25 Must-Try Christmas Hairstyles That Are Totally Festive

Holiday hair can feel fun, simple, and totally doable when you pick styles that work with your time and budget. This list gives practical ideas anyone can try at home without fuss. Each look leans into seasonal sparkle, soft colors, and relaxed styling. Easy steps. Wallet-friendly supplies. Realistic tips. No pressure for perfection—just playful, cheerful holiday hair you can wear to parties, family dinners, or casual nights in.

1. Classic Red Ribbon Ponytail

A high ponytail with a bold red ribbon feels simple and festive. Keep the base smooth, then wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a polished touch. Add a satin bow for color. Use a curling wand on random pieces for soft texture. If you prefer a looser look, tug lightly at the crown. This works on every length that fits into a ponytail. For a budget option, buy ribbon by the yard from a craft store. It costs very little and you can cut several pieces for future events. If your hair slips easily, spray the ribbon with a touch of dry shampoo so it holds better. You can set the style in under five minutes. It’s quick, bright, and suits anything from a sweater to a holiday dress.

2. Frosted Low Bun

A low bun with silver accents gives a soft winter vibe. Part your hair down the center or keep it natural. Gather it at the nape and twist into a bun. Pin it loosely to keep it relaxed. Add small metallic clips or pearl pins for gentle shimmer. You don’t need fancy accessories—simple metallic bobby pins from a dollar shop work well. Spray a little water on your brush to smooth flyaways without stiff hairspray. If your hair feels too slippery, braid the ponytail before wrapping it into a bun. This adds grip and shape. Leave a few face-framing pieces out to make the look softer. It’s easy to recreate even on rushed mornings and holds up through long gatherings. Pair it with cozy scarves or a sparkly top for a balanced, warm look.

3. Candy Cane Waves

Soft waves paired with candy cane ribbon feel playful without going overboard. Start with loose curls. Brush them lightly so they fall into flowing waves. Cut a thin red-and-white ribbon and weave it through a small braid near your temple. Clip it into place at the back so the ribbon blends with the waves. Use ribbon from gift-wrap sections to save money. You can swap red-and-white for gold or green if you prefer subtle color. This works well on medium or long hair and looks great tossed over one shoulder. Keep the waves relaxed so the ribbon stands out. Add a light mist of flexible spray if your hair doesn’t hold texture well. This style feels fun for cookie swaps, school events, or casual dinners.

4. Evergreen Braided Crown

A braided crown always looks cozy for winter. Create two loose braids on each side of your head. Pull them upward and pin them across the top like a halo. Add small green clips or faux evergreen sprigs for a seasonal touch. Craft stores sell small greenery bundles for very low cost. Snip tiny pieces and attach them to bobby pins with floral tape. Keep the braids loose so the style feels soft instead of tight. Tug small sections for volume. If your hair is shorter, use smaller braids and pin them only halfway across. This style stays put all evening and works well for snowy outdoor photos. It pairs nicely with chunky sweaters and simple jewelry.

5. Gold Dust Top Knot

A top knot becomes festive with subtle gold accents. Pull your hair into a high ponytail. Twist it into a bun and secure it with pins. Add gold clips or use a tiny bit of gold shimmer hair wax at the base for color. Hair wax washes out easily and costs little. Keep the bun loose or tight—whatever suits your comfort. Smooth the sides with a dab of styling cream. If you want extra height, tease the ponytail before forming the bun. This look works great when you’re rushing between errands and gatherings. It pairs well with bold earrings and warm makeup shades.

6. Snowflake Side Braid

Create a simple side braid and dress it up with tiny snowflake clips. Sweep all your hair to one side. Braid loosely so it appears full and soft. Insert small snowflake pins down the braid. You can find inexpensive ones online or make your own using flat charms and glue. Tug pieces around the crown for an airy look. This suits curling or straight textures. If your hair slips, add dry shampoo at the roots for grip. This braid holds well during long events and works with scarves or high-neck sweaters.

7. Cozy Knit Headband Waves

A chunky knit headband turns simple waves into a warm holiday style. Curl your hair lightly or braid it overnight for natural waves. Slide the headband over your ears for a snug feel. Pull small pieces forward to frame your face. The headband hides any roots or flat areas, which saves time on busy mornings. Pick neutral colors like cream or gray for easy pairing. You can find these headbands at dollar bins or thrift stores for a few dollars. This look works outdoors, at markets, or at casual family gatherings.

8. Cranberry Claw Clip Twist

A deep red claw clip adds holiday charm in seconds. Gather your hair into a twist at the back and secure it with a cranberry-colored clip. Let the ends fall naturally for softness. Curl just the ends if you want more movement. Claw clips are cheap and come in many shapes. Pick matte options for a modern look. This style holds well on medium or long hair and feels comfortable for all-day wear. It’s perfect when you want something effortless but still festive.

9. Soft Holly Half-Up Style

A half-up style with tiny holly accents looks sweet and subtle. Pull the top section of your hair back and secure it with a few pins. Add small faux holly berries or green clips for detail. Craft stores sell mini holiday pieces that can be pinned easily. Keep the lower section loose. Add gentle curls if you like. This style works well for shorter cuts too. Use tiny pieces so the style stays understated and comfortable. It suits everything from simple cardigans to holiday dresses.

10. Twisted Garland Crown

A twisted crown looks festive with green and gold pieces woven through. Create two small twists starting near your temples. Wrap them around the back and pin. Weave in thin metallic thread or tiny greenery. These supplies cost very little and last all season. Keep the twists loose for comfort. Let a few face-framing strands fall out. This style is lightweight and works well for long evenings. It adds seasonal charm without feeling heavy or stiff.

11. Cinnamon Bun Updo

A soft, swirled bun gives cozy “cinnamon bun” vibes. Create a ponytail. Braid it, then wrap it into a bun. This adds texture and shape. Secure with pins. Add warm-toned clips like copper or bronze. These shades blend nicely with most hair colors. If you want fullness, pancake the braid before wrapping. Use inexpensive copper bobby pins for color contrast. This style feels snug and stays put during long gatherings.

12. Pearl-Dusted Low Pony

A low pony with pearl accents looks soft and festive. Smooth your hair back or leave it natural. Secure a low ponytail. Pin tiny pearl clips around the base. You can buy mixed-size pearl pins for a few dollars online. Brush the ponytail lightly for a sleek finish. Add a gentle curl at the ends if you want movement. This style works well with turtlenecks and soft sweaters.

13. Reindeer-Inspired Space Buns

Space buns become holiday-ready with tiny antler-shaped clips. Part your hair down the middle. Create two high buns. Keep them loose and playful. Add brown or gold pins shaped like antlers or use simple V-shaped clips. Kids’ craft sections often sell small shapes you can glue to bobby pins. This look is fun for parties or themed events. If your hair is short, create mini buns instead.

14. Evergreen Velvet Bow Half-Up

A velvet bow makes any half-up style feel festive. Pull the top half of your hair back. Secure it with a green velvet clip or tie. Velvet bows are sold in holiday sections for very low cost. Keep the front pieces loose for softness. Add gentle curls to the lower section. This look suits all hair lengths and works for casual or dressy events.

15. Sparkling Side Sweep

Sweep your hair to one side and secure with crystal pins. These crystal pieces catch the light and look lovely in evening settings. Keep the sweep relaxed. Add a few curls for shape. You can find affordable crystal pins in bulk packs. Place a few near the temple and one near the ear for balance. This quick style works for last-minute gatherings.

16. Twinkling Low Twist

A low twist with warm shimmer gives a soft glow. Gather your hair at the nape. Twist it horizontally and pin. Add gold or copper clips. These colors work well with warm lighting. Keep the twist loose for comfort. Spray a little water on your brush to smooth flyaways. This style looks lovely with scarves and cozy coats.

17. Gingerbread Braids

Loose twin braids feel cozy for winter. Create two soft braids and tie them with warm brown elastics or ribbon. Add tiny brown clips for gingerbread-inspired charm. You can braid all the way down or stop halfway for a relaxed feel. Tug the braids gently for fullness. This look works for casual days, cooking nights, or relaxed gatherings.

18. Tinsel Accent Pony

Add thin strands of hair tinsel for sparkle. Tie your ponytail at any height you like. Clip in small tinsel strands near the base. These cost only a few dollars and last for several days. Brush lightly so the strands blend with your hair. Keep the ponytail smooth or wavy. This style feels fun for parties or photos without feeling heavy.

19. Cozy Braided Headband

Use your own hair to make a braided headband. Take a small section behind your ear. Braid it and pull it over the top of your head. Pin it on the other side. Repeat if you want more width. This technique works even on medium-length hair. Add tiny clips for sparkle. It’s a simple way to dress up natural hair without buying accessories.

20. Winter Rose Bun

A twisted bun shaped into a soft rose adds seasonal color. Create a low ponytail. Twist sections and wrap them to mimic petals. Pin as you go. Add small red clips to echo rose tones. This style looks more complex than it is. Break it into small steps and keep the twists loose. Perfect for dinners or photo sessions.

21. Cranberry Side Twist

Twist a small section near your temple and pin it back. Add small red berry clips for seasonal detail. Leave the rest of your hair loose. Curl the ends if you want extra movement. This style takes two minutes and works for any length. It’s an easy fix for busy days.

22. Glittering Mini Clips Scatter

Scatter tiny clips throughout your hair for sparkle. Use a mix of gold and silver mini clips. Place them randomly for a soft twinkling effect. This works with curls, waves, or straight textures. Mini clips cost very little and can be reused all season. It’s an easy way to brighten simple styles.

23. Snowy Textured Pony

Add white shimmer wax for a snowy effect. Pull your hair into a mid or low pony. Use a bit of shimmer near the crown for brightness. Add loose curls to the tail for softness. Shimmer wax washes out easily and adds gentle shine. A lightweight option that works well for winter events.

24. Soft Holiday Flip

If your hair is shoulder-length, flip the ends outward for a retro vibe. Use a flat iron to bend the ends. Add a small bow clip near the ear. This style takes only a few minutes. Ideal for days when you want something easy but seasonal. Works great with layered cuts.

25. Starry Night Bun

A simple bun becomes festive with star-shaped clips. Create any bun you like—high, mid, or low. Scatter star pins all around it. You can buy multipacks online or make your own with small charms and glue. Keep the bun loose so the stars stand out. This style works for all ages and all hair types.

Conclusion

Holiday hairstyles don’t need to feel complicated or pricey. Small touches—like ribbons, clips, or soft twists—add seasonal charm with very little effort. Pick the styles that feel comfortable and match your plans. Try a new idea each week, mix accessories, or repeat your favorites. Simple steps can make your hair feel festive for every gathering this season.