Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade behind the chair. In this post I share 28 Christmas party hairstyles for women, each shown in detailed images and designed to suit a range of hair lengths, textures and holiday looks. Whether you have short layers, long waves, fine hair that needs lift, or thick curls that crave definition, you’ll find a style to match your outfit and venue. I’ll walk you through wearable updos, polished curls, festive braids and sleek chic looks, plus quick accessory ideas to elevate each style. Expect pro tips on prepping hair (conditioning, texturizing and heat protection), securing styles for all-night wear, and easy at-home tools and products I use in the salon. Bookmark your favorites, try a trial run, and get ready to shine at every holiday event.
Romantic Braided Crown Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft braided crown updo suits medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy or lightly textured hair; very fine hair benefits from texturizing products and light backcombing, while thick hair will create a fuller crown. Technique: create deep side parts and Dutch/French braid each front section toward the back, pancake the braids for width, then overlap and pin into a halo; release a few face‑framing strands and curl them lightly for a romantic finish. Tools needed: fine‑tooth comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, curling wand (1–1.25 in), and a brush. Products required: heat protectant, root‑lift mousse or volumizing spray, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, flexible‑hold hairspray, and a lightweight serum for ends. Difficulty level: intermediate — allow 30–45 minutes depending on skill and hair length. Salon tips: don’t braid too tightly—aim for relaxed shape; use cross‑pinning for secure hold; pancake after pinning for a soft look. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a few bobby pins, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to keep volume intact.
Loose Boho Double Braids with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitability: Works best on fine to medium hair and shoulder length to long; thick hair can be thinned and layered for the same effect. Slightly textured or second‑day hair holds the shape best; very curly hair benefits from a quick blowout or stretching first. Styling technique: Start with a rough blow‑dry or towel‑dried hair sprayed with salt/texturizing spray. Create a soft center or slightly off‑center part, leave small face‑framing sections out, then divide hair into two sections and braid loosely (fishtail or three‑strand) from mid‑lengths to ends. Gently pancake each braid to widen and soften the look, tease the crown for lift and pull a few tendrils loose for a lived‑in finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, boar‑bristle brush, small clear elastics, and optional curling iron for smoothing ends. Products required: texturizing/salt spray, light smoothing serum for ends, flexible‑hold hairspray, dry shampoo for refresh, heat protectant if using hot tools. Difficulty level: Easy–Moderate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance tips: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with satin to reduce frizz, refresh with dry shampoo and a light spritz of texture spray, and re‑pancake or re‑tighten elastics as needed. Regular trims and weekly deep conditioning keep colored or heat‑styled ends healthy.
Romantic Double Fishtail Braids with Floral Crown and Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic double fishtail style with soft face‑framing tendrils and a floral crown suits medium-to-long hair and medium to thick textures best. Straight to wavy hair will braid smoothly; fine hair benefits from a volumizing mousse and light backcombing at the roots, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before braiding for cleaner fishtails. Technique: create a clean center part, use a 1
Low Textured Side Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Waves
This low textured side bun with soft face‑framing waves is a refined option for formal occasions and photos. Suitable for medium to thick hair and shoulder‑length to long lengths, it also works on finer hair when you add light padding or clip‑in pieces. Start by applying a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow‑dry with a round brush to create smooth body. Create a deep side part and form loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron, alternating directions for natural movement. Lightly backcomb at the crown for lift, sweep hair to one side and twist into a low, textured bun, securing with long bobby pins and an elastic if needed. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — doable at home with practice; book a stylist for a flawless event finish. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, retouch front waves with the curling iron, sleep with a silk scarf, and use weekly deep conditioning if heat styled frequently.
Textured Side‑Swept Romantic Waves for Long Hair
A long, side‑swept textured wave styled for soft volume and face‑framing movement. Best suited to medium‑to‑thick hair and natural waves or loose curls; fine hair can achieve this look with long layers, root‑teasing or light extensions for body. Start with a volumizing shampoo and towel‑dry; apply heat protectant and a root‑lift mousse. Blow‑dry with a round brush to create lift at the crown, then section hair and use a 1–1.25 curling wand to form loose barrel curls, alternating direction and leaving the pieces nearest the face slightly less curled. Lightly brush or finger‑comb curls to break them up, backcomb the crown for height and sweep hair to one side, anchoring with discreet pins. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand/iron, clips, teasing comb, and pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or sea‑salt spray, lightweight smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re‑curl fallen pieces as needed, and ask your stylist for long layers and face‑framing cuts to maintain movement.
Romantic Voluminous Half-Up with Textured Cascade Curls
This elegant half-up style suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or lightly textured hair — thick hair can be achieved by smoothing sections and using strategic pinning or extensions. Start on clean, towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat-protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush to create lift at the crown, then backcomb lightly at the root to build the bouffant. Create loose, defined curls with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating barrel direction for natural movement. Sweep the top sections back, twist or loosely braid small side pieces, and secure them at the back with bobby pins and a small clear elastic to form the half-up shape. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray and a light mist of texturizing spray for grip and separation; add a drop of shine serum on ends if needed. Difficulty: moderate — expect 25–45 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh curls with a low-heat wand or re-spray with dry shampoo and texturizer, and avoid heavy oil-based products that weigh down volume.
Textured Romantic Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic textured curly updo with soft face‑framing tendrils is ideal for medium to thick hair and translates well on naturally wavy or straight hair when pre-curled. To create it, prep hair with a volumizing mousse on damp strands, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then section and curl with a 3/4–1 barrel curling iron. Pin each curl into the crown and nape in opposing directions to build a loose, stacked effect; lightly tease the crown for height and release pins to shape soft waves and tendrils around the face. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, teasing brush, bobby and U-pins, elastics and sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or powder, medium-hold hairspray and a small amount of shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes with salon experience and 45–60 minutes at home. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, and resecure loose pieces with pins. Avoid heavy oils at the roots and touch up curled pieces with a small iron as needed.
Retro Hollywood Waves with Sculpted Barrel Curls
This polished vintage look pairs a deep side part and sculpted top wave with defined barrel curls cascading down the length. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair and shoulder-length to long cuts; fine hair can achieve the silhouette with root padding or lightweight extensions. Start with clean, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a setting lotion or mousse, create a deep side part, then either set with hot rollers (1–1.5 inch) or wrap sections on a 1–1.25 inch curling iron. Pin each curl into a clip to cool and lock the shape. For the sculpted top wave, use a fine-tooth comb and a light pomade or gel to mold the S-shape, securing with duckbill clips until set. Tools: tail comb, curling iron or hot rollers, duckbill clips, bobby pins, bristle brush. Products: heat protectant, setting lotion/mousse, light pomade or styling cream, strong-hold hairspray, finishing shine spray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and sculpting skills and patience. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh curls with a light mist and reshape with a curling iron as needed, and schedule regular trims to keep ends healthy.
Romantic Voluminous Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This look is ideal for long to extra‑long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; wavy or naturally curly hair will hold the shape most easily, while fine hair benefits from volumizing products or clip‑in extensions. Start by applying a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow‑dry using a round brush to build lift at the crown. Add loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand to create texture. Backcomb lightly at the roots for extra volume, then gather hair to the side and create a loose fishtail (or rope) braid, pulling gently at sections to pancake and widen the braid for a soft, romantic finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1–1.25 curling wand, elastic bands, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, lightweight serum for shine, and a medium‑to‑strong hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfort with braiding and pancake technique. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose top knot, refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist of texturizing spray, and tighten or re‑pancake sections as needed. Trim ends regularly to avoid snagging and maintain shape.
Textured Braided Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils and Decorative Beads
This romantic textured braided updo is ideal for medium to thick, shoulder‑length to long hair; fine hair can also wear it with light extensions for volume. Start by applying a root‑lifting mousse and heat protectant to towel‑dried hair, then blow‑dry with a round brush for body. Create loose Dutch or French braids from each side, sweeping them into a low, twisted bun at the nape and securing with bobby pins and U‑pins. Pull small sections from the braid to soften and add texture; leave a couple of face‑framing tendrils and gently curl them with a 1
Textured Braided Crown with Low Romantic Bun — Braided Updo for Medium/Thick Hair
This textured braided crown with a low romantic bun suits medium to thick hair and works well on shoulder-length to long lengths. Start with clean, towel-dried hair treated with heat protectant and a lightweight mousse for grip. Blow-dry while rough-drying with fingers or a round brush to add volume, then lightly curl sections with a 1–1.25 curling iron for texture. Create a Dutch or French braid along the hairline on one or both sides, pulling gently to pancake for softness; gather remaining hair at the nape and twist into a loose low bun, securing with bobby pins and small elastics. Leave a few face-framing pieces and tug the braid for a lived-in look. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling iron, blow dryer, bobby pins, clear elastics. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braiding and pinning skills; expect 25–40 minutes in salon conditions. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, and touch up texture with a small spritz of sea salt spray.
Romantic Messy Updo with Face‑Framing Curls — Textured Formal Hairstyle
Suitable for medium to thick hair and for medium-long to long lengths; works best on naturally wavy or curly hair but can be created on straight hair with pre-texturizing. Begin by prepping clean, towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to enhance natural wave. Create loose, face-framing curls with a 19–25 mm curling iron, leaving several front pieces softer and less defined. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then loosely gather hair into a low-to-mid messy bun, securing with pins and small elastics; gently pull out tendrils to soften the silhouette. Finish with a salt or texturizing spray for grip and a flexible-hold hairspray to set shape without stiffness. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic bands, blow dryer. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing/salt spray, light hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re-curl stray pieces, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose topknot, and carry a few spare pins for quick touch-ups.
Loose Fishtail Side Braid with Twisted Crown and Floral Hairpiece
Suitable for medium to long hair, this romantic fishtail side braid works best on fine-to-medium straight or wavy textures; thick hair benefits from thinning or pre-texturing. Prep hair with a heat protectant and a light mousse on towel-dried lengths, then blow-dry for volume or enhance natural waves. Create a soft twisted crown by taking a front section and twisting it back, securing with pins; repeat on the opposite side if desired. Gather hair to one side and form a loose fishtail braid, gently pancaking the edges for width and softness. Secure with a small elastic and conceal with a decorative floral or metallic hairpiece placed along the crown or braid seam. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a curling iron/wand for touch-ups. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate (20–40 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake and tighten pins daily, and touch up waves with a wand to extend wear.
Braided Crown into Low Messy Bun — Textured Romantic Updo for Medium/Thick Hair
Suitable for medium to thick, shoulder-length to long hair; fine hair can use clip-in pieces for added volume. Start by prepping hair with texturizing spray or dry shampoo to create grip. Create a deep side part and French/Dutch braid from the hairline across the crown toward the nape, gently pancake the braid for width, then gather remaining hair into a low, loose bun—tuck and pin sections to form a soft, braided chignon. Leave a few face-framing strands and soften them with a light curl if desired. Tools: brush, fine-tooth/rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, assortment of bobby pins, and a curling iron (optional). Products: texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light mousse or volumizer, heat protectant, smoothing serum for flyaways, and medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: Moderate — achievable at home with practice; allow 30–45 minutes. Salon tips: anchor the bun with pins inserted curved-side toward the scalp and cross pins for extra hold. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, tighten loose pins as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the style down.
Braided Crown Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils — Romantic Textured Updo
Romantic braided crown updo with loose face‑framing tendrils — ideal for medium to thick hair and works well on wavy, curly or straight hair once texture is added. Begin on second‑day hair or apply volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow‑dry. Create a deep side part, section two front‑to‑back French or Dutch braids across the crown (or a single halo braid), pancaking each braid for width. Gather remaining hair into a low twisted bun and pin the braid(s) around it with strong bobby pins. Pull a few soft tendrils at the hairline and nape for a relaxed finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron for soft tendrils, bobby pins, small elastics and a blow‑dryer. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing powder or sea‑salt spray for grip, flexible‑hold hairspray and a lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes; beginners can simplify with one braid or use clip‑in extensions. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh volume with dry shampoo, re‑pin loosened sections, and touch up tendrils with quick curling‑iron passes. For fine hair add padding or extensions; for very thick hair use extra pins and stronger hold spray.
Textured Crown Braid with Face-Framing Bangs and Double Braids
This braided look features a soft, textured crown braid with face‑framing bangs and two low, slightly undone braids — ideal for casual and editorial settings. Suitability: Works best on fine to medium-density hair and straight to wavy textures; thick hair can be managed with thinning or sectioning, while very tight curls should be stretched first for a smoother braid. Styling technique: Blow-dry with root lift, create a Dutch or French braid across the hairline for the crown, pancake gently to widen, then gather remaining hair into two loose braids at the nape. Leave and style bangs by smoothing or slightly curling under. Tools needed: tail comb, paddle brush, small elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling iron or flat iron, blow dryer. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray and a tiny amount of smoothing serum. Difficulty: Intermediate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: Refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake braids to revive volume, secure loose pieces with pins, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to extend the style and trim bangs every 4–8 weeks.
Romantic Textured Side Braid Updo with Face‑Framing Waves
This romantic, textured side braid updo suits medium-to-long hair and works best on medium to thick textures or naturally wavy hair. Fine hair can achieve the look with light extensions or strategic teasing; very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling. Start by applying heat protectant and a root-lifting mousse to damp hair, then rough-dry while lifting at the crown. Use a 1–1.25 curling iron to create loose waves for texture. Backcomb the crown lightly for volume, gather hair to one side and create a loose rope or oversized three-strand/fishtail braid, securing with a small elastic. Pull apart sections to pancake the braid for fullness and tuck ends under with bobby pins to form a soft low bun if desired. Leave a few face-framing tendrils and spray with a texturizing spray as you shape. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light hairspray, smoothing serum and dry shampoo for second-day hold. Difficulty: moderate — 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick re-curl of tendrils, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to preserve volume.
Vintage Low Pin-Up with Soft Side-Swept Curls
This elegant vintage low pin-up features soft, side-swept curls pinned into a low chignon with a decorative clip — ideal for formal events. Suitability: Best on medium to thick hair and on shoulder-length to long lengths; fine hair will benefit from volumizing preparation or padding, and very curly hair should be smoothed or blown out first. Styling technique: Create a deep side part, set 1
Textured Romantic Braided Updo with Face‑Framing Wisps
A soft, textured braided updo with loose, face-framing wisps — ideal for bridal and event styling. Suitability: Works best on fine-to-medium and medium-thick hair, straight to wavy textures; very fine hair benefits from a volumizing base and medium-to-long lengths are easiest (short crops will need extensions). Technique: Prep with volumizing mousse and heat protectant, rough-dry for texture, then apply a salt or texturizing spray. Backcomb the crown for lift, create a loose Dutch or fishtail braid along one side, pancake the braid for width, then wrap and pin the tail into a soft low chignon. Pull delicate strands at the hairline and around the crown for a lived-in look, and secure with pins and a finishing mist. Tools: round brush, tail comb, 1–1.25 curling iron, clips, elastics, and plenty of bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light hairspray, smoothing serum, and dry shampoo for longevity. Difficulty: Intermediate — 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo, re-pancake and re-pin as needed, sleep on silk, and avoid heavy humidity.
Short Vintage Finger Waves with Side‑Swept Fringe
This polished retro finger‑wave is best suited to short-to-medium hair lengths and fine to medium densities; thicker hair will work but benefits from thinning or smaller sections. Start with damp, freshly-washed hair and a lightweight setting lotion or mousse. Create a deep side part, then use a fine-tooth comb and your fingers (or a small Marcel iron for heat-assisted shaping) to sculpt S-shaped waves, securing each curve with duckbill clips or bobby pins. Dry under a hood or with a low-heat blow dryer until fully set, then carefully remove pins and smooth waves with a soft-bristle brush. Tools: rat-tail comb, fine-tooth comb, duckbill clips/bobby pins, hood dryer or blow dryer, optional Marcel/curling iron. Products: setting lotion or medium-hold mousse, heat protectant, light pomade or styling wax for definition, strong-hold hairspray, and a shine serum for a glossy finish. Difficulty: intermediate — requires practice to get clean wave shapes and tension. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh shape with a light mist of water and re-sculpt small sections, avoid heavy brushing, and touch up edges with a small iron or reapply pomade for hold and shine.
Textured Braided Romantic Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured braided updo features soft crown volume with loosely pinned braid sections and delicate face‑framing tendrils—ideal for weddings or formal events. Hair type suitability: best on medium to long lengths (about 10–16 inches); naturally wavy or slightly curly hair holds the shape most easily. Fine hair benefits from volumizing products and teasing, while very thick hair may require sectioning or light thinning to sit comfortably. Styling technique: rough‑dry with a root‑lift product, backcomb the crown for lift, create two to three loose braids or twists along the top and sweep them into a low textured bun, securing with bobby pins and gently pulling loops for softness; curl and release a few tendrils around the face. Tools needed: 1
Romantic Half-Up Voluminous Curls for Long Hair
Soft, romantic half-up voluminous curls ideal for long hair. Suitability: Works best on medium to thick long hair; fine hair can achieve volume with texturizing products or lightweight extensions; naturally wavy hair holds curl easily. Styling technique: Start on clean, towel-dried hair. Apply heat protectant and volumizing mousse, blow-dry with a round brush to 80% dry. Section hair into top, sides, and back. Use a 1–1¼ curling iron or wand to wrap 1–2 inch sections away from the face, alternating directions for natural movement. Lightly backcomb the crown and sweep top sections into a loose half-up, securing with bobby pins and a small elastic. Leave face-framing pieces soft. Clip curls to cool for longer hold, then gently break them up with fingers. Tools needed: curling iron/wand, hair dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, root lift, texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty level: Moderate — salon finish with achievable home results after practice. Maintenance tips: Sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick re-curl, avoid heavy oils, resecure loose pieces with pins, and touch up with light hairspray to retain bounce.
Soft Romantic Curly Bob with Side‑Swept Fringe — Textured Vintage Updo
A salon-friendly soft curly bob with a side-swept fringe and tousled crown that reads vintage yet modern. Suitable for natural curls, loose waves or straight hair (short to mid-length, ear to shoulder); fine hair benefits from root lift while thick hair may need smaller sections for definition. Technique: prep damp hair with volumizing mousse and heat protectant, blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to build body. Create ¾–1” barrel curls, alternating direction and pinning each curl to cool for a longer-lasting set; unpin and finger‑loosen to form soft waves, then sweep the fringe to one side and secure a few face‑framing pieces with discreet bobby pins for that tousled updo look. Tools needed: ¾–1” curling iron or wand (or hot rollers), round brush or diffuser, sectioning clips, tail comb and bobby pins. Products: thermal protectant, root‑lift mousse, curl cream/defining lotion, light texture paste, flexible‑hold hairspray and a touch of shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with a mist + curl cream or low‑heat diffuser, use dry shampoo at roots and trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape.
Textured Icy-Blonde Side Fishtail with Twisted Crown Braid
This romantic, textured side fishtail combines a twisted crown braid with a voluminous, pancake-style fishtail — ideal for medium to long hair. It suits straight, wavy, and loosely curly textures and works especially well on mid-to-thick hair; fine hair benefits from light-volume products or halo extensions for fullness. Technique: prep with a volumizing mousse and blow-dry, create a loose twisted crown or Dutch section along the hairline, gather hair to one side and construct a fishtail braid, pancake sections for width, and secure with an elastic and pins; finish by pulling soft face‑framing pieces forward. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, 1–1.25 curling wand (optional) and a teasing brush. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or salt spray, dry shampoo, lightweight hairspray and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes; consider a stylist for event-ready polish. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or rewrap loosely, refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist, retouch pulled sections and pins each morning, and use purple shampoo plus weekly deep-conditioning masks to preserve icy color.
Textured Messy High Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils — Romantic Updo
Salon-ready textured messy high bun with soft face-framing tendrils — ideal for medium to thick hair and a flattering option for oval and heart face shapes. Suitability: best on medium to long lengths; natural waves or straight hair will hold the shape well, while fine hair can be boosted with texturizing products and light backcombing. Styling technique: apply a thermal protectant and texturizing or salt spray to damp hair, rough-dry for volume, then loosely backcomb at the crown. Gather hair into a high, slightly off-center pony, twist sections and pin individual loops to form a loose, textured bun. Pull out a few face-framing strands and soften them with a 1
Voluminous Boho Side Braid with Festive Pine and Berry Accents
This romantic, textured side braid suits medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or curly textures best — fine hair can achieve the look with light clip-in extensions or a small padding at the crown. Start on damp, towel-dried hair: apply a light mousse and heat protectant, rough-dry while lifting at the roots, then create loose S-shaped waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron. Backcomb lightly at the crown for volume, gather hair to one side and create a loose three-strand braid, pulling sections apart to amplify fullness. Tuck and twist small face-framing pieces for softness, secure with discreet elastics and bobby pins, and weave in seasonal sprigs and faux berries using floral wire or small pins. Tools needed: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins, and floral pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, flexible-hold hairspray, and a touch of serum for shine. Difficulty: moderate — allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh texture with dry shampoo or light mist, re-pin loose ornaments, and avoid humidity or rain to prevent frizz.
Voluminous Half-Up Curly Bridal Hairstyle with Decorative Pins
This voluminous half-up curly hairstyle pairs textured waves with a teased crown and delicate decorative pins — ideal for brides or formal events. Suitability: best on medium to long hair and natural waves or curls; fine hair benefits from clip-in extensions and root volumizers, while thick hair holds the shape naturally. Styling technique: prep with heat protectant and a light mousse or salt spray, then create 1–1.25 barrel-wand curls in alternating directions. Backcomb the crown for lift, gather the top third into a loose half-up, and secure with small elastics and hidden bobby pins to build height and natural movement. Leave soft face-framing tendrils and finger-comb the lengths for separation. Tools needed: curling wand, sectioning clips, teasing comb, fine-tooth tail comb, bobby pins and small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray, volumizing mousse or root powder, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible strong-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice but faster in-salon. Maintenance tips: set with flexible spray, refresh curls with a quick re-heat or dry shampoo on day two, and keep spare pins for on-site adjustments.
Half-Up Crown Dutch Braid with Textured Beach Waves
This romantic half-up crown uses Dutch/French braiding with loose, textured waves — ideal for medium to long hair. It works well on fine to medium hair when pre-texturized, and on thick hair after light thinning or sectioning. Start on dry hair: apply a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, rough-dry, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25” curling wand or large-barrel iron, alternating curl direction for movement. Take two front-to-crown Dutch braids (or one deep French braid), braid toward the back, secure with a clear elastic, and pancake the braid for width. Pin the braids together at the crown with U-pins and pull a few face-framing strands loose for a soft finish. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, curling wand, elastics, bobby/U-pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or sea-salt mist, light pomade for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray, and smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate (requires braiding skill and wave technique). Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo and sea-salt spray, re-pancake the braid daily as needed, and sleep on a silk pillow or loose braid to preserve shape.
From intimate family dinners to sparkling office parties, the right hairstyle can make you feel confident and festive. My best advice: prep your hair the day before when possible — deep condition the night prior, use a volumizing product at the roots and add a texture spray for grip. Always use a heat protectant before hot tools, and choose pins and elastics that match your hair type (grippy pins for fine hair, stronger elastics for heavy textures). Do a quick trial run a few days ahead to time the process and tweak hold levels. Pack an emergency kit with bobby pins, a mini hairspray, a comb and a small brush for touch-ups. If you’re unsure which look flatters your face shape or outfit, ask your stylist for a consult — a small tweak in placement or volume transforms the final result. Happy styling, and enjoy the celebrations!