The holidays often mean a packed social calendar filled with festive get-togethers, clinking glasses, and time spent with your favorite people in the most magical settings. Whether you’re parading around in an “ugly sweater” or slipping into something swanky, you’ll certainly want to make sure your Hanukkah and Christmas hairstyles are on point. For some holiday party hair inspiration, we’re showcasing 20 ideas that range from kitschy and cute (hello holiday bows!) to chic and elegant. Keep scrolling for a look at our favorite holiday party hair ideas to rock this holiday season.
1. “Casual” Messy Bun
Good hair day by hannahmatthewsmoore
With a little nod to the ‘00s, this casual messy bun gives “woke up like this” energy for events when you want to look great but not like you tried too hard. To create this easy Christmas hairstyle, part your hair horizontally at the crown and pull the back section of your hair into a high, messy bun. Then, drape the loose front pieces around the bun to create an artfully disheveled feel, using bobby pins to secure the hair in place. Backcombing and some texturizing spray, like Pureology Style + Protect Texture Finishing Spray, can help create more volume. Leave some strands out, curling them if desired, for that Y2K feel.
2. Twisted Chignon
Good hair day by alexandralee1016
If you're headed somewhere fancy this holiday season—say to a Christmas gala or wedding—you can't go wrong with a classic twisted chignon. While we wouldn’t necessarily call this an easy, simple Christmas hairstyle, it’s not nearly as complex as it looks. Start by curling your hair, then carefully brush it back into a low ponytail. Divide the pony into two equal sections and twist them one around another to create a rope-like shape. Then, twist the rope around the base of your pony, securing the knot in place with bobby pins (add hairspray for extra hold, if needed).
3. Bouncy Blowout
Good hair day by circlesofhair.
You can’t go wrong with a voluminous, bouncy blowout for a holiday party. For this style, it’s all about the prep work. Make sure you’re using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner and a game-changing styling product like the Redken Stay High Mousse, which boosts volume and shine for a seriously bouncy, shiny, and full finish.
4. Messy Top Knot
Good hair day by haleemckenzie
For a Christmas party hair look that perfectly fuses chic and casual, try on this messy top knot. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, leaving out a one-inch section in front on either side of your face. Divide the pony into two sections, then twist each and wrap them around the base of your ponytail to create a bun shape. Depending on how long your hair is, you can secure the bun with bobby pins or a hair tie (if you go for the latter, we recommend a satin or velvet scrunchie for a festive feel).
Then, mist the front pieces with the Matrix Builder Wax Spray to the front pieces for a bit of grip and sweep them up into the bun for a touseled, messy feel. Finish with Redken Control Hairspray so you can party the night away without a care.
5. Sleek Ponytail
Good hair day by ashleylamarca
If a more polished hairstyle is in order, try a sleek ponytail—this chic look is one of our favorite low-effort hairstyles for Christmas or Hannukah. For that super sleek look, work a generous amount of the Redken Max Sculpting Gel throughout your roots and crown before combing your hair back into a high ponytail with a boar-bristle brush. For an extra shiny finish, mist your mane lightly with the Matrix Vavoom Freezing Spray Extra Full before slipping on your coat and heading out the door.
6. Elegant Half-Up Hairstyle
Good hair day by hairbybradleyleake
For a cute Christmas hairstyle that takes hardly any time to throw together, we suggest an easy half-up pony. If you’re starting with damp hair, prime your strands with the Biolage Professional Hydra Source Blow Dry Shaping Lotion then blow dry it with a round brush for a bit of bounce. Then, create a half-up pony and secure it with an elastic. For an extra festive touch, conceal the elastic with an oversized accessory—we’re partial to the hair bow, but bejeweled clips, metallic hair ties, and oversized barettes would work well here, too.
7. Sleek Braid
Good hair day by naeemahnaajidah
A sleek, voluminous braid is a chic and easy Christmas hairstyle that works beautifully for thick or natural hair. To create the look, slick your hair back into a high ponytail, then weave the length of the pony into a classic three-strand plait. You can also use extensions for more length and thickness if desired. When you’re done, run a little bit of Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair Hair Oil over the finished braid to help tame flyaways.
8. Bedazzled and Braided
Good hair day by hairbybradleyleake
If you’re looking to stand out, this festive Christmas party hair idea—featuring itty-bitty braids and colorful rhinestone accents—is hard to beat. Start by parting your hair as usual, then sleek down either side of your part with a small amount of the Redken Max Sculpting Gel. Then, section out a small one-inch section of hair on one side of your part and weave it into a three-strand braid, securing the ends with a clear elastic band. Add adhesive gems throughout your mane as desired for a glitzy, party-ready finish.
9. Ballerina Bun
Good hair day by hairbybradleyleake
A ballerina bun makes for a party-ready style on its own, but when paired with an oversized bow, makes this festive look one for the books. We suggest leaving a few face-framing pieces out and curling them with a wide-barrel curling iron for a soft, flirty feel.
10. Ribbon Bubble Braid
Good hair day by hairbybradleyleake
Last-minute party invites don’t have to mean forgoing a cute holiday hairstyle. This unique twist on the bubble braid is super easy to put together and will catch everybody’s attention (in the best way). The trick is to use colorful bows, rather than hair ties, to tie off each “bubble.” We suggest using blue and white bows if you’re doing a Hannukah hairstyle, while green and red bows are perfect for a festive Christmas ‘do.
11. Voluminous Topknot
Good hair day by kamberrykreates
Whether you've got super curly strands or pin-straight mane, this twisted updo is one of those easy, simple Christmas hairstyles that works on everyone. Start by creating two looped space buns at the crown of your head on either side of your part. Put your hand through the loop of one bun and grab the other, pulling it through to create a twisted topknot. Then, secure the style with bobby pins. If you’re prone to flyaways (or simply want super-sleek edges), finish off the look by lightly brushing the Mizani Artful Edges Edge Control Gel onto your baby hairs. If you have finer hair, the Redken Shine Flash Hair Spray can help add polish to the look.
12. Springy Curls and Coils
Good hair day by therealmarcmendez
Here’s your sign to embrace your texture and put it on display at your next holiday social event. Your secret weapon: Redken’s Hydrating Curl Cream and Sculpting Curl Gel. Apply the products to damp hair, then scrunch, twist, and diffuse to help define your curls and spirals. Wear your hair as-is, or add a playful accessory for a festive flair.
13. Sleek Rope Braid
Good hair day by ryanpearl23
Looking for super chic, but not-too-difficult Hanukkah or Christmas hairstyles? Saddle up for this high-fashion look. Start by sectioning out a two-inch section of hair at the crown of your head, clipping it up to keep it out of the way. Then, gather the rest of your mane into a low pony and secure it with an elastic. Split the pony in two and twist each section around the other to create a rope-like shape. Secure the braid at the bottom with a clear elastic band. Then, repeat the process on the top section of hair. Tuck the ends of the smaller rope braid into the larger braid for a seamless look from the crown down.
14. Half-Up Curly Ponytail
Good hair day by marissa_lanae
This cute hairstyle for Christmas puts your curls front and center, and it’s super easy to recreate (even if you’re a styling newbie). Starting with clean, dry hair, pull your mane into a half ponytail, securing it at the crown of your head with a clear elastic. Then, grab a ribbon—we suggest opting for one in a festive hue—and carefully tie it into a bow around the base of your pony. If your curls tend to lose their definition after a few hours, mist your mane with the Matrix Styling Fixer Hairspray before heading to your event.
15. Twisted Low Ponytail
Good hair day by mr_alexandrycosta
This ultra-chic, elegant hairstyle is perfect for fancier events (and, bonus, it’s a breeze to throw together). Start by working a shine-enhancing oil, like the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolu Nourishing Protective Hair Oil, throughout your mid-lengths and ends. Next, pull your mane into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, leaving a one-inch section of hair out in front on either side of your part. After securing the pony, bring the front pieces to the back and cross them over one another just above your elastic band. Tuck the ends of the pieces into the elastic on the underside of your ponytail to complete the look. Spritz the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Moya Hold Hairspray onto your hair, if needed, for extra hold.
16. Sparkly Updo
Good hair day by helen_andrewmua
When dressing for a glamorous event, it’s only fitting for your hair to match the part. This sparkly updo is one of our favorite hairstyles for a Christmas party or event that’s more formal. Start by creating three sections of your hair: one thicker section in the back and two smaller sections (roughly two inches each) at the front of your head. Create a low looped bun with the larger section, leaving several inches of the ends free. Then, fan the ends over the bun and secure them beneath it with bobby pins. Next, twist both front sections and pull them back, crossing them over the top of the bun. Use bobby pins to pin the ends into place, then generously spray your hair with the Matrix Styling Fixer Hairspray for long-lasting hold. Finish with a sparkly hairpiece, embellished clips, or even a sparkly hair spray (hey, it is the holidays).
17. Claw Clip Updo
Good hair day by nehajiandani
If a complicated bun isn’t in the cards but you still want to look sleek and pulled together for your holiday events, try a claw clip updo. All you really need to create this simple yet elegant look is a boar-bristle brush—and, of course, a claw clip. Brush your hair back to the nape of your neck and gather it as if creating a ponytail. Then, twist the lengths around and up, so you have a twisted chignon-like shape at the back of your head. Secure the updo with your claw clip, tucking any stray strands away with bobby pins if needed. You can leave out a few face-framing pieces for an effortless feel, or slick it all back for a more elegant look.
18. Wavy Pony
Good hair day by hairbybradleyleake
We love this simple wavy ponytail for holiday events because it’s just so versatile. You can keep it as-is for a lowkey glam moment, add a bow or some sparkles for holiday fun, or really dress it up with a bejeweled hairpin. Apply Matrix Builder Wax Spray for smooth and defined curls, then curl your lengths with a 1.5-inch curling iron. Pull your strands into a pony (at any height!) and secure it with an elastic or scrunchie—that’s all there is to it.
19. Coily Puff
Good hair day by naeemahnaajidah
This high, bouncy puff hairstyle is an excellent choice for those with coily 4A or 4B hair—and it’s very easy to execute at home. To start, work a curl-defining product like the Mizani True Textures Twist & Coil Jelly throughout your damp mane. Once your hair is dry, pull your lengths into a puff at the crown of your head, securing it with a clear elastic. Next, lay down your edges with gel, then add accessories to tie the elegant yet effortless holiday hairstyle together. We’re partial to the pearl-adorned hairpins shown here, but rhinestone accents would be a great choice, too.
20. Braided Faux-Hawk
Good hair day by mr_alexandrycosta
If you’re working with second or third-day hair, consider a braided updo—these styles tend to do well when the hair has a bit of grit. Start by lightly misting your roots with the Matrix Refresher Dry Shampoo to absorb any excess oil, then begin Dutch-braiding your hair along the midline of your head. When you get to the ends, secure the braid with a clear hair tie. Then, tuck the end of the braid upward, securing it to your head with bobby pins at the nape of your neck. From there, you can gently pull the plait apart for added height and look-at-me volume.
Next Up: 30 Easy And Stylish Updos For Long Hair In 2024
Header photo credits (left to right): @hairbybradleyleake and SalonCentric
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