25 Fun Elf Hairstyles for Christmas That Are Festive

Christmas is the perfect time to get playful with hair. Elf hairstyles are whimsical, fun, and surprisingly easy to create at home. Whether you’re getting ready for a holiday party, a school event, or just want to add some cheer to your everyday look, there are countless ways to style your hair like a festive elf. From cute braids to colorful ponytails, these hairstyles are practical, budget-friendly, and perfect for all hair types. Try them yourself or involve the kids for a fun holiday activity!

1. Candy Cane Braids

Candy Cane Braids are playful and festive. Start by dividing your hair into two sections. Braid each section while weaving in red and white ribbons. Secure with small elastic bands and add tiny bows at the ends. These braids work well on short or long hair. You can even add glitter for a little sparkle. It’s an inexpensive way to add holiday cheer to your look. Perfect for Christmas morning photos or school parties.

2. Pointy Elf Topknot

Create a Pointy Elf Topknot by pulling hair into a high bun and shaping the top to a slight point. Wrap a green tinsel or ribbon around the base for extra festive flair. Add a few jingle bells for a playful touch. This style works well for medium to long hair. It’s simple to do, even for beginners, and keeps hair out of the face. Pair it with a fun elf costume for holiday magic at home or at parties.

3. Twisted Elf Pigtails

Twisted Elf Pigtails are easy and festive. Divide hair into two sections. Twist each section from root to tip and secure with small elastic bands. Add beads or tiny ornaments along the twists. It works on both straight and wavy hair. This hairstyle is quick and perfect for last-minute holiday fun. Kids love it because it’s playful and bouncy. You can use any colored beads to match your Christmas theme.

4. Glittery Elf Crown Braid

The Glittery Elf Crown Braid wraps hair around the head like a halo. Start with a regular braid and work your way around. Finish with glitter spray for a magical effect. It works on long hair and adds elegance to a festive look. Use small decorative pins for extra sparkle. This style is perfect for holiday dinners or family photos. Even beginners can create a charming version by practicing once or twice.

5. Mini Elf Bun Cluster

Mini Elf Bun Cluster is whimsical and playful. Divide hair into small sections and twist each into a mini bun. Secure with colorful elastics or ribbons. You can scatter the buns randomly or create a pattern. Ideal for medium-length hair. This style is affordable because you only need simple hair ties. Great for kids and adults who love a fun, creative look during the holidays.

6. Red Ribbon Ponytail

A Red Ribbon Ponytail is cheerful and simple. Pull hair into a high ponytail and wrap a long red ribbon around it. Let the ends trail down for a dramatic, festive effect. Works on any hair length. Add small bows along the tail for extra charm. It’s cost-effective and takes only a few minutes to style. Perfect for school events or casual Christmas outings.

7. Elf Braid with Bells

Elf Braid with Bells is musical and playful. Braid hair normally, then thread small jingle bells into the braid. Use clear elastics to hold everything in place. Ideal for long hair. Each step is budget-friendly—bells are inexpensive and reusable. Shake your head gently to hear a soft holiday jingle. Kids and adults alike love this style for Christmas morning excitement.

8. Green Elf Mohawk

A Green Elf Mohawk is bold and festive. Spray temporary green hair color in the center strip. Pin or slick down the sides for contrast. Works for short and medium hair. Affordable and fun for holiday photos or parties. This style is great if you want a dramatic elf-inspired look without permanent commitment. Add small hair clips shaped like stars for extra fun.

9. Snowflake Hair Clips

Snowflake Hair Clips are easy and delicate. Curl hair lightly, then attach small snowflake clips around the head. Works on any hair type. Clips are inexpensive and reusable year after year. Perfect for a subtle, festive touch. Great for school parties or holiday dinners. Add glitter spray for extra shimmer without spending much.

10. Candy Bow Pigtails

Candy Bow Pigtails are cheerful and easy. Tie hair into two pigtails. Use oversized candy-shaped bows at the base of each. Works well on medium-length hair. It’s cheap and fun—DIY bows can be made from scrap fabric or ribbon. Kids especially love this style for holiday parties and playful photos.

11. Sparkling Elf Halo

Sparkling Elf Halo is magical yet simple. Braid a halo around the head and sprinkle with glitter. Add tiny ornaments for festive cheer. Works on long hair. Affordable DIY style using small craft decorations. Perfect for Christmas events or family photos. Keeps hair neat while adding sparkle to the overall look.

12. Twisted Red and Green Ponytail

Twisted Red and Green Ponytail is colorful and playful. Pull hair into a ponytail, then twist in red and green ribbons. Works on medium-length hair. Quick and inexpensive—use any ribbon you have at home. Adds holiday cheer instantly. Kids love to shake and play with the bouncing ponytail during Christmas.

13. Elf Space Buns

Elf Space Buns are quirky and fun. Create two buns on top of the head. Wrap each with tinsel or add small bells. Works on medium to long hair. Inexpensive to style—just need hair ties and cheap decorations. Perfect for playful holiday vibes. Kids and adults both enjoy the playful energy of this look.

14. Candy Cane Twist

Candy Cane Twist is creative yet simple. Twist hair around a ponytail, adding red and white ribbons. Secure with elastics. Works on medium-length hair. Add glitter for extra sparkle. Affordable and fast for last-minute Christmas styling. Ideal for school or home festivities. Easy to adapt with different ribbon colors.

15. Elf Bow Bun

Elf Bow Bun turns a regular bun into a bow. Gather hair, fold and shape like a bow. Add a ribbon at the center. Works on medium to long hair. Simple and inexpensive—just need a hair tie and ribbon. Great for holiday events or family gatherings. Adds a cute and festive vibe instantly.

16. Pinecone Braids

Pinecone Braids are playful and nature-inspired. Braid hair into small sections, adding beads for a textured look. Works on long hair. Budget-friendly using inexpensive beads. Perfect for holiday–themed school parties or Christmas photos. Keeps hair organized and adds creative detail.

17. Elf Fringe with Sparkles

Elf Fringe with Sparkles is subtle and charming. Style your fringe and sprinkle glitter lightly on top. Works for short or medium hair. Cheap and quick way to add festive cheer. Perfect for everyday holiday looks or casual gatherings. Adds sparkle without heavy styling.

18. Spiral Elf Pigtails

Spiral Elf Pigtails are fun and bouncy. Twist hair into spiral shapes in pigtails, then tie with festive ribbons. Works best on medium-length hair. Affordable and simple to do at home. Perfect for playful holiday activities. Kids enjoy the spinning effect of spirals.

19. Elf Ribbon Halo

Elf Ribbon Halo is festive and neat. Braid hair around the head and weave in ribbons. Works on long hair. Ribbon can be any budget-friendly type. Ideal for formal or casual holiday occasions. Keeps hair tidy while adding color and cheer.

20. Tiny Twists with Bells

Tiny Twists with Bells are easy and playful. Twist small sections of hair and attach mini bells. Works on medium to long hair. Cheap and reusable—bells can be stored for future holidays. Perfect for fun photos and interactive play during Christmas. Adds subtle holiday music as you move.

21. Elf Side Sweep

Elf Side Sweep is simple yet elegant. Sweep hair to one side and secure with small bows. Add glitter for extra sparkle. Works on medium-length hair. Inexpensive, using only clips and hair spray. Great for school or family events. Looks festive without heavy styling.

22. Christmas Tree Braid

Christmas Tree Braid is creative but easy. Braid hair and shape it like a Christmas tree. Add beads or mini decorations. Works on long hair. Affordable—small beads or pins suffice. Ideal for holiday performances or photo sessions. Fun to make and adds a cheerful holiday vibe.

23. Elf Curly Puff

Elf Curly Puff is playful and easy. Gather hair on top and secure with a ribbon. Curl ends lightly for bounce. Works on curly or wavy hair. Cheap and simple—just a hair tie and ribbon needed. Great for holiday photos and casual festive fun. Adds height and festive energy.

24. Elf Zigzag Part

Elf Zigzag Part adds quirky charm. Create a zigzag part and clip small ornaments along it. Works on short to medium hair. Inexpensive—use small craft ornaments. Perfect for school or holiday gatherings. Makes simple hair instantly festive.

25. Festive Hair Garland

Festive Hair Garland is cheerful and fun. Weave a small tinsel garland through hair. Add tiny beads or ornaments. Works on medium to long hair. Affordable—DIY using leftover tinsel or beads. Ideal for holiday parties, family photos, or casual festive fun. Hair looks lively and celebratory.

Conclusion

Christmas is the perfect time to experiment with playful hairstyles. These 25 elf-inspired hairstyles are not only festive but also simple and budget-friendly. From braids with ribbons to sparkly crowns, there’s a look for everyone. Try them at home, involve the kids, and add your own holiday twist. Each style is easy to recreate and makes every celebration brighter. Grab your hair ties, ribbons, and glitter—and bring some elf magic to your Christmas!