20 Christmas Hairstyles 2026: Festive, Elegant & Easy Looks

Christmas hair should feel a little bit special without taking all evening to style. These christmas hairstyles 2026 cover soft waves, neat buns, pretty braids and glamorous curls, so there is something here for every hair length and every kind of party. Some looks take ten minutes with a curling iron, while others are simple twists and pins that hold all night. You can dress them up with a velvet ribbon, a gold clip or a sprig of sparkle, or keep them plain and let the shape do the talking. A little shine spray and the right pins are all you need to finish most of them. Whether you are heading to a family dinner, a work party or a quiet night by the tree, one of these twenty looks will fit the mood.

1. Classic Loose Waves with a Velvet Ribbon

Loose waves tied with a velvet ribbon are the easiest way to look dressed up for Christmas. Start with a heat protectant, then curl medium sections away from your face with a large barrel iron and brush them out gently for soft, flowing waves. Add a light mist of flexible hold spray so the curls stay bouncy without feeling stiff or crunchy. Tie a deep red or forest green velvet ribbon at the back and let the ends fall over your shoulders. This pretty look suits medium and long hair, and it works beautifully with a cosy knit dress.

2. Sleek Low Bun with a Centre Part

A sleek low bun with a centre part looks calm, polished and ready for a formal Christmas dinner. Brush your hair back smoothly, part it neatly down the middle, and gather it low at the nape of your neck. Twist the length into a bun, pin it flat with bobby pins, and smooth any flyaways with a small amount of styling cream on a soft brush. A touch of shine spray gives the bun a healthy glow under warm evening light. This tidy style suits straight and wavy hair best, and it pairs well with statement earrings.

3. Half-Up Twisted Crown

A half-up twisted crown keeps hair out of your face while the rest falls in soft waves. Take a section from each side above your ears, twist them back toward the centre, and cross them over each other at the back of your head. Pin the twist in place with two small pins hidden underneath, then curl the loose lengths lightly for movement. Pull out a few thin strands around your face to soften the whole look. This gentle style suits wavy and curly hair, and it stays comfortable through a long evening of eating and dancing.

4. Hollywood Glam Curls

Hollywood glam curls bring old film-star shine to a Christmas party. Curl all your hair in the same direction with a medium barrel iron, then let each curl cool in your palm before you touch it again. Brush through the curls once with a soft bristle brush to join them into smooth, rolling waves, and set them with a light shine spray. A deep side part makes the waves fall in one rich sweep over your shoulder. This striking look suits long hair best, and it looks lovely with a red lip and a simple black dress.

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5. Messy Textured Ponytail with a Ribbon

A messy textured ponytail with a ribbon feels playful and takes only a few minutes. Add a little dry texture spray at the roots, then gather your hair high at the crown and secure it loosely so the top stays soft and full. Pull out a few pieces around your face and tease the ponytail gently with your fingers for extra volume. Tie a velvet ribbon around the base and let the tails hang down beside the ponytail. This relaxed look suits thick hair especially well, and it holds up nicely at casual family gatherings. It is also one of the quickest christmas hairstyles 2026 for a busy December day.

6. Braided Crown with Gold Pins

A braided crown with gold pins feels like something from a winter fairytale. Make two braids, one on each side of your head, starting just behind your ears and braiding toward the back. Cross them over the top of your head like a headband and pin the ends underneath the opposite braid. Add three or four small gold pins along the braids for a warm festive sparkle. Keep the braids slightly loose so they look soft rather than tight. This romantic style suits medium and long hair, and it looks sweet with a cream sweater.

7. Soft French Twist

A soft French twist is a classic updo that works for Christmas Eve dinner and New Year parties alike. Gather your hair at the back, twist it upward into a roll, and tuck the ends inside the roll before pinning it firmly along the fold. Leave the twist a little loose at the top so it does not look too strict, and pull out two thin strands at the front for softness. A few pearl pins along the twist add a quiet festive touch. This graceful style suits medium-length hair, and it keeps your neckline clear for a high collar.

8. Voluminous Blowout with Curtain Bangs

A big bouncy blowout with curtain bangs feels fresh, warm and full of life. Blow-dry your hair in sections with a large round brush, lifting at the roots and rolling the ends under for a soft curve. Part your curtain bangs in the middle and sweep each side back toward your ears so they frame your face gently. A drop of smoothing oil on the ends keeps the blowout shiny without weighing it down. This lively look suits layered hair best, and it photographs beautifully in front of a Christmas tree.

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9. Side-Swept Chignon

A side-swept chignon sits low and soft, with all the hair swept gently to one side. Brush your hair over to your preferred side, gather it low behind one ear, and twist it into a loose low bun. Pin the bun in place and let a few curled strands fall near your cheek for a relaxed finish. A small sparkly clip above the bun catches the light without overpowering the style. This quiet, elegant look suits fine hair well, because the side sweep adds fullness where you need it most.

10. Bubble Ponytail with Velvet Bows

A bubble ponytail with tiny velvet bows is fun, festive and surprisingly easy to make. Tie your hair into a high ponytail, then add small clear elastics down the length, spacing them a few inches apart. Gently pull each section outward to puff it into a round bubble shape, keeping the bubbles even in size. Tie a small velvet bow around each elastic for a Christmas touch. This cheerful style suits long, thick hair best, and it looks wonderful at daytime parties and family photos. It is one of the brightest christmas hairstyles 2026 for daytime celebrations.

11. Romantic Milkmaid Braids

Romantic milkmaid braids wrap softly around your head and suit a quiet Christmas at home. Part your hair down the middle, braid each side loosely, and pull the braids gently apart with your fingers so they look fuller. Cross the braids over the top of your head, tuck the ends under, and pin them securely in place. Add a few small red berries or tiny gold pins if you like a festive finish. This soft style suits long hair, and it stays neat all day without needing a single touch-up.

12. Sleek Straight Hair with Gold Hair Clips

Sleek straight hair with gold clips is simple, shiny and very 2026. Straighten your hair in thin sections with a flat iron, moving slowly so each pass leaves a smooth, glossy finish. Part it in the middle, tuck one side behind your ear, and slide two or three slim gold clips along the tucked side. A light shine serum keeps the lengths looking healthy and stops the ends from frizzing in cold air. This clean look suits straight and slightly wavy hair, and it works with almost any Christmas outfit you own.

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13. Low Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces

A low messy bun with face-framing pieces is the relaxed updo everyone reaches for in December. Gather your hair low at the nape, twist it loosely, and pin it in a soft bun that sits a little off-centre. Pull out two longer pieces at the front and curl them lightly so they frame your cheeks. Leave a few wisps loose at the nape too, so the bun looks lived-in rather than stiff. This easy style suits all hair types, and it is perfect when you want to look put together without trying too hard.

14. Curly High Ponytail

A curly high ponytail shows off natural curls and keeps them bouncy all evening. Gather your curls high at the crown, using your fingers rather than a brush so the curl pattern stays intact. Secure the ponytail with a soft scrunchie, then wrap a small strand of hair around the base to hide the scrunchie. Fluff the curls at the top for height and let a few curls fall near your ears. This joyful look suits curly and coily hair best, and it pairs beautifully with a velvet dress and gold hoops.

15. Vintage Finger Waves

Vintage finger waves bring a touch of old glamour to a Christmas party. Apply a light styling gel to damp hair, then shape S-shaped waves along the sides with a fine comb and your fingers, clipping each wave in place while it dries. Once dry, remove the clips gently and mist the waves with a flexible hold spray so they keep their shape. Keep the back smooth and simple so the waves at the front get all the attention. This refined look suits short and medium hair, and it looks stunning with a deep red lip.

16. Half-Up Bubble Braid

A half-up bubble braid mixes a pretty braid with soft, loose waves underneath. Take the top half of your hair, tie it into a small ponytail, and add two or three clear elastics down its length. Pull each section out gently to form soft bubbles, then curl the loose hair below in large, relaxed waves. A small velvet bow at the top bubble adds a festive finish. This playful style suits medium and long hair, and it is a good choice when you want an updo that still feels young and relaxed. It is one of the easiest christmas hairstyles 2026 to make with a small velvet bow.

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17. Elegant Low Ponytail with a Wrapped Base

An elegant low ponytail with a wrapped base looks far fancier than the effort it takes. Brush your hair back smoothly and tie it low at the nape with a small elastic. Take a thin strand from underneath the ponytail, wrap it neatly around the elastic, and pin the end underneath so no elastic shows. Smooth the top with a soft brush and add a drop of shine serum to the lengths. This neat style suits straight hair best, and it is ideal for a smart Christmas lunch or an office party.

18. Loose Braided Side Ponytail

A loose braided side ponytail feels cosy, soft and a little bit bohemian. Sweep all your hair over one shoulder and braid it loosely, starting just behind your ear and working down toward the ends. Pull the braid gently apart to make it look thicker, then secure the end with a small clear elastic and a velvet ribbon. Let a few strands fall free around your face for a relaxed finish. This gentle style suits wavy hair especially well, and it looks lovely with a chunky knit and a warm scarf.

19. Textured Pixie with Sparkle Pins

A textured pixie with sparkle pins proves short hair can be the most festive of all. Work a small amount of texturising paste through damp hair, then tousle the top with your fingers to create soft, piecey texture. Blow-dry on a low setting while lifting the roots, so the pixie keeps its shape without going flat. Slide two or three tiny sparkle pins along one side, just above the ear. This bold, cheerful look suits fine hair well, and it shows off earrings and a pretty neckline beautifully.

20. Glossy Top Knot with a Red Bow

A glossy top knot with a red bow is the quickest party look in this whole list. Brush your hair up high, twist it into a neat knot at the crown, and pin it firmly in place. Smooth the sides with a little styling cream and a soft brush, so the knot looks clean and shiny from every angle. Add a red velvet bow at the base of the knot for an instant Christmas finish. This bright, happy style suits thick hair best, and it keeps your hair completely out of the way while you dance. This is one of the quickest christmas hairstyles 2026 of all.

See also: 25 Medium Length Hairstyles for Thick Hair 2026

How to Choose the Right Christmas Hairstyle

Start with how much time you have and how formal the event is, then match the style to your hair. A relaxed family dinner suits loose waves, a messy bun or a side ponytail, while a smart party calls for a sleek bun, a French twist or Hollywood curls. Thick hair holds bubble ponytails, braided crowns and top knots well, and fine hair looks fuller with a side-swept chignon, a blowout or a textured pixie. If you are short on time, pick a style with one simple step, like a low ponytail with a wrapped base or straight hair with gold clips. Add one festive accessory only, a ribbon or a few pins, so the hairstyle stays the star and the look feels balanced. Any of these christmas hairstyles 2026 will suit your evening with just one small festive touch.

FAQ

How do I make my Christmas hairstyle last all night?

Start with clean, fully dry hair and a light layer of heat protectant before you style. Use a flexible hold spray after curling or pinning, and carry two spare bobby pins in your bag for quick fixes. Avoid touching your hair too often, since hands flatten curls and loosen buns. For updos, pin each section in two directions so the pins grip each other and hold firm. That extra grip helps your christmas hairstyles 2026 last all night.

Which Christmas hairstyle is best for short hair?

A textured pixie with sparkle pins, vintage finger waves and sleek straight hair with gold clips all suit short hair beautifully. These styles work with the length you have instead of fighting it, and they need very little pinning. A half-up twist also works if your hair reaches your chin, since you only need the top layer. Keep accessories small so they do not overwhelm a short cut. Any of these christmas hairstyles 2026 will look lovely with a festive outfit.

Can I do these Christmas hairstyles without heat?

Yes, several looks need no heat at all. Braided crowns, milkmaid braids, low messy buns, top knots and sleek buns all work on air-dried hair with a little styling cream. For waves without heat, braid damp hair before bed and undo it in the morning for soft, natural bends. A ribbon or gold clips will still make a heat-free style look festive. Even without heat, these christmas hairstyles 2026 look ready for a party.

What hair accessories should I wear with a Christmas hairstyle?

Velvet ribbons, slim gold clips, pearl pins and small sparkle pins are the easiest choices, and one type is enough for most looks. Match the accessory to your outfit: gold pins with warm tones, silver pins with cool tones, and a red ribbon with a plain dress. Avoid mixing three different accessories at once, since the hairstyle can start to look busy instead of festive. One well-chosen accessory is all these christmas hairstyles 2026 need.

Final Thoughts

Christmas hair does not need to be complicated to feel special, and the best look is often the one you can actually enjoy wearing. Pick the style that fits your evening, add one small festive touch, and give yourself time to style it without rushing. Whether you go for soft waves, a neat bun or a playful bubble ponytail, your hair will look lovely in every photo. Have a wonderful Christmas, and enjoy every minute of the celebrations. And enjoy wearing your favourite christmas hairstyles 2026 all season long.