45 Holiday Hairstyles Perfect for Any Occasion

Clipped Back Half-Up

The easiest way to upgrade a basic half-up hairstyle? Hair accessories. Whether you opt for something simple or a geometric design, use a barrette or hair pin to add a bit of flair to your look.

Wrapped Chignon

If you love to hit the dance floor, you need an updo that will stay put all night long—and this chignon has got you covered. The wrapped and tucked sections of hair will ensure your ‘do doesn’t budge, no matter how hard you fist pump. Replace the tropical flowers with a sprig of holly to give your style a festive flare.

Gemstone Comb-Over

The comb-over never looked better! This glistening holiday hair updo is a fun way to add a little bit of height and sparkle to your strands—and is perfect for day two hair. Simply curl strands, part hair down the side, and use a small comb (and a good spritz of Redken Control Hairspray 28) to tease in some height. Then, slick down the side with Redken Max Sculpting Gel and add in some gemstones or sparkling clips for a little holiday magic.

Simple Wavy Lob

The lob is a classic cut, and if you're rocking this trendy mid-length style, we have a holiday hairstyle that's perfect for you! Give your lob movement while keeping the shorter face-framing layers out of your eyes with this simple side-braided look. Get the Step-By-Step Side-Braided Wavy Lob Tutorial.

Twisted Half-Up

The early 2000s are back in style and we’re obsessed with all of the amazing Y2K hair trends. This holiday hair idea takes the classic 2000s twist-back style and morphs it into something a little more modern with the half-up.

Big Braided Bun

If you want a statement-making hairstyle, try this low bun. This style boasts a ton of gorgeous texture that creates a braid-like feel. Top it off with a glistening headband and you’re ready to celebrate the season.

Twisted Half-Up Crown

This holiday updo might be simple, but it’s oh-so-chic! To recreate the look, simply gather face-framing strands and separate into two sections on either side. Then, twist both sections and use bobby pins to secure it in place on the back of the brown.

Bow-Accented Half-Up

When you have to come up with a party hairstyle for every weekend in December, rely on hair accessories to turn your everyday half-up hairstyles into statement-making styles. Looking for an idea to get you started? We love this half-up style secured by two bows barrettes.

Brushed-Out Curls

For an effortless holiday hairstyle, give brushed-out curls a try. This style has a tousled feeling that gives hair a relaxed yet ultra-glam feel.

Bobby Pin Accented Messy Bun

The word updo usually conjures images of intricately crafted, sky-high hairstyles, but updos only have to be complicated if you want them to be. If you’re looking for an updo with a bit more of a casual vibe, look no further than this bobby pin-accented messy bun.

Woven Scarf Updo

Silk scarf headbands were so last year. This holiday season, step up your hairstyling game by making your scarf actually a part of your hairstyle.

Sleek Wrapped Ponytail

Prefer a more sleek style? Try this slicked-back power pony. Perfect for office parties or a New Year’s Eve out with your girls, pair this sleek wrapped ponytail with a bold red lip and a killer cat eye for the ultimate holiday look. Get the Step-By-Step Sleek Wrapped Ponytail Tutorial.

Face-Framing Knotted Bun

If you’re searching for an updo but love the way face-framing strands make your eyes pop, this wispy knotted bun is perfect for you. To begin, gather all of your hair at the top of your head in a loose ponytail. Pull a few face-framing sections from the front, sides, and back of your head. Then, use a bristle brush to smooth down the remaining hair and secure a ponytail at the crown of your head.

Take a small section of hair from the ponytail, twirl it around itself to form a knot, and secure the not to your head with a few bobby pins. Continue creating knots with small sections of the ponytail until you’ve completed your entire head. Use a texturizing paste, like L’Oréal Professionnel’s Tecni.Art Architexture Paste to give your face-framing strands a disheveled final look. Lock your look in place with Mizani’s Humidity Resistant Mist Hairspray.

Textured Faux-Hawk

If you’ve always wanted to try a mohawk but can’t imagine taking clippers to your precious locks, this is the perfect style for you. To create this look, begin by applying a firm-hold pomade like Mizani’s Edge Control Taming Gel to your edges all over and brush through until they lay completely flat. Part your hair horizontally from ear to ear and secure a ponytail at the crown of your head.

Part your hair one more time horizontally and secure two more ponytails, one in the middle of your head and near the nape of your neck. When all three ponytails are secure, use a pick to fluff your hair for a voluminous final look.

Soft Waves

Styling your hair for a holiday party doesn’t need to be an all-day event. If you’re searching for a low-effort look with a high payoff, opt for soft waves. Begin by applying a heat protectant like Redken Iron Shape 11 Thermal Holding Heat Protection Hairspray throughout your hair. This lightweight, thermal heat protection hairspray is perfect for use with flat irons and curling irons up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to protect your hair, add shine, and reduce frizz.

Working with two-inch sections of hair at a time, use a flat iron to create waves. Once you’ve styled your entire head, run a wide-tooth comb throughout your hair to soften the waves and complete your look with a few spritzes of hairspray.

Ribbon-Tied Braided Ponytail

When it comes to holiday hairstyles, you can’t go wrong with braids—and the intertwined ribbon in this braided ponytail makes it next-level festive.

Festive Side Fishtail

Get festive with a fresh spin on the classic side braid. Part french braid, part fishtail, this holiday hairstyle is an excellent look for daytime activities yet still glam enough for holiday parties and other festivities.

Slicked Back Curls

This sleek in-the-front, curly in-the-back look is the perfect way to show off your texture (while keeping your strands away from your face as you dance the night away!). Beginning with damp hair, work a strong hold hair gel like Biolage Professional Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel through your hair and brush it straight back. This all-purpose, strong hold gel adds body, shine, and control. Secure your look with bobby pins and a few spritzes of hairspray.

Sleek And Shiny

Your Christmas tree lights shouldn’t be all that glows this holiday season. If you want your pin-straight strands to look extra radiant throughout the night, use a hair serum like Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil to add vibrant shine and smooth flyaways.

Double-Rolled Ponytail

Evoke your inner princess with a double-rolled ponytail. This simple hairstyle is perfect when you're playing host this holiday season—as it keeps your hair out of your face and allows you to concentrate on the tasks at hand—like getting another glass of champagne. Get the Step-by-Step Double-Rolled Ponytail Tutorial.

Glitter

If you’re going all out with glittery eye makeup, why not do the same for your hair? Add some glitter to your ‘do to give your strands a sparkly, iridescent finish.

Halo Braid

Mistletoe or no mistletoe, you deserve a bit of romance this holiday season. If you’re looking for the perfect romantic updo to wear to your next holiday party, look no further than a halo braid. Begin your braid at the bottom left side of your nape, bringing the braid completely around your head until you return to the beginning. Tuck the remaining hair into the braid to create a seamless look and secure it with several bobby pins. Set your look with Redken Control Addict 28 Strong Hold Hairspray.

Braided Low Ponytail

If you’re stuck on how to style your hair for the holidays, you can add a bit of holiday glam to a simple, everyday low ponytail by braiding your strands. Don’t forget to wrap hair around the hairties for a more elevated look.

Knotted Pony

Give your ponytail a holiday makeover with this ultra-chic knotted pony. This holiday hairstyle puts a twist (pun intended) on a simple updo that looks super cute and works on hair at any point in your wash schedule.

Clip-In Extensions

‘Tis the season for setting New Year’s resolutions! If one of your goals for 2022 is to grow your hair out, wear clip-in extensions to try longer hair a bit early.

Flat Twist

If you’re looking for a stunning holiday updo, give this flat twist a try. To keep hair looking ultra-glossy, add in A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Cream along with the A Curl Can Dream Lightweight Oil for Curly and Coily Hair from Matrix for nice finish.

Hollywood Waves

Hollywood waves have long been a go-to for party season, and this glossy look is no exception. If you're searching for a glam style that will turn heads, grab your curling iron and some hairspray and try this easy tutorial. Get the Step-By-Step Side-Swept Hollywood Waves Tutorial.

Flipped-Out Ends

Flipped-out ends have been one of the biggest hairstyle trends of 2022, so why not slay this ‘60s-inspired look to end the year on a high note? If you’re not sure how to achieve flipped-out ends, check out our guide.

Classic Chignon

In a hurry but want to look polished? Try a classic chignon. It's slightly more sophisticated than a top knot, more pulled-together than a messy bun, but just as simple to style! Get the Step-by-Step Chignon Tutorial.

Classic Messy Bun

You can’t go wrong with a classic messy bun. Whether you wear it low or like it higher up in a top knot style, the messy bun is a great, fuss-free hairstyle that still looks super chic for holiday festivities. Get the Step-by-Step Messy Bun Tutorial.

Boho Braids Studded with Hair Rings

Hair jewelry is as popular as ever these days, and the holidays are no exception. Metal hair rings secured in a low-maintenance style like Bohemian braids completely elevate the look. Hair rings also naturally add a rocker chic touch that might be the edge you’re after this season. Learn more about the hair rings trend, here.

Fluffy 90s Hair

Also dubbed “The Rachel,” the fluffy hair from the 90s is back in style and chicer than ever. If you’re looking for a high-volume hairstyle that is sure to make a statement, this is your Yuletide look. Get the Step-by-Step Fluffy Hair Tutorial.

Flat Iron Curls

If you’re traveling for the holidays, there’s no need to bring all of your hot tools. In fact, you can get a variety of looks with just a flat iron. Go from straight and slick to bouncy curls with the Step-by-Step Flat Iron Hair Tutorial. And, don’t forget to top it off with the Redken Brushable Hairspray 12 to keep your style locked in yet still pliable.

Crowned Cornrows

Another fun holiday hair look to try is this crowned cornrow look. These twisted rows frame the face in a slick style and perfect contrast to ultra-hydrated bouncy curls.

Space Buns

Space buns are one of the most popular hair trends of the last couple of years—and they’re a lot of different ways to wear them. If you’re looking for a holiday hairstyle that is fun and easy, follow our Step-by-Step Space Buns Tutorial and give this braided half-up half-down style a try.

Hot Roller Curls

Thanks to social media, some iconic hairstyling tools are more popular than ever. Case in point: Hot rollers are making their way back to our vanity tables. If you want an ultra-romantic hairstyle for the holidays, give our Step-by-Step Hot Roller Curls Tutorial a try.

Fishtail Crown

Elevate your hair crown with a sweet and romantic fishtail braid. This half-up, half-down hairstyle look is an excellent way to style day two or three hair. Get the Step-by-Step Fish Tail Crown Tutorial.

High Pony

When in doubt, go for the classic high-pony. Whether you choose a more slicked-back and straight style, or add some texture with waves and a spritz of Redken Invisible Dry Shampoo, anything goes. For a more elevated holiday hairstyle, take a strand of hair, wrap it around your hair tie, and secure it in place with a bobby pin. Get the Step-by-Step High Pony Tutorial.

Knotted Half-Up

Get knotty this holiday season with an elevated knotted half-up style. For an effortless look, you can wrap your strands in a single low knot and secure in place with a bobby pin. Or, if you want something with a little more height, use a hair tie to create a high-pony half-up look, then wrap your strands into a knot and secure with bobby pins.

Curly Clip

The iconic 00s banana clips are back and totally on trend for the holiday season. While these styles are typically more of an “off-duty” look, you can dress it up by curling your strands before securing with a festive Y2K-worthy clip.

Low Pony With a Ribbon Twist

The simple and chic low ponytail will always be a great choice for pulling hair back. To elevate it for the holidays, add a silky scrunchie or wrap a satin ribbon around your strands and tie it in a bow.

Y2K Butterflies

Here’s another fun Y2K style to try. And, you can even get festive by coordinating holiday colors (simple gold or silver butterfly clips also do the trick). When styling your strands, start by sectioning each area off with a comb and spritzing Redken Styling Spray Wax. Then, start twisting at the scalp and secure in place with a clip.

BoHo Braids

This holiday hairstyle combines a half-up halo look with accenting braids to create a boho braided look. The beauty of this style is that it looks effortless yet works for a more upscale event, plus you can accessorize it with clips or ribbons to give it a more deck-the-halls vibe.

Face-Framing Braids

Here’s another repeat trend—and it’s so easy to recreate. Face-framing braids add a little something more to blowouts, bouncy waves, or natural curls.

Bouncy Blowout

A timeless at-home blowout might feel simple but it’s oh-so-romantic. The ideal holiday hairstyle for a fresh rinse, this is a great style to rock if you have back-to-back festivities, as you can start with a blowout and then work your way through some other styles on the list for day two and day three. Learn how to blow dry your hair at home, here.

Find more holiday hair inspiration and salon-quality products to pull them together on Hair.com.