45 Holiday Hairstyles Perfect for Any Occasion

In search of the perfect holiday hairstyle for your celebrations this year? From fun updos to sleek long locks, we’ve got you covered.
By Jessica Quinn & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 01 Sep 2026

This holiday season, allow your hair to be your most festive accessory to pair with your most seasonally stylish outfits. Whether you’re getting ready to host a Friendsgiving with your girlfriends or going out caroling with your family, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate, which means plenty of reasons to get all dolled up in the name of the holiday season.

Whether you’re hoping to flaunt your naturally curly hair or channel your inner retro vixen, we’ve got the perfect hairstyles for you. We rounded up 45 holiday hairstyles that will pair perfectly with all of your Yuletide festivities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.