ideal for naturally wavy to curly or slightly thick straight hair. Fine hair can achieve the look with light extensions or root‑boosting products. Start by applying a volumizing mousse to towel‑dried hair and a heat protectant. Blow‑dry with a round brush for lift, then create medium‑size barrel curls (¾–1 inch) or use hot rollers; allow curls to cool. Tease lightly at the crown for height, then sweep the top sections back and secure into a loose low twist or pinned half‑up shape, anchoring with long bobby pins and leaving soft face‑framing tendrils. Gently loosen curls with fingers for texture and finish with a lightweight texturizing spray and flexible hold hairspray for movement. Tools: 1 curling iron or hot rollers, round brush, vent brush, rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic. Products: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, texturizing spray, flexible hairspray, small shine serum for ends. Difficulty: Moderate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: Sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap; refresh with water/salt‑spray mist and touch up stray pieces with a curling iron; use dry shampoo to preserve volume and reapply texture spray on day two to revive shape.
Elegant Platinum Updo with Rosette Curls and Red Berry Accents
An elegant platinum updo composed of sculpted rosette curls and scattered red-berry accents, ideal for formal events. Suitability: Best on long, medium-to-thick hair to achieve the volume and density needed; fine hair will benefit from padding, volumizing extensions, or wefts for shape and hold. Styling technique: Prep hair with a volumizing mousse, blow-dry with a round brush, then create ¾–1 barrel curls or hot-roller sets. Section and shape curls into circular rosettes, pinning each loop flat against the head with long bobby pins and U-pins. Leave soft face-framing tendrils and sweep a side fringe across the forehead. Tools needed: 1 curling iron or hot rollers, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, long bobby pins, U-pins, small elastics, and floral wire for decorative pieces. Products required: heat protectant, root-lift spray, texturizing powder/spray, medium-firm to strong-hold hairspray, and a lightweight shine serum. Difficulty level: Advanced — salon service recommended (60–90 minutes). Maintenance tips: secure decorative berries with discreet wire, tuck pins under curls, carry extra pins and hairspray for touch-ups, sleep on a silk scarf, and avoid humidity to preserve shape.
Half-Up Pancaked Dutch Crown Braid with Loose Beachy Waves
This half-up crown braid with loose waves suits medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or slightly textured hair. Best results come from hair with medium density — fine hair benefits from texturizing spray or powder for grip, while very thick hair can be thinned or sectioned for easier braiding. Start by creating a center or slightly off-center part, then Dutch-braid from one temple across the crown to the other, pancake the braid for volume and secure it at the back with bobby pins and a small clear elastic. Leave the remaining lengths in soft, 1–1.5 inch barrel curls, brushed out into relaxed waves. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, 1–1.5
Loose Textured Braids with Berry Accents — Romantic Boho Holiday Hairstyle
Salon-tested and ideal for medium–long hair with natural waves or light curls. Works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from light teasing or clip-in extensions for body. Begin on dry, prepped hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then use a 1 curling wand to add loose S-waves. Create a soft center or off-center part, backcomb the crown lightly for lift, then split the hair into two low sections. Loosely three-strand braid or twist each section, pulling strands gently to pancake for a relaxed, textured finish. Secure ends with small elastics. Tuck faux-berry stems or decorative picks into the braids and anchor with U-pins or floral wire wrapped in tape — use sparingly to avoid excess weight. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, small elastics, bobby pins, U-pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a touch of shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling and braiding skills; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-texturize as needed, and remove accessories gently to prevent breakage.
Voluminous Romantic Half-Up Curls with Festive Berry Accents
This romantic half-up, half-down style suits long to extra-long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the look with lightweight clip-in extensions or root padding. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then section. Create 1–1.25 barrel curls away from the face with a curling iron, pinning each curl to cool for long-lasting shape. Backcomb lightly at the crown for height, sweep the top sections into a loose pouf and secure with hidden elastics and bobby pins, allowing cascades of curls to fall down the back. Weave decorative sprigs or berry picks on wired stems into the pinned section, anchoring with U-pins wrapped in floral tape to protect hair. Tools needed: curling iron, fine-tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, assorted bobby pins, and elastic bands. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate–advanced; expect 45–75 minutes in a salon. Maintenance: refresh curls with a light mist of water and texturizer, retighten pins as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy oils on roots to preserve volume.
Romantic Textured Low Braid with Festive Berry Accessories
This romantic textured low braid suits medium to long hair and works best on medium-to-thick textures; fine hair benefits from light padding or clip-in extensions for fullness. Start with clean, towel-dried hair: apply volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron to add grip and movement. Section hair and construct a loose three-strand or pull-through braid down the nape, gently pancake each section for soft volume and an undone finish. Secure with an elastic and hide it with hair wrapped from the braid. Anchor decorative berry picks and small sprigs using U-pins or discreet bobby pins, placing heavier pieces close to the base and lighter ones along the braid for balance. Tools: blow-dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins, U-pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum. Difficulty: intermediate (45–75 minutes). Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin any loosened decorations, protect overnight with a silk scarf, and avoid high humidity or heavy rain to preserve shape and embellishments.
Soft Twisted Low Chignon with Decorative Floral Accent
Classic low chignon finished with soft waves and a floral accent. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair and medium to long lengths; fine hair gains fullness with light padding or clip-in pieces, while very curly hair benefits from a quick blow-dry or smoothing pass before styling. Technique: blow-dry smooth with a round brush, create a deep side part and define loose S-waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron, then gather hair at the nape in 3–4 sections, twist each section and pin them into an overlapping low chignon. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling or flat iron, blow dryer, bobby pins, U-pins and small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, light mousse or root-lift, smoothing serum, texturizing spray for grip, medium-hold hairspray and a shine mist. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires precise pin placement and a clean finish; expect 30–45 minutes in-salon. Maintenance tips: bring extra pins and hairspray for touch-ups, refresh texture with a light texturizer, sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils near roots.
Textured Curly Messy Updo with Festive Hair Accessories
This romantic, textured curly updo is ideal for naturally wavy or curly hair but can be achieved on straight hair with heat styling or added texture. Start by prepping with a heat protectant and a salt/texturizing spray; if hair is fine, add a volumizing mousse at the roots. Create texture with a 1–1.25” curling wand or diffuse while scrunching to enhance natural curl. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then loosely twist and pin sections toward the nape, leaving several face‑framing tendrils unpinned for a soft, undone look. Secure with strong bobby pins and small elastics; weave in decorative picks or seasonal accessories last so they anchor to pins rather than hair alone. Tools: curling wand, comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastics, diffuser. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, light pomade for piece definition, flexible-hold hairspray and shine serum. Difficulty: medium — doable at home with practice, or request a stylist for event longevity. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and salt spray, retouch stray pieces with a small curling iron, sleep on a silk pillow or wrap to preserve shape, and tighten pins before travel.
As a stylist I love how small details make holiday hair feel special. Choose one or two signature looks from these 24 images and tailor them to your hair density, length and schedule — braids and low buns are quick and camera-ready, while heat-styled waves read glamorous in photos. Before styling, hydrate with a leave-in conditioner, avoid overloading with heavy oils that flatten, and use a heat protectant when curling or straightening. For long-lasting hold, set styles with a flexible hairspray and pin strategically; add accessories last so they sit naturally. If you’re color-treated, book a trim and gloss before big events to keep color vibrant. Don’t hesitate to visit your stylist for extensions or a dry cut if you need extra volume or shape. Above all, pick styles that feel like you — confidence is the best finishing touch. Happy holidays — Lena.