Hi, I’m Lena — a salon hairstylist with over a decade of hands-on experience creating party-ready looks. In this post I share 28 curated holiday hairstyles — a mix of timeless updos, soft waves, braided accents, sleek looks for short cuts, and quick glam styles for last-minute gatherings. These looks are chosen to flatter different face shapes, hair textures and lengths, from fine, limp hair that needs volume to thick, textured hair that holds shape beautifully. I’ll also give practical styling tips drawn from salon life: how to prep hair for longevity, which products to use for hold and shine, when to add extensions or padding, and quick fixes for frizz or limp roots. Whether you’re a busy host, a guest at a formal event, or styling bridal party hair, these visuals and pro pointers will help you recreate professional results at home.
Textured Bubble Braid Ponytail with Soft Face-Framing Tendrils
curling wand to soften the ponytail ends and pull a few face-framing tendrils free. Essential tools: tail comb, lightweight elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips, curling wand, and a blow dryer. Recommended products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, salt or texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray, and a light serum for shine. Difficulty is intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes the first few attempts. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap with a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, re-pancake bubbles instead of tightening elastics to preserve volume, and touch up loose ends with a curling wand as needed. For long-lasting results, avoid heavy conditioners before styling and secure loose pieces with discreet bobby pins.
Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Teased Crown — Soft Boho Finish
This loose, textured side fishtail braid with a softly teased crown and face-framing tendrils suits medium-to-long hair and works well on straight, wavy or relaxed curly textures. Fine hair benefits from pre-texturizing and light padding; thick hair creates fuller results naturally. Technique: prep hair with a texturizing sea-salt spray, lightly backcomb at the crown for lift, gather hair to one side and create a fishtail braid starting near the nape. Gently pancake the braid by pulling outer loops to widen and soften the plait, and pull out a few front tendrils to frame the face. Tools needed: tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips, and optionally a 1 curling wand. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light-hold hairspray and a small amount of smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh volume by re-pancaking and applying dry shampoo at the roots, and avoid heavy oils that collapse texture. For extra fullness on fine hair, use clip-in extensions or a subtle padding piece.
Textured Crown Braid Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Curls
This romantic textured crown braid updo is ideal for shoulder-length to long hair and suits straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from light extensions or extra texturizing for fullness, while thick hair holds volume naturally. Prep on dry hair: apply heat protectant, a volumizing mousse at the roots and a texturizing spray through the lengths. Section two face‑framing pieces and French- or Dutch-braid along the hairline toward the opposite side, securing the braid with a small elastic. Gather the remaining hair into a low, messy bun or tucked roll and pin the braid around or over the bun with strong bobby pins. Soften by loosening braid loops and pulling out a few tendrils for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: 1 curling iron, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and small elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding and pinning skills; expect 25–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, re-pin any slipped pieces, touch up face‑framing curls with a curling iron, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape.
Vintage Hollywood Waves with Side-Swept Ribbon Accent
This polished vintage wave is ideal for medium to long hair and works best on medium-to-thick textures; fine hair can achieve the look with root-lifting products and hot rollers, while very curly hair should be smoothed first. Start by applying a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush to create lift at the roots and a smooth surface. Create a deep side part, section hair, and use a large-barrel curling iron (1.5–2) or hot rollers to form uniform S-shaped curls. Clip each curl to cool before releasing, then gently brush with a boar-bristle or paddle brush to sculpt the waves. Finish with a light-to-medium hold hairspray and a shine mist for gloss, and set the crown with a red ribbon or headband pinned discreetly. Tools: large-barrel iron or rollers, round brush, paddle/boar brush, tail comb, clips, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, smoothing serum, medium-hold hairspray, texturizing powder. Difficulty: intermediate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a light brush-through, and touch up the front wave with low heat as needed.
Holiday Half-Up Romantic Waves with Festive Floral Hairpiece
Suitable for medium-to-long hair of straight to naturally wavy texture; thick hair holds shape well, while fine hair benefits from texturizing products and light backcombing. Begin on dry, prepped hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry smooth with a round brush. Create a deep side part; take a 1–1.25 barrel curling iron and form loose S-shaped waves, alternating directions for natural movement. Lightly tease the crown for lift, then gather top-side sections into a soft half-up twist or low pinning, securing with hairpins and a small elastic, hiding pins beneath hair. Attach the floral accent to a comb or wire and anchor with sturdy bobby pins so it sits flush and won’t slip. Tools: 1–1.25 curling iron, round brush, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins, hair elastic, decorative comb. Products: heat protectant, root-lifting mousse or spray, texturizing spray, lightweight shine serum, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate—salon-friendly but achievable at home with practice. Maintenance tips: refresh curls with a quick heat touch-up, revive texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, resecure pins as needed, and remove the accessory gently to store flat.
Salon Vintage Glam Curls with Rolled Fringe
Classic vintage-inspired glam curls with a rolled fringe create soft, voluminous shape and defined bounce. Suitable for straight to wavy hair; fine hair benefits from root-lifting products and Velcro rollers for hold, while medium to thick hair will hold better but may need lighter creams to avoid weighing down the curl. Technique: start on clean, towel-dried hair—apply heat protectant and a lightweight mousse at the roots. Blow-dry with a round brush to build volume, then section and form the rolled fringe (victory roll) by backcombing the crown, rolling forward and securing with bobby pins. Curl the lengths with a 1–1.25
Romantic Messy Low Updo with Face‑Framing Waves and Berry Crown
Salon-ready romantic messy low updo that works well on fine through thick hair, especially shoulder-length to long. For fine hair add texture or light padding; naturally wavy or slightly curled hair holds the shape best. Technique: start with clean, dry hair coated with heat protectant. Create loose waves with a 1 curling wand, then apply texturizing spray and lightly backcomb the crown for lift. Divide into sections, twist and pin loosely at the nape to form a relaxed bun, leaving face-framing pieces out; anchor with bobby pins and use a few discreet pins to secure the halo accessory. Tools needed: 1 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastics, and optional hairnet for very fine hair. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light volumizing mousse (optional), smoothing serum for ends, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — achievable in 20–35 minutes with practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh shape with dry shampoo and a couple of strategic pins, and avoid heavy brushing to preserve the soft, undone look.
Voluminous Romantic Curly Half-Up with Ribbon
This romantic half-up style suits medium to long hair and works best on natural waves to defined curls; fine hair can achieve the same look with light clip-in extensions or root texturizing, while very thick hair will require stronger elastics and extra pins. Start on clean, towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse worked through roots and lengths, then blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to keep curl pattern. Use a 1″–1.25″ curling wand to enhance and define loose curls, alternating directions for movement. Backcomb gently at the crown for lift, gather the top half into a low-to-mid ponytail and secure with an elastic; wrap a silk ribbon around the base and hide the elastic with a small section of hair or additional ribbon. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, vent brush, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins, ribbon. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh curls with a spray-and-diffuse or lightweight texturizer, re-tie ribbon as needed and avoid heavy brushing to preserve shape.
Textured Romantic Low Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for wavy to curly and medium-to-thick hair, this textured low messy bun with face‑framing tendrils creates soft volume and natural movement ideal for events or everyday wear. Start on towel-dried or day‑old hair: apply a heat protectant and a lightweight texturizing spray. Use a 1–1.25 curling iron to add loose bends through the lengths, then backcomb lightly at the crown for lift. Gather hair low at the nape and loosely twist sections into a soft bun, securing with long bobby pins and a small elastic while leaving a few front pieces free. Pull and tease selected loops for lived-in texture and soften the face‑framing pieces with your fingers. Finish with a medium‑hold flexible hairspray and a dab of matte paste where extra separation is needed. Tools: curling iron, teasing brush or comb, sectioning clips, long bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, lightweight paste or cream, flexible hairspray, dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: intermediate — roughly 20–40 minutes for beginners; faster with practice. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re‑pin loose sections, touch up tendrils with heat, and sleep on a silk scarf to preserve shape.
Boho Crown Braid with Loose Textured Waves and Accent Braids
This relaxed boho style pairs a crown (Dutch) braid with loose, textured waves and small accent braids down the lengths. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair and naturally wavy or slightly straight textures; fine hair can work with volumizing products or clip-in extensions for body. Start on dry hair: apply heat protectant, work a volumizing mousse at roots, then create a deep side part and Dutch braid along the hairline, pancaking sections for width. Add one or two small three-strand or fishtail accent braids and gently tug to soften. Finish by waving remaining hair with a curling wand (1–1.25”) or using a flat iron for loose bends, then tousle with sea salt or texturizing spray. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, medium curling wand, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/dry shampoo, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, small pomade for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding skill and 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or loose braid, refresh texture with dry shampoo and salt spray, and retighten or re-pancake braids as needed between washes.
Textured Low Chignon with Loose Tendrils and Festive Hairpiece
This textured low chignon is ideal for medium to long hair with at least light layering and works especially well on fine to medium-thick hair to create the soft lift and movement shown. Start by prepping clean, dry hair with heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25” curling wand for texture, then rough-texture the lengths with a salt spray or texturizing spray. Section hair, lightly backcomb the crown for volume, and gather hair low at the nape; twist or loosely roll sections into a low chignon and pin with strong hairpins and U-pins, leaving a few face-framing tendrils. Finish by tucking a decorative piece (berries/foliage or a comb) into the side. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins/U-pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and pinning skills; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: refresh volume with dry shampoo at the roots, re-pin loosened sections, and sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap to preserve shape.
Textured Low Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Layers
This soft, textured low messy bun suits medium to thick hair and finer hair boosted with products; it works best on shoulder-length to long layers. Technique: prep damp hair with a volumizing mousse and blow-dry using a round brush to create lift at the crown. Add loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand for texture, then finger-comb and apply a light texturizing spray. Gather hair low at the nape, loosely twist or loop sections into a relaxed bun, and secure with bobby pins so pieces remain soft and movable; leave front face‑framing strands out and mist to set. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, tail comb, elastics, assorted bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing/salt spray, light-hold hairspray, and a small amount of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — 20–30 minutes with basic pinning skills. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo or texture spray, re-pin any loosened sections, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap, and trim face‑framing layers every 6–8 weeks to keep the shape.
Textured Curly Messy High Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils and Ribbon
Suitable for wavy to naturally curly hair (2A–3C) and medium to thick densities; fine hair can replicate this look with volumizing products or clip‑in pieces. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply a lightweight heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or curl‑defining cream, then rough‑dry with a diffuser to enhance texture. Gather hair into a high pony and secure with a soft elastic, leaving out face‑framing pieces. Twist the pony into a loose, messy bun and pin with bobby pins, teasing and loosening sections for lived‑in volume. Use a 1 curling wand to define a few tendrils around the face for a soft finish and wrap a ribbon or fabric bow around the base for a polished touch. Tools: blow dryer with diffuser, 1 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, soft elastic and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea‑salt spray, lightweight finishing hairspray and a small dab of shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 15–25 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with water + texturizer or dry shampoo, re‑pin loose pieces and trim face‑framing lengths every 6–8 weeks.
Loose Braided Side Updo with Soft Waves
A romantic, textured side updo combining a soft crown braid and loose waves—excellent for medium to long hair and adaptable for fine, medium or thick textures. Best on hair with at least shoulder length; those with very straight or silky hair should add texture first. Technique: prep hair with heat protectant, create loose waves with a 1 curling wand, then section a deep side part and French/Dutch braid along the hairline toward the crown. Pancake the braid for width, gather hair to one side and form a low twisted bun or looped braid, securing with elastics and bobby pins. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for a lived-in finish and tuck a floral or clip for detail. Tools needed: 1 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, sturdy bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty level: intermediate (20–45 minutes depending on practice). Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo and a light mist of sea-salt spray, re-curl loose strands and re-pin as needed to preserve shape.
Textured Short Wavy Bob with Side-Swept Volume and Floral Accent
This polished, textured short bob suits fine to medium hair and natural waves, and it adapts well to relaxed curl patterns. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat-protectant through the mid-lengths. Blow-dry using a round brush to lift the roots and create side-swept volume; for more defined pieces, use a 1 curling iron or a flat iron to bend select sections away from the face. Finger-comb the curls for a soft, lived-in texture, then mist with a sea-salt or light texturizing spray to enhance separation. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray and a dab of lightweight shine serum on ends. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), round brush, 1 curling iron or straightener, clips, and bobby pins to secure any floral accessory. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice or quick in-salon. Maintenance tips: refresh shape with water plus texturizer between washes, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz, and schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to preserve the short silhouette. Secure decorative flowers with discreet pins to avoid weight pulling the style down.
Textured Romantic Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic textured curly updo works best on medium to long hair and suits natural waves, loose curls or hair that can hold a curl with heat styling. For fine hair, use a volumizing mousse or lightweight extensions for fullness; very thick hair benefits from sectioning and smoothing before pinning. Technique: prep damp hair with heat protectant and volumizing mousse, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then curl 1–2 inch sections with a 1–1.25 curling wand. Loosen curls with fingers, backcomb lightly at the crown for height, then twist and pin sections into a low, soft chignon, leaving a few face‑framing tendrils. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, strong bobby pins and small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, smoothing serum for flyaways, flexible-strong hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice; expect 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with a water/texturizer mist, re‑curl tendrils as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down.
Braided Crown Half-Up with Loose Romantic Curls
A versatile salon-ready look for medium to long hair, this braided crown half-up with loose curls suits fine, medium and thick textures — fine hair benefits from volume-building products, while thicker hair gives a fuller braid and cascade. Technique: create a deep side part, French- or Dutch-braid along the hairline into a loose crown on one side, secure with discreet elastics and pins, then curl mid-lengths to ends with a 1 curling iron or wand and gently separate curls for a soft, romantic finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron or wand, hot tool mitt, bobby pins, small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray on damp hair, texturizing spray or powder for braid grip, lightweight flexible-hold hairspray and a small shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–40 minutes in-salon or at home. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or a light salt spray, touch up stray pieces with a curling wand, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve lift.
Soft Half-Up Romantic Curls with Face‑Framing Bangs
This look suits medium to long hair with light to medium density and layered ends; fine hair benefits from volume-building products while thicker hair may need additional thinning or longer curling times. Start on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse, blow-dry with a round brush for smoothness and root lift, then section the hair. Use a 1
Crown Dutch-to-Fishtail Side Braid with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic crown-to-fishtail braid works best on medium to long hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from texturizing spray or a little root lift mousse to add grip, while naturally curly hair should be smoothed slightly for a neater crown. Technique: create a deep side part and begin a Dutch (inside-out) braid along the hairline to form a crown, feeding hair toward the back/side. Continue the braid into a loose fishtail down one shoulder, then pancake (gently pull) the braid sections to widen and soften the shape. Leave a couple of face‑framing tendrils and curl them lightly if desired. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a 1
Loose Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle with Soft Cascading Waves
A soft twisted half-up with loose cascading waves, ideal for medium-to-long lengths. This style suits fine to medium textures and layered thick hair when prepped for movement — ask your stylist to add long layers if needed. Technique: blow-dry with a round brush for lift, apply heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse, then create loose bends with a 1–1.5 curling iron or wand. Take two face-framing sections, rope-twist each back, loop and secure them into a low half-knot with bobby pins, then gently pull the twists for width and hide pins by wrapping small pieces of hair. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.5 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and a small clear elastic. Products required: thermal protectant, volumizing mousse or root lifter, texturizing spray/dry shampoo, lightweight shine serum and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on silk, refresh with a quick re-curl or texturizing spray, loosen twists for a lived-in look, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to keep lift.
Loose Romantic Side Braid with Textured Curls (Boho Twisted Braid)
This soft, boho-inspired side braid with voluminous curls suits medium to long hair and works best on fine-to-medium or layered textures — thick hair will give more body but may need thinning. Start by prepping dry hair with heat protectant and a volumizing mousse. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand, alternate curl directions for movement. Section the top and begin a loose twisted/three-strand braid along one side, incorporating larger, curtain-like pieces; pancake the braid and gently pull curls out for fullness. Secure low with a small elastic and conceal with bobby pins, leaving face-framing tendrils. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastic, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, texturizing or sea-salt spray, flexible-hold hairspray, small amount of shine serum. Difficulty: Moderate — 25–40 minutes for an experienced stylist, longer for beginners. Maintenance tips: refresh with texturizing spray and reposition pins as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a scarf, and avoid over-brushing to preserve texture.
Textured Braided Low Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured braided low updo works best on medium to long hair and suits wavy or slightly curly textures best; fine hair can achieve the look with texturizing products or light padding, and very thick hair will need extra pins. Start on dry hair: apply a volumizing mousse at roots and a sea-salt or texturizing spray through mid-lengths to ends. Create loose sections—braid or twist two to three pieces along the crown and sides, then gather everything at the nape into a low bun, pinning the braid/twist ends around and under to form a soft, voluminous shape. Pull gently at the crown and braid loops for lift and allow a few face‑framing tendrils to fall naturally. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, medium barrel curling iron for soft waves, plenty of bobby pins, and a small elastic. Products: texturizer, light-hold mousse, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (20–40 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin any loosened sections, and touch up tendrils with a curling iron as needed.
Textured Side Dutch-to-Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils
From salon experience, this textured side Dutch-to-fishtail braid is ideal for medium-to-long hair and works especially well on wavy or slightly textured hair. For fine hair add volume with a root-lifting spray; very thick or curly hair should be smoothed and lightly detangled first. Technique: prep with light mousse and a sea-salt or texturizing spray, create a loose Dutch (reverse French) braid along the hairline toward the crown, then transition into a relaxed fishtail/rope braid down the side. Gently pancake each section and pull out face-framing pieces for softness. Tools: fine-tooth tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, curling wand (optional) and a soft-bristle brush. Products: volumizing mousse or texturizer, dry shampoo for grip, small amount of smoothing cream or serum, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfort with two braid techniques and section control; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on silk, refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, re-tighten the elastic and re-pancake as needed, and tame flyaways with a dab of pomade.
Textured Voluminous Low Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This effortless, textured low braid with soft face‑framing tendrils suits medium to long hair and adapts well to fine, medium or thick textures. For fine hair, build volume with mousse and backcombing; for thick hair, smooth bulk with light thinning or controlled sectioning. Styling technique: prep clean, towel‑dried hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant. Blow‑dry adding lift at the crown (use a round brush), then spritz texturizing or sea‑salt spray. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 iron for added grip, leave out delicate front pieces, and gather hair at the nape. Form a loose three‑strand or pull‑through braid, secure with small elastics, and pancake the braid to create width and softness. Finish by tucking and pinning any sections for balance and misting with flexible hold hairspray. Tools needed: tail comb, round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron, small clear elastics, bobby pins. Products required: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, texturizing spray/dry shampoo, flexible hairspray, lightweight shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and controlled pulling. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re‑pancake and tighten elastics as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.
Romantic Textured Low Chignon with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Best for medium to thick hair in shoulder‑length to long cuts; fine hair benefits from light extensions or a density-boosting root product. Begin on damp hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then blow-dry with a round brush to create lift. Use a 1–1.25 curling iron to add loose waves, alternating directions to build texture. Section hair, lightly backcomb the crown for volume, then gather hair low at the nape. Twist strands into a relaxed bun and secure with U-pins and small elastics, leaving a few face‑framing pieces out for softness. Finish by loosening sections to create a lived-in silhouette and tuck seasonal accessories if desired. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, U-pins, elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible medium-hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident sectioning and pinning. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin loose pieces and lightly re-curl any flattened waves for next-day wear.
Long Soft Waves with Curtain Bangs and Festive Floral Crown
This look combines long, face-framing curtain bangs with soft, undone waves and a low floral/greenery crown for a romantic, holiday-ready finish. Best on medium to long lengths and suits straight, wavy, and lightly textured hair; fine hair benefits from layers for movement, while thicker hair will need weight removal for softer waves. Start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry bangs with a round brush to create a gentle curve, then section hair and wrap 1–1.25 sections around a curling wand away from the face for loose S-shaped waves. Finger-comb or use a wide-tooth comb to break up curls, finish with a light texture spray and flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand (or flat iron), sectioning clips, bobby pins for the crown. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt or texture spray, light finishing spray, smoothing serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic sectioning and wand control. Maintenance: trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist, deep-condition weekly, and secure crown with discreet pins to avoid slippage.
Textured Curly Low Chignon with Festive Holly Accent
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and for wavy, curly or straight hair (straight hair will need pre-curling), this romantic low chignon delivers soft volume and a festive feel. Begin by prepping hair with a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse on damp hair; blow-dry with a round brush to build root lift. Create loose, 1–1.25 inch curls with a curling iron or wand, alternating direction for texture. Lightly tease the crown and gather hair into a low, slightly off-center chignon, securing sections with bobby pins and a small elastic; leave a few face-framing tendrils. Finish by pinning a decorative holly comb or faux greenery piece into the side of the bun. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron, tail comb, hair elastics, bobby pins, optional hairnet. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, salt/texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray and a touch of shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling and pinning skills; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, retighten pins as needed, sleep on silk and avoid humidity to preserve shape.
Textured Messy Low Updo with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs
Perfect for fine to medium textures but adaptable for thicker hair with layers, this textured messy low updo features soft face‑framing curtain bangs for a relaxed, romantic finish. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and a sea‑salt or texturizing spray, then rough‑dry with a round brush or diffuser to build volume at the crown. Create loose sections, twist and pin a low, slightly off‑center bun with bobby pins and an elastic, leaving front pieces out. Softly curl the face‑framing strands with a 1 curling iron and finger‑comb for a lived‑in wave. Tools: blow dryer, round brush or diffuser, 1 curling iron, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, lightweight smoothing cream or serum, flexible hold hairspray and dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: easy–moderate; takes 10–20 minutes once practiced. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo and a few pins between washes, sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap to preserve shape, trim bangs every 6–8 weeks, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to keep lift.
As a pro stylist, my top advice for holiday hair is to prepare hair the way you would for any important appointment: start with clean, but not overly slippery hair, use a heat protectant, and add a texturizing product if you want lasting hold. For delicate or fine hair, think light volumizing mousse at the roots and gentle backcombing; for thick or coarse hair, smoothing serums and strong pins will keep styles locked. Always do a quick trial for formal events, bring a small emergency kit (bobby pins, mini hairspray, travel comb), and consider temporary extensions or padding for fuller updos. After the holidays, counteract styling stress with deep-conditioning treatments and a trim to remove split ends. Follow these salon-tested tips and the 28 images in this guide, and you’ll walk into every celebration feeling polished, comfortable, and camera-ready. —Lena