20 Easy Christmas Hairstyles That Look Fancy Without Effort
The holidays bring parties, photos, and moments where you want your hair to look special without spending hours on it. These ideas help you create simple styles that still feel polished. Each one uses easy steps, common tools, and budget-friendly tricks so you can get ready quickly and enjoy the season.
- Soft Low Pony With Velvet Ribbon
A low pony works for almost every hair type. Keep it loose at the crown to make it feel relaxed. Use a small amount of drugstore cream to smooth flyaways. Then tie a velvet ribbon around the base. Leave the ends long so they fall over your back. If you don’t have ribbon, cut a strip from an old gift wrap bow or fabric scrap. Curl only the ends for a gentle shape. This style takes under five minutes and photographs beautifully.
- Half-Up Twisted Halo
Take two front sections and twist them back toward the center. Secure with a small clip or two bobby pins. The twist adds shape without needing perfect technique. Spray a hint of lightweight mist to hold it. If your hair slips, use cheap texture powder from a drugstore to give grip. Add a small ornament-style clip for a festive pop. This works well for medium-length hair and keeps the front out of your face during gatherings.
- Loose Waves With Side Sweep
Curl large sections and brush them out for relaxed movement. Push everything to one side. Tuck the lighter side behind your ear. Use a small barrette or simple pin if you want extra hold. To save time, curl just the top layer instead of your whole head. Add dry shampoo at the roots for a bit of lift. This style works well when you’re short on time and still want soft shape.
- Low Bun With Wrapped Hair Tie
Make a simple low bun and leave a one-inch section loose. Wrap that section around your hair tie so everything looks tidy. Pin it underneath. Pull small pieces at the sides for a softer feel. If your hair is fine, add a little texture spray before you start. You can also use a donut bun sponge from the dollar store. This look works for dinners or photos where you want a calm, clean shape.
- Messy Top Knot With Sparkle Clip with
Gather your hair at the crown and twist it loosely. Let some strands fall naturally. Secure with a sturdy elastic, then slide in a sparkle clip or jeweled pin. The clip does the “festive” work for you. If your bun feels flat, flip your head over and add a bit of dry shampoo before styling. This is quick, casual, and perfect for cozy holiday outfits.
- Side Braid With Ribbon Tail
Create a loose side braid and tie the end with ribbon or twine. Keep the braid soft by pulling out small sections to add shape. If you want volume near the crown, tease gently with a comb from the dollar store. This style stays put all evening and looks lovely with sweaters. For an even simpler option, braid only the lower half of your hair.
- Sleek Middle-Part Pony
Part your hair down the center and brush everything back. Use a dime-size amount of smoothing cream to keep it sleek. Tie it tight at the nape. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to finish. If your hair puffs out, lightly mist with water before smoothing. This simple style works well with bold earrings and gives a clean holiday look with minimal effort.
- Low Braided Bun
Braid a low ponytail, then twist the braid into a bun and secure it with pins. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness. If your hair is thick, divide the pony into two braids and wrap them together. A small spritz of flexible spray keeps it from slipping. This looks fancy but takes under ten minutes. Add a tiny gold pin at the base for a subtle festive touch.
- Headband Push-Back
Use a padded or beaded headband to push your hair back. Let the ends fall naturally. Curl just the front pieces if you want texture. If your hair is flat, flip it over and shake it before placing the band. This is great for last-minute gatherings since the accessory does all the work. Choose a red, green, or metallic band for a holiday feel.
- Loose Curls With Mini Clips
Create soft curls and clip back two small sections with decorative pins. Use cheap claw clips if you don’t have holiday ones. This style gives shape while keeping hair off your face. Run a tiny bit of serum over the ends for shine. If you have straight hair, curl only the middle and ends to save time. It holds well and photographs nicely.
- Braided Crown Accent
Take a small section behind one ear, braid it, and drape it across the top of your head. Pin it near the opposite ear. Keep the rest down. This small braid adds detail without extra work. If your hair is slippery, dust the section with cheap texture powder. You can add a small pin where the braid meets the other side for a festive touch.
- Curled Ends Half-Up
Pull the top half of your hair back and secure with a small clip. Curl only the ends of the lower half for soft movement. This saves time and still looks styled. A decorative barrette makes it feel festive. If you have fine hair, tease the crown lightly before clipping. This is a simple choice for casual holiday visits.
- Bubble Pony
Make a low ponytail and add elastics every few inches. Gently pull each section to round it into “bubbles.” Use small clear elastics from the dollar section. Add ribbon at the top for a seasonal touch. This style stays neat through long events. If your hair is thin, wrap tiny pieces of hair around each elastic to hide them.
- Twisted Side Bun
Sweep your hair to one side and twist it loosely into a bun. Let small strands fall out naturally. This works well when you want a relaxed, soft look. Pin the bun securely, then add a small accent clip if you like. Use a fingertip of mousse near the roots to keep the top smooth. It’s easy, quick, and works with medium or long hair.
- Simple French Twist Cheat
Gather your hair like a low pony but twist it upward and fold the ends inside. Instead of perfecting a salon-style twist, clip it in place with one long barrette. Let it look slightly undone. Spray lightly for hold. You can practice once and then repeat it within minutes. A metal gold clip adds a festive finish without effort.
- Shoulder-Length Flip Out
If your hair hits your shoulders, flip out the ends with a round brush or flat iron. This creates a fun holiday shape without curls. Add a bit of heat protectant first. Tuck one side behind your ear. For shine, use a drop of drugstore serum. This style looks playful and takes very little time.
- Claw Clip Half-Up
Grab the top section of your hair and twist it once, then secure with a claw clip. Leave some strands loose around the face. This style feels relaxed yet tidy. Choose a metallic or glitter clip for a festive look. If your hair falls flat, add a little dry shampoo at the roots before styling. Quick, simple, and perfect for busy days.
- Low Side Pony With Curl Ends
Pull your hair into a low side pony. Curl the ends for softness. Add ribbon or a simple bow for a holiday touch. Keep the top smooth by brushing lightly with a wet brush. You can also twist the front section before pulling it back for extra shape. This is a simple style that photographs nicely from every angle.
- Simple Braided Headband
Braid a small section behind your ear and pull it over the top of your head. Pin it on the other side. Leave the rest down. This small detail adds charm without work. Dust the braid with texture powder if your hair is slippery. Add a tiny gold pin for more shine. It’s easy and looks pretty with cozy sweaters or dresses.
- Curly Pony Puff
Gather curls into a high pony and fluff them gently. Use a soft brush to smooth the front. Add a satin scrunchie for comfort. If your curls feel dry, apply a little leave-in conditioner before styling. This look is quick and comfortable for long gatherings. Dress it up with a metallic scrunchie or a simple bow.
Conclusion
Simple holiday hairstyles don’t need long routines or pricey tools. With small touches—like ribbon, clips, and soft curls—you can create styles that feel festive and quick. Try a few of these ideas before your next gathering and choose what feels easy for your hair. Enjoy the season feeling relaxed and ready for every photo.
