25 Medium-Length Christmas Hairstyles That Are Party Ready
Holiday gatherings call for easy, pretty hair ideas that feel festive without taking hours. Medium-length hair offers plenty of simple ways to add charm for parties, family photos, and winter nights out. The styles below keep things practical, quick, and affordable. Each one works well for casual celebrations or dressy events, so you can pick what fits your plan and personal style.
- Soft Curls With Subtle Sparkle Clips
Give your natural texture a playful twist with loose curls and a touch of shine. Use a basic curling wand or heatless overnight foam rods. Keep curls relaxed so they move easily. Add two or three tiny sparkle clips near the temples. They catch the light without feeling heavy. If your hair falls flat fast, try curling away from your face for extra shape. A light mist of hairspray helps hold everything without making it stiff. You can find sparkle clips at any low-cost shop during holiday season. Mix silver and gold pieces if you want a soft mixed-metal look. This style works with side parts or middle parts. It’s quick, fuss-free, and looks warm under string lights.
- Half-Up Ribbon Wrap
Gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a small elastic. Wrap a velvet ribbon around the base and tie a short bow. Velvet adds holiday charm without much effort. Keep the bow slightly off-center for a relaxed feel. If your hair is fine, tease the crown lightly before pulling it back. This adds shape without needing extra products. You can curl the loose bottom section for texture or keep it straight for a cleaner look. Velvet ribbons from craft stores cost very little, and you can cut them to your perfect length. For a fun touch, choose ribbons that match your outfit or gift wrap theme. Simple, cute, and perfect for last-minute styling.
- Twisted Crown Sides
Take a small section from each side of your head and twist back toward the center. Pin the twists together using bobby pins that match your hair color. Keep the twists loose so they look soft. This style works well on hair that hasn’t been washed that day. If pieces slip out, tuck them gently with extra pins. For texture, scrunch in a bit of mousse before twisting. You can add small gold pins for a holiday touch. It’s a fast way to shape your hair while keeping it away from your face at parties.
- Sleek Shoulder-Length Gloss
Straight, glossy hair feels simple yet festive when the shine catches warm lights. Use a flat iron on small sections for a smooth look. Apply a tiny amount of shine serum starting at mid-lengths. Avoid the roots. Keep your part clean for a polished finish. Budget-friendly gloss sprays from drugstores work well for a last-minute boost. If your ends look dry, bend them slightly inward. This creates a soft, face-framing shape. Pair with pearl earrings or a bold lip for a classic holiday vibe.
- Loose Wave Flip
Create loose waves using large-barrel curls. Run your fingers through them until they fall softly. Flip all your hair to one side. This creates volume without extra products. The flip also highlights your neckline and earrings. Great for quick party prep. You can tuck one side behind your ear for a quiet, graceful detail. Drugstore sea-salt spray can add soft grip without feeling sticky. This works well on second-day hair too.
- Low Twisted Bun
Gather your hair at the nape and twist it into a small bun. Pin it securely. Leave two face-framing pieces loose for softness. Twist the side sections and wrap them gently around the bun. Use basic bobby pins; no fancy tools needed. If your hair is slippery, spray lightly first so the bun stays put. This style looks pretty with sweaters or dresses. It’s comfortable enough for long gatherings and easy to redo if needed.
- Polished Low Pony With Gold Tie
Pull your hair into a low pony and smooth the crown with a brush. Wrap a thin gold cord or metallic ribbon around the base. This tiny detail gives a warm holiday feel. You can find gold cord cheaply in craft aisles. Keep the pony loose for movement. A soft wave at the ends adds shape. If your hair tangles, brush from the bottom upward before styling. The gold wrap makes the pony look dressy without extra effort.
- Curled Ends With Pearl Pins
Curl only the bottom third of your hair for a light, tidy look. Place pearl pins near the back or at the sides. They add a gentle holiday shimmer. Keep the top section smooth so the curls stand out. This style works well on layered cuts. If you’re short on time, curl just a few sections instead of the whole head. Pearl pins are inexpensive and reusable. They match both dressy and casual party outfits.
- Loose Holiday Braid
Braid your hair loosely so it feels relaxed. Pull on the braid edges gently to make it fuller. Tie the end with ribbon or a neutral elastic. For a festive touch, weave a thin metallic string through the braid. Keep it simple so it doesn’t tangle. If pieces fall out around your face, let them stay for softness. A loose braid stays comfortable during long dinners or gatherings.
- Side Pin Sweep
Sweep your hair to one side and secure it with a decorative pin. Choose a pin with small stones or pearls for a gentle sparkle. Curl the opposite side softly so it drapes over your shoulder. This style works well if you’re short on styling time. Keep your brush strokes light so the hair falls naturally. Look for pins in budget-friendly accessory shops or holiday markets.
- Soft Volume Blowout
Use a round brush while blow-drying to shape soft volume. Focus on lifting at the roots near the crown. Bend the ends slightly inward. Aim for airy, natural movement rather than stiff height. If you don’t own a round brush, use a basic paddle brush and dry with your head flipped upside down. Add a tiny bit of lightweight serum for shine. This look pairs well with cozy sweaters and sparkly earrings.
- Messy Low Pony
Pull your hair into a relaxed pony near the nape. Let pieces fall naturally around the face. This gives a soft, warm vibe perfect for casual gatherings. Curl the loose pieces for light texture. Keep the elastic loose so the pony doesn’t look stiff. If you want extra charm, wrap a strand of hair around the elastic. A tiny holiday pin near the base adds a simple sparkle.
- Ribbon-Wrapped Braid
Thread a ribbon through your hair as you braid. Keep the ribbon flat so it shows clearly. This adds a holiday pop without extra tools. Use any fabric ribbon you already have. If your hair is layered, braid loosely so shorter pieces blend in. Tie the ribbon at the end with a small knot. Works great for outdoor market strolls or relaxed family events.
- Curly Half-Up Puff
Gather the top half of your curls and secure them into a small puff. Let the rest fall naturally. This gives height without pulling tightly. Add a small clip or bow if you like festive details. Use a curl cream to shape frizz if needed. For budget-friendly options, drugstore curl creams work well. This look highlights your natural texture in a relaxed holiday way.
- Tucked-Back Waves
Wave your hair lightly with a wand or flat iron. Tuck both sides behind your ears. This opens your face and works nicely with statement earrings. Use two small bobby pins behind each ear if your hair slips. Keep the top smooth and the ends loose. A quick spritz of hairspray helps the waves hold while staying soft.
- Mini Claw Clip Half-Up
Gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a small claw clip. Choose a clip with a metallic or pearly finish. It’s fast, comfy, and perfect for busy evenings. If your hair is fine, twist the section once before clipping so it grips better. Keep the bottom loose. Add light waves if you want extra bounce.
- Holiday Barrette Set
Place two or three holiday barrettes along one side of your head. Keep them in a straight line for a neat look. Barrettes with stars, pearls, or metallic details add simple charm. Style your hair straight or wavy—either works. Budget sets are easy to find online or locally. This is great when you want quick sparkle without heavy styling.
- Soft Retro Flip
Straighten your hair, then flip the ends outward using a flat iron. Keep the flip small for a modern feel. A side part complements the shape well. Add a thin headband or clip if you want a festive touch. This look pairs nicely with structured tops or dresses. Use a heat protectant if you have it, but even a quick pass with your iron can create the flip fast.
- Low Wrapped Pony
Pull your hair into a low pony. Take a small strand from underneath and wrap it around the elastic. Pin it underneath. This simple detail gives a neat finish. Curl the ends if you want softness. Works well with smooth or wavy textures. Add a small metallic pin at the base for gentle holiday shine.
- Soft Layered Waves
Wave each layer lightly so the shape shows clearly. Keep the waves loose and piecey. Run a tiny bit of lightweight cream between your fingers and scrunch the ends. This adds separation without stiffness. Perfect for medium cuts with layered framing. Easy to refresh with a quick re-curl of the front pieces before heading out.
- Braided Half-Up Tie
Create two thin braids from each side of your head and tie them together at the back. Keep them loose so they blend into your hair. Use a small elastic or ribbon. This adds gentle texture without much effort. Leave the rest of your hair straight or wavy. A small holiday charm clipped to the elastic makes it festive.
- Wavy Pony Sweep
Wave your hair first, then pull it into a low pony. Let a few pieces fall around your face. The waves give the pony soft movement. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic for a cleaner finish. Add a small holiday pin for sparkle. Works well for busy evenings when you want something quick but pretty.
- Side Braid Accent
Make a small braid on one side and pin it behind your ear. Leave the rest of your hair loose. This small detail adds texture without taking over your whole look. Works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair. Add a holiday-themed pin above the braid if you want flair.
- Loose Bun With Ribbon Tails
Tie your hair into a loose bun at the back. Add a ribbon with long tails. The ribbon moves gently when you walk and feels festive without effort. Keep the bun soft so pieces fall naturally. Use inexpensive satin or velvet ribbon for a warm holiday feel.
- Elegant Side Sweep
Curl your hair in large sections, then sweep everything to one side. Pin it behind your ear or secure it with a decorative clip. This creates a simple, graceful shape that photographs well. Great for dinners, concerts, or formal events. Use hairspray lightly so the curls stay soft.
Conclusion
Holiday styling doesn’t have to feel complicated or time-consuming. Medium-length hair offers plenty of quick, pretty options made with budget-friendly accessories and simple techniques. Try a few of these ideas during the season and use the ones that feel most comfortable and easy for your routine. Enjoy the warmth, lights, and fun—and let your hair add a touch of holiday charm wherever you go.
